Hayabusa Sabiki Buyer's Guide

In the world of New Zealand saltwater fishing, the name Hayabusa is legendary. Often referred to as "The Pride of Japan," these rigs are the gold standard for catching live bait and even targeting table fish like Blue Cod. While you can find cheap $2 sabikis in every dairy and petrol station, seasoned Kiwi anglers know that the premium engineering in a Hayabusa rig is the difference between a full live-bait tank and a frustrating day of "near misses."

Here is the definitive guide on which colours to use, how to decode Japanese hook sizes, and why Hayabusa remains the undisputed heavyweight champion in NZ waters.

1. The Hayabusa Advantage: Why It Matters

Before looking at colours, it's important to understand why these rigs outperform the competition.

High-Carbon Steel Hooks: Unlike cheap stainless steel, Hayabusa hooks are chemically sharpened. They are thinner and stronger, ensuring they penetrate the hard mouths of fish like Trevally or large Mackerel instantly.
Fluorocarbon Branch Lines: This is the game-changer. Most cheap rigs use nylon, which tangles into a "birds nest" after one fish. Hayabusa uses stiff, invisible fluorocarbon. It keeps the hooks standing out away from the main line, reducing tangles and increasing catch rates in clear water.
Fish Skin Technology: Hayabusa uses real processed fish skin (Hage or Mackerel) and UV-reflective materials. Under a microscope, the "shimmer" of these rigs is almost identical to a real ball of anchovies or krill.

2. Colour Selection: Matching the Water & Light

Choosing a colour isn't about what looks pretty; it's about water chemistry and light penetration.

The "Gold" Standard (EX120 / EX121 / EX128)

When to use: Stained, green, or murky water; low-light (dawn/dusk).
The Science: Gold reflects light at a wavelength that penetrates "dirty" water better than silver or white.
NZ Target: Jack Mackerel and Trevally. The EX128 (Gold Rush) is a must-have for the Hauraki Gulf or West Coast harbors.

The UV White & Shrimp (EX127 / EX124)

When to use: Clear blue water; bright sunny days.
The Science: These skins are UV-active. Since fish see in the ultraviolet spectrum, these rigs "glow" to a fish even when the sun is directly overhead.
NZ Target: Koheru and Blue Mackerel. The EX127 (UV White) is the "secret weapon" for clear offshore reefs.

The Double Glow (EX132)

When to use: Deep water (50m+) or night fishing.
The Science: Features high-intensity luminous beads and skin.
NZ Target: Blue Cod and Terakihi. If you're fishing the deep reefs of the South Island, this is your primary rig.

The Laser Pink & White (EX131)

When to use: When fish are aggressively feeding on the surface.
The Science: Creates a "strobe" effect as it moves, triggering a predatory reflex strike.
NZ Target: Kahawai and schooling Trevally.

3. Decoding the Sizes (The Japanese System)

One of the biggest mistakes NZ buyers make is buying the wrong size because Japanese hook numbers are the opposite of what we expect.

Hook Size (JP)	Breaking Strain (Branch)	Best For...	Sinker Weight
Size 4 – 6	4lb – 8lb	Piper, Anchovies, Yellowtails.	1oz – 2oz
Size 10 – 12	10lb – 15lb	The NZ All-rounder. Large Mackerel, Koheru, small Trevally.	2oz – 4oz
Size 14 – 18	20lb – 30lb	Blue Cod, Snapper, Terakihi.	4oz – 8oz

4. Summary: The Kiwi Buyer's Cheat Sheet

If you want one "Emergency" pack for the boat: Get the EX120 (Size 10). It catches almost everything in NZ.
If you are targeting Blue Cod: Get the EX132 (Glow) in Size 14 or 16. The heavier branch lines can handle the weight of the cod and the heavier sinkers needed for the current.
If the fish are being "picky": Move to a Size 4 or 6 in a Real Shrimp (EX124). The smaller profile and realistic skin often trigger a bite when nothing else works.

Final Pro Tip

Always rinse your Hayabusa rigs in freshwater after use. Because they use high-performance carbon hooks, they will rust if left salty. A quick rinse can double or triple the life of your rig!

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