Alright. So I have been trying out my luck at John Paul Jones Park off of Bass Pro. No luck using live shad, cut shad, worms or stink bait. Got a few bites on the cut shad but didn't land anything. Today I tried a new technique that only my father had told me about years ago and actually had some luck. I used a balloon. Yes, a balloon. Caught a really really nice channel cat on cut shad. I will be trying this again tomorrow morning after dropping the kiddos off at school. Any tricks or tips on using this balloon set up?

I'm not really sure how you are using the balloon, but if is to keep bait off the bottom, A lot of us are doing this with cigar floats. I have heard of using balloons but it was usually to keep the big ones from biting down on a hard float.
Google "Santee Rig" or "Santee Cooper Rig"
Good Luck

Whatever they're used for, it must work.....More than once when I've launched my boat at John Paul Jones I've noticed bank fisherman using balloons.

The balloon rig will allow you to cover more water when you're fishing from the bank since it is larger and catches more wind. Also has more resistance for a better hook set.

Balloon

Yes... If you don't have much wind you can also use two balloons for extra push to get your bait out there where you want it quicker. They call it the Dolly Partin rig. Lol! If I remember right, Tiny said they would also use lifesavers with the balloon sometimes when they wanted to get the balloon out somewhere and then drop the bait to the bottom. I have never used a lifesaver but I do know where I am going to try it out this year. He said they would put a lifesaver on the line before the leader and then tie the balloon to the lifesaver. Once you get your rig or bait about where you want it, stop it and hold it there until the lifesaver candy dissolves. When it does, your bait will then drop to the bottom right where a fishky will find it instead of staying on the top. Some people even use a pellet gun to shoot the balloon. Welcome to the forum!!!!!