Sable Fish Bait

[Garyak]

So what would be the preferred bait for sable fish?

[potbuilder]

I'd think herring or maybe a nice squid.

[Brian M]

Squid. Herring works very well, but at those depths with a single hook you'll want something that will stay on. Octopus or salmon bellies wouldn't be a bad option, either. All will work.

[Garyak]

Squid. Herring works very well, but at those depths with a single hook you'll want something that will stay on. Octopus or salmon bellies wouldn't be a bad option, either. All will work.

Do you try to use a large bait or just a good chunk to cover the hook? I know that sound like a goofy question...

[Kisutch]

Do you try to use a large bait or just a good chunk to cover the hook? I know that sound like a goofy question...

I've done ok fishing deep with squid and octopus. No sablefish yet but some nice rockfish. I use a tentacle or a hook-size chunk. It stays on the hook nicely.
What kind of setup are you using? I'm using a spreader bar with leader and circle hook. I think I'll change to a double spreader and get my baits in a wider scent trail.

[Garyak]

I've done ok fishing deep with squid and octopus. No sablefish yet but some nice rockfish. I use a tentacle or a hook-size chunk. It stays on the hook nicely.
What kind of setup are you using? I'm using a spreader bar with leader and circle hook. I think I'll change to a double spreader and get my baits in a wider scent trail.

Actually, I don't have anything to go that deep but I ran into someone who has an electric reel that he wants to trade for some stuff I have. I don't know a thing about them but thought it I'd look into it. What size circle do you use when doing the deep deed? Thanks!

[Brian M]

Do you try to use a large bait or just a good chunk to cover the hook? I know that sound like a goofy question...

It doesn't much matter. When longlining for sablefish we use herring chunks that are only an inch wide, and squid we generally cut into 3-4 pieces. We have a much bigger scent stream, but you certainly don't need a huge bait (not do you need to hide the point of the hook).