The Ballyhoo fish, part of the halfbeak family, is a renowned predator in the Atlantic ecosystem. They are found in warm currents from New England to Brazil, providing sustenance to larger predators. Anglers find the Ballyhoo fish both formidable adversaries and prized quarry, with their agility and speed making them a prized quarry. In The Spread aims to educate and inspire curiosity about the Ballyhoo fish and its role in the aquatic ecosystem.
Ballyhoo is a popular saltwater baitfish used to attract predatory fish species like tuna, marlin, and wahoo. Found in tropical and subtropical waters, they are commonly found in the western Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and South America. They belong to the Hemiramphidae family and are commonly caught using artificial lures. Catching methods depend on fishing equipment and location.
On Big Bend, there are various live baits for fishing, including shrimp, pinfish, mud minnows, and threadfin herring. Shrimp is the most common, while pinfish can be caught at the spot. Mud minnows are found in needle grass shorelines and creeks, while threadfin herring is a top snook bait. Handling these baits requires care.
Rigging strip baits is a versatile and productive option for near shore fishing, offering multiple species and a greater chance of catching multiple species. Unlike ballyhoo, strip baits are easy to store and take up minimal space. To rig strip baits effectively, use good strips, tools, tackle, lure heads, skirts, line connectors, hooks, and hand tools. Choose from bullet head lures, sea witches, and compact squids for different water conditions.
