Balloon Fisher King
Suspending baits beneath balloons is a time-tested method of keeping large offerings near the surface when chasing pelagic gamefish like king mackerel, cobia, tuna, and others. The balloons offer several advantages, serving as bite indicators and keeping the bait in the strike zone and downwind of a pier or anchored or drifting boat, but the technique comes with some drawbacks as well. For starters, the balloons can be tough to attach and remove from the line, and they often pop off with a strike.
Fishermen now have a solution to all the drawbacks of the balloon rig with the Balloon Fisher King, the brainchild of Wilmington’s Jon Bos.
The simple system features two parts, one of which, obviously, is the balloon. The second is a unique clip system that attaches effortlessly to anglers’ lines and eliminates the need to tie off the balloon’s neck, a headache with clean, dry hands that’s only more complicated on a boat.
The balloons are also unique, made of biodegradable 100% latex instead of the synthetic balloons commonly used for the technique. So in the inevitable instance that a balloon is lost, anglers don’t have to worry about being litterbugs.
They’re offered in 5” and 9” diameters, with the 5” model suitable for suspending live and cut baits up to 2 lbs. and the 9” capable of supporting offerings up to 10 lbs. for anglers pursuing truly large game.
Anglers can buy the Balloon Fisher King system in Pro Packs featuring five clips and 10 balloons in either the 5” or 9” versions, or opt for a starter kit featuring one clip and 10 of the 5” balloons. Refill packs of 10 balloons in either size are also available.
The Balloon Fisher King system is freshwater and saltwater approved and made in the U.S.A.
Anglers can check out the system at many local tackle shops or visit www.balloonfisherking.com to learn more or purchase online.
