Live Bait Capture Question

Often times I end up paddling thru schools of bait fish. I get out the sabiki sit there for 20 minutes nothing happens get bored and move on. My question is there a legal way to trap bait fish, or net the little buggers?

You can use a cast net in saltwater in most areas. Being able to properly throw one in a kayak is another story.

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Throwing a cast net can be done on a kayak, just takes practice.

hmm... I've never NOT caught baitfish on a sabiki if the fish were there.  the only time I've had issues is when the hook size is too big for the little guys to get in their mouth.  I just use the smaller hooks now and that seems to work from anchovies through 14-15" jacksmelt. 

I have better luck when I put a small spoon like a kastmaster instead of a weight just be careful if you have rockies or salmon on board

hmm... I've never NOT caught baitfish on a sabiki if the fish were there.  the only time I've had issues is when the hook size is too big for the little guys to get in their mouth.  I just use the smaller hooks now and that seems to work from anchovies through 14-15" jacksmelt.

This. ^

What size sabiki are you using? I pick just about the smallest I can find. I usually cast out a little ways and let the rig pendulum through the school. If that doesn't load it up, I jig up and down a little then try again. Usually catch all I need pretty quick.

Or just use swimbaits...

Throwing a net while seated in a kayak....looks tough...especially a good throw...not much distance, but good spread..

When bait is tough I tip the sabiki with tiny bits of squid. I have also used cheap canned catfood to chum the bait up.

i find that chovies and sardines prefer shrimp tipped over squid tipped.

its also possible your bait isnt fin bait and could be krill.

Best advice I ever got regarding Sabines on a kayak is to cut them in half. 3 hooks on each half. It's a lot easier to manage and not get tangled and you get two rigs out of one.