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Helium Balloon Rig

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:13 am
by freshcoast
Hi Larry,

Can you give a quick overview on how to rig a hellium balloon for live bait fishing? Saw you using this technique on Detroit Lake Muskie episode. Do you just tie the balloon off your main line via a three way swivel? Or is it more complicated than that? Thanks!!! Love using these saltwater techniques in the freshwater.

Re: Helium Balloon Rig

PostPosted: Sat Jun 21, 2014 9:46 am
by dahlberg
Think of the big helium balloon as an "up-rigger". It's run on a totally separate rod that has a release clip on it similar to the release clip on an outrigger or down rigger.
The line from your fishing rod is connected to the release, when you get a bite the line comes off the clip just like on a down rigger.
There are three combination I use when "up rigging".
A kite all by itself when there is steady wind, a kite with a balloon fastened to the back side of it when wind is intermittent or very light, and a balloon all by itself when there is little or no wind or it's so gusty the kite gets touchy or I'm letting lots of line out, then reeling it back, repeat.. in order to cover more territory and lure fish from afar closer to the boat.
best
L