Abstract: A fishing lure with actuated hooks preferably includes a fish housing, a hook retainer, a hook cam, a pull pin and at least two hooks. The hook retainer pivotally retains pivoting ends of the at least two hooks. A front of the hook retainer is retained in fish housing. The hook cam preferably includes a cone base and at least two hook loops. The pivoting ends of the at least two hooks are inserted through the at least two hook loops. The hook cam does not move axially relative to the pull pin. The fish housing includes at least two hook slots to allow the at least two hooks to extend outward. A compression spring biases the hooks to stay in the fish housing. The at least two hooks are pushed outward by axial movement of the hook cam relative to the fish housing when the pull pin is pulled.

Abstract: A fish hook includes a breakaway clip that initially disables a universal pivot joint. When a fish is hooked, if a pivot force on the universal pivot joint exceeds a predetermined pivot force, the breakaway clip is detached from the hook thereby enabling the universal pivot joint. The resulting amount of force on the hook shaft is reduced by reducing the size of the lever arm, which thereby reduces the likelihood that the hook will be detached from the fish.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the creation of novel fishing lures is provided. In some examples. In some examples, the lure comprises a body wire including attachment features which may be reversibly attached to the lure. In some examples, the device may have the ability to comprise moving parts on its body which can be attractive to fish. In some examples the fishing lure comprises multiple moving parts that can create visual and sound based attractive aspects.

Abstract: A shielded point motion fishing tackle having a twin set of springless, retractable fishing hooks shielded by the body of a live or artificial lure until activated by the force caused by the striking motion of a fish.

Abstract: A fishing hook assembly that is either self-setting or initiated upon the fisherman setting the hook. A torsion spring placed at the head of the assembly which is interconnected by two shafts that are terminated by hooks. The hooks used on the first shaft termination can consist of a single hook, treble hook, or jig hook. The first shaft also consists of a latch placed at the end of the selected hook before the hook bend. The shafts are bent outward at 15 to 30 degrees at the torsion spring to allow closer proximity when compressed. The second shaft terminates with a single hook element and is the shaft where the release element is slide onto the shaft adjacent to the latch. The release element has a connection point where the fishing line is directly connected to the release element. The torsion spring is compressed bringing the first and second shafts together with the release element on the second shaft slide onto the latch located at the hook bend on the first shaft.

Abstract: A mechanical hook assembly for catching fish. The hook assembly comprises a hook having an elongated shank, bend, and point. A spring-biased trigger resides adjacent the hook and comprises an elongated distal point guard, an intermediate latch, a proximal spring shaft, and spring. The spring normally urges the hook assembly into an open spread condition, such that the spring shaft of the trigger extends outwardly at an angle to the shank of the hook and in a direction opposite the bend. A catch is located beside the shank of the hook.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure includes a substantially hollow body having front and rear ends, walls defining an internal firing chamber, and an escape notch formed with the hollow body at its rear end. A one-piece spring-biased hook assembly is located substantially within the firing chamber of the body in a loaded condition, and is adapted for sudden rearward linear movement from the loaded condition to a released fish-catching condition. A pivoted actuation lever has a proximal end joined to the hollow body, and an opposite hook-engaging end adapted for moving the loaded hook assembly into the escape notch of the hollow body, thereby releasing the hook assembly into the fish-catching condition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring-loaded fish hook comprising a first hook connected to a first shaft and a second hook connected to a second shaft. The shafts are connected to a resistance element that biases the shafts apart from one another. A first shaft has a catch element, and a second shaft has a slide element that is adapted to slide along said second shaft. The spring-loaded fish hook device can be arranged in a closed configuration in which the shafts are urged towards one another and are held in position by means of the slide element engaging with the catch element. A releasing line is connected to the slide element, and by pulling on the releasing line, the slide element can be disengaged from the catch element, allowing the resistance element to forcibly separate the shafts, and thus the hooks, from one another resulting in an open configuration.

Abstract: A fishing hook assembly includes a base, a central axis extending through the base, and a first, second, and third hook member moveably connected to the base. Each hook member includes a shaft connected to the base and extending therefrom, an arm connected to the shaft at a bend and forming an obtuse angle with the shaft, and an engagement portion connected to the arm and including an engagement point, wherein the arm and the engagement portion connect at an acute angle. The hook assembly is moveable from a first configuration to a second configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include an apparatus employing two or more members arranged in a mounting configuration to pierce a ceiling and reconfigurable into a deployment configuration to suspend a load from the ceiling.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure includes a base assembly, a spring-biased hook assembly, a movable hook-setting post, a fixed retention member, and a pivoted actuation lever. The base assembly has spaced apart leading and trailing ends. The hook assembly is carried by the base assembly, and is adapted for sudden movement from a loaded condition to a released condition. The hook assembly has a proximal end and a pointed distal end adapted for piercing a fish. The hook-setting post is located adjacent the leading end of the base assembly, and is adapted for temporarily engaging the proximal end of the hook assembly in the loaded condition. The fixed retention member is located adjacent the trailing end of said base assembly, and is adapted for cooperating with the hook-setting post to temporarily hold the hook assembly in the loaded condition. The actuation lever is connected to the hook-setting post, and is adapted for moving the hook-setting post away from the hook assembly when actuated.

Abstract: A removable trigger mechanism for a spring-biased hook assembly includes a generally U-shaped swivel attachment portion having first and second spaced apart resilient surfaces cooperating to frictionally engage a first biasing element of the hook assembly. A hook-setting finger is formed adjacent the first resilient surface of the swivel attachment portion, and is adapted for temporarily holding a second biasing element of the hook assembly when in a loaded condition. An actuation lever is formed adjacent the second resilient surface of the swivel attachment portion, and is adapted for pivoting the attachment portion relative to the first biasing element of the hook assembly. When pivoted, the actuation lever simultaneously moves the hook-setting finger away from the second biasing element of the hook assembly in the loaded condition, such that the hook assembly is released for sudden movement from the loaded condition to an outwardly-flared deployed condition.

Abstract: A removable trigger mechanism for a spring-biased hook assembly includes a generally U-shaped swivel attachment portion having first and second spaced apart resilient surfaces cooperating to frictionally engage a first biasing element of the hook assembly. A hook-setting finger is formed adjacent the first resilient surface of the swivel attachment portion, and is adapted for temporarily holding a second biasing element of the hook assembly when in a loaded condition. An actuation lever is formed adjacent the second resilient surface of the swivel attachment portion, and is adapted for pivoting the attachment portion relative to the first biasing element of the hook assembly. When pivoted, the actuation lever simultaneously moves the hook-setting finger away from the second biasing element of the hook assembly in the loaded condition, such that the hook assembly is released for sudden movement from the loaded condition to an outwardly-flared deployed condition.

Abstract: A concealed hook fish lure is disclosed. In one embodiment, a lure body contains an interior body cavity wherein is placed a hook that is pivotally mounted on a bar with a spring biased to rotate the hook. In the non-deployed position, the hook is concealed and retracted within the lure up to the moment of the strike. At the moment of the strike, the fish compresses a hook trigger clip which releases the hook, which is then pivoted upwardly into the mouth of the fish, thereby facilitating the setting of the hook in the fish's mouth. The lure is useful in waters containing weeds and other debris, and provides improvements with respect to a simple mechanism for deploying the hook, and the ability to deploy hooks in multiple directions relative to the lure body. The hook may also be readily retracted to and cocked in its concealed position following a strike.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure includes a substantially hollow body having front and rear ends, walls defining an internal firing chamber, and an escape notch formed with the hollow body at its rear end. A one-piece spring-biased hook assembly is located substantially within the firing chamber of the body in a loaded condition, and is adapted for sudden rearward linear movement from the loaded condition to a released fish-catching condition. A pivoted actuation lever has a proximal end joined to the hollow body, and an opposite hook-engaging end adapted for moving the loaded hook assembly into the escape notch of the hollow body, thereby releasing the hook assembly into the fish-catching condition.

Abstract: A concealed hook fish lure is disclosed. In one embodiment, a lure body contains an interior body cavity wherein is placed a hook that is pivotally mounted on a bar with a spring biased to rotate the hook. In the non-deployed position, the hook is concealed and retracted within the lure up to the moment of the strike. At the moment of the strike, the fish compresses a hook trigger clip which releases the hook, which is then pivoted upwardly into the mouth of the fish, thereby facilitating the setting of the hook in the fish's mouth. The lure is useful in waters containing weeds and other debris, and provides improvements with respect to a simple mechanism for deploying the hook, and the ability to deploy hooks in multiple directions relative to the lure body. The hook may also be readily retracted to and cocked in its concealed position following a strike.

Abstract: The automatically setting fishing hook assembly includes two hooks pivotally secured to a common shaft with their bends oriented opposite one another. The shanks of the hooks are offset from the shaft by short arms that pivot on the shaft. A coil spring is installed on the shaft between the hooks, with the opposite ends of the spring engaging the shanks of the hooks to urge the bends of the hooks outwardly from one another. A latch is affixed to the shank of one hook, and engages the shank of the other hook to hold the two hooks together. The latch is disengaged from the second hook when a fish strikes the assembly, with the bends of the two hooks springing apart to automatically set the two hooks in the mouth of the fish to reduce the chance of the fish slipping the hooks and escaping.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure includes a base assembly, a spring-biased hook assembly, a movable hook-setting post, a fixed retention member, and a pivoted actuation lever. The base assembly has spaced apart leading and trailing ends. The hook assembly is carried by the base assembly, and is adapted for sudden movement from a loaded condition to a released condition. The hook assembly has a proximal end and a pointed distal end adapted for piercing a fish. The hook-setting post is located adjacent the leading end of the base assembly, and is adapted for temporarily engaging the proximal end of the hook assembly in the loaded condition. The fixed retention member is located adjacent the trailing end of said base assembly, and is adapted for cooperating with the hook-setting post to temporarily hold the hook assembly in the loaded condition. The actuation lever is connected to the hook-setting post, and is adapted for moving the hook-setting post away from the hook assembly when actuated.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure includes a base assembly, a spring-biased hook assembly, a movable hook-setting post, a fixed retention member, and a pivoted actuation lever. The base assembly has spaced apart leading and trailing ends. The hook assembly is carried by the base assembly, and is adapted for sudden movement from a loaded condition to a released condition. The hook assembly has a proximal end and a pointed distal end adapted for piercing a fish. The hook-setting post is located adjacent the leading end of the base assembly, and is adapted for temporarily engaging the proximal end of the hook assembly in the loaded condition. The fixed retention member is located adjacent the trailing end of said base assembly, and is adapted for cooperating with the hook-setting post to temporarily hold the hook assembly in the loaded condition. The actuation lever is connected to the hook-setting post, and is adapted for moving the hook-setting post away from the hook assembly when actuated.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fish grabbing device that automatically grabs a fish when the fish explores, strikes or attempts to eat the bait. The grabber may include a coiled body having pointed ends that are held together by detents. When the fish explores the grabber and accompanying bait, the fish trips a trigger, which causes the movement of grabber ends such that they expand within the fish's mouth, thereby catching the fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure with retractable-deployable hooks that deploy when a fish takes the lure into its mouth, and a lure body configured to induce a swimming action with a diving capability. The lure body has nose and tail portions and dorsal, ventral and lateral sides. The tail portion has an airtight cavity therein and is lighter than the nose portion such that the lure tends to dive downward when drawn through water. One or more forward hooks are located on the ventral and/or lateral sides of the lure body, and at least one tail hook is located on the tail portion of the lure body. The hooks each have a deployed position wherein its point is exposed outside the lure body for hooking a fish. Each hook further has a stowed position wherein its point is sufficiently retracted to avoid being snagged as the lure is drawn through water.

Abstract: A fishing hook is disclosed comprising an elongate body defining a front end and a rear end to which a fishing line can be secured and at least one elongate arm terminating in a barb. The at least one elongate arm is fitted to the elongate body so as to be movable between a closed position in which it is aligned with the elongate body and a fully open position in which the at least one elongate arm extends transversely relative to the elongate body. In an example embodiment, the hook includes a pair of elongate arms, each arm terminating in a barb, with the pair of arms being pivotally fitted to the elongate body.

Abstract: A fishing lure for allowing selective deployment of a fish hook. The fish hook is pivotally mounted to the body of the lure. The hook is allowed to pivot between a retracted configuration wherein it is substantially housed within a hook recess formed in the body and an extended configuration wherein the hook bight end extends out of the body. An actuating mechanism located within the body allows the hook to be deployed upon tension being applied to the fishing line. A biasing mechanism also located within the lure body biases the hook towards its retracted configuration. An adjustment mechanism allows for adjustment of the strength of the biasing force. The adjustment mechanism thus allows the biasing force to be customized depending on fishing parameters.

Abstract: A fishing lure (10) includes a housing (14) in which a pair of fishing hooks (12) are enclosed. One end of each hook is secured to a spring (50) loaded plunger (40) held in a hook retracted position by a trigger (70). The trigger is activated when a fish bites on the lure. When the trigger is activated, the plunger is released and the spring drives it forward. The plunger drives the hook end (18) of the hooks into the sides of the fish's mouth to set the hooks. Because the hooks are rapidly set, the fish has no time to react and spit out the lure. Also, the hooks are driven into the fish's mouth with sufficient force they cannot now be dislodged by movements of the fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure (10) includes a housing (14) in which a pair of fishing hooks (12) are enclosed. One end of each hook is secured to a spring (50) loaded plunger (40) held in a hook retracted position by a trigger (70). The trigger is activated when a fish bites on the lure. When the trigger is activated, the plunger is released and the spring drives it forward. The plunger drives the hook end (18) of the hooks into the sides of the fish's mouth to set the hooks. Because the hooks are rapidly set, the fish has no time to react and spit out the lure. Also, the hooks are driven into the fish's mouth with sufficient force they cannot now be dislodged by movements of the fish.

Abstract: An improved automatic hook apparatus that deploys upon the application of generally opposing, lateral inward forces generated by the inside of a fish mouth and/or throat. The apparatus may be manually placed in a cocked position and then released upon the application of the two opposing, lateral, inward forces such that a fish may be hooked without the necessity of a fisherman manually setting the hook in the fish's mouth.

Abstract: A fishhook includes a one-piece monolithic body having two legs that have barbs on the ends thereof and are biased so the barbs move in a common plane while retaining a common orientation with respect to each other. A notch portion on one of two legs abuts a notch portion on the other leg to hold the hook in an armed configuration by abutting engagement and is moved out of abutting engagement to permit a torsion spring to move the legs apart into a triggered configuration.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement in spring tensioned double hook fishing devices, generally comprising a spoon having a spring tensioned double hook slidably mounted onto a longitudinal slot extending through the spoon. The double hook is comprised of two hook arms extending from a center spring coil portion, wherein the coil portion is slidably mounted onto the forward portion of the spoon. Two hook ends are provided at opposite ends of the hook arms which can engage two connectors located on the rearward portion of the spoon, wherein the hook can be maintained in a triangularly compressed state in this manner. When a fish bites down on the device, the hook ends are jarred loose from the connectors to cause the hook to release and expand and impale the fish's mouth. Once the fish's mouth is engaged, the movement of the hook rearward along the slot helps to impale the hook deep inside the fish's mouth and reduces the likelihood of the fish escaping.

Abstract: A spring loaded fishing apparatus formed from an elongated resilient wire. The wire is sharpened at both ends and formed into a W-shaped member having a center portion forming an eyelet for attaching a fishing line. The W-shaped member is inserted into a compression sleeve which collapses the sharpened points on the outer legs toward the eyelet. The sleeve containing the compressed member is then inserted into a cavity formed in a fishing lure. In an alternate embodiment, the compression sleeve can be absent and the W-shaped member can be inserted directly into a cavity formed in the fishing lure, which collapses the sharpened points. When a fish strikes the lure, the resulting force on the fishing line pulls the member partially from the sleeve, or cavity, and the sharpened points of the W-shaped member spring outwardly to engage the mouth of the fish. The member can subsequently be easily removed from the mouth of the fish while minimizing injury to the fish.

Abstract: A novel hook assembly forms two hooks at the end of a single elastic length of wire which spreads the hooks elastically apart in a fish hooking posture. This hook forms the active mechanism of a weedless, self setting fishing lure, where the hooks are compressed for retention weedlessly within a hollow lure in one stable position and are released by a tug on the line from a fish bite to spring the hooks apart and set the hooks in the fish. The novel simplified weedless lure array employs a spring biassed dual-hook assembly and latch permitting the two hooks to be cocked into an elastically biased weed free bistable position inside the lure for automatic triggered release by a tug on the fishline to catch a striking fish by snapping the hooks into a second bistable position with the two hooks forced outside the lure into the fish's mouth.

Abstract: A fish hooking device including a hollow body having an elongated slot along one side and an eyelet opening in one end, a transverse pin axle in the body, a hook rotatable on the axle between a first retracted position in the body and a second extended position through the slot in the body, a hook extension formed with the hook from the other side of the axle, a hook release mounted on the axle extendable through the slot in the body, a hook release extension formed with the hook release along an opposite side of the axle, a spring mounted in the body having a first hook operator end curved to a nomal position at which the hook is engaged by the spring and extended through the body slot to a position external of the body, a second latch end on the spring engageable with the hook extension to latch the hook at a retractable position and moveable to a hook release position by the hook release extension.

Abstract: A fishing lure including a lure body (1) having an internal bore (12) therein, a plurality of slots (6) extending radially in said lure body between the outer surface thereof and said bore, a plurality of fish hooks (3) having inner forward ends 20 pivotally connected to a ring member (2) within the bore for free movement therein and outer rear hook ends (22) with a curved shank portion (18) between the ends, and a driver plug (5) freely movable within the bore and having slots (14) therein with tapered cam surfaces (16) engaging the curved back sides of the hooks for urging the hooks radially outwardly of the lure body by forward movement of the driver plug in the bore with respect to the lure body (1). A resilient restraining element (7) engages the outer curved surfaces of the shanks of the hook members to resiliently retain the hook members in the fully retracted position.

Abstract: A spring loaded fishing lure (10) includes a fishhook assembly comprised of a plurality of fishhooks (A) having resilient legs (13a) converging in a single juncture at ends opposite respective barbed ends. The juncture together with adjacent portions (13b) of the resilient legs forms a spring (B) urging the barbed ends radially outwardly apart from each other. The fishhook assembly resides in an elongated bore (11) of a fishing lure body (C) and is held therein by a retainer (D), such that a wall (14) of the elongated bore holds the fishhooks in compressed relation. When a fish strikes, the fishhook assembly slides toward the retainer, permitting the barbed ends to spread apart radially outwardly within the mouth of the fish. Additionally, since the resilient legs (13a) move easily responsive to the open-and-shut motion of the fish's mouth, the fish cannot disengage it from the barbs. Accordingly, enhanced fish-catching characteristics are provided.

Abstract: A device (10) for catching fish is disclosed in its most preferred form including first and second housing halves (14) of identical construction which are secured together. Troughs (26,28) are formed in the abutment surface (22) of each of the housing halves (14) for longitudinal slideable receipt of a leader (36). Intersecting ports (30,32) extend in a plane perpendicular to the abutment surface (22) of each housing half (14) radially spaced from the longitudinal center axis of the housing (12). Hooks (46) are pivotably and slideably mounted on a head (40) of the leader (36). The leader (36) is longitudinally movable from a bait/stowed condition with the hooks (46) extending at an acute angle to the leader (36) generally within the port (30) and within the outer surface of the housing (12) and a retention condition with the hooks (46) extending at an acute angle to the leader (36) and extending from the port (30) beyond the outer surface of the housing (12).

Abstract: A fish capturing device or lure is disclosed which permits capturing a fish without damaging the mouth of the fish. A plurality of grooves are formed in the body of a lure 1 in the longitudinal direction thereof, and an expanding member 2 is contained in each of said grooves. An end of the expanding member 2 is fixed to a guide 3 and the other end thereof is slidably fitted to said guide 3. A tension spring for imparting tension to the line is arranged between said fixed end and said sliding end. When a fish bites the lure and tries to escape, the expanding member expands in the mouth cavity of fish under the effect of the force caused by the pull of the fish, and fiber rings or returns provided on the expanding member catch the inner wall of the mouth cavity and teeth of the fish, thus permitting capturing the fish.

Abstract: In a fishing hook assembly of the type in which, in a first set condition, limbs of the assembly presenting hooks are restrained by a latch member which when actuated by a fish striking the assembly permits the limbs to move under the influence of resilient urging thereof to a second released condition in which the fish is snared by the hooks the actuation of the latch member is a pivotal movement thereof about an intermediate axis with the trigger of the latch member being moved towards the plane of movement of the hooks.

Abstract: A spring-loaded, double acting fish hook assembly having a single strand of spring wire bent to provide two legs extending from the bend to respective terminal ends. A pair of essentially conventional, banked fish hooks are fixedly attached to the terminal ends of the legs, one of which is further bent in a 360.degree. loop to provide a torsion spring, by first and second connecting members. One of the connecting members also serves as a pivotal mounting for a catch and trigger mechanism, and the other connecting member provides a latch for the catch arm of the catch and trigger mechanism. A perforated spinner blade is preferably mounted on the legs other than that having the 360.degree. loop for rotation as the lure moves through the water.

Abstract: A spring loaded bait holder includes two detachable J-shaped fish hooks clamped together by a biasing device. After attachment of the apparatus to a fishing line, a portion of bait may be inserted and retained between the hooks. The biasing device presses the hooks together and securely holds the bait in position during casting or extended immersion in water.

Abstract: A fishhook device includes a standard fishhook having a barb, bend, shank and eye. At least one piece of wire can be attached at one end of the shank of the fishhook, preferably substantially adjacent to the eye. The wire is biased by at least one biasing bend to an extended position wherein the free end is distanced from the shank of the hook, and can be flexed to a position wherein the wire is adjacent and substantially parallel to the shank. A retaining ring is positioned around the wire and the shank to keep the wire in the flexed position, and is the point of attachment for the fishing line. A loop in the wire is preferably provided substantially adjacent to the attached end as a guide for the fishing line. Movement of the hook relative to the fishing line will cause the retaining ring to slide over the wire to release the wire to the extended position, such that swallowing of the hook by the fish will be substantially prevented.

Abstract: The present discovery provides an improved spring loaded fishing hook. In one embodied form, the hook comprises two hook arms which have a shaft portion, a barbed portion and a bend portion. The hook arms are rotatably attached to one another at the end of the shaft away from the barbed portion of the hook arms. A coiled spring is provided with arms, one of which is rotatably attached to each hook in such a way to allow the force of the spring spread the hooks apart when the spring is activated. One of the hook arms has a pivot located above the bend portion of the hook arm which pivotably connects the barbed portion and the bend portion to the shaft portion of the hook arm. The bend portion of each hook arm is located equally distant from the top of the shaft of the hook arm so that when the hook arms are in the activated position the bend portions are in alignment.

Abstract: A fishhook shield is designed to cover a hook while a fishing line is being retrieved. A helical spring moves the shield away from the hook when fishing line retrieval ceases. A second embodiment involves a shield shaped like a lure, and a plurality of hooks are retained within the body of the lure. When a fish bites the lure, a trigger mechanism is actuated and the hooks are ejected out of the back of the lure so as to be positioned for hooking the fish.

Abstract: A spring-loaded, double-acting fish hook having a pair of oppositely directed barbed hooks at the ends of a pair of legs of a spring member. The spring is disclosed as of the safety pin type, bent in a loop at its midpoint and having a catch on one leg engageable by a latch pivotally mounted on the other leg to maintain the spring in a flexed position with the hooks overlapping one another. Pressure on a trigger arm extending integrally from the latch to a position closely adjacent one of the hooks releases the latch, allowing the biasing force of the spring to move the legs, and thus the hooks, in opposite directions.

Abstract: A fish hook having two hooks which are movably secured together to move in a scissors like fashion, a spring portion that can forcibly seperate the point and barb parts of the two hooks, and a trigger safety adaptation is disclosed. The two hooks are brought together parallel to each other then the spring portion is flexed to form an acute angle with the two hooks. In this position the two hooks will not seperate unless a force is introduced to change the angle of the spring portion and the two hooks. During fishing the force will be supplied by the fish biting and slightly tugging the bait. Once the fish hook is activated the two hooks forcibly seperate thereby catching the fish. The double hook design practically eliminates the chance of the fish getting loose by vigorous movements. To eliminate the chance of the fish hook being activated by the vigorous motion of casting and hitting the water surface a safety adaptation is devised.

Abstract: A barbless fishhook is made of two pieces of bent wire together with a leader joining looped ends of the wire in a tong-like action to engage the fish's mouth and to be removable therefrom without tearing the mouth.

Abstract: A self-setting fish hook assembly includes an arm biasing spring to spread to hooks placed on first and second extending arms. A latch spring is mounted on one of the extending arms to hold the two extending arms together until a fish bites on both of the hooks and causes the extending arms to move momentarily closer together. This frees the latch spring to spring clear of the second extending arm and allows the arm biasing spring to unload, thereby spreading the two hooked arms. An embodiment which uses a coil arm biasing spring separate from the first and second extending arms allows the extending arms to be moved close together without loading the arm biasing spring.

Abstract: A torsionally loaded treble hook is disclosed characterized by the fact that the torsion is provided by a torsion member in the form of a wire which is disposed adjacent to and substantially parallel to the shanks of the hooks. The shank of the hooks and the major portion of the torsional member are enclosed in a sleeve in a closely packed configuration so that the width of the shank portion of the treble hook is minimized. The trigger mechanism disclosed is a pivotable and collapsible weed guard. A method of making the novel treble hook is also disclosed.

Abstract: Self setting fish hook assembly. A spring has first and second extending arms, the spring being arranged to force the arms apart. First and second barbed hooks are mounted on the first and second arms. A latch spring is mounted on the first arm, the latch spring has a first extending member with a shallow hook portion at its end and a second extending member longer than the first extending member. The hook portion is arranged to hold the second arm in compressed position and adapted to release the second arm when the first and second arms are compressed by a fish biting on them. The second extending portion is arranged to snap the hook portion away from the arm being held when the first and second arms are compressed.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure which may be fished within aquatic weeds without the lure hooks tangling themselves in the weeds is disclosed. The lure features a lure body having a hollow portion into which an automatically actuated hooking mechanism is housed. The hooking mechanism has a pair of hooks which are mounted at their shanks to a pivot rigidly mounted in the hollow portion. The hooks are originally within the housing and are arcuately movable about the pivot so that the hook points are outside the hollow portion and facing forward. To achieve this arcuate motion, an elongated V-shaped spring is slidably carried within the hollow portion and is attached at its leg ends to the hook ends. These points of connection will assume a position rearward of the pivot when the hooks are in the retracted position and within the hollow portion. When the points of connection are moved forward of the pivot, the spring action causes the hooks to move arcuately outward in the outside position and facing forward.

Abstract: An expandable fish lure adapted to be coupled to a fishing line includes a pair of substantially flat sides having a fish lure appearance in order to attract fish. The lure is formed of a unitary, U-shaped member for biasing said side members apart, each side carrying a fish hook at one extremity thereof. Locking means, in the form of an axial shaft extending between the two sides and a pair of locking plates at the extremities of the sides, cooperate together against the tension of the biasing means until such time as the axial shaft is pulled through the two locking plates to permit release of the sides thereby causing one of the fish hooks to expand away from the shaft.

Abstract: An appendage for a fishhook, with the fishhook having a shank and the shank having a bight at one end and an eye at its other end. The appendage includes an anchor member which is attached to the shank near the eye. At least one torsion member (and typically two) extends transversely from the anchor member near the eye. A latch post also extends transversely from the anchor element at a point remote from the torsion member. An arm is connected in a cantilevered fashion to the distal end of each torsion member. The arm has two normal positions: a relaxed position wherein it makes an angle of at least 15 degrees with respect to the shank, and a "cocked" position wherein it lies more nearly parallel to the shank. The arm is held in its cocked position by temporary engagement with the distal end of its associated latch post.