The biggest problem that anglers had with the circle-hook regulations was abandoning their Ilander-ballyhoo combos. But Dr. Ken Neill and crew brought a solution back from Venezuela.1. Crimp a loop in the end of a short piece of 100-pound mono leader that will fit over a ballyhoo head and behind its gills.
Circle-Hook Skirted Ballyhoo
2. Before cinching down the crimp, slide in a 12-inch piece of Monel wire. Use the wire to lash the ballyhoo to the leader by passing the wire through the bait’s eye sockets three times.
Circle-Hook Skirted Ballyhoo
3. Push the tip of the wire through the bill, and wrap it around the bill and the leader. Push the end of the leader through the hole in a chugger or Ilander skirt.
Circle-Hook Skirted Ballyhoo
4. Then slide another crimping sleeve over the end of the leader, and tighten a loop around the bend of an 8/0 to 9/0 circle hook.
