Fishing with Balloons

[roberte68]

Never tried this so I have a question

My question is when using balloons on your lines should the balloon be tied so that it comes free when a fish strikes, if not what do you do with the balloon when you reel it up and have 30 feet of line still out to the fish? If so what type of knot do you use that will come loose at a strike?

[elnutsmalljaws]

You want the balloon to come free when the fish strikes. It is hard to explain but I don't tie the line to the balloon I tie the balloon around the line. I make a large loop in the line, blow up the balloon, then tie the balloon just like you would normal but around both tag ends of the loop. This way when the fish hits the balloon will just pop off the line due to the tension will pull the loop tight which will free the balloon. I hope I explained this correctly. It took me several times to figure out this myself.

[elnutsmalljaws]

Forgot to say, make sure you pick up the balloon after you land the fish.

[PRO V LE]

>Forgot to say, make sure you pick up the balloon after you
>land the fish.
I was about to remind you about retreving the baloon :-)
For some real fun try using surgical gloves instead, the fingers sticking up are different.
Dave

[artcarney_agr]

I've seen Mark Sosin use a rubber band a lot...can't remember how exactly it works...

[basstar]

If you simply tie the ballon around the line, the balloon will usually stop at the guide on the end of the rod and the line will slide right through as you reel.

Simply blow up the balloon and tie it as you normally would except make that knot around your line as you tie it. Also, this technique makes it very easy to adjust your depth as needed.

This also saves a lot of trouble going back after balloons which have blown onto the bank while you have 4 to six rods out with lines, planer boards, etc., although that WOULD be a fun thing to watch! LOL

[JoeB]

Release bobbers work just as well, and you don't have to retrieve them. Cost about 3 bucks.

[apb]

http://www.lithosjigs.com/balloon.html will give you some info. You can also use a planer release clip in place of the alligator clip. The rig shown will keep the balloon on the line just like a planer board so you do not have balloons flowing around the lake after fishing. Or use the release bobbers that Joe mentioned.

Andrew

[motalot]

>>Forgot to say, make sure you pick up the balloon after
>you
>>land the fish.
>I was about to remind you about retreving the baloon :-)
>For some real fun try using surgical gloves instead, the
>fingers sticking up are different.
>Dave
Yea and if your havin a bad day you can make all types of gestures..lol

[striperfishin]

i had some old planer releases and bought some styrophone balls at the craft store. i have used these for about 5-6 yrs and they work great. snap swivel on one end and release on the other. works very well just like a board.

[peter]

Where can I find the styrophome things?

[PRO V LE]

I know Cumberland Pro Bass in Bronston has them, most of the tackle shops around Lake C. should have them. They come in two sizes, the smaller size also works well when shiner fishing for Bass in Florida.
Dave.