How to catch pilchard and thread herring in South Florida

How to Master Sabiki Rigs for Catching Baitfish — Tips From Rush Maltz

If you want to catch more live bait—pilchards, greenies, cigars, or threadfins—this quick how-to video is one of the best tutorials online. In this step-by-step guide, Rush Maltz shares the exact techniques that help anglers catch bait faster, cleaner, and more efficiently using a Sabiki rig.

Below is the full video, followed by a breakdown of key tips and links to the gear you can use to apply these techniques immediately. 

Why Sabiki Techniques Matter

A Sabiki rig is one of the most essential tools for saltwater anglers. Whether you're filling your livewell for offshore trolling or stocking up for inshore fishing, mastering this small rig can drastically improve your success.

In the video, Rush highlights:

  • The importance of matching the Sabiki size and color to the baitfish

  • How to control depth for the highest hookup rate

  • Subtle jigging techniques that make baitfish commit

  • Weight selection for different currents and water clarity

Gear Featured 

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Key Tips From the Video

1. Choose the Right Size Sabiki

Smaller bait = smaller hooks.
Larger bait = larger hooks.

Rush emphasizes selecting the right hook size to avoid spooking baitfish. Matching the hatch matters.

2. Use Just Enough Weight

Let the sinker fall naturally—not too fast, not too slow.
This keeps the rig in the bait zone longer and gets more hookups.

3. Find the Right Depth

Most baitfish hang mid-column.
Drop past them, then reel up slowly while jigging to locate the school.

4. Subtle Movements Win

Small twitches, not big sweeps.
Overworking a Sabiki scares bait away.

Boost Your Catch With the Right Tools

Pair the techniques in the video with high-quality fishing gear to get better results every trip. Our selection of R&R Tackle products is built specifically for serious anglers who want:

  • Faster bait catching

  • Less rig tangles

  • Longer-lasting live bait

  • More efficient time on the water