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  Fishin' with Capt. Gus! ~ Sabiki Rigs
August 23, 2009
Sabiki rigs fished vertically in a school of white perch, crappie or spotted bass will often produce multiple hook-ups. When schooling fish are feeding aggressively, it’s a common occurrence to hook two, three, four or more fish at one time. Playing several small fish at once is a lot of fun, but reeling in two or three spotted bass, fighting in opposite directions, is a challenge.
The Sabiki Rig is a series of small flies (four to six) strung together on a length of leader material, that are sold pre-tied and available in various size hooks. Sabiki’s range in price from $1.99 to $3.99, depending on the size and number of hooks. The rig comes ready to use. Just tie one end to the line and attach a ¾ to1 ounce weight or jigging spoon to the terminal end.
Sabiki’s are most effective when fished from a non-moving boat, or one drifting very slowly over a school of fish. Allow the rig to fall to the depth of the feeding fish and “yo-yo” the flies up and down. Another technique is to swish the rod sideways in the water to create the illusion of a school of small scurrying fish. Both actions will excite and cause fish to bite aggressively. To assure multiple hook-ups, hesitate for a moment after the first fish is hooked. This will give others time to take the unhooked flies.
Sabiki Fishing Tips:
• The Sabiki rig doesn’t require any other type of bait.
• Sabiki’s with #10 hooks are best for white perch and other pan fish
• Sabiki’s with #6 hooks should be used for larger fish - such as spotted bass.
• When fishing with small children, cut the Sabiki in half and make a couple of shorter rigs of two to three flies each.
• When unhooking multiple fish, avoid tangles by letting the rig hang just above the deck when removing the fish. Remove fish from top to bottom.
• Open and closed faced spinning reels with ten pound test line and a six or seven foot rod is the perfect outfit when fishing a Sabiki rig.
• Fishing with the Sabiki rig makes family fishing fun. Everybody can fish the rig, regardless of age.
• Don’t forget the camera. You will want pictures of the fish and the anglers’ smiling faces.
Upcoming Events:
“How to Catch Lake Norman Striped Bass” This Free Seminar is scheduled at Gander Mountain, Exit 36, Mooresville, NC on Thursday, August 27, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. I will discuss the “how to’s” of using the proper tackle, catching bait and finding stripers on Lake Norman. Participants are encouraged to bring any striper fish questions to this informative seminar. For additional information call 704-658-0822.
Saturday, August 29, 2009, Light House Marine Services will offer a State and NASBLA approved Boater Safety and PWC Class. Registration fee is $49.00 for the eight-hour session beginning at 9:00 a.m. The class will be at Gander Mountain, I-77 Exit 36, Mooresville, NC. Graduates will receive an approved picture ID certificate of completion which may lower the cost of boat insurance. To register, or for more information, call Capt. Scott Spivey – 704 587 0325 or visit http://www.lmservice.org.
Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009, A two hour class offered by Lighthouse Marine Services on “HOW TO SAFELY NAVIGATE LAKE NORMAN” will be conducted at Gander Mountain, Exit 36 at 6:30 p.m. Capt’s Scott Spivey and I will discuss how to safely navigate Lake Norman’s main channel, creek arms, danger spots and back coves during daylight and at night. Other topics will include understanding navigation and shoal markers, boat ramps, marinas, restaurants & other points of interest on Lake Norman. The registration fee for this class is $25.00. To register, call 704 587 0325 or email uscgc17@bellsouth.org.
Tips from Capt. Gus:
When stripers or bass sound after a surface feeding frenzy, move the rod back and forth in the water. This will often attract the school to the surface.
Hot Spots of the Week:
Big cats, blues and flatheads are hitting live and cut bait around schools of feeding white perch. Stripers are still in the lower lake. Night fishing is best, but good catches are also being reported by early morning fishermen. Lots of white perch are at depths to fifty feet.
Lake Norman’s water temperature is in the high eighties and low nineties. The water level is about 3.2' below full pond.
Captain Gus Gustafson of Lake Norman Ventures, Inc. is licensed by the US Coast Guard, a member of the Southeastern Outdoor Press Association, and is an outdoor columnist and a full time professional fishing guide on Lake Norman, NC. Visit his web site, Fishin' With Gus! at www.FishingWithGus.com or call 704.617.6812.
For additional information e-mail Gus at Gus@LakeNorman.com
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