🐟 Sabiki Rig Calculator
Find the ideal hook size, dropper count, line weight, and sinker for your baitfish target
| Species | Typical Size | Hook Size | Main Line | Dropper Line | Sinker |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sardine | 4–8 in (10–20 cm) | #8–#10 | 6–8 lb | 2–4 lb | 1–2 oz |
| Mackerel | 8–14 in (20–35 cm) | #4–#6 | 10–15 lb | 4–6 lb | 2–4 oz |
| Herring | 6–12 in (15–30 cm) | #6–#8 | 6–10 lb | 2–4 lb | 1–3 oz |
| Smelt | 3–6 in (7–15 cm) | #8–#10 | 4–6 lb | 2–3 lb | 0.5–1 oz |
| Squid | 6–12 in (15–30 cm) | #2–#4 | 12–20 lb | 6–8 lb | 3–6 oz |
| Anchovy | 3–5 in (7–13 cm) | #8–#10 | 4–8 lb | 2–3 lb | 1–2 oz |
| Shiner/Minnow | 2–4 in (5–10 cm) | #10–#12 | 4–6 lb | 1–2 lb | 0.25–0.5 oz |
| Silverside | 2–4 in (5–10 cm) | #10–#12 | 4 lb | 1–2 lb | 0.25–0.75 oz |
| Croaker | 6–10 in (15–25 cm) | #4–#6 | 10–12 lb | 4–6 lb | 2–3 oz |
| Greenling | 6–12 in (15–30 cm) | #4–#6 | 10–15 lb | 4–6 lb | 2–4 oz |
| Droppers | Spacing (in) | Rig Length (ft) | Rig Length (m) | Recommended Rod Min |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 6–8 in | 1.0–1.5 ft | 0.30–0.45 m | 5 ft |
| 4 | 6–8 in | 2.0–3.0 ft | 0.60–0.90 m | 6 ft |
| 6 | 6–8 in | 3.0–4.5 ft | 0.90–1.37 m | 7 ft |
| 8 | 6–8 in | 4.0–6.0 ft | 1.22–1.83 m | 8 ft |
| 10 | 6–8 in | 5.0–7.5 ft | 1.52–2.29 m | 9 ft |
| 12 | 6–8 in | 6.0–9.0 ft | 1.83–2.74 m | 10 ft |
| Rig Style | Best Conditions | Hook Range | Main Line | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Gold | Clear, calm water | #6–#10 | 6–10 lb | Sardines, smelt |
| Flasher | Low visibility | #4–#8 | 8–12 lb | Mackerel, herring |
| Glow-in-Dark | Night / deep water | #4–#8 | 8–15 lb | Squid, mackerel |
| Feather/Hair | Churned water | #6–#10 | 6–10 lb | Sardines, anchovy |
| Fish Skin | Clear water | #4–#8 | 8–12 lb | Mackerel, greenling |
| Beaded Dropper | Murky, current | #4–#6 | 10–15 lb | Croaker, greenling |
| Heavy Offshore | Deep / strong current | #2–#4 | 15–30 lb | Squid, large mackerel |
| Ultralight | Still / shallow water | #10–#14 | 2–4 lb | Smelt, silversides, shiners |
A sabiki rig are comprised of a series of small hook that is attached to a mainline. A sabiki rig is designed to look like a series of small baitfish that is hanging from a mainline. When correctly used, a sabiki rig will drop straight to the ocean floor because a weight of the sinker attached to the end of the sabiki rig pull it down.
However, if the weight of the sinker are incorrect or if the water have a strong current, the sabiki rig may tangle or move more sideways. To avoid these issues, a person must select the correct sinker, the correct size of the hook, and the correct color of a sabiki rig. A sabiki rig’s sinker will provide the weight that pull the sabiki rig to the ocean floor.
How to Choose the Right Sinker for a Sabiki Rig
In calm waters, a person can use a pencil shaped sinker. However, in waters with a strong current, a person can use a bank sinker. A bank sinker is preferred in these situations because it wont move from the sabiki rigs in strong currents.
The bank sinker have a flat portion that prevent the sabiki rig from moving from side to side in strong current in the water.
