balloons as floats - The Hull Truth

aqua750 · 02-26-2009, 07:34 PM

hello hey guys I do a lot of stripper fishing and ive been toying around with the idea of floating my baits to the fish with a float. There is a lot of shallow flats here where I fish (south shore long island jones inlet) that hold some real big bass but my boat draws to much water so my question is how do i conect a balloon float to my line properly? just knot it on ? or is there a right way thanks also im i crazy for thinking about this?

lemaymiami · 02-26-2009, 08:04 PM

I use balloons every day that we're working the big tarpon with bait.... The balloon is blown up and knotted then a simple overhand knot attaches it to the leader (usually 80 or heavier...). The rig is set to keep the live bait just off of the bottom and let you know where the bait is. I usually work two at a time using different colored balloons. Most times on a strike the balloon will pop, occasionally it will just ride up the line. Either way it's hard to beat. The only time I use a balloon shark fishing is when we're targetting blacktips and have enough wind to get a fast drift... I periodically check to verify that the bait is at the right depth but usually it's a set and forget rig, particularly using live bait and circle hooks with the rod in the holder... One other thing, no matter how big the bait (occasionally ladyfish that are 18" long...) no drop back. You're either hooked up or missed, no in-between.

Moby1 · 02-26-2009, 08:42 PM

We use balloons all the time for sharking. I usually tie them to the line using elastic bands. Loop one end around the knot in the ballon and then tie to the line. Make sure you get the thicker ones as they seem to slip less. Good Luck!

Door#3 · 02-26-2009, 08:50 PM

I've always just blown up the balloon and tied it right to the line. I learned this many years ago from a well respected charter captain in my area. It still works. I do it for stripers in NE and for a far out flat line bait in FL.

I always have balloons in the tackle box. I love it when the hard take pops the balloon :-)

captpepin · 02-26-2009, 08:54 PM

Step one: Blow up balloon don't tie it yet

Step two: Make a bow in the fishing line, like you would when you tie your shoes then tie the balloon around the bow. That way when the fish strikes the bow will pull tight and the balloon will fall off your fishing line.

Step three: Your done.

Sleeper · 02-27-2009, 06:53 AM

Step four: recover ballon because it is illegal (federal law) to discard plastic products in any waters.

I would reconsider the whole ballon thing and use recoverable floats.

shoot-straight · 02-27-2009, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sleeper

Step four: recover ballon because it is illegal (federal law) to discard plastic products in any waters.

I would reconsider the whole ballon thing and use recoverable floats.

i agree, i used balloons for a while, then wondered how many turtles i killed. i use floats now. at least use black balloons, not pink, white or other "edible" colors.

Bamaskeetshooter · 02-27-2009, 08:57 AM

I'm not going to get into the plastic discard question. If you use balloons, I suggest black. Bluefish and sharks will mess with bright color balloons.

Ice Cream Man · 02-27-2009, 09:42 AM

In a pinch I used any empty small water bottle & rubber band...........ICM

slickster · 02-27-2009, 01:09 PM

We used generic balloons to support flat lines while bottom fishing....put a live bait out, balloon about the size of an apple, 1-3ft up the leader...watch out....kings, wahoo etc get excited....

rvan28 · 02-27-2009, 01:56 PM

I had always used baloons as floats offshore sharking or swordfishing with mixed results. It seemed that sometimes the baloons would pop, other times they would not slide easy and foul at the top guide. I started using the method below and have had great results. I find it is much easier and faster to check and reset baits. The environmentally conscious folks can simply discard the baloons when done with them as you rarely lose them.

Before you attach your leader put a fishfinder(slider) on the standing line, or use one of the nifty ones you can open and put on the line. When you blow up the baloon tie a rubber band into the knot so the baloon now has a loop at the knot. Attach this loop to the fishfinder. Pay out your line and when you get to the desired depth half hitch a rubber band on the line to act as a stop so the slider can not go past that point. You may have to experiment with rubber bands depending on weight of your bait and type of top guide on the rod.

Note: You may have to half hitch the rubber band several times on the standing line for best results.

When you reel in your bait to check it the baloon should simply slide down to the bait unaffected. The rubber band if sized right should pass on to the reel and act as a mark to quickly reset your bait.

I know you are fishing in shallow water but you may be able to adapt this method to your fishing.

Hope it helps.

John_Madison CT · 02-27-2009, 01:56 PM

Those styrofoam floats seem like a good option to ballons. I've been told by a few guys that they don't float away from the boat very well if there wind is light. Balloons offer more wind resistance. (this only applies to a drifting boat)

amperrig · 02-27-2009, 02:20 PM

We use balloons to float baits for cobia and kings. We just usually tie them right above the leader to main line connection. When the fish hits the balloon pops and stays on the line. No discarding of plastic in the water and no fouling of rod tips because the balloon is down at the leader not way up the line.

upontop · 02-27-2009, 03:47 PM

Most ballons in bait shops are bio-degradable. No problems with Turtels. I like to use 2 life savors (red/looks like blood) and then float my ballon out. I set it way out then the ballon floats away after the life savor melts. Great way to free line your baits WAY out. Works esp well when you are on the hook.

Glen

Jamisjockey · 02-27-2009, 03:51 PM

Here's a better idea.
Take a pool noodle, one with a hole in it the middle like a giant straw, and cut a couple 6" pieces out of it.
The higher quality ones are denser and float better.
Wrap a rubber band around it.
Run your line through it to the appropriate depth.
Make a loop below the noodle.
Stick the loop under the rubber band.
It will float a couple ounces, but when its pulled on, the line releases from the rubber band and it will slide on your line.
When you want to pull up and move, you can slide the pool noodle over the tip of your rod.

As a disclaimer I've never caught a fish this way, but it does work for floating the bait, and a good yank on the line will dislodge it from the rubber band just fine.

Pool noodles also work great for spooling leaders. Rig a leader. Start with the loop end of your leader and wrap the leader back ontop of it, tightly. Wrap it around until you get to the hook. Sink the hook into the pool noodle.