Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting into the sport, few fishing techniques are as rewarding and time-tested as rigging live bait. Casting out a perfectly weighted line with a lively baitfish dancing on the end offers some of the purest excitement fishing has to offer.

However, rigging live bait properly takes practice to master. In this blog post, I will walk through how to rig one of the most popular and effective live baits – the ballyhoo. From rig selection and hook placement to tips for keeping your bait lively and lively, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to rig a ballyhoo.

By the end, you’ll be easily rigging ballyhoo and reaping the rewards of increased fish catches. Let’s get started!

What Will You Need?

You’ll only need a few basic tools and materials to rig a ballyhoo. These include:

• Ballyhoo baitfish
• A stiff rigging needle (or specialized ballyhoo rigging tool)
• Monofilament or fluorocarbon leader material
• Circle hooks (size depends on the size of the ballyhoo)
• Scissors

Once you have these materials, it’s time to start rigging your ballyhoo.

10 Easy Steps on How to Rig a Ballyhoo

Step 1: Preparing Your Baitfish

Before you can start rigging, you’ll need to prepare your baitfish. Begin by gently brushing the ballyhoo to remove any excess scales. Use your scissors to trim the dorsal and pectoral fins, but ensure that you do so without cutting too close to the body to avoid damaging the baitfish.

Then, locate the fish’s backbone. You can do this by feeling along the body of the fish until you sense a firm ridge – this is the backbone. This is a crucial step because you will be threading your rigging needle along this backbone in the following steps.

Step 2: Thread the Needle

Once you’ve located the backbone, it’s time to thread your needle. Insert the needle just behind the gill plate, careful not to pierce the gut cavity. Gently push the hand along the backbone, ensuring to stay in the center of the fish. Continue pushing the needle until it exits at the front of the baitfish’s eye socket. This step requires a gentle touch and precision to ensure the baitfish remains intact and lively.

Step 3: Attach the Leader and Hook

After threading the needle, remove it, leaving the leader line in place through the ballyhoo’s body. Next, attach the circle hook to the leader line. You can use several knots, but a simple or improved clinch knot will suffice for most situations. Ensure the knot is secure, and trim any excess line from the knot. The hook should be positioned so it hangs below the ballyhoo’s bill, ready to catch any fish that takes a bite.

Step 4: Secure the Hook and Bill

Now that the hook is attached, you need to secure the theme and the bill of the ballyhoo. You can do this using a copper wire or a small rubber band. Wrap the wire or band around the bill and the hook’s shank several times, ensuring it’s tight but not so tight that it damages the baitfish. This step is essential to keep the theme in the correct position and ensure the ballyhoo swims naturally in the water.

Step 5: Check the Swimming Action

The final step in rigging a ballyhoo is to check its swimming action. Lower your rigged baitfish into the water and slowly pull it along. Observe how the ballyhoo swims – it should move smoothly and naturally through the water without spinning or flipping.

If it doesn’t, you may need to adjust the positioning of your hook or the tightness of the wire or band you used to secure the bill and the angle. Once your ballyhoo swims correctly, it will be cast out into the water. Now, you can sit back and wait for a hungry fish to take the bait.

Step 6: Casting Your Rigged Ballyhoo

Now that your ballyhoo is rigged and swimming nicely, it’s time to cast your line. Aim for an area where your target species is known to congregate, taking into account water temperature, depth, and currents. Once you’ve found the perfect spot, cast your line with a smooth, overhead motion.

Avoid casting too forcefully, as this can cause your bait to spin or tear, impacting its natural swimming action. Once your ballyhoo hits the water, let it sink to your desired depth before beginning to reel in slowly, mimicking the natural movement of a swimming ballyhoo. Now, all that’s left to do is wait for the strike!

Step 7: Handling a Strike

When you feel a hit, it’s vital to react appropriately to hook the fish successfully. If you’re using circle hooks, do not jerk the rod to set the hook; instead, allow the fish to take the bait in its mouth and swim away, thus setting the hook itself. Start reeling in steadily, keeping the line tight. Remember, the key is not to rush but to to maintain constant pressure. Once hooked, the fight begins to reel in your catch. Keep your rod tip up and maintain your patience.

Step 8: Reeling in Your Catch

Successfully hooking the fish is just the first part of the battle; now comes the task of reeling it. This can test patience, strength, and skill, as many fish fight vigorously when hooked. Keep your rod tip high and maintain a tight line to prevent the fish from shaking off the hook.

Use a combination of reeling and pumping the rod to bring the fish closer gradually. It’s essential to take your time with this process. Let the fish run, but keep the line tight if it wants to run. Once the fish is tired and near the boat, use a net or gaff to bring it on board safely.

Step 9: Safely Unhooking and Releasing or Keeping Your Catch

Upon successfully reeling in your catch, the next step is to unhook it carefully. If you’re releasing the fish, it’s important to minimize handling and return it to the water as quickly as possible. Hold the fish by its tail and lean it upright in the water until it swims away. If you’re keeping your catch, ensure it meets local regulations for size and species. Safely remove the hook using a de-hooker or a pair of long-nosed pliers, avoiding the fish’s teeth and gills.

Step 10: Preparing for the Next Cast

After you’ve successfully unhooked and decided on the fate of your catch, it’s time to prepare for the next cast. Check your rig to ensure it’s still in good condition. If your ballyhoo is damaged or lost, rig a new one following the above steps. Also, inspect your line for any signs of abrasion or weak spots and replace it if necessary.

Ensure your reel has enough lines for the next cast and that your gear is properly secured. Then, you’re ready to cast your line again in hopes of another successful catch. In fishing, patience, and perseverance go hand in hand with skill, and every cast brings a new opportunity for success.

By following these steps for rigging a ballyhoo and adequately handling a strike, you’ll increase your chances of having a successful fishing trip.

5 Additional Tips and Tricks

1. Choose Fresh Bait: The freshness of your ballyhoo can significantly influence your success rate. Always opt for bait that is bright in color, with clear eyes and firm bodies.
2. Store Your Bait Properly: Proper storage of the ballyhoo is essential to maintain its freshness. Ballyhoo should be stored in a cooler with ice or seawater to prevent it from drying out or spoiling.
3. Use the Right Hook Size: The hook size is crucial for successful fishing. A hook that’s too small may not properly secure the fish, whereas a hook that’s too large may discourage the fish from biting. Generally, a 7/0 to 9/0 circle hook works well for ballyhoo.
4. Be Aware of Water Conditions: Water currents, temperature, and color can all impact fishing. Stay aware of these conditions and adjust your fishing strategy accordingly.
5. Practice Your Casting: Your casting technique can greatly impact the effectiveness of your bait. Practice casting your rigged ballyhoo to ensure it lands and swims naturally in the water. Remember, a poorly cast ballyhoo can scare off potential catches.

With these additional tips and tricks, you’ll be on your way to becoming a pro at rigging and using ballyhoo as bait.

5 Things You Should Avoid

1. Avoid Using Old or Spoiled Bait: Old or spoiled ballyhoo will not only be less appealing to fish but can also negatively affect the underwater ecosystem. Always use fresh bait and dispose of old bait responsibly.
2. Remember Your Gear: Fishing gear needs regular maintenance to ensure its longevity and effectiveness. Make sure to pay attention to your gear; clean and inspect it regularly, especially after each fishing trip.
3. Avoid Overcasting: Casting your line too forcefully can cause your rigged ballyhoo to tear or spin unnaturally, deterring fish. Refrain from overcasting; instead, aim for a smooth, controlled cast.
4. Don’t Ignore Local Regulations: Different areas have varying regulations regarding fishing practices, including catch limits and species restrictions. Avoid ignoring these regulations; always ensure you comply to conserve marine life and avoid penalties.
5. Avoid Mishandling Fish: Mishandling fish can cause unnecessary harm, especially if you plan to release them. Never keep the fish out of water for too long; handle them gently to reduce stress and injury.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you’ll increase your chances of catching fish and contribute to responsible and sustainable fishing practices.

What is the Best Bait for Ballyhoo?

Ballyhoo is often used as bait for offshore fishing, and it’s considered one of the best baits for catching game fish such as marlin, wahoo, and tuna. Other popular bait options include squid, mullet, and mackerel.

However, ballyhoo has a natural swimming motion mimics injured prey, making it highly appealing to predatory fish. Ultimately, the best bait for ballyhoo will depend on the type of fish you’re trying to catch and the location of your fishing trip. It’s always a good idea to research and ask local experts or other fishermen for their recommendations.

By experimenting with different baits, you can find what works best in different fishing situations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, how to rig a ballyhoo may seem like a daunting task at first, but with the right tools and techniques, it can be easily mastered. By following the steps outlined in this blog post, you can ensure that your ballyhoo will swim smoothly and attractively to entice even the pickiest of fish.

From selecting the correct hook size and type to creating an effective bridle using dental floss or rigging wire, these tips will help take your fishing game to the next level. Remember to always check your bait before each cast and make any necessary adjustments if needed.

‘Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different rigs and setups to see what works best in different conditions. With practice and experience, you’ll become a pro at rigging ballyhoo in no time! So grab your gear and hit the water with confidence knowing that you have the knowledge and skills to successfully rig a ballyhoo for a successful day of fishing ahead.

We hope this blog post has been informative and helpful in enhancing your fishing experience. Happy fishing!