Rigging a ballyhoo as demonstrated by Julio of the Hotel Buena Vista Boat, Vagabundos.
Step 1: Select a large ballyhoo.
Step 2: Cut the belly from the anal vent to gills and remove the guts and airbladder.
Step 3: Determine the length of double line to set the hook back near the tail.(perfection end loop or crimp).
Step 4: Insert the hook and leader into the belly cavity, allowing the leader to exit through the mouth.
Step 5: Starting behind the gill-plate, begin sewing back to the anal vent with a needle and rigging floss.
Step 6: Continue sewing forward using the same holes, creating an X pattern. Tighten the threads as needed.
Step 7: Using a piece of rigging wire, secure the leader to the ballyhoo’s head, through the eye sockets (see discarded eyeball).
Julio shows the finished product. This rig virtually eliminates any short-strike issues.
