Ballyhoo Rigging with Bait Springs

Ask 10 different offshore anglers the best way to rig ballyhoo, and you’re likely to get 10 different answers. But ask them the easiest way that actually works, and many will probably mention bait springs.

Bait springs, or ballyhoo springs, are conical springs which you spin over the pin on a pin rig. These replace the need for copper wire, and the laborious process of wrapping the ballyhoo’s mouth and head to keep the pin in place. While traditional rigging methods will take a novice up to 15 minutes and even a pro needs several minutes, with a spring just about anyone can rig up a bait in a minute or two.

Initially rigging is just as it would be with wire: strip the ballyhoo poo out, line up the hook and use it to poke a hole where the point will come through, slide the hook in at the gills and out of the hole, set the chin weight in place between the gill plates, then push the pin up through the ballyhoo’s lower and upper jaws. Then, simply slide the spring down the leader until it hits the pin, place the end piece of the spring against the pin, and twist to spin it into place. (Sometimes you may need to use a fingernail to push the spring open a bit, but usually the end piece jumps right over the pin). The spring will have zero effect on how the ballyhoo swims. It also creates very little visible deterrent. Yes, it’s bulkier than copper, but it’s also the same color (more or less) as the rest of the fish.

Since it is slightly visible, some anglers choose to use springs on their skirted baits and go the traditional route with naked ‘hoo. Once that skirt slides down into place over the ballyhoo, the rigging is entirely hidden.

There are several sizes available, and most offshore anglers will use the smaller springs for dinks to medium ballyhoo. Larges and horse ‘hoo require the large sized springs. Added bonus: a 10-pack of bait springs costs a whopping five to 10 bucks. If you want to rig up ballyhoo quickly and easily, these things work magic.