Abstract: A tray (10) for receiving a plurality of fish fillets (28) in a layer for compaction and freezing in a stack of layers. The tray is formed from a sheet (18) of material having a first portion (12) joined to a second portion (14) by a flexible hinge portion (16). The first portion is formed to define a plurality of first recesses (24) and the second portion is formed to define a plurality of negative second recesses (26). A fillet is received within each of the first recesses to form a layer, the tray is folded, and an additional layer of fillets is received within the second recesses. The tray is constructed and configured to be deformed and to enable the fillets to deform within the recesses, under the force of compaction, to form separable layers of substantially separate frozen fillets.

Abstract: A hauling block 20 having a sheave 30 comprising two identical halves 32 and 34. The hauling surfaces 40 and 42 of the sheave 30 carry outwardly extending, cleat receiving pockets 54. Reinforced cleats 50 are seated in the pockets 54 and releasably fastened to the sheave 30.

Abstract: An artificial bait comprises short lengths of randomly dispersed fibers, preferably rayon, a gellable binder, and an attractant, all disposed in a water matrix.

Abstract: A hydraulic swivel 40 transfers pressurized hydraulic fluid from a stationary spool 50 to a housing 42 mounted for rotation relative to the spool 50. The swivel 40 also carries a drain line 64 placed in fluid communication with the spool/housing interface above and below the pressurized fluid passages so that any fluid leaking from the pressurized fluid passages will find its way to the drain and thus not to the outside of the swivel.

Abstract: An artificial bait comprises short lengths of randomly dispersed fibers, preferably rayon, an internal setting alginate, and attractant dispersed in a water matrix.

Abstract: Three different apparatus for feeding artificial bait are disclosed. One feeds individual bait size pieces from a stack of such pieces. A second feeds elongated strips from a stack of strips to a baiting station and cuts incremental pieces presented at the baiting station. A third apparatus feeds a continuous, elongated strip of bait wound onto a reel to a baiting station and cuts incremental pieces presented at the baiting station.

Abstract: Three different apparatus for feeding artificial bait are disclosed. One feeds individual bait size pieces from a stack of such pieces. A second feeds elongated strips from a stack of strips to a baiting station and cuts incremental pieces presented at the baiting station. A third apparatus feeds a continuous, elongated strip of bait wound onto a reel to a baiting station and cuts incremental pieces presented at the baiting station.

Abstract: A device for capturing hooks for use in conjunction with longline hauling and stowage apparatus includes a hook elevating ramp, an engagement plate, and a brush. The hook elevating ramp elevates the hook to the location of the guide track by which the hook is to be captured for storage, while the engagement plate rotates the hook to ensure its engagement on the guide track. The brush serves to stabilize the hook immediately prior to and during hook rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for baiting circle hooks includes a baiting station and a surface upon which a piece of bait rests at the baiting station. A groove extends away from the surface. A piece of bait is positioned over the groove. As circle hook is fed to the baiting station the point and point bend of the hook are engaged and hidden by the groove, thus hiding the point of the hook from the bait as the point traverses past the leading edge of the bait. Thereafter, the hook is caused to rotate so that the point impales the bait. Preferably, the hook and bait are thereafter counter-rotated so that the bait piece fully engages the hook and resides on the hook bend.

Abstract: Apparatus for stowing longline for resetting while hauling the longline, in which the hooks are successively captured by a cooperating entry brush and opposing guide track surface so as to be advanced in controlled succession along the track by a hauler engaging the longlines ground line and preferably comprising a V-groove, power-driven sheave. Opposing transverse rollers angled to line advancement at the discharge side of the sheave feed the ground line to stowage, while the captured hooks are drawn by their gangions into successively nested positions on an associated section of guide track ready for inspection, replacement and/or subsequent orderly release during resetting of the longline.