A ballyhoo can look perfect on the rigging table and still spin as soon as it goes behind the boat. When you’re trolling for mahi or tuna, the goal is a bait that stays straight, holds together, and looks natural in your spread.
This guide covers how to rig ballyhoo with a monofilament leader, a single hook, a chin weight, a pin, and a rigging spring. It’s a practical setup for anglers who want to spend less time replacing baits and more time fishing offshore.
What You Need to Rig Ballyhoo With Mono
Start with a firm, flexible ballyhoo. If your bait still needs work, follow our guide to prepping ballyhoo for trolling before you rig it. Bait preparation is key to trolling ballyhoo!
You’ll also need a mono ballyhoo trolling rig with a hook sized to the bait, a chin weight, a pin, and a spring to secure the head. Our Easy-to-Use Ballyhoo Trolling Rig makes rigging ballyhoo quick and easy. They comes with a five foot 100-pound mono leader and those components already assembled. Its 7/0 hook is sized for small ballyhoo, 8/0 for medium ballyhoo, and 9/0 for large or horse ballyhoo.
Watch: How to Rig Ballyhoo With Mono
Watch the video for a close-up of the hook placement, chin pin, and spring.