Abstract: A deep trolling apparatus includes a pair of supports between which there is mounted a reel on which a trolling line is wound for paying out and retrieving the line. A slip clutch assembly couples the reel to a rotatable axle extending through the reel hub for providing an adjustable drag for the control line when the axle is held in a stationary position. In the preferred embodiment, the slip clutch assembly takes the form of a lubricious polymeric tapered bushing having slotted sidewalls and seated in a similarly tapered aperture formed in the hub of the reel with the bushing surrounding the axle. The bushing can be adjustably secured to the hub such that the gripping force between the interior surface of the bushing and the axle is varied for adjusting the drag. In one embodiment of the invention the reel axle is integral with a manually actuated crank arm for rotating the reel and one of the reel supports includes a locking member for selectively locking the arm in a fixed position.

Abstract: A trolling reel for raising and lowering a weighted trolling wire having a temperature responsive element electrically coupled to the end thereof incorporates a small diameter trolling wire comprising an outer conductive sheath made of several strands of stainless steel wire surrounding an insulating layer positioned between the stainless steel sheath and a coaxially aligned center conductor. The trolling wire so formed provides a relatively high tensile strength wire for the weighted trolling line as well as displaying corrosive resistant properties for use in a saltwater environment. The wire also has the desired electrical properties for use in providing a temperature readout of the location of the end of the trolling line.

Abstract: A trolling reel for raising and lowering a weighted control line to which a fishing line is detachably secured includes an electrically operated drive motor coupled to the reel for positioning the control line at a desired depth and securely holding the line when the motor is not actuated. The trolling apparatus is directly or remotely controlled and includes means indicating the length of control line extended. In one embodiment, control means are provided for fully raising the line by momentarily actuating a switch. In another embodiment, the control line is fabricated from a two-conductor electrical cable with a thermistor coupled to an end of the line which is extended at an angle from the lowered line by a spool to position the thermistor in proximity to the fishing lure. A remote temperature reading instrument is coupled to the control line through a slip ring assembly positioned on the reel and reel frame.

Abstract: A trolling reel for raising and lowering a weighted control line to which a fishing line is detachably secured includes an electrically operated drive motor coupled to the reel for positioning the control line at a desired depth and securely holding the line when the motor is not actuated. The trolling apparatus is directly or remotely controlled and includes means indicating the length of control line extended. In one embodiment, control means are provided for fully raising the line by momentarily actuating a switch. In another embodiment, the control line is fabricated from a two-conducter electrical cable with a thermistor coupled to an end of the line which is extended at an angle from the lowered line by a spool to position the thermistor in proximity to the fishing lure. A remote temperature reading instrument is coupled to the control line through a slip ring assembly positioned on the reel and reel frame.