Abstract: A trolling device comprising an elongated body, an adjustable planar guide fin, and an adjustable rudder. The guide fin and rudder are adjusted to optimize trolling performance on either the port or starboard side of a boat.

Abstract: The planar board disclosed features a convexo-concave board characteristic that allows the boards to channel the water creating a water rail for smoother more controlled performance. The planar board also features one removable cross member end that allows for collapsibility quickly and conveniently with out the aid of tools. The collapsibility allows for easy storage. Each board member also features openings therethrough the side of each board which are pressure increasing holes pulling the board in a more defined manor. The distal end of each running board member has a groove that acts as a vacuum release allowing the board to run smoother freeing the board from drag resistance for better performance. Disclosed is a planar board that incorporates collapsibility with convexo-concave characteristic, a vacuum release characteristics and a pressure opening feature giving a faster water displacement response and water rail effect producing a higher riding; smoother performing planar board.

Abstract: A spinner of a buzz bait has a multiplicity of connected blades mounted for rotation on a reach of a wire frame of the buzz bait, the blades generating a hollow, substantially spherical shape when rotating, and agitating wings projecting outwardly from the blades at an angle thereto. In the preferred embodiment, the spinner is made in one piece of a material that is manually bendable and shape retaining, so that the wings can be bent to an angle that the user prefers, to regulate the speed at which the spinner rises to the surface and rides with most of the spinner exposed, above the surface of the water.

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.

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: A spring loaded line recoil device which automatically rewinds the line which secures the release clip on a telescoping outrigger when the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed. Balanced spring assemblies automatically recoil the fishing line on outrigger release clip onto a spool. As one spring assembly increases pressure, the other spring assembly produces pressure to maintain uniform tension on the line holding release clip. The retraction device attaches to the base of an outrigger. When the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed, the spring assemblies recoil the outrigger line onto a spool. When the telescoping outrigger pole is extended, the position of release clip arm on the outrigger can be moved without changing the overall tension on the line securing the release clip arm due to the counter balanced spring pressure.

Abstract: A planer board lighting device. The apparatus comprises a connection to a power source, a light source, and circuitry with electronic components to connect the power source to the light source. A generally clear lens. A rugged waterproof reflective enclosure, with A semi-permanent mounting means to a planer board or flag.

Abstract: A lure trolling device is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the lure trolling device includes a body having an elongated main panel and an end panel disposed at a generally obtuse angle with respect to the main panel, an elongated rail carried by the body, a flexible tail hook carried by the rail and a guide wire carried by the rail.

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 float device which provides an on-demand change in tacking or planing direction without having to retrieve the float or adjust the float configuration. The float utilizes a float body and at least two longitudinal keel members oppositely disposed on the float body. In a first orientation, the first keel is submerged and the second keel is in the air and the float tacks in the first keel direction. A sharp pull on a tether line connected to the float causes the float body to roll 180 degrees such that second keel is submerged and the first keel is in the air and the float tacks in the second keel direction.

Abstract: A weighted fishing leader drag apparatus is in the form of an elongated hydrodynamically shaped body having a plurality of resilient wings mounted to its outer surface. When the leader drag apparatus is pulled in the opposite direction of the water current, the wings are disposed generally against the outer surface. When the leader drag apparatus is pulled in the same direction as the water current the wings are forced outwardly and create resistance to the water flow to create a drag.

Abstract: A float device which provides an on-demand change in tacking or planing direction without having to retrieve the float or adjust the float configuration. The float utilizes a float body and at least two longitudinal keel members oppositely disposed on the float body. In a first orientation, the first keel is submerged and the second keel is in the air and the float tacks in the first keel direction. A sharp pull on a tether line connected to the float causes the float body to roll 180 degrees such that second keel is submerged and the first keel is in the air and the float tacks in the second keel direction.

Abstract: A spring loaded line recoil device which automatically rewinds the line which secures the release clip on a telescoping outrigger when the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed. Balanced spring assemblies automatically recoil the fishing line on outrigger release clip onto a spool. As one spring assembly increases pressure, the other spring assembly produces pressure to maintain uniform tension on the line holding release clip. The retraction device attaches to the base of an outrigger. When the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed, the spring assemblies recoil the outrigger line onto a spool. When the telescoping outrigger pole is extended, the position of release clip arm on the outrigger can be moved without changing the overall tension on the line securing the release clip arm due to the counter balanced spring pressure.

Abstract: A planar device for directional trolling is disclosed. The device comprises a planar, disk-shaped body, a quick release assembly for the quick release of a fishing line, the quick release assembly including a quick release arm that is pivotally attached to the planar, disk-shaped body, and a line locking assembly for securing a portion of a fishing line to the planar, disk-shaped body. A portion of the fishing line is secured to the planar body by the line locking assembly in the form of a spring and guide assembly in which the guide holds the fishing line and the spring holds the guide to the planar body.

Abstract: A float device which provides an on-demand change in tacking or planing direction without having to retrieve the float or adjust the float configuration. The float utilizes a float body and at least two longitudinal keel members oppositely disposed on the float body. In a first orientation, the first keel is submerged and the second keel is in the air and the float tacks in the first keel direction. A sharp pull on a tether line connected to the float causes the float body to roll 180 degrees such that second keel is submerged and the first keel is in the air and the float tacks in the second keel direction.

Abstract: A trolling planer board made of lightweight translucent material has a continuous light source for night fishing and a day or night easily perceptible strike indicator. The light, indicator, and their power supply are housed in a watertight compartment away from the elements and fishing lines. The strike indicator may comprise a blinking light, a strobe light, a sound, or any other alerting mechanism. Fishing line releases comprise only three moldable pieces, made of weather impervious material and can be used to maintain a hold on the fishing line or to release it, as desired. The planer, made of weather impervious material and having no exposed accessory parts that are sensitive to the elements, can be used in fresh or salt water. The planer's hydrodynamic design eliminates the need for planning board rods and heavy test lines and the weight of the power supply eliminates any need for additional weights.

Abstract: An electronic fishing device and control system. The fishing device includes an electro-mechanically actuated dive plane and rudder for steering the device in azimuth and depth by remote control or by preprogrammed instructions. In an autonomous mode, a device memory is preprogrammed with control instructions, and the device executes the instructions when placed in the water. In a remote control mode, the device is controlled by a remote control box located on a boat or shore. Preprogrammed instructions or user inputs may be utilized to steer the device. The control box may be interfaced with a fish finder to automatically generate commands to steer the device to fish detected by the fish finder.

Abstract: A fishing lure capable of numerous operations to attract fish including a keel with a base platform at one end and an upper body at the other end. Forward fins are mounted on the upper body and a plurality of openings for tow points are provided. A tail rudder which can be rotated to provide various movements of the fishing lure is also mounted on the upper body. A bait line hook is mounted on the base platform to hold a fishing line.

Abstract: A releasable fishing device includes a flasher body having a distal end and a proximal end. A guide member is attached to the proximal end of the flasher while a releasable member is releasably attached to the distal end of the flasher. A line is threaded through the guide member and an aperture in the releasable member. A stop is affixed to the line between the guide member and the releasable member. As the line is pulled through the water or trolled by movement of the rod relative to the water, the stop member contacts the guide member and pulls the body through the water so that it can function in a conventional manner. A lure is connected to the distal end of the line. Once a fish strikes the lure and runs with the bait, the line is drawn in a distal direction relative to the flasher. The stop member contacts the releasable member and releases that member from the flasher, thus allowing the line to move relatively freely as the fish runs with the lure.

Abstract: A fishing line twist removal apparatus for removing accumulated twist from a fishing line while a fishing lure is secured to the fishing line. The lure is placed into a container body having a cavity, and a slitted cap entraps the lure into the container with the fishing line extending through the slit. A plurality of blades extending outward from the container body cause the apparatus to rotate as it is pulled through water. The blades may angle for clockwise or counterclockwise rotation. A blunt nose on the apparatus allows it to skip or skim the surface of the water for reduced rotation, thereby avoiding excessive twist removal and reverse direction overtwist.

Abstract: An electronic fishing device and control system. The fishing device includes an electro-mechanically actuated dive plane and rudder for steering the device in azimuth and depth by remote control or by preprogrammed instructions. In an autonomous mode, a device memory is preprogrammed with control instructions, and the device executes the instructions when placed in the water. In a remote control mode, the device is controlled by a remote control box located on a boat or shore. Preprogrammed instructions or user inputs may be utilized to steer the device. The control box may be interfaced with a fish finder to automatically generate commands to steer the device to fish detected by the fish finder.

Abstract: A fishing lure and trolling flasher having front and back ends, top and bottom sides, and a beveled edge bordering the entire lure that tapers downwardly from the top to the bottom side and from the front to the back end. A front stabilizing fin parallel with the longitudinal axis includes an eyelet for connection to the end of a fishing line. A diagonal rear fin is set proximate the back end. The back end of the lure includes at least one eyelet for attachment to a tail leader. The body and fin design induce an infundibular rotational motion and whipping effect even at slow trolling speeds. Water distortion created by the lure motion produces sounds particularly attractive to predatory 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: Embodiments of a fishing planer are disclosed which may be used to troll a lure at a significant depth beneath the boat without the inconvenience of using an inordinate amount of weight. The fishing planer changes configuration to rise if a fish strikes the lure or if the lure becomes snagged and automatically changes back to diving configuration if the fish gets off or the lure is freed from the snag. The fishing planer also may be configured so that it may be trolled to either side of the boat away from the path of the boat.

Abstract: A fishing trolling device includes a trolling plane having a mounting surface and guide means on the trolling plane for guiding a fishing line along the trolling plane through the guide means. One end of the line extends to a baiting lure and the other end of the line is reelable for trolling. A releasable latch means includes a latch arm engageable with a pair of gripper jaws on the trolling plane and has a latched condition clamping the trolling plane to the line. The latch means also has a released condition responsive to the strike of a fish on the lure unclamping the trolling plane from the line and providing free sliding passage of the line through the guide means along the trolling plane. The line through the guide means extends substantially parallel to the trolling plane in the released condition of the latch means. The latch means includes an eyelet guiding the other end of the line therethrough and then forwardly to the guide means.

Abstract: A diving fishing weight is for receiving a length of fishing line with a first end connected to a fish catching device and a second end connected to a rod and reel assembly. The fishing weight includes a dive-inducing member constructed to dive through water, and dive-stop structure in communication with the dive-inducing member and the fishing line, and being actuable by a force exerted along the fishing line to stop the fishing weight from diving. The dive-inducing member includes a body that has a front region oriented generally toward the fish catching device, a rear region oriented generally toward the rod and reel assembly, opposed sides and an upper surface. The dive-stop structure includes a passage defined by the body that extends through at least a portion of the body, with the passage having a first end proximate the front region of the body and a second end on the upper surface.

Abstract: A fishing flasher including a plurality of notches or holes at the trailing end, any one of which may serve as the temporary securement to the line. Removable plugs, secured to the line, are inserted into one of the notches or holes to be pulled free when a fish strikes allowing the flasher to move freely along the line.

Abstract: A planar board having ease of retrieval and strike indicator includes a base, a first and second fishing line release extending outward from the base, a rotary flag pivotally attached to said base, and at least one line retainer. The second fishing line release preferably has a means for positively retaining a fishing line. The fishing line is inserted into the first fishing line release, behind the positive retaining means of the second fishing line release, looped around an upstanding projection disposed on the rotary flag, and preferably inserted into at least one line retainer. When a fish strike occurs, the flag will be pulled downward. To retrieve the planar board into the boat, the user jerks the fishing line such that the fishing line is pulled out of the first fishing line release. The planar board also has other preferable embodiments which add or remove a fishing line release or remove the rotary flag.

Abstract: A planar board having ease of retrieval includes a base, a first fishing line release extending outward from substantially a front of the base, a second fishing line release extending outward from substantially a middle of the base, and a line retainer. A fishing line is retained by inserting thereof under the first fishing line release, inserting the fishing line release into a second fishing line release with preferably a peg, the fishing line is then inserted into a line retainer disposed at substantially the end of the base. A planar board with ease of retrieval allows a user to retrieve a planar board without tangling it with other planar boards being fished adjacent it. A planar board with ease of retrieval and strike indicator allows a user to easily retrieve the planar board and have notice of a fish strike.

Abstract: A fisherman's release clip comprises a unitary molded clip body consisting of two parts. One part is an eye in the form of a snap hook having a resilient gate allowing it to be readily engaged with a line or cable but configured to prevent unintentional disengagement. The other part is a pair of fingers that are connected by a molded living hinge, and extend in side by side relationship. An adjusting screw is used to vary the spacing between the fingers, and gripper sleeves are removably fitted onto the fingers to grip a line extending between the sleeves. The release clip can be used in a variety of modes including outrigger, downrigger, flat line and kite fishing, and also in fishing utilizing hydrofoils, downplanes, weights and floats.

Abstract: A diving fishing weight is for receiving a length of fishing line with a first end connected to a fish catching device and a second end connected to a rod and reel assembly. The fishing weight includes a dive-inducing member constructed to dive through water, and dive-stop structure in communication with the dive-inducing member and the fishing line, and being actuable by a force exerted along the fishing line to stop the fishing weight from diving. The dive-inducing member includes a body that has a front region oriented generally toward the fish catching device, a rear region oriented generally toward the rod and reel assembly, opposed sides and an upper surface. The dive-stop structure includes a passage defined by the body that extends through at least a portion of the body, with the passage having a first end proximate the front region of the body and a second end on the upper surface.