striper/shad/balloon techniques

[TNBronzeback]

If i wanted to blow up a few balloons and tie some live shad to it, is there a right or wrong way to go about doing that? I plan to position myself upstream from possible striper haunts along the shore and let the current float my balloon rig to/along shoreline structure. I figure ballons would be a cheap alternative to jumbo bobbers but im wondering if there is a prefered method of attaching the balloon to the line? I know i dont want to make a knot in the line for strength reasons but other than that....any other tips? Methods? Suggestions?

[aero320]

Just blow the balloon up and tie it off. Rap the balloon stem around the line and tie a simple overhand knot. This will keep the balloon in place while still allowing it to slip on the line as you reel the fish in. I use balloons in the winter and early spring with about 18 feet of line between the balloon and the bait. Works great.

Don't blow the balloon up too much.

[TNBronzeback]

Cool! Thanks for the tip! I'm gonna give that a shot this weekend!

[agelesssone]

I would think an overhand knot would tighten up as pressure was applied to it.
A slipknot instead, would release itself once the balloon was removed from the line.

[StriperFan]

You can also tie the balloon to a planer release clip and clip it to the line, then remove the clip as you real it in, basically the same as a snap weight.