Mullet Vrs Ballyhoo

[jp77]

What will you choose, does it make any difference?
I have the opportunity to buy some dozens of ballyhoos (8-9 inch) the dozen cost $18. But I can get mullets the same size at $4 per dozen.
Does the ballyhoo makes that much difference for the price or not?
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Here are some pics of my last fishing trip.
Saludos Jp77

[Electronics Guru]

I look at it this way you can buy over 4 dozen mullet. In your area does ballyhoo catch 4x better than mullet. If ballys are that much better where you fish than spend the money.

[Glenn W]

I have mucho confidence in a mullet--- don't get me wrong.
But----
@ $4.00/doz I assume they are not head wedged, deboned, or split tailed?
A mullet in its natural state will definatly catch a fish, but is no match for a meticulously prepared trolling mullet that is wedged, deboned, and tail split. It is also no match for a good ole ballyhoo--- nature's almost perfect trolling bait.
So, are you planning on wedging, deboning, and splitting all your own mullets?--- if so, I'd say the mullets will be an efficient and cost effective bait. However, if your are planning to use these mullets "au natural", that fat head and stiff body won't entice as many Saildogs as a split tail or a ballyhoo.
I can tell you from experience that a fat head mullet trolled naked will not swim nearly as pretty as a ballyhoo. Now a properly prepared mullet is a fish catching contraption, but alot of effort is required to make this mullet "right".
Obviously, any mullet has a biiger profile than a ballyhoo and may have a disadvantage when the fish are feeding on smaller sardines---- but on the other hand, is usually the shit for Marlin.
I think if it were me (assuming you'll be using properly prepared mullet), I'd use a mix of mullet and ballyhoo---- mullets on your flats ( or shorts) and ballyhoo on the long riggers.

[rarhomes]

Originally Posted by Glenn W

I have mucho confidence in a mullet--- don't get me wrong.
But----
@ $4.00/doz I assume they are not head wedged, deboned, or split tailed?
A mullet in its natural state will definatly catch a fish, but is no match for a meticulously prepared trolling mullet that is wedged, deboned, and tail split. It is also no match for a good ole ballyhoo--- nature's almost perfect trolling bait.
So, are you planning on wedging, deboning, and splitting all your own mullets?--- if so, I'd say the mullets will be an efficient and cost effective bait. However, if your are planning to use these mullets "au natural", that fat head and stiff body won't entice as many Saildogs as a split tail or a ballyhoo.
I can tell you from experience that a fat head mullet trolled naked will not swim nearly as pretty as a ballyhoo. Now a properly prepared mullet is a fish catching contraption, but alot of effort is required to make this mullet "right".
Obviously, any mullet has a biiger profile than a ballyhoo and may have a disadvantage when the fish are feeding on smaller sardines---- but on the other hand, is usually the shit for Marlin.
I think if it were me (assuming you'll be using properly prepared mullet), I'd use a mix of mullet and ballyhoo---- mullets on your flats ( or shorts) and ballyhoo on the long riggers.

Perfect answer.

It take me about 1 hr per doz. to split tail, gut, gill, brine and dry 7" to 8" mullet - then you have to pack um. If I were to sell a doz split tail mullet, boned, gutted and gilled I would have to charge $50.00. But oh yes they do catch fish if rigged right

Capt Rick

[jp77]

Originally Posted by Glenn W

I have mucho confidence in a mullet--- don't get me wrong.
But----
@ $4.00/doz I assume they are not head wedged, deboned, or split tailed?
A mullet in its natural state will definatly catch a fish, but is no match for a meticulously prepared trolling mullet that is wedged, deboned, and tail split. It is also no match for a good ole ballyhoo--- nature's almost perfect trolling bait.
So, are you planning on wedging, deboning, and splitting all your own mullets?--- if so, I'd say the mullets will be an efficient and cost effective bait. However, if your are planning to use these mullets "au natural", that fat head and stiff body won't entice as many Saildogs as a split tail or a ballyhoo.
I can tell you from experience that a fat head mullet trolled naked will not swim nearly as pretty as a ballyhoo. Now a properly prepared mullet is a fish catching contraption, but alot of effort is required to make this mullet "right".
Obviously, any mullet has a biiger profile than a ballyhoo and may have a disadvantage when the fish are feeding on smaller sardines---- but on the other hand, is usually the shit for Marlin.
I think if it were me (assuming you'll be using properly prepared mullet), I'd use a mix of mullet and ballyhoo---- mullets on your flats ( or shorts) and ballyhoo on the long riggers.

Thanks Glenn
Ill be working on the mullets, Ill try them next week
I don’t know if I’m wrong, but I split tail the mullet and I pull all the bones out. After that I use and Ice pick and pass it threw the head (where the leader will pass).
I always use a lure in front of it.
Saludos

[WAHOONBOX]

YOUR BAIT LOOKS WELL RIGGED IN THE PICTURE....A ONE OUNCE CHIN EGG WEIGHT MAY MAKE IT SWIM MUCH BETTER