Fishing with Live Bait & Natural Baits
Ballyhoo are frequently used as cut bait and for trolling by saltwater anglers. They can be found in bait shops along the east coast down to the northern part of the Gulf of Mexico. Ballyhoo are one of the top baits to use when trolling offshore. You can catch a variety of species such as sailfish, tuna, wahoo, dolphin and others.
How to Catch Ballyhoo
Chumming is a popular way to get a school of ballyhoo to your boat. Once the school is close enough, you can either fish for them with a small hook and shrimp or some cut bait. Sabiki rigs can be productive too. If they get close enough, you can cast net them as well.
Using Ballyhoo as Bait
Ballyhoo are great baits for many different fish, but they are one of the more popular baits for fishing offshore. There are many pre-made rigs made for trolling ballyhoo and they work great for a variety of fish. If you use them as cut bait, use your favorite bottom fishing rig and you will do fine.