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Deboner | HH Lure Co.

Deboner | HH Lure Co.

Regular price $31.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $31.99 USD
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HH Lure Co. Deboner for Ballyhoo Prep

A deboned ballyhoo swims more naturally behind the boat than one with the backbone intact. The HH Lure Co. Deboner makes this quick work. Insert it through the bait, hook the spine, and pull it out. The result is a flexible bait that moves through the water with a lifelike action that triggers more strikes.
    • Removes ballyhoo backbone in seconds
    • Creates more natural bait action
    • Simple, durable construction
    • Essential offshore rigging tool

Read our ballyhoo rigging guide

Better Bait Action With One Simple Step

A ballyhoo with its backbone removed has a completely different action in the water. Instead of a stiff, rigid body, you get a bait that flexes and shimmies with every wave and current change. That natural movement triggers strikes from tuna, mahi, wahoo, and billfish that might ignore a stiff bait.

The deboning step takes seconds with the right tool. Insert the deboner, engage the backbone, and pull. Done. The difference in your bite rate is worth every second of prep time.

Quick Backbone Removal

Insert through the gill or body cavity, hook the spine, and pull. The entire backbone comes out in one smooth motion. Takes seconds per bait once you get the technique down.

Improved Bait Action

Without the stiff backbone, the bait flexes naturally at trolling speed. This lifelike swimming motion is far more attractive to gamefish than a rigid, bone-in bait.

Durable Construction

Built to handle repeated use through dozens of baits per trip. The tool maintains its shape and function through heavy offshore use.

How to Debone Ballyhoo

  1. Thaw your ballyhoo and break the spine at the head by bending
  2. Insert the deboner through the gill plate along the backbone
  3. Hook the end of the spine with the deboner tip
  4. Pull the backbone out in one smooth motion
  5. The bait is now flexible and ready for rigging

Specs & Common Questions

Everything you need to know before you buy

Full Specifications +
Brand HH Lure Co.
Type Ballyhoo deboner
Function Backbone removal for natural bait action
Use Ballyhoo and similar trolling baits
Why debbone ballyhoo? +
Removing the backbone creates a flexible bait that swims naturally at trolling speed. Stiff baits get fewer strikes. Our ballyhoo rigging guide covers the full process.
What species benefit from deboned bait? +
Tuna, mahi, wahoo, marlin, and sailfish all respond better to naturally-moving baits. See our trolling lure guide.
How do I use the deboner? +
Insert through the body cavity along the spine, hook the backbone, and pull it out in one motion. Our ballyhoo guide has step-by-step instructions.
Can I use this on other baits? +
Primarily designed for ballyhoo, but works on similar-sized baitfish where backbone removal improves action. See our rigging supplies.
Is deboning necessary for all trolling? +
Not required, but it significantly improves bait action. Many tournament anglers debone every ballyhoo. The extra prep time pays off. Our trolling guide covers when to debone.
What other tools do I need for ballyhoo rigging? +
Rigging wire or mono, copper rigging wire, and rigging needles. Our R&R rigging needles are a good complement. See all rigging supplies.