Abstract: A fish attractant spreader device includes a center bar running lengthwise from a back end to a front end and a spreader bar attached to the center bar and extending lengthwise non-parallel with the center bar. The device includes a front line attachment at the front of the center bar, a back line attachment at the back of the center bar, and at least one fish attractant attachment on the spreader bar. A fish attractant such as a dodger or flasher may be attached to the attractant attachment on the spreader bar. A release clip may be attached to the back line attachment of the center bar for providing temporary attachment to a fishing line and a downrigger stacker clip may be connected to the front line attachment of the center bar for attachment to a downrigger line. The spreader bar and the center bar may form a cross shape.

Abstract: An improved dredge rigging device for use in fishing to mimic a school of fish. The dredge rigging device is preferably formed from three rod members having a V-shaped central portion with two arms extending therefrom. The rod members are 17-4PH martensitic stainless steel and precipitation hardened to a max hardness of about 46RD and an annealed hardness of about 32RC. The central portions of each rod member are secured within a compressed lead junction member. The V-shaped central portions allowing the rod members to be equally spaced apart allowing an improved dredging device that is inexpensive to manufacture yet highly resistant to fatigue and corrosion. Each arm is available for securing artificial lures thereto with a conventional crimp.

Abstract: A keel attached to a central body of trolling spreader bar is configurable with a plurality of fishing lures as an assembly to mimic a small school of fish. The keel is angled to urge the lure assembly continually to one side or the other from what would be the normal straight line of travel of a trolling vessel. By attaching an angled keel directly to the lure/spreader bar one is able to easily set lines behind the vessel at varying angles and distances which greatly increase the width of the full trolling lure spread.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fishing lure made up of an epoxy resin head where the fishing line will connect, a number of flexible stainless steel camouflage wire arms coming out the center backside of the head horizontally to create different width spreads on the lure. These flexible wire arms eventually bend downward to create the height of the lure, or the vertical arms with staggered lengths to them. A number of different baits can be attached to each individual arm. The flexibility of the wire arms allows adjustment of lure to keep its original shape. A center arm with multiple sized changeable weights to the far rear of invention, and the advantage of adding another bait on the end after the weight.

Abstract: A crimp sleeve for joining a loop of a fishing leader is disclosed. The crimp sleeve consists of an outer compressible and permanently deformable layer which is hard and resistant, and an inner softer layer, which conforms to the leader upon application. The multi-layered structure of the crimp sleeve allows for secure fixation without the risk of breakage or slippage of the connection. The main application of the crimp sleeve is primarily for fishing leaders having a looped end, but can be applied to other areas where two or more sections of wire or line need to be secured to each other by crimping.

Abstract: A fixed bar luring dredge comprising a high-strength core member tubular in form and assembled to hold a plurality of spreader bars extending through and attached to the core member in a fixed radial pattern with each spreader bar being disposed in a separate and distinct plane to enhance the strength and support of the spreader bar members in trolling. Each spreader bar is sized to pass transversely through a pair of opposed openings in the wall of the tubular core member and is secured therein with a respective crimp sleeve at each opening. Separate swivel fittings with rotatable sections formed to fit longitudinally within of the core member are positioned partially inside the chamber of the core member at opposite ends thereof, each of the swivel fittings having a respective transverse opening formed therein that serves to engage one of the spreader bars passing through the core member and thereby hold the respective swivel fitting in place.

Abstract: An umbrella fishing rig can include a head piece, a cap, and at least one dual teaser arm piece. The head piece can include an arm retention portion. The at least one dual teaser arm piece can have two arms extending from the bent central portion. The cap can be removably coupled to the head piece. The arm retention portion can be configured to receive the bent central portion and the cap can retain the bent central portion in the arm retention portion.

Abstract: A dredge having easily replaceable arms, a composite dredge which is configurable to laterally couple at least two hubs, and methods for using the same are provided. In one embodiment, a dredge includes plurality of arms having at least one teaser attachment and hub configured to removably retain the arms in a radial orientation. The hub includes a retainer cap configured to removably mate with a body in a manner that captures a first end of each of the plurality of arms to the hub in a cantilevered orientation. The arms are freely replaceable from the body upon the removal of the cap.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing rod assembly including a pair of fishing rods each having a fishing line connected thereto, and a jigging apparatus. The jigging apparatus has a v-shaped spreader bar with a first connection point and a second connection which are both upper in use and configured to operatively connect with respective ones of the fishing lines. An L-shaped elongate member pivotally connects to the spreader bar via a third connection point. The elongate member has a weight-connecting portion extending downwards, when in use, relative to the first connection point and the second connecting point, and a hook-connecting portion extending laterally outwards, when in use, relative to the weight-connecting portion. A weight operatively connects to the weight-connecting portion of the elongate member. A hook operatively connects to the hook-connecting portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: A line guiding spinner lure is comprised of a line guide coupled to a wire form member frame, with at least one hook and spinner attached. The line guide optimally routes the fishing line from the line attachment means of a first spinner lure to a second trailing lure, eliminating line entanglement during casting and preventing spinner interference during retrieval of a multi-lure rig. The line guide can be a separately attached part, or it can be formed from a section of the wire form member itself. The line guide can be made from a metallic, elastomeric, or plastic material. The line guide feature provides a means for an angler to easily rig a trailing lure at a desired distance behind a line guiding spinner lure, significantly increasing the probability for both attracting and catching multiple fish on a single cast.

Abstract: A fishing line trolling release mechanism. One embodiment is for use with a surface planer board line; another embodiment is for use with an underwater depth controlled downrigger-trolling cable and weight system. In either embodiment, the mechanism reduces or eliminates slack line, which results in more consistent hookups while retaining unhindered fish playing ability. The embodiment for board line release is snapped on the planer board line that slides out to the desired distance from the boat. The embodiment for downrigger release is snapped around the downrigger cable, then lowered to the desired depth by the rod and reel, employing a rotating diving and return plate to controls the depth of the combination prior to and after the fish strike.

Abstract: A line management system for an outrigger structure is provided for guiding outrigger cords through cord passages to maintain an independent longitudinal displacement in order to prevent entanglement. The system includes a plurality of outrigger cords, cord management units, and retention devices. The plurality of cord management units are coupled to the outrigger structure and are longitudinally spaced one from the other along the outrigger structure. Each of the cord management units defines a plurality of transversely offset cord passages respectively guiding predetermined ones of outrigger cords to maintain an independent longitudinal displacement relative to the outrigger structure.

Abstract: A collapsible luring dredge device includes a hub assembly having a plurality of separate hub sections each adapted to hold an extended spreader bar and together joined into a stacked unit assembled along a central axis with a pair of spring-loaded detents disposed within the stacked unit on opposite sides of the central axis. Inner surfaces of the hub sections at each end of the hub assembly are formed with a plurality of concave cavities arranged in a circular pattern intended to engage the detents as the hub sections are selectively rotated about the central axis. The hub assembly may thus be moved through a set of registered positions between a deployed configuration wherein the spreader bars are maintained in a substantially radial pattern for trolling use and a folded configuration wherein the bars are substantially aligned for storage.

Abstract: A rig for ice fishing has an elongated rod having two vertically spaced connection members at one end and an eyelet at an opposite distal end. A line member adapted to be vertically dropped through a hole in a portion of ice that has formed upon a body of water, the line member including an upper end portion adapted to be held by a fisherman out of and above the water and ice, and a lower end portion having a weight member attached thereto. A first connecting means attached to the line and a second connecting means attached on the line and below the first connecting means; the first and second connecting means joining so as to form an elongated rod thus biased and held substantially horizontally below the surface of the water and ice while being used.

Abstract: The invention involves a fishing device used for operatively connecting a first fishing line and a second fishing line from a first fishing rod and a second fishing rod, respectively, to a hook. The fishing device includes a spreader bar having a first connector at a first end, a second connector at a second end, and a third connector interposed between the first end and the second end. The first connector is shaped to connect with the first fishing line. The second connector is shaped to connect with the second fishing line. The third connector is shaped to operatively connect with the hook. The spreader bar is shaped to remain streamline when pulled through a body of water. The spreader bar thereby acts to inhibit the first fishing line from entangling with the second fishing line.

Abstract: A fishing rig that reduces the likelihood of snags on submerged objects. The fishing rig includes a flexible rod and a retainer secured to the top of the rod. The retainer has a ring for fastening a fishing line to the rig. A float is secured to the rod adjacent the retainer. A sinker is secured to the bottom of the rod. A spreader is secured to the rod between the retainer and the float. The spreader has a pair of outstretched arms, each of which has an outer end with an aperture therein. Two flexible leaders have inside ends that are connected to the ring and have outside ends extending respectively through the apertures. A fishhook is fastened to the outside end of each one of the flexible leaders.

Abstract: A snag-proof multi-purpose fishing weight apparatus combined with fish hook and a fish attractant/fish feeding stimulant delivery system generally comprises a slender tubular hollow shaft with small holes along its length which can be filled with fish attractant/feeding stimulant and then seep or ooze out of the small holes along the shaft into the surrounding water. The shaft has attached to it on one end (top) a flotation device and a flexible wire to which is attached a fish hook and main fishing line. The other end of the shaft (bottom), has a weight of the same diameter as the shaft and attached to it and extending from it on the same plane creating a smooth extension of the shaft. This configuration, underwater will naturally orient the apparatus in the upright vertical position with the float end and fish hook on top and the weighted end resting on bottom, while positioning the baited hook outward and away from shaft in view of foraging fish.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a fishing rig designed for improved performance in bottom fishing applications such as surf fishing. This fishing rig includes a hoop attached to the top of a sinker. The rig line is attached at its bottom end to the hoop, and a hook-shaped member is attached to the rig line above the hoop. Above the hook-shaped member, one or more fish hooks are attached to the rig line, and a swivel is attached at the top end of the rig line.

Abstract: A weedless fishing lure having arms supporting first and second single hooks substantially equidistant from an attachment point. The first hook is mounted upon a fish-resembling lure member, with a spinner member attached behind the fish-resembling lure member. The spinner member is configured to produce motion when the lure is pulled through the water, which motion is transferred to the fish-resembling lure member, thereby to produce motion attractive to fish. The second hook is disposed in a plane common to the first hook, with the second hook being operatively disposed in a skirted member.

Abstract: The invention involves a fishing device used for operatively connecting a first fishing line and a second fishing line from a first fishing rod and a second fishing rod, respectively, to a hook. The fishing device includes a spreader bar having a first connector at a first end, a second connector at a second end, and a third connector interposed between the first end and the second end. The first connector is shaped to connect with the first fishing line. The second connector is shaped to connect with the second fishing line. The third connector is shaped to operatively connect with the hook. The spreader bar is shaped to remain streamline when pulled through a body of water. The spreader bar thereby acts to inhibit the first fishing line from entangling with the second fishing line.

Abstract: A fishing rig that reduces the likelihood of snags on submerged objects. The fishing rig includes a flexible rod and a retainer secured to the top of the rod. The retainer has a ring for fastening a fishing line to the rig. A float is secured to the rod adjacent the retainer. A sinker is secured to the bottom of the rod. A spreader is secured to the rod between the retainer and the float. The spreader has a pair of outstretched arms, each of which has an outer end with an aperture therein. Two flexible leaders have inside ends that are connected to the ring and have outside ends extending respectively through the apertures. A fishhook is fastened to the outside end of each one of the flexible leaders.

Abstract: A unitary, rotational, and collapsible luring dredge capable is rapid and convenient assembly for use and collapse for storage is provided, as are methods and kits for use.

Abstract: A fishing rig and method of fishing. The fishing rig has a leader with a first and second end, at least one bait hook attached to the leader, and at least one game fish hook attached to the leader. The at least one game fish hook is positioned relative to the at least one bait hook so that a bait attached to the bait hook attracts a game fish to the game fish hook.

Abstract: A fishing rig that reduces the likelihood of snags on submerged objects. The fishing rig includes a flexible rod and a retainer secured to the top of the rod. The retainer has a ring for fastening a fishing line to the rig. A float is secured to the rod adjacent the retainer. A sinker is secured to the bottom of the rod. A spreader is secured to the rod between the retainer and the float. The spreader has a pair of outstretched arms, each of which has an outer end with an aperture therein. Two flexible leaders have inside ends that are connected to the ring and have outside ends extending respectively through the apertures. A fishhook is fastened to the outside end of each one of the flexible leaders.

Abstract: A trotline leader system for fishing including a trotline, with a plurality of clips, hangers, drop lines, and fishing hooks, each clip including a head portion, a neck and a base and each hanger includes a head, a shank and an eyelet. The head portion is connected to the neck which extends from the base which is adapted to receive the hanger head. The hanger head is connected to the shank which connects and seperates the eyelet from the head. The head portion includes a tab, a channel, a slot and an apeture, the tab extending from the head and forming the channel with the base, the channel leading to the slot which guides the trotline into the apeture. Each drop line is connected to and extends from the hanger eyelet to each fishing hook. In addition, the trotline may optionally include plastic beads or spherical weights to separate and secure each clip to the trotline.

Abstract: A spreader for use in a spreader assembly in fishing. The spreader has a thin, elongated body having a lower edge, an upper edge, a leading edge and a trailing edge. The upper edge is at an angle to the lower edge with the distance between the lower edge and the upper edge decreasing from the leading edge to the trailing edge. The spreader body has an upper, leading opening located adjacent the intersection of the leading edge and upper edge, and is adapted to receive a line from a fishing pole. A lower, leading opening is located adjacent the intersection of the leading edge and the lower edge, and is adapted to receive a line attached to a sinker. A trailing opening is located adjacent the trailing edge, and is adapted to receive a line attached to a lure.

Abstract: Non-trolling fishing leader apparatus comprised of a single braided steel cable having a first end portion coupled to a fishing line supplied from a rod and real and having a second end portion coupled to a baited hook or lure such that leader apparatus is devoid of external weights attached thereon and proximate the baited hook or lure and is comprised of a designated length, weight, and rigidity for keeping it elongated along a bottom of a body of water when cast and set for providing a substantially impulse free response to a big game fish taking the baited hook or lure without having the unnatural feel or counter force of external weights and further including a weighted element slideably coupled to the fishing line for sliding on the fishing line in response to the fish for continuing the natural impulse response for securely catching big game fish.

Abstract: An umbrella fishing rig with collapsible teaser arms is described.

Abstract: A fishing bait suspension assembly for submerging fishing bait while preventing the bait from contacting a bottom of a body of water while fishing includes a rod member having a pair of outwardly extending top flanges, a buoyant member coupled to the rod member proximate said top flanges, and a lead line having opposite ends extending through distal ends of the top flanges. The bottom of the rod member is designed to contact the bottom of the body of water while the buoyant member holds the rod member in an upright position. The bait is attached to the top flanges.

Abstract: A process is provided for fastening a stop arrangement to a line with an associated swivel and snell on the line. The stop arrangement is initially in a closed annular shape and is secured to the line by deformation of the stop arrangement via at least one annular portion of the stop arrangement at the same time, one or more support portions are provided for the mounting of a clip directly to the stop arrangement (17″). A connecting arrangement between line and snell comprises the aforementioned stop arrangement and the aforementioned clip.

Abstract: A floating bait harness for use in fishing has a substantially T-shaped main body, a weighted bottom end on the main body arranged to engage a ground surface in a body of water and a top end on the main body arranged to be coupled to a line extending from a fishing rod, the top end is arranged to be positioned in a raised relationship relative to the weighted end such that the main body rests upright in the water. At least one hook arrangement extending from at least one side of the main body; the hook arrangement is arranged to support a hook such that the hook is raised a sufficient distance from the ground surface positioning the hooks in a feeding area of the fish. The harness also includes a balancing arrangement on the harness arranged to maintain the desired position of the harness.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus includes a buoyant collapsible pole assembly which has first and second elongated buoyant poles connected by a pivotal connection. The pivotal connection allows the first and second poles to pivot between an extended position wherein the poles extend in opposite directions from the pivotal connection, and a folded position wherein the poles extend in the same direction from the pivotal connection. A plurality of line storage and dispensing stations are attached to the pole assembly at spaced locations along the pole assembly.

Abstract: A terminal tackle for minimizing the twisting of fishing lines, lures and weights, particularly the twisting and tangling of a weight or weight line with lure leader line or the primary fishing line. The terminal tackle comprises a y-shaped tube having a top arm and one abbreviated arm. A line swivel is positioned within the top arm for connecting fishing tackle such as weights and lures, to the primary fishing line. A lure leader swivel having a leader end and a connector end is threaded through the y-shaped tube so that the leader end extends out and away from the abbreviated arm and the connector end is positioned within the y-shaped tube. A weight connector is positioned within the elongated arm and is adapted to connect weight to the fishing tackle and a connector or snap for connecting the leader swivel the line swivel and the weight connector is positioned within the y-shaped tube.