Abstract: This invention is a container in which bait may be contained, and which may be inverted so as to allow bait and water to enter a portion of the container which is then separated by a porous means from the remainder of the container, so that when the container is returned to its upright position belt is separated into a portion of the container for easy removal from the container.

Abstract: A fishing lure which includes a hard body having a light reflective metallic coating adjacent the body, and having a monolayer of small glass spheres overlying the metallic coating. The glass spheres are preferably solid and have a diametric size in the range of from about 40 microns to about 75 microns. The glass spheres are embedded in a coating of clear lacquer or polyurethane.

Abstract: Reel seat structures for fishing rods are herein disclosed in two separate embodiments. In a first embodiment a fishing rod body is provided with a tubular insert on which the reel seat is formed and which is located in an elongate aperture in the rod body. The tubular insert is formed with a long keyhole-shaped opening in which a movable reel retaining hood slides under the control of a rotary knob located in a further opening in the insert body adjacent the keyhole-shaped opening. One end of the aperture in the rod body forms a stationary reel-retaining hood. In a second embodiment, the movable hood slides in a keyhole-shaped opening formed directly in the rod body and there is a separate stationary hood which fits in another opening in the rod body and which is wedged in place by a tubular insert body with a slot that embraces a neck portion of the stationary hood internally of the rod.

Abstract: A fishing rod is provided which includes a reel fixture, a plurality of fishing line guides and a top guide. The fishing line guides each comprise a larger diameter line guide ring through which a rod body is inserted and a mounting piece extending lengthwise of the rod body from one circumferential side of the line guide ring. The mounting piece is fixed to the rod body at an intermediate position thereof between the reel fixture mounting position and a position on the rod body radially opposite to the reel fixture mounting position.

Abstract: A fishing rod of compact size and improved feel and control is disclosed. In the preferred embodiment the rod includes a C or U-shaped handle portion, a reel support mounted to said C or U-shaped section, and a rod passing through the two ends of said C or U-shaped section. By attaching the aforementioned reel to a handle entirely separate from said rod, all breakage forces are carried by the handle, allowing for a smaller, more flexible rod. Additionally, due to the nature of the design, the rod may be held in two different positions by the fisher, enabling change of grip for greatest comfort.

Abstract: An insect trap apparatus is set forth wherein a reversing motor is positioned rearwardly of a forwardly directed conduit to selectively create a vacuum or a pressure between the conduit to secure and subsequently eject a trapped insect therewithin. The apparatus includes a plurality of handles selectively securable between the conduit member and a battery pack to provide variable links and flexibilities in handle organizations.

Abstract: A fish basket is set forth wherein the fish basket is immersible in water during a fishing procedure. The fish basket includes an elongate basket with an outwardly tapering lower portion and an inwardly tapering upper portion to effect a constricted entrance to enable fish to be positioned within the lower portion of the basket to enable such fish to swim thereabout without access to the upper portion of the basket. The fish basket further includes an outer flotation rim removably mounted relative to the fish basket with a circumferential series of illumination members for attracting fish during periods of diminished light, such as in the evening hours.

Abstract: A fishing float is shown for use in running a trotline. The fishing float includes a spherical body molded from a light weight plastic material which has a hollow interior and an exterior. A line-engaging downward projection extends from one point on the exterior of the body for receiving a trotline. A combination handle and line wrapping extension are located diametrically opposite the downward projection on the exterior of the body. A visibility enhancing material is incorporated into the plastic material of the body so that the float can be more easily seen at night.

Abstract: A small animal trap formed as a walled enclosure having an opening for rodent entry, a plunger in the enclosure parallel to the bottom, and a spring for urging the plunger toward the bottom. A bottom trigger pedal is inside the enclosure, a pivotally mounted cocking lever extends from the inside upper part of the enclosure outside thereof to terminate outside at or near the bottom of the enclosure. The tripper pedal is pivotally connected to the enclosure by a short lever that extends outward of the trap and is releasibly engagable with the cocking lever. When the plunger is raised the cocking lever engages the under side of the plunger and also the short lever on the trigger pedal. Upsetting the pedal releases the cocking lever and the plunger. The cocking lever has a long arm and a short arm, the long arm being used to latch the trigger. The short arm which is activated by a rodent is located in the lower part of the enclosure.

Abstract: A pair of bracket units are provided for holding a fishing pole or the like. The units are mounted on a solid surface and spaced slightly shorter than the length of the pole, with one bracket unit to hold the tip and one bracket unit to hold the base of the pole. Each unit has a flange secured to the solid surface for supporting the bracket unit projecting substantially perpendicular to the surface. The bracket units include an opening into which a flexible diaphragm will be centered and secured. Each flexible diaphragm has a centrally-located hold with slots in the diaphragm radiating out from the hole to the edges of the opening. The slotted diaphragm will flex to accomodate and hold each end of the pole in a rigid but cushioned manner.

Abstract: A fishing rod is provided which is formed of a handle having a fishing reel mounting portion, a grip, and a rod body tapered toward its tip. The larger diameter side of the rod body includes a tubular fitting portion having a tapered portion increasing gradually in diameter at a rate of change larger than that of the rod body. The tubular fitting portion is fitted onto the outer periphery of the handle and is coupled integrally therewith. A manufacturing method is also provided for forming the rod body integrally with the tubular fitting portion.

Abstract: A latch for a hook setting mechanism for fishing rods is provided by a latching ball which is held in engagement with a latching indentation of a keeper rod by a rotatable cam, the cam being rotatable by a trigger arm which is moved in response to a tug exerted on a fishing line of the fishing rod.

Abstract: An articulated game decoy activated by wind is formed of sheet material and has a main body member adapted to be mounted on trees or shrubs, a head and neck member pivotally connected to the main body, elastic members connected between the head and neck member and main body member, and ears attached transverse to the head portion of the head and neck member to catch the wind and oscillate the head and neck member relative to the main body when subjected to a breeze. The main body may have an integral tail portion, or have a separate tail member pivotally connected thereto with elastic members therebetween which will also oscillate when subjected to a breeze. The sheet material may have a weather resistive wax coating and the main body may be provided with a scent impregnated wax coating, or with a recess or aperture to receive a scented insert to attract wild game.

Abstract: A cable terminal formed in one piece in resin or plastic material providing a clam shell structure with integral hinge and which closes on a tortuously provided cable in and passages through the structure whereupon closure locks or latches the clam shell cable tautly into the terminal structure and closing a cable gripped bail element on selected rigging. A cap fits over the closed and locked terminal in the form of a terminal shroud or cover.

Abstract: Two half sections of bamboo defining three chambers contain a pre-inflated helium gas balloon with a radio beacon, two bags of surface dye, and bait fish. The sections are secured together by multiple wrappings of line ending in hooks or lures. When the associated probe is deployed, the windings unravel in free-fall--separating the half sections and dispersing the bait. The balloon is released and descends to the water surface, where the line hooks and the bait submerge. An aquatic nibble causes the balloon to bob. A more forceful bite separates the bags of dye--creating a surface marker. If a hook is set, the line also extracts a pin from the balloon--activating the radio beacon and freeing it to rise to an altitude where an induced leak soon results in the balloon redescending to the surface of the water. Upon reaching the surface, normal wave propagation forces out the residual gas and the balloon, being no longer buoyant under the weight of the radio beacon, sinks to the ocean bottom.

Abstract: A compact fishing rod holder is disclosed which is adapted for attachment to the top of a fishing tackle box. The device comprises a front rest member upon which a forward portion of a fishing rod grip sets, and a rearward collar or catch member which cooperatively engages a rearward portion of the grip to securely hold the rod in a preferred position. A rearward stop member behind the catch can advantageously be utilized to assist in positioning the grip in the holder.

Abstract: An automatic worm hooker (2) for rapidly and safely embedding a fishing hook (10) completely within the body of a worm (8) includes an impaling member (20) whereon the worm (8) is impaled along the length of the worm, an extending member (18) which supports the impaling member (20), and a hand gripping member (16) attached to the extending member (18) for conveniently holding the apparatus (2) and tensioning the fishing line (12) attached to the hook (10). The impaling member (20) has a free end (44) that is tapered and concave. Once the worm (8) is impaled along the length of the impaling member (20), the point (50) of the hook (10) is inserted in the concave portion (72) of the free end (44) of the impaling member (20). The hook (10) and fishing line (12) are placed in tension by the user's hand. The worm (8) is then slid off of the impaling member (20) and onto the hook (10) with the result that the hook (10) is completely embedded in the body of the worm (8).

Abstract: A fishing apparatus is set forth including a bucket-like container formed with a pivotal handle attached to diametrically opposed sides thereof. The container includes a threadedly securable lid to secure contents within the bucket wherein the lid is reversibly positionable on the bucket to provide a cushion seat for use by an individual. The bucket further contains an upwardly depending conduit integrally formed to a side wall of the bucket to accept a pole therewithin. Furthermore when the bucket is unattended, side mounted legs are pivoted from a first position to a second downward position wherein they depend forwardly and downwardly from the bucket to secure the bucket against tipping in the event of a fish strike. The interior of the bucket is provided with a series of hooks for securement of fish thereon.

Abstract: A removable inflatable device for temporarily plugging holes in an ice layer for assisting fishermen in maintaining or preserving a previously formed hole in the ice layer during periods of absence when the hole is left unattended. The inflatable device includes a hollow generally cylindrical tubular assembly with an inflatable bladder forming the core, and having a plurality of discrete layers enclosing the inflatable core which include a foam liner enclosing the bladder and an outer sleeve disposed over and firmly enclosing the foam liner and inflatable bladder. The foam liner comprises a layer of synthetic resinous foam with a generally closed-cell structure, and is wrapped about the exterior of the bladder so as to form an overlapped segment along the axial length of the bladder.

Abstract: A connector (10) for detachably interconnecting the intermediate portion of a first, primary line (16) and the end portions of secondary lines (24) includes two separate, identical opposing members (30) having complementary, substantially planar mating faces (32). Grooves (34) extend centrally across the mating faces (32) of the connector members (30) to cooperatively define a primary passageway (36) extending through the connector member at the interface of the two connector members to snugly receive the primary line (16) therein. A hollow post (50) extends transversely from the mating face (32) of each connector member to engage within a close fitting, aligned socket (52) formed in the opposite connector member thereby to clamp the two connector members together. The two opposing connector members (30) also have portions cooperatively defining a pair of secondary passageways (40) extending through the connector (10) at the interface of the two connector members (30).