Abstract: A connector for connecting a lateral fish line (leading to a bait or lure) to a main fish line, at a fixed point on the main line until released. After release, the connector can slide along the main line, so that it does not interfere with rapid reeling in of the main line. The connector has a frusto-conical wedging shank surrounded by an axially movable clamping sleeve, the main fish line being clamped fixedly between the shank and the sleeve, while waiting for a fish to strike a lure or bait on a lateral line attached to the connector. Any number of these connectors, each with its own lateral line and lure, may be placed at intervals on the same main line. When the line is reeled in, the clamping sleeve of the first connector strikes an obstruction such as the line guide eyelet at the end of the fishing rod, and this moves the sleeve to an unclamping or released position, so the main line may move freely through the connector and the connector does not interfere with continued reeling in.

Abstract: A fishline holder for down rigger fishing. The holder has a body with a first clamp in the form of a rotary shaft with a flattened side for clamping the body to control line or cable, to hold the body at the desired elevation in the water. A second clamp on the body has a jaw for clamping the fishing line and toggle links for operating the clamping jaw. A trigger has a recess for receiving the fishing line, and is so arranged that the trigger will be actuated to operate the toggle links to open the clamping jaw, either by rearward pull on the part of the fishing line which passes through the recess in the trigger, as when a fish takes the bait, or by an upward pull on another part of the fishing line also passing through the recess of the trigger, as when the fisherman in the boat pulls upwardly on his line.