On Sun, 20 Jan 2008 13:41:20 -0800, Calif Bill wrote:


We were in Boston in the late 80's and as we crossed one of the big
bridges, people were fishing from it, using a balloon to float the bait
out there. Always wondered what they were fishing for. Since we were
driving, could not stop and ask.

It could have been stripers, but then, it could have been about
anything. Balloons are a common rig in the NE. They are cheaper than
bobbers, provide less resistance to the live bait, and will break with a
fish on, leaving just the fish to fight.