The /SWS/ Bait Encyclopedia

Nicknames: 'hoo, halfbeak, balao

Target species: sailfish, marlin, dolphin, grouper, snapper

Collecting: Ballyhoo are caught primarily with castnets. Nearshore schools are attracted to frozen blocks of ground chum suspended off the transom. Ballyhoo will also take small pieces of bait fished on hook and line, although this method yields few baits for the amount of effort.

Storing: Ballyhoo adapt easily to live wells, provided the water is exchanged regularly. Many crews also flash-freeze ballyhoo in packs to rig for offshore use throughout the season.