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SALTWATER RIG LIBRARY

Balloon Rig

A live bait drifted far from the boat under a balloon. The balloon is the float: it sets the depth, carries the bait out on the wind, and pops off on the strike.

Best forKingfish, mahi, sailfish, tuna
WhereReef edges, offshore drifts
MethodLive bait, drifting
DifficultyEasy
Balloon Rig — BigJoe rig illustration
Main lineRubber band / threadBalloon (float)Barrel swivelLeaderCircle hookLive bait

Rig diagram (component order)

Balloon Rig: Main line, Rubber band / thread, Balloon (float), Barrel swivel, Leader, Circle hook, Live bait

Step-by-step how-to

Balloon Rig — BigJoe step-by-step graphic
BigJoe step-by-step graphic

Step-by-step build instructions

  1. 1

    Tie the main line to a barrel swivel.

  2. 2

    Add a 6–10 ft leader (short wire if kingfish are around).

  3. 3

    Tie on a 5/0–7/0 circle hook.

  4. 4

    Pick your depth and tie a rubber band to the line that far above the bait.

  5. 5

    Blow up a small balloon and tie it to the rubber band.

  6. 6

    Bridle or nose-hook the bait and let the wind carry it out.

BigJoe Tips

  • Use biodegradable balloons, and never leave popped balloons in the sea.
  • Small balloons hold depth better than big ones.
  • Let the wind carry the balloon 50–100 yards from the boat.
  • When the balloon dives, reel tight: circle hooks set themselves.

Variations

  • Use a cork or foam float instead of a balloon.
  • Kite fishing: same idea with a fishing kite.
  • A small sinker under the band takes the bait deeper.
  • Two balloons at different depths to find the fish.

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Target Species

King mackerelScomberomorus cavallaMahi-mahiCoryphaena hippurusBlackfin tunaThunnus atlanticusGreat barracudaSphyraena barracuda