The Tennessee Striped Bass Association Inc. TSBA Balloon Rig

Using balloon rigs     Balloon rigs can be an effective way to live bait fish during certain times of the year. These rigs are simple to use and resemble using a float and minnow for other species. The line is set up in a similar fashion as for planer boards. A barrel swivel is attached to the end of the line. A three foot leader, with a hook at the end, is attached to the swivel. An egg sinker can be placed above the swivel. The amount of weight ranges from 1/2 oz to 4 oz depending on the depth that you will be fishing. The bait is lowered to the appropriate depth, then the balloon is attached to the line. Some people like to tie the balloon directly to the line using an overhand knot. The method that we prefer is to use a simple rig, described below, to attach the balloon. The balloons that we prefer are the small, water balloon type. Basically, you want a small round balloon about the size of a grapefruit. Once the balloon is in the water, let out line so the balloon follows behind the boat. You can let out 40- 100 feet of line. It is best to leave the reel out of gear and the clicker on. When a fish takes the bait, you will hear the clicker. Engage the reel and once you feel the full weight of the fish, set the hook. The balloon should pop loose. If not, you can remove it once it is at the boat. Remember to pick up any loose balloons after you land the fish.
    Several balloon rigs can be used at a time. In this case, setting the bait at different depths can be more productive. Once you find the depth that the fish are holding, move all lines to this depth. Balloon rigs can also be used in conjunction with planer boards. The planers move bait out to the sides of the boat, while the balloons run straight behind the boat.
    Our favorite method of attaching the balloon to the line is by using the simple rig shown here. All it takes is a split ring, an alligator clip, a snap, some plastic tubing, and a twist tie or a short piece of line. A hole is drilled in the back of the alligator clip and the split ring attached to the hole. A small snap and the twist tie or line are also attached to the split ring. Two short pieces of plastic tubing are placed over the jaws of the alligator clip to prevent the clip from damaging the line. The snap goes over the line. The balloon is attached to the twist tie. Drop the bait to the desired depth, loop the line once around the balloon and clip it in place with the alligator clip. The balloon will come lose during the fight. However, the twist tie will keep it attached to the rig so you do not have to go chase it after landing the fish.