I dont use one.. If any butt can rip off the welded cleat on my boat, or break the 2000lb strength lanyard that is attached to the SS aircraft cable that is in turn attached to the needle-sharp poon head---- well-- good on him! Balloons are for those that insist in running a poon head into soft parts of the fish, such as the guts. If you do that, then yes, you need the buffering factor from a the fish trying to drag balloon down.
(But dont try my method in a 14 ft tinny!!!)