Releasing Devices Patents (Class 43/17.2)
  • Patent number: 10888079
    Abstract: A tip for a fishing lure retrieval apparatus includes a tip body having an outer peripheral surface extending longitudinally between first and second tip body ends. The tip body is structured for threaded engagement with an extension handle, and includes a resilient appendage attached to the tip body at a location that is axially between the first tip body end which attaches to the handle, and the second tip body end. The resilient appendage may include a coil spring that projects from the outer peripheral surface and has formed therein slots distributed successively along the resilient appendage to receive a fishing line at a range of locations relative to the tip body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2021
    Assignee: Side Kick Lure Retriever LLC
    Inventor: Tony Lee Peters
  • Patent number: 10219504
    Abstract: A fishing tackle retrieval device for freeing snagged fishing tackle includes a ring that is oblong, thus defining a narrow end and a wide end. A bar is coupled to the ring proximate to the wide end. A loop is coupled to the bar distal from the ring and extends curvedly from the bar, defining a free end that is positioned proximate to the bar. The free end and the bar define a slit in the loop. A cut is positioned through the ring proximate to the narrow end. A coupler, configured to couple to a retrieval line, is coupled to and positioned on the wide end. A notch is positioned in the ring at the narrow end. The notch is configured to couple to a fishing line-leader connection as the ring is pulled toward the surface, such that the fishing tackle is disengaged from the obstruction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Inventor: Bill Reimer
  • Patent number: 9220253
    Abstract: A recovery device comprising a pole with a handle to which length extensions may be mounted. Two top attachments. One for recovering tackle from trees having two longitudinal square shafts with magnets attached to their upper face; said shafts bending vertically toward a square attachment front side with magnets attached to the face thereof with razor points at the tips; a flashlight mounted on its underbelly and a back attachment mounted horizontally having a fibrous sheet for securing tackle during retrieval. A second underwater attachment comprising a stem with the top of the stem having a vertical round shaft protruding from its center; a magnet mounted on the bottom side of said vertical face of the round shaft extending from the face of the shaft rearward along the bottom side, with a magnet mounted on the front face and a split ring attached to the top of the face extending vertically.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Inventors: Richard Alan Cepulonis, Karen Diane Walters
  • Patent number: 9027275
    Abstract: A fully collapsible, double articulated gaff for retrieving fish when fishing from high bridges, piers and high banks. The device collapses to approximately 5 inches in diameter by 1 inch high to enable it to be carried in a tackle box. It has three double articulated, weighted gaff hooks. The fishing line is threaded thru the overlap in guide mechanism, then lowered to the fishes head gripping it with the gaff hooks, then by pulling up on the rope lifting the device and the fish. Materials and method of construction used to help reduce manufacturing cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Inventor: James Lee Eberhart
  • Patent number: 8539711
    Abstract: A fishing lure retrieving device is disclosed. Versions of the invention utilize a body with a cavity and handle, a sleeve movably connected to the body, a cutter and closing line. Optional telescoping handle(s), magnet(s), closing fastener(s), sleeve end cap(s) and/or body end cap(s) may also be used with versions of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Inventor: Chad Taras Leuckel
  • Patent number: 8365460
    Abstract: A fishing line cutter which is adapted to cut a fishing line closely adjacent the hook at the end of the fishing line. The fishing line may be inserted into the line cutter without any disassembly of the line cutter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventor: Vic Brown
  • Patent number: 8302344
    Abstract: A lure retriever for retrieving a snagged fishing lure attached to a fishing line includes a hollow central body member having a first threaded end and a second end, and a longitudinal slot extending through part of the central body member, at least one chain member connected to the central body member, and a first end cap having a complementary threaded surface to enable threaded connection to said first threaded end and having a longitudinal slot extending at least through part of the first end cap and wherein when the first cap is connected to the first threaded end the slots can be both positioned in alignment to permit line passage therethrough and nonalignment to prevent line passage therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Inventor: Frank D. Pickens
  • Patent number: 8291635
    Abstract: A strike-setting assembly for an unmanned fishing rod including a hook-setting device carried by a fishing pole holder is provided. The hook-setting device includes a tether and an efficient, reliable mechanical trigger assembly including multiple magnets that permit easy, sensitive, multiple adjustments in multiple increments. The fishing pole holder is suitable for retaining the hook-setting device and for holding the rod in a manner providing resistance to the upward tension on the back handle portion of the fishing rod applied by the hook-setting device engaged on the front of the fishing rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Inventor: Lynn G. Payne
  • Publication number: 20120055066
    Abstract: A lure retriever for retrieving a snagged fishing lure attached to a fishing line includes a hollow central body member having a first threaded end and a second end, and a longitudinal slot extending through part of the central body member, at least one chain member connected to the central body member, and a first end cap having a complementary threaded surface to enable threaded connection to said first threaded end and having a longitudinal slot extending at least through part of the first end cap and wherein when the first cap is connected to the first threaded end the slots can be both positioned in alignment to permit line passage therethrough and nonalignment to prevent line passage therethrough.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Frank D. Pickens
  • Publication number: 20110258902
    Abstract: The retriever/hook remover is a device for retrieving fishing lures that have become hung on various objects below and above the surface of the water. It can also be used to remove the hooks from the mouth of the fish after it has been caught. It consists of a handle that will attach to a standard utility pole. A stiff rod is molded into the handle that attaches to the extension pole. This rod should be made of a rigid metal to ensure that it retains durability, but could possibly be made from other material. At the end of the rod, opposite the handle, the rod is coiled to encase the fishing line to keep it from escaping. Coiling the rod three times seems to work really well, but the rod could be coiled more or less times. The inside diameter of this coil should be 3/16-inch to maybe 2-inches. The minimum rod size should be at least 3/16-inch in diameter to give it rigidity and durability. The length can vary from a few inches up to maybe four feet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Thad Lagree Cason
  • Patent number: 8028466
    Abstract: A thwartable link for a vertical fishing line includes a substantially tubularly shaped body having a first end and a second end and first and second opposed side walls extending between the first and second ends. Each of the side walls has an axially extending elongated slot passing therethrough. A knife blade is located within the interior of the tubular body adjacent the first end but facing the second end. The fishing line extends through the slots in the side walls and through the interior of the tubular body. A stop is attached to the line adjacent the first side of the tubular body preventing the line from being pulled through the elongated slot in the first side. A tether extends between the second end of the tubular body and the line. The tether is connected to the line on the same side as the stop means but is spaced therefrom. An elastic O-ring surrounding the tubular body temporarily retains the line adjacent the second end of the tubular member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventors: Edwin B. Schrock, Marilyn L. Schrock
  • Patent number: 7950180
    Abstract: A fish lure break away system, having a lure attachment member, a hook section with at least one elongated shank, an eyelet, an eyelet guide, and a least one curved bend terminating in a tip section. The eyelet defines an eyelet gap having a predetermined width. In one embodiment the lure attachment member has a predetermined breaking strength in combination with a selected thickness and flexibility such that the lure attachment member can be squeezed through the eyelet gap and thereby attached to the eyelet. The lure attachment member may be of strength less than that of fishing line so as to break if snagged to release and avoid loss of a lure. The hook section has an inwardly projecting member which may be maneuvered to close or minimize the eyelet gap to retain the lure attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Inventor: Marcus Craig Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20100293834
    Abstract: A fish lure break away system, having a lure attachment member, a hook section with at least one elongated shank, an eyelet, an eyelet guide, and a least one curved bend terminating in a tip section. The eyelet defines an eyelet gap having a predetermined width. In one embodiment the lure attachment member has a predetermined breaking strength in combination with a selected thickness and flexibility such that the lure attachment member can be squeezed through the eyelet gap and thereby attached to the eyelet. The lure attachment member may be of strength less than that of fishing line so as to break if snagged to release and avoid loss of a lure. The hook section has an inwardly projecting member which may be maneuvered to close or minimize the eyelet gap to retain the lure attachment member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Inventor: Marcus Craig Hatfield
  • Patent number: 7735256
    Abstract: A fish lure break away system, having a lure attachment member, a hook section with at least one elongated shank, an eyelet, an eyelet guide, and a least one curved bend terminating in a tip section. The eyelet defines an eyelet gap having a predetermined width. In one embodiment the lure attachment member has a predetermined breaking strength in combination with a selected thickness and a selected flexibility such that the lure attachment member can be squeezed by a user through the eyelet gap and thereby attached to the eyelet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Inventor: Marcus Craig Hatfield
  • Publication number: 20100058642
    Abstract: A fish lure break away system, having a lure attachment member, a hook section with at least one elongated shank, an eyelet, an eyelet guide, and a least one curved bend terminating in a tip section. The eyelet defines an eyelet gap having a predetermined width. In one embodiment the lure attachment member has a predetermined breaking strength in combination with a selected thickness and a selected flexibility such that the lure attachment member can be squeezed by a user through the eyelet gap and thereby attached to the eyelet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2008
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Inventor: Marcus Craig Hatfield
  • Patent number: 7669360
    Abstract: An improved fishing system that records ambient conditions existing at or around the time a fish is caught. The fishing system includes a lure which records ambient conditions, including time, date, depth, temperature, ambient light, an underwater picture of a hooked fish and water quality. After catching a fish, the recorded data is transmitted from the lure to a handheld control unit. The handheld control unit is also capable of recording location (via GPS), fish weight, water quality, and an out-of-water picture of the fish. The data stored by the handheld control unit is transmitted (via a wireless or wired network) and recorded in an Internet database. The lure can also be controlled to release a hook that becomes irretrievably stuck in an underwater obstruction. The path of the lure in the water can also be controlled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2010
    Inventor: Kent G. Davidson
  • Patent number: 7607252
    Abstract: An apparatus that enables the fishing pots to be lifted with ease. The system includes a hook embedded in the gear rope near the first pot. The string of pots is set normally, with the end of the rope marked with a buoy. To retrieve the pots, the buoy is pulled up onto the boat and the rope is tied off. An anchor-pulling ring with a buoy attached is placed around the line. The boat is driven in the opposite direction as the current or tide. This causes the pot rope to be pulled up, with the pots. The rope passes through the anchor-pulling ring until the hook passes through the ring. The line can be slacked off and the hook will catch the ring and hold the pots while the remainder of the rope is retrieved. Once the boat reaches the buoy, the pots can easily be pulled up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Patrick J. Lorentz
  • Publication number: 20090090038
    Abstract: A system for freeing a fishing lure at the end of a line where the lure has been snagged on sub surface debris, which features a retriever with a unique guide for guiding the retriever along the fishing line to impact the lure. The guide permits an exceptionally simple and fast method of attaching and detaching the guide. Additionally, the retriever may serve as a sinker.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Inventor: Freddie Meredith
  • Patent number: 7451567
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for retrieving a snagged fishing lure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Inventor: Edgar T. Irvine
  • Publication number: 20080178515
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for retrieving a snagged fishing lure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Edgar T. Irvine
  • Publication number: 20080178513
    Abstract: A method for retrieving a fish that has been caught on a fishing line according to which a rope is secured to a loop, the line is secured to the loop, and the rope is pulled to retrieve the line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Blake Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7246462
    Abstract: A small reusable lure retriever device formed as one piece metal casting and comprising features to enable the device to slide down onto the fishing line 6 using the gravity force, pull the tied string 7 into the water, rotate and grip the lure 8 mounting fixture while providing robust solution to rescue the caught fishing lures, tackles and bait rigs or different type and size.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Grois Inventors Corp, Inc.
    Inventors: James Bocharov, Yuly Mitelman
  • Patent number: 6948695
    Abstract: A soft plastic fishing lure or other product may be made to float by incorporating air bubbles therein by molds that draw air from inside the molds in which the lures or products are cast.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Knight Manufacturing Co., Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Clark
  • Patent number: 6931780
    Abstract: A fishing lure recuperator comprised of a looped piece attached to a connector itself attached to a cord and which is slid down a fishing line in order to grab hold of a stuck fishing lure and pulling it up to the surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2005
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Cote
  • Patent number: 6880290
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fishing gear recovery device and methods of use. The fishing gear recovery device of the present invention includes a recovery line housing, which is preferably produced from flexible tubular plastic stock. Attachments points are provided in the recovery line housing for the attachment of a recovery line, and biodegradable connectors. Additionally, the recovery device includes a buoyancy providing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Inventor: Patrick Mahoney
  • Patent number: 6851215
    Abstract: A fishing tool having a handle and a body with one or more notches is provided to facilitate wrapping and holding a sufficient length of fishing line around the tool to permit the line to be forcefully pulled from a point of entanglement. The handle can be a grip-aperture defined by the body. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is provided with a beveled lower edge to facilitate using the tool to slice bait. A method for releasing a snagged fishing line is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Inventor: Jack W. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20040226214
    Abstract: A fishing tool having a handle and a body with one or more notches is provided to facilitate wrapping and holding a sufficient length of fishing line around the tool to permit the line to be forcefully pulled from a point of entanglement. The handle can be a grip-aperture defined by the body. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is provided with a beveled lower edge to facilitate using the tool to slice bait. A method for releasing a snagged fishing line is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2003
    Publication date: November 18, 2004
    Inventor: Jack W. Conrad
  • Publication number: 20040211107
    Abstract: A fishing lure recuperator comprised of a looped piece attached to a connector itself attached to a cord and which is slid down a fishing line in order to grab hold of a stuck fishing lure and pulling it up to the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventor: Jean-Yves Cote
  • Patent number: 6732470
    Abstract: A first horizontal hollow cylinder open at both ends has a first narrow elongated slot. A second horizontal hollow cylinder open at both ends is disposed concentrically within the firtst cylinder and has a second narrow elongated slot that extends between its ends. A vertically elongated element is secured at its upper end to the first cylinder and has an opening intermediate its ends. A flexible elongated connector secured at one end to the lower end of the element with its other end being detachable with the element opening. A rotatable member is secured to one end of the second cylinder and is spaced from the first cylinder so that the member can rotate the second cylinder about its axis without rotating the first cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Inventor: Robert A. Bennett
  • Patent number: 6722079
    Abstract: A system for use with fishing lures that allows partial release of the lure upon becoming snagged. The lure is attached to a fishing line at a head end and by way of a line extension leader at a hook end. The line extension comprises a heavy gauge leader extending the length of the lure. A fish decoy is permanently affixed to the line at a hook end, and releasably attached at a head end. A line attachment clip provides three attachment loops, one of the loops being a resilient, releasable leg. The line attachment clip has a line loop to which the fishing line is securely attached, a leader loop to which the leader is securely attached, and a releasable leg to which the head eyelet of a lure is attached. Upon application of sufficient force, the head eyelet is released so that the lure becomes inverted, allowing is to be freed from a snag and reeled in with the hooks in the opposite orientation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Inventor: Carl Schumer
  • Patent number: 6705040
    Abstract: An apparatus for retrieving snagged fishing lures (9) includes an elongated body (10) for sliding down a line (30) to a snagged lure (31). The apparats further includes a latching bow (17) with an intermediate portion (19) that operatively locates over the rear of the lure (31) in order to allow application of retrieval tension by means of cord (22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Inventor: Robert New
  • Patent number: 6694664
    Abstract: A device for retrieving snagged lures has a rigid loop of stiff rod or wire mounted on a pole. The loop is made up of several portions placed in the same plane with one another and connected to a support portion mounted in the pole. The loop has first and second portions that define an acute angle between them at a corner for reaching over and grasping a lure for pulling it upward. A crossover portion completing the loop extends over the first portion and provides a tip for engaging a line and guiding it through a gap and into the loop. Also disclosed is a weighted device which is not connected to a pole, but which includes a similar loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Keith D. Knight
  • Patent number: 6694663
    Abstract: A floating hand held tool for engaging a snagged line and for applying force to a line without cutting the hand or arm of the user and without applying undue stress to the rod and reel of the user. The tool has a V-shaped groove in an outer circumferential rim for engaging the line and a center opening for gripping the tool by hand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Inventor: Donald R. Drury
  • Publication number: 20040025401
    Abstract: A floating hand held tool for engaging a snagged line and for applying force to a line without cutting the hand or arm of the user and without applying undue stress to the rod and reel of the user. The tool has a V-shaped groove in an outer circumferential rim for engaging the line and a center opening for gripping the tool by hand.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Inventor: Donald R. Drury
  • Patent number: 6502345
    Abstract: A fish hook releasing device for releasing fishing lures caught on underwater obstructions. The fish hook releasing device includes a housing with an interior space and designed for coupling to a fishing line, a hook plate is positioned adjacent a back end of the housing and is designed for coupling to a fishing hook, and a biasing assembly is positioned within the interior space of the housing and coupled to the hook plate such that the hook plate is biasable away from the housing when the fish hook becomes entangled on debris, the biasing assembly is for biasing the housing towards the hook plate such that the housing strikes the hook plate to release the fishing hook from the debris when the fishing line is slackened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Inventor: Randell Doyle
  • Patent number: 6463692
    Abstract: An angling device for recovering a lure and any fish hooked thereon said lure being connected to a first fishing line by coupling means whereby an extra line is connected to the coupling means, said device comprising: a tubular body with a central axis having an axial direction and with a first end and a second end in the axial direction, said body having an opening allowing said first fishing line to enter into a hollow center of the body, a fastening means for fastening said second line to the tubular body being provided adjacent to the first end, said first end being further provided with a catch for the coupling means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Jørgen Johnsen
  • Publication number: 20020144450
    Abstract: The fishing lure retrieving device has a weight which has a slit extending lengthwise to about the central axis of the weight. A fishing line may be located in the slit so the line extends centrally through the weight. coils are attached centrally at each end of the weight for receiving and maintaining the line about the central axis of the weight. Chains are coupled to a sleeve of the weight which extends about an end of the weight. The weight is allowed to slide down the fishing line to forcibly impact the lure to jar the lure loose from an obstruction. The chains may ensnare the hook of the lure to allow the lure to be freed. A retrieving cord is attached to the weight so the weight and lure may be retrieved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2001
    Publication date: October 10, 2002
    Inventor: Ricky E. Caraway
  • Publication number: 20020139035
    Abstract: A tubular fishing tool to aid in the cutting of fishing line is disclosed. The fishing tool comprises a tubular frame with material selectively removed to form a pivot point for closing the tube, upper and lower cutting blades, and a plurality of holes to minimize weight and provide a method for hanging the tool onto a fishing vest. Both the tubular material and cutting blades are a corrosion-resistant material. The additional benefit of this design is the replaceable design of the blades.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Rodney Leo King, Ian Cornel Balota, Darin James Aldrich
  • Patent number: 6442886
    Abstract: A fishing lure retriever system for retrieving an artificial fishing lure that has become snagged in underwater debris. The fishing lure retriever provides a round cylindrical hollow body, preferably a heavy metal such as steel in construction, which is removably attached to a fishing line through a spiraling diagonal slot in the body such that the retriever is centered around the fishing line and can impact the debris that has snagged the fishing lure. The fishing line is prevented from slipping out of the retriever by the spiral shape of the slot and U-shaped blockers blocking the slot ends. In addition, the retriever has chains weldably attached to the bottom end portion of the retriever to capture the hooks of the snagged fishing lure. Furthermore, the fishing lure retriever has a retrieval line attached to an upside-down-V-shaped bar welded to the top of the body for pulling on the retriever.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2002
    Inventors: John W. McAfee, Dennis G. Bredvik
  • Patent number: 6357162
    Abstract: A device (10) having a cylinder housing (12) with a bore (12a) receives a piston sleeve (14) in which a tapered bore is formed in radially movable sections extending from the piston head. A rope gripping split sleeve (16) having a tapered outer circumference and formed of separable sections which are radially movable but maintained in axial alignment is received in the tapered bore of the piston sleeve. A rope is placed in the split sleeve which is inserted in the piston sleeve and in turn in the housing bore. A valve (18) disposed in the head (14a) of the piston sleeve allows piston movement inwardly but resists outward movement of the piston, allowing a metering fluid flow providing a timed release of the rope dependent on the force level applied. In a second embodiment device (100) includes a piston rod (122) attached to the piston sleeve which extends through a guide plug (116) into a compression chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Inventor: Frank A. Torngren
  • Patent number: 6305120
    Abstract: A fishing method and apparatus is provided comprising a lure module enhanced with circuitry that is capable of releasing hooks upon detection of a signal sent from a user operated, remote device enhanced with circuitry to send the signals causing hook release. The module may be provided as a lure, as a bait-holder, or as a shape-neutral module, while the signal-sending device may be a mounted or handheld device used for example in a boat. Upon determining that a irretrievable snag has occurred, the signal sending device is used to send an appropriate remote signal to the lure or module effecting hook-release rendering the lure or module free from obstruction and retrievable. The lure or module may be reset with replacement hooks for continued fishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Mark A. Boys
  • Patent number: 6305119
    Abstract: A fishing lure retriever is provided that utilizes a ring member to selectively encircle the fishing line of a snagged lure and is caused to track along the line until the ring member contacts the fishing lure, whereupon further advancement of the retriever towards the fishing lure causes the ring member to rotate and urge the lure out of its snagged condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2001
    Inventor: Joseph W. Kacak
  • Publication number: 20010022045
    Abstract: A fishing lure retriever having a teardrop-shaped weight of lead or similarly dense material. Clipping means are attached to the weight. The weight and clipping means are coated in a thin layer of vinyl or similar resilient material. Where a fishing lure has become entangled underwater, the retriever is attached to the fishing line and permitted to descend by gravity along the line to the point of entanglement. Motion of the fishing line with the retriever in place near the entangled lure results in controlled movement of the weight near the entangled lure effecting disengagement of the lure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 20, 2001
    Inventor: Anthony Hiley
  • Patent number: 6189256
    Abstract: A fishing method and apparatus is provided comprising a lure module enhanced with circuitry that is capable of releasing hooks upon detection of a signal sent from a user operated, remote device enhanced with circuitry to send the signals causing hook release. The module may be provided as a lure, as a bait-holder, or as a shape-neutral module, while the signal-sending device may be a mounted or handheld device used for example in a boat. Upon determining that a irretrievable snag has occurred, the signal sending device is used to send an appropriate remote signal to the lure or module effecting hook-release rendering the lure or module free from obstruction and retrievable. The lure or module may be reset with replacement hooks for continued fishing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Inventor: Mark A. Boys