How Do I Use a Balloon on a Fishing Line?

team fishing ii image by Mitchell Knapton from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

A good float must support whatever bait the angler is using. The float should also be easy to spot out on the water. Balloons make an excellent float and can be tailored for just about any size bait. They are available in bright, easy-to-spot colors, are inexpensive and can be stored with minimum effort in the boat or tackle box. With all these advantages, it's easy to see why balloons make great fishing floats.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Toy balloons
Light monofilament or string
Barrel swivel
Leader material

Step 1

Inflate balloon so it's big enough to support your specific bait. Seal the balloon by knotting the lip of the balloon.

Step 2

Rig the fishing pole with a leader and swivel. Make the leader equal to the depth that you want the bait to float. Use a barrel swivel to attach the leader to the fishing line.

Step 3

Attach the balloon to the barrel swivel. Use small test monofilament or string to tie the balloon lip tightly to the swivel.

Tips & Warnings

Stretch the balloon several times to help make inflating easier.

Be careful when handling hooks.

Resources

Fishing.net: Balloon Float Techniques

Article Written By Daniel Ray

Daniel Ray has been writing for over 15 years. He has been published in "Florida Sportsman" magazine. He holds an FAA airframe and powerplant license and FCC radiotelephone license, and is also a licensed private pilot. He attended the University of South Florida.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...