[KirkG.]

I had the same concerns using the Sabiki and I think the easiest thing to do is use one of the Sabiki rods, where the hooks go inside the rod and only the weight sticks out the top untill it's in use. Then you just reel in all back inside so there arent any hooks whipping around.
I have seen some homemade jobs, if money is a concern, where you use a PVC pipe and an old reel. Hose clamp the reel to the PVC pipe, drill a small hole about 6-8" above that and thread the line thru the pipe to the top. Attach the Sabiki and weight to your main line and there you go, Sabiki rod on the cheap.

Hope this helps for at least one of the questions.

KirkG.