Guatemala Ballyhoo Rig
Enio and Julio Morales
Allure II
Skill Level 3 star
Step 1. Secure your hook with floss as pictured. Make sure you leave 12-16 inches of floss to work with.
Step 2. (Not pictured) Secure your ½ ounce sinker to your ballyhoo.
Step 3. With a rigging needle, pierce the nose of the ballyhoo as pictured. The floss is used with your hook.
Step 4. Pull your floss down through the pierced hole and secure your hook as shown.
Step 5. Cross the floss ends through the eye socket a few times to secure the hook.
Step 5b. The floss will also cross under the ballyhoo’s gills.
Step 6. Next, stitch the ballyhoo a few times behind the gill plates as pictured.
The following rigging technique is used widely among the deckhands in Guatemala for rigging ballyhoo. As you can see, floss is used as an added measure against the dreaded Sancocho. Beyond its application for rigger baits, the popularity of fly fishing for billfish in Guatemala influences this technique. Hookless teaser ballyhoo are prepared in a very similar manner for use in fly fishing.
Finally, finish off the ballyhoo as depicted. The added floss acts as an added security measure to keep the ballyhoo’s head attached to its body.
Guatemala Marlin Belly Bait
Enio and Julio Morales
Allure II
Skill Level 3 star
This image shows off an additional aspect of the rigging talent of the dynamic duo known as the Morales brothers. This pitch bait was specifically designed for marlin, utilizing the larger 12/0 hook and the chugger lure accessory. The dolphin belly is simple to rig and a proven go-to bait when marlin show up. The bait is extremely durable and effective.
Kite Clip Fastener (Part 2)
Skill Level 1 star
Supplies needed: Small rubber bands for live baiting
Last issue, we showed you how to hold your kite clip using rigging wire. Take a look at this version that utilizes the small rigging rubber bands commonly used for attaching live bait. Use it as pictured and your clip will stay put!
Squid Swordie Rig
Capt. Matt Reed
Booby Trap
Supplies needed: Squid, Rigging Floss and Crimp
Captain Reed made a point to detail one of the final stages of rigging this excellent sword bait. Most importantly: slide a crimp down the leader after your final stitch near the mantle. Slide the tag ends into a crimp, secure it as pictured and then cut off the excess floss. The crimp will keep the squid from sliding up the leader before, during and after a bite. In other words, the bait is very secure.
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