BALLYHOO RIGGING TOOL KIT
This kit contains 4 individual tools, each with some very unique features, that will make rigging Ballyhoo much easier. The design of these tools will also give you the ability to rig Ballyhoo in some ways that you couldn't before.
BALLYHOO DE-BONER - This is not a de-boner in the true sense of the word. What this tool does is two things. It is used to remove a small section of the Ballyhoo's backbone while at the same time creating a small hole in the top of the bait. This hole is needed for the cable to go thru when rigging a double hook cable rig with the rear hook coming out of the top of the bait. It will also be required when rigging a weedless single hook bait.
Another use for the tool is to make the bait more flexable and limber for better swimming action. Most riggers will "pinch" the backbone of a Ballyhoo from one end to the other. This separates and cracks the rib bones. This is very effective but in most cases will de-form the bait and removes a fair amount of scales. The natural bait doesn't look so natural anymore.
A better way to limber the bait is to use the de-boner and break the backbone from the inside. The deboner is inserted in the anal vent and pushed up into the stomach cavity. By sliding the notched end of the deboner on the ribs you will be able to feel the backbone. When you can feel the deboner at the spot you want to break the bone just push in slightly and twist. With practice you will be able to make an extremely limber bait that looks like it was never touched.