Abstract: Apparatus and method for retrieving an ensnared marine device having an elongated shank, the shank having a crown end and a ring end, a primary line attached to the ring end and secured to the boat, a release element slidably mounted on the primary line adjacent the shank, a release line interconnecting the release element and the crown end, a coupling element slidable along the primary line for engaging the release element and comprising a guiding cavity for controlling the attitude of the coupling element during the sliding movement along the primary line and a coupling cavity, the coupling cavity comprising an entry portion and a locking portion, and a lifting line connected to the coupling element.