How to Balloon a Bait

Fishermen use balloons when fishing for a variety of fish species, including catfish, muskies and striped bass. Some anglers also use balloon rigs in saltwater. The balloons function as a float might, yet allow anglers to cover more water, because the balloons catch more wind than floats. As a result, the balloons drift further away from anglers' positions in a boat or on shore. One of the most effective rigs for fishing below balloons is a live-bait rig.

Things You'll Need

  • Fishing rod and reel
  • Fishing line
  • Balloon
  • Sinker
  • Swivel
  • Hook
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Instructions

    • 1

      Cut a 3-foot piece of fishing line, which serves as the leader for the balloon rig.

    • 2

      Slide an egg-shaped sinker on the end of the main line. The sinker should be heavy enough to hold the bait -- most balloon anglers use minnows or other small fish -- below the surface.

    • 3

      Tie a Palomar knot to attach one end of a barrel swivel to the main fishing line, and the other end to the leader line you cut previously.

    • 4

      Tie a hook to the free end of the leader. Attach the bait to the hook. If you are fishing with a minnow, attach the hook through the meat right in front of the tail.

    • 5

      Blow up the balloon so it is inflated about halfway. Tie a knot so the balloon stays inflated. Tie a second knot to connect the balloon to the line. The distance between the balloon and the hook is the depth at which your bait will hang.