Abstract: A fishing swivel for connecting a main fishing line and a leader is provided. The fishing swivel includes a first connecting portion connected with the main line, a second connecting portion connected with the leader, and a main body rotatably coupled to the first connecting portion and the second connecting portion. The first connecting portion has a first contact portion that contacts the main body, the second connecting portion has a second contact portion that contacts the main body, and the main body has a main body contact portion that contacts the first contact portion and the second contact portion. A plating layer containing fluororesin is provided on surfaces of the first contact portion, the second contact portion, and the main body contact portion.

Abstract: A planer board with a multi-point connection to a fishing line comprising a side release clip with outer and inner gripping portions engaging different segments of fishing line with different release forces; a forward leverage line guide located at an upper portion of a head end of the planer board at a height above the side release clip, to laterally but not longitudinally secure a segment of fishing line therein; and a rear line guide at the tail end of the planer board for laterally but not longitudinally securing a segment of the fishing line therein. A first segment of fishing line gripped by the side release clip can be snapped out of engagement with the side release clip by a fisherman when a fish strikes, thereby applying a rotational force to the planer board through the forward leverage line guide to roll the planer board flat for a faster retrieval.

Abstract: A system for providing the location of a planer board is provided. In an embodiment, the system includes one or more computer devices and one or more computer processors. The system includes (A) a planer board application (planer board app) embodied in instructions stored by the one or more computer devices. When the planer board app is executed by the one or more computer processors, the planer board app is configured to: (i) receive inputs from a GPS locator module. The planer board app is further configured to receive user inputs for (ii) a lure line length for a planer board and (iii) a boat line length to the planer board. (B) The planer board app generates a planer board track based on the inputs from (i)-(iii). (C) The planer board app also includes a user interface, such that the planer board app is further configured to display the planer board track on the user interface.

Abstract: An apparatus to expand and collapse planar board provided. The apparatus includes two planar boards and provides resistance to expansion and collapse.

Abstract: A remotely operable latch for a pulley-type endless halyard has a traveller, a tubular hollow dock for receiving and latching onto the traveller, a fishing-line release clip conjoined to the traveller, proximal pulley tackle mounted to a boat, distal pulley tackle conjoined with the dock and mounted to an outrigger spar, and an elongated halyard. The halyard has a distal end connected to the traveller, and a proximal end threaded through the dock, around the distal pulley, and then again around the proximal pulley, and connected to the fishing-line release clip. The traveller has a sidewall formed with a heart-shaped groove and the dock has an inside sidewall provided with an tone arm elongated between a pivotal base and a stylus for tracing the groove in the traveller, wherein the traveller latches in the dock when the stylus is caught in the cleavage of the heart-shaped groove.

Abstract: A trolling diver has a release arm which is hingedly connected to a plate. Mounted to the plate is a catch assembly. The catch assembly secures the release arm in a loose manner, between a first panel and a second panel, until triggered by a fish bite. A thru-hole of the release arm receives a first and second retaining member. The retaining members are loosely positioned into the thru-hole, allowing for the plate to realistically flop about within the catch assembly. The release arm is released from the catch assembly when a lure is triggered by a fish strike, resulting in the release arm rotating away from the catch assembly. The outboard lure attachment hole increases leverage and decreases the requisite force to trigger the release arm. Once released, the entire diver pulls thru the water with very little friction, allowing for easy retrieval of a hooked fish.

Abstract: A hookless coupling device for a sports harness has an elongate body having a connector end for connection with a sports harness and an engagement end. An elongate aperture extends between the connector end and the engagement end. The aperture is wider at the connector end, for receiving an engager through the aperture, than at the engagement end provided for engaging the engager with the elongate body.

Abstract: A hookless coupling device for releasable connection to a sports harness includes an elongate body having a connector end for connection with the sports harness, an engagement end, and an elongate aperture extending between the connector end and the engagement end for engaging an engager. The aperture is wider at the connector end than at the engagement end. The sports harness includes a band for surrounding the waist or hips of a person, and the elongate body. A sports device, releasably engagable to the harness, has a spherical engager tethered with a line. The aperture passes the spherical engager though the engagement end and the engager is moved to the connector end. A sports kite includes a canopy, a traction line having a first end tethered to the canopy, and a second end to which the spherical engager is connected.

Abstract: A trolling apparatus and method of use are provided. According to one aspect, a trolling apparatus includes a frame including an upper line guide positioned toward a rear portion of the frame and operable to engage a fishing line during a release state and a lower line guide coupled to the rear portion of the frame and operable to engage the fishing line during a retained state. The apparatus further includes a line retainer operable to be coupled to a holder aft of the lower line guide and a release mechanism operable to engage a portion of the line retainer to provide the retained state and the released state. An alternative embodiment interconnects a planar elevator between the frame and a generally upstanding planar diverter. A line retainer is formed by at least two tines and preferably by at least four tines which retain by friction a fishing line or tubular fishing line holder.

Abstract: A trolling device for use in trolling from a moving boat or other water craft is structured to allow the fisher to control the movement of the line and the speed of the lure independently of the movement or speed of the boat or any apparatus used in connection with the boat, such as a downrigger device, the trolling device generally comprising a planar body, a leading end, a trailing end, an upper section and lower section providing for attachment of various devices that enhance the fishing experience, and a channel through which a fishing line or other auxiliary line is positioned to enable the line to be controlled by the user.

Abstract: A helical groove fishing tackle, which may be a sinker, a bullet rotator, a lure, a bobbler, or the like, is configured with one or more rotation control surfaces to counteract the spinning caused by water flowing across the helical grooves. The rotation control surfaces may be fins or keels, protrusions, or grooves, provided on an outer surface of the fishing tackle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flasher, which has attachment points at two opposite ends for a line or hook used in fishing. The flasher includes two plate pieces, between which a connection is arranged, which permits the mutual movement of the plate pieces.

Abstract: A means and apparatus that provide a trail of at least one of a type of fish attracting Scent to be disbursed into the water surrounding a fishing Diver ahead of a Lure that is being trolled behind it.

Abstract: A trolling assembly structured to protect at least a portion of a fishing line from water-borne debris while trolling in a body of water from a boat includes a first positioning assembly attached to the boat and being adjustable to facilitate positioning the portion of the fishing line in a first predetermined spaced relation to the boat, and a second positioning assembly interconnected to the first positioning assembly and being positionable to facilitate positioning the portion of the fishing line in a second predetermined spaced relation to the boat. The trolling assembly also includes a shield assembly, interconnected to the second positioning assembly, which is structured to releasably retain the portion of the fishing line below a surface of the body of water while trolling, and to protect at least the portion of the fishing line from water-borne debris while trolling.

Abstract: A fishing line wobble device for causing a fishing hook attached to a fishing line to wobble as said fishing hook is pulled through water. The fishing line deflector having a deflector for deflecting water, and an elongated line guide. The deflector having a plurality of voids disposed about the rim of the deflector.

Abstract: A trolling diver device includes a cylindrical body carried by a guide plate and a fin extending away from the cylindrical body for positioning a lure or bait at a predetermined depth. The diver is lowered and maintained at the predetermined depth while a fishing line connected to a boat pulls the diver through the water. A release arm is pivotally mounted to the guide plate and releasably movable between a locked and unlocked position for orienting the diver device in water so as to minimize drag while raising a hooked fish and the diver device toward the surface.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure for use in trolling. The lure has a body with a leading edge, a tail, a top surface, a bottom edge, a first side and a second side. At least three line passages are positioned in spaced relation along the top edge between the leading edge and the tail; including a lead line passage, a mid-body line passage, a knot hole line passage. A holding clip is positioned on the second side of the body next to the knot hole passage. The holding clip is adapted to maintain a shank of a hook in friction fit engagement with the hook generally oriented toward the tail when casting or trolling. The clip releases the hook from the body when a fish strikes. The body holds its position on the line when the line is taut due to friction resulting from the manner the line is woven through lead line passage, the mid-body line passage and the knot hole line passage.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a bobber that has a front hollow cavity, a rear hollow cavity, and a middle hollow cavity separating the front cavity from the rear cavity, the middle hollow cavity having a first opening in a top portion of the middle hollow cavity and a second opening in a bottom portion of the middle hollow cavity. In addition, the bobber has an arm comprising a first end and a second end, the arm extending through the first opening and the second opening and fixedly connected to the middle hollow cavity, the arm attached at a first end to fishing line such that when water pressure is applied to the second end of the arm extending from the second opening the arm moves vertically causing bait attached to the fishing line to move vertically in a body of water.

Abstract: A dodger type type trolling attractor which imparts a start and stop motion to a lure or bait attached thereto during trolling. The dodger has a starboard side edge, a port side edge, a blunt leading edge, a rounded trailing edge, and a longitudinal centerline. A concave portion is located adjacent the trailing edge. A plurality of leading attachment openings are located adjacent the leading edge on the starboard side and port side of said longitudinal centerline, the leading attachment openings adapted to be attached to the outer end of a fishing line. A trailing attachment opening is located adjacent the trailing edge and is adapted to be attached to the outer end of a trailing leader line attached to a lure or bated hook. A mechanism to generate periodic noise during trolling is located adjacent the trailing edge.

Abstract: A fishing jig with a flexible shank allows a minnow on the fishing jig to swim free. This natural movement of the minnow entices a predator to feed while foraging. Predators not foraging are enticed into a reaction strike with the use of various types of terminal tackle, such as colored beads, blade spinners, turbo spinners and the like. The fish hooks and the jig head can be matched to meet the fishing conditions and type of fish being targeted. For example, a heavier jig head can be used with a smaller fishing hook for fishing smaller fish in deep water.

Abstract: Devices, methods of manufacture, kits and methods of use for attracting aquatic animals to be caught are provided. In various embodiments the device includes a body, with an interior bar extending lengthwise in a channel in the body, an anterior loop and exterior loop on the anterior end and posterior ends of the bar respectively, a plate set into a transverse dorsal exterior slot in the body, and a weight in an interior chamber. The anterior loop of the device is attached to a vessel and the posterior loop is attached to one or more lures for hooking aquatic animals. In various embodiments the device is manufactured and/or painted to resemble a bait fish.

Abstract: A device for bringing a fishing hook attached to a line out to the side of a boat during trolling, comprising an elongated hull (5), a keel (6) and a line (7) with a release device (8), where the release device is arranged to hold the line during trolling and release the line when a fish bites on the hook.

Abstract: A directional guide for a fishing lure includes a guide body having a first guide body section and a second guide body section generally complementary in size and shape to the first guide body section, the first guide body section and the second guide body section adapted for attachment to a fishing line; and at least one beveled guide body end on the guide body.

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.

Abstract: A diving planer is provided for use in a fishing environment. The diving planer includes a planer body that is adapted to be drawn through a body of water. The planer body is operable between a first mode of operation, wherein the planer body is configured to travel in a first direction when drawn through the body of water, and a second mode of operation, wherein the planer body is configured to travel in a second direction when drawn through the body of water.

Abstract: A fishing buoy for reducing injury or premature mortality in target fish species and endangered or protected bycatch includes: a multi-axis swivel having first and second attachment points arrayed along a central first axis and a third attachment point arrayed along a distinct second axis; an anchor or other underwater restraining device; a ballast, float and a transmitter having a transmission state; a leader and at least one baitable hook; a fish strike trigger connected to the transmitter and temporarily coupled to the leader, or connected to the leader and temporarily coupled to the transmitter. After a fish or bycatch strike the trigger changes the transmitter state to provide an indication that a strike has occurred, the leader and transmitter are decoupled, and the leader is free to rotate around the central axis without entangling the anchor or other underwater restraining device.

Abstract: A trolling diver device includes a cylindrical body carried by a guide plate and a fin extending away from the cylindrical body for positioning a lure or bait at a predetermined depth. The diver is lowered and maintained at the predetermined depth while a fishing line connected to a boat pulls the diver through the water. A release arm is pivotally mounted to the guide plate and releasably movable between a locked and unlocked position for orienting the diver device in water so as to minimize drag while raising a hooked fish and the diver device toward the surface.

Abstract: A system is disclosed that includes a selectively positionable brake for a towed fishing body. Additionally, a system is disclosed that includes a speed control for a planer board. The planer board is used for fishing by being towed through water. Moreover, a method is disclosed including positioning a brake attached to a towed fishing body.

Abstract: A swivel for connecting a fishing line to fishing lure or other terminal tackle having a main body with one open end and cavity running through the axis of for inserting a coupler into. a rod of which has an eyelet on one end and head on the opposite end which is larger than said rod shaft yet small enough to fit into said main body cavity. two neodymium ring magnets and rubber ring washers which fit onto said rod and are inserted into said main body cavity after which a male compression fitting is inserted into said main body cavity and compressed over ridges on the end cap securing all parts within said main body, the rod shaft spins freely within by using the opposing magnetic poles of the neodymium ring magnets as an air bearing which creates zero friction from moving parts removing any possibility of swivel seizure due to ball bearings wearing out which is common with bearing swivels.

Abstract: An apparatus for attracting fish including a fin that imparts motion to the tackle when the tackle is deployed and moves relative to water. A weighted body having a cabochon shape includes a fin member that extends past the body. The fin member includes an attachment portion and a fin that has a non-planar configuration. The attachment portion is secured to a flat surface of the body. In one embodiment the fin extends forward and forms an obtuse angle relative to the attachment portion. In another embodiment the fin has two members disposed laterally on opposite sides of the body. The fins are blades that cause the body to spin or rotate when moved relative to the water. In yet another embodiment the fin extends forward and aft relative to the body, and the fin has openings for connecting lines and hooks, thereby replacing the eyelet of other embodiments.

Abstract: A fishing swivel, such as a barrel, snap or three-way swivel, is comprised of a plastic material that exhibits a high degree of transparency in water, density greater than that of water, an ultimate tensile strength sufficient for a small embodiment to withstand the loads exerted during fishing, and adequate rigidity to withstand appreciable deformation while loads are exerted. Materials such as Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) and Nylon 6 (Polyamide 6) copolymers with a refractive index less than 1.55, a luminous transmittance greater than 75%, a specific gravity greater than 1.0, an ultimate tensile strength greater than 1,000 psi, and a tensile elastic modulus greater than 10,000 psi are preferred.

Abstract: A trolling apparatus and method of use are provided. According to one aspect, a trolling apparatus includes a frame including an upper line guide positioned toward a rear portion of the frame and operable to engage a fishing line during a release state and a lower line guide coupled to the rear portion of the frame and operable to engage the fishing line during a retained state. The apparatus further includes a line retainer operable to be coupled to a holder aft of the lower line guide and a release mechanism operable to engage a portion of the line retainer to provide the retained state and the released state. An alternative embodiment interconnects a planar elevator between the frame and a generally upstanding planar diverter. A line retainer is formed by at least two tines and preferably by at least four tines which retain by friction a fishing line or tubular fishing line holder.

Abstract: A hydrodynamic fishing device includes a plate that changes attitude as the plate passes through a body of water. A plate positioning controller is pivotally mounted to the plate and is indexable relative to the plate by direct application of manual force so as to assume a plurality of predetermined adjustment positions. The adjustment positions establish different paths of travel of the plate as the plate passes through a body of water.

Abstract: An energy absorbing member for use in suspending a weight to a downrigger assembly for fishing. The member is formed of a viscoelastic material.

Abstract: A fishing bobber device including an elongated float portion for exerting a sideways directional force on a fishing line, for example, during trolling or fishing moving water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a planer board of novel and non-obvious construction methods and materials resulting in reduced weight. The planer board also quick release guidance device that is easier to use than prior art devices.

Abstract: An Adjustable Trolling Device, or dodger, consisting of a flat primary body and configured to be removably attached at one or more points along its edge to a primary fishing line, and at other points on its edge, at least some of which may be substantially opposite to the point where it is affixed to the primary fishing line, to trailing fishing bait, or lures. The device has an attached mounting surface, rotatable through 360°, or a specified range, projecting one or more guiding fins, substantially perpendicular to the rotatable mounting surface. The mounting surface, by its nature, may be rotated to place the guiding fins at alternate desired angles from the leading fishing line, so that movement of the dodger through the water may produce a variety of rotation or roll characteristics of the dodger and, correspondingly, the trailing bait or lures.

Abstract: A decoy fin has a unitary body divided into at least three generally planar sections. These sections combine to form a generally helical surface which, when submerged in fluid moving relative thereto, will generate cyclical oscillatory movement. In one manifestation, the decoy fin is coupled through one tether line to an avian decoy such as a duck or goose decoy, and is coupled through a second tether line to an anchor. Consequently, when the combination anchor, decoy fin, decoy and tether lines are immersed in moving water, such as a stream or river, the decoy fin is operative to move the decoy therewith through an oscillatory pattern. The decoy fin is adaptable to application to a number of different types and sizes of avian decoys, and may also be readily adapted for use with fishing lures or for other decoys.

Abstract: An improved fishing line planar board provides an elongate body having a buoyant cylinder portion with a reduced nose at a forward end portion structurally carrying a longitudinally aligned buoyant dorsal vane and two bilaterally symmetrical opposing arcuate wings, each wing defining a through right slot spacedly behind a rearwardly angulated leading edge for uninterrupted water flow therethrough to reduce cavitation. A stabilizer tip having a slotted sleeve and an angulated planar portion is removably carried at the forward end portion of the cylinder portion proximate the reduced nose and is adjustably positionable thereon to control direction of planar board movement relative to moving water.

Abstract: A fishing lure and spinner blade designed in a helical form that rotates in a free form fashion or in an inline application. The “Tornado or Funnel” appearance of the blade as it spins through the water can be regulated by the speed of the retrieval, size of the blades and number of rotations on the spinner blade, which give a consistent spinning experience at any retrieval speed and level. The blades are affixed through split rings and swivels on varying spinner bait wire forms and spin effortlessly at high very slow to high retrieval rates and upon natural free falling through the water. The inline technology uses the tornado design to employ a dependable and effortless spinning motion around the axis of the wire form, and a streamlined spinner that doesn't need to have the blades set by applying force to the lure before spinning commences.

Abstract: A fishing diver is provided by a diving plane with a first releasable tripping device having a latched condition clamping the diving plane to the line such that upon trolling, the diver dives downwardly at an angle to the trolling line, and having a released condition unclamping the diving plane from the line. The diver includes a second tripping device associated with and engageable with the releasable first tripping device. The second tripping device has a latched condition engageable with the fishing line, and a released condition responsive to the strike of the fish on the lure for causing the first tripping device to reach its released condition and provides free sliding passage of the line through a guide structure on the diving plane.

Abstract: A fishing diver is provided by a diving plane with a first releasable tripping device having a latched condition clamping the diving plane to the line such that upon trolling, the diver dives downwardly at an angle to the trolling line, and having a released condition unclamping the diving plane from the line. The diver includes a second tripping device associated with and engageable with the releasable first tripping device. The second tripping device has a latched condition engageable with the fishing line, and a released condition responsive to the strike of the fish on the lure for causing the first tripping device to reach its released condition and provides free sliding passage of the line through a guide structure on the diving plane. The fishing diver includes an indexing arrangement for the first and second tripping devices.

Abstract: A fishing bobber device including a float portion and at least one fin, preferably a blade portion for exerting a sideways directional force on a fishing line, for example, during trolling or fishing moving water.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a planer board of novel and non-obvious construction methods and materials resulting in reduced weight. The planer board also quick release guidance device that is easier to use than prior art devices.

Abstract: An improved fishing line planar board provides an elongate body having a buoyant cylinder portion with a reduced nose at a forward end portion structurally carrying a longitudinally aligned buoyant dorsal vane and two bilaterally symmetrical opposing arcuate wings, each wing defining a through right slot spacedly behind a rearwardly angulated leading edge for uninterrupted water flow therethrough to reduce cavitation. A stabilizer tip having a slotted sleeve and an angulated planar portion is removably carried at the forward end portion of the cylinder portion proximate the reduced nose and is adjustably positionable thereon to control direction of planar board movement relative to moving water.

Abstract: A bobber has a float and sail. The sail catches the wind and stealthily moves the bait over to the area where the fish are, such as under the overhanging trees or branches near the shore of a lake. The sail also makes the bobber more aerodynamic and allows for more accurate casting. The sail may be attached to a stem that is attached to the float. The sail may be removable from the stem. This allows the fisherman to put on larger or smaller sails and also directional sails. The stem and/or the float may have a passage way so that the bobber can be used a slip bobber or a fixed bobber.

Abstract: A deep sea fishing diver according to the present invention includes a body having front and rear ends, opposed top and bottom surfaces, and opposed sides that extend away from the top surface. The body includes a configuration that defines a center of gravity that is coincident with a center of effort. The diver includes a balance bar having forward and rearward portions extending upward from the top surface with a connecting portion. The balance bar is configured such that a fishing line attached thereto is movable between ready and tripped configurations. Gravity and current forces acting on the center of effort are collinear with a force between the fishing line and balance bar. This construction enables the diver to descend and maintain its position without weights, avoids erroneous tripping, and reduces cost.

Abstract: A fishing device that can act in one mode as either a diver or side diver, and in a second mode as a side sub-surface planer. The device includes a top plate, a curved bottom plate joined at their leading and trailing edges. Side plates are attached to the right and left sides of the top and bottom plates to thereby form a watertight compartment. A keel member is mounted on the curved bottom plate in a manner adapted to allow the keel member to be adjusted and held at any position between substantial abutment with the bottom edge of the right side plate and substantial abutment with the bottom edge of the left side plate. A keel weight is attached to the keel member. To cause the device to act in its second mode, a planer mode arm is removably attached to one of the side plates.

Abstract: A dive plane is used with fishing tackle for maintaining a fishing lure in a submerged state when trolling for fish at speeds between 12 and 20 knots. The dive plane has a body with a cross-section in the form of a cruciform. The cross-section defines upper and lower vertical segments and right and left horizontal planing segments. The body also has at least one rear aperture at a back end for connection of a leader and lure and at least two vertically spaced front holes along a front edge of the upper vertical segment for selective connection of the fishing line according to a desired trolling speed and diving depth of the trolled lure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a plume of fish attractant around a submerged lure moving relative to the water are provided. In particular, a diver is provided that includes a structure for receiving a fish attracting substance. The structure for receiving the fish attracting substance is configured so that a plume of the fish attracting substance is directed around a lure connected to the diver while the diver and hire are submerged in and moving relative to the water. A cap for enclosing the structure for receiving the fish attracting substance may be provided for containing the substance while the diver is out of the water.