Abstract: A load tension assembly including—an enclosure formed by a first side and a second side opposite to the first side and connected to the first side at a first end and a second, wherein the Enclosure includes a primary float capability great enough to maintain floatation of the load tension assembly, is disclosed herein

Abstract: A floating mounting base for supporting a vertical support in water includes a housing having an integrated top wall, bottom wall and side wall defining an enclosed, interior chamber for maintaining a weighting material below a surface of the water. The base housing further defining an opening in the top wall thereof and a vertical support receiver defined within the interior chamber for receiving and supporting the vertical support in the substantially vertical position. The housing further defines at least one opening to enable the weighting material to be placed within the enclosed, interior chamber.

Abstract: A sinker or float that releasably clamps around a line, such as a fishing line, including two members shaped to define a channel for the line when in a closed position. A locking means is provided to releasably lock the two members in the closed position. Each of the members has at least a portion of high or low density material to provide a sinking or floating effect. A jacket may be provided that retains the high or low density material therein. The jacket may also include a hinge portion such that the two members can be hingedly opened and closed.

Abstract: A strike indicator has a hollow plastic spherical body with an opening through which water can flow into the body to weight the body for spin cast fishing and out of which water can be removed from the body for fly cast fishing. An easily manipulable thumbscrew can engage the opening to selectively block the opening while trapping a fishing line between a grommet on the thumbscrew and the spherical body to hold the strike indicator onto the fishing line.

Abstract: An improved fishing weight or “bottom bouncer” wherein a flexible wire support arm includes an offset bent region that cooperates with an exposed cavity and internal depression at a weighted ballast piece threaded onto the arm. Reciprocating movement of a latch piece mounted to the arm prevents or permits the arm to flex in the ballast piece to attach and detach the bent region from the depression. The support arm also provides a line attachment bend having defined shoulders that maintain a preferred alignment of the sinker to a supporting fishing line. An alternative, single arm bottom bouncer sinker is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to fishing sinkers and weights, and more specifically to a fishing weight having optimized buoyancy characteristics such that the weight tends to rest on top of foreign submerged material, e.g. water-milfoil, rather than sinking into and becoming entangled in the material. In a preferred embodiment, the fishing weight comprises a cylindrically shaped body made of a synthetic cork material, e.g. a synthetic wine bottle cork, which on its own tends to float in water. The fishing weight further comprises a weight element inserted into the body to achieve optimal buoyancy characteristics of the apparatus as a whole. Finally, each of two opposing ends of the cylindrically shaped body have attached thereto means for connecting the fishing weight to at least one of fishing line and/or a leader line having a hook at the end thereof.

Abstract: A buoyant fishing device with a housing having a first end and a second end and containing an elongated passageway having an axis, at least one weight disposed within the passageway, wherein the housing is further configured to float with the axis oriented substantially perpendicular to gravity when the weight is in the first position and wherein the housing is further configured to float with the axis oriented substantially parallel to gravity when the weight is in the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stem guide that is configured to receive a replaceable cartridge. The stem guide includes a cartridge receiving end having a cartridge attachment means for attaching the cartridge to the stem guide in a manner that the cartridge can be removed from the stem guide without causing an amount of damage to either the cartridge or the stem guide which prevents either the cartridge or stem guide from being used again. The stem guide may be provided in a kit form with a variety of replaceable floats, scent sticks and light sticks.

Abstract: A strike indicator has a hollow plastic spherical body with an opening through which water can flow into the body to weight the body for spin cast fishing and out of which water can be removed from the body for fly cast fishing. An easily manipulable thumbscrew can engage the opening to selectively block the opening while trapping a fishing line between a grommet on the thumbscrew and the spherical body to hold the strike indicator onto the fishing line.

Abstract: An adaptable fishing float with customizable rattle and weight content. The device itself is comprised of an upper and lower member made with buoyant material. Inside the upper member is housed a threaded cap with a watertight seal. Inside the lower member is housed a hollow plastic cylinder with a threaded upper rim for use in attaching to the threaded cap of the upper member. When the two members are attached, they form a cone shape with a width of two and one eight inches at the top and tapering down to one inch at the bottom. The cylinder inside the float can house a variety of steel, plastic, and glass beads to produce a fish attracting rattle sound. The cylinder can also house steel and lead weights to improve casting distances and float stability. A variety of other fish attractants can be housed within the cylinder. Such a device can be employed as a conventional fishing float used for rod and reel casting.

Abstract: A fishing lure weight includes a weight body, a hook tip opening extending through the weight body and a barb notch extending through the weight body and communicating with the hook tip opening.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the buoyancy of a fishing bobber. The method includes providing a buoyant member and a stem guide configured to receive the buoyant member, mounting the buoyant member to the stem guide and cutting the buoyant member. The buoyant member is made of a material capable of being severed by a cutting device and having first length, a lower end, and an upper end. The stem guide receives the buoyant member and a fishing line with fishing tackle. The buoyant member is cut such that the buoyant member has a second length shorter than the first length. The buoyant member is cut to a second length such that the buoyancy of the buoyant member when cut to a second length is enough to oppose the tendency of the stem guide and fishing tackle to submerse the buoyant member such that a top surface of the cut buoyant member is adjacent to the surface of the water when the stem guide, buoyant member, fishing line and any fishing tackle are placed in the water.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fishing sinker for preventing a loss thereof, and capable of preventing the contamination of fresh water or seawater and easily adjusting the height of the fishing sinker. The fishing sinker comprises a weight, an environment-friendly resin layer made of a biodegradable polyester and laminated on an outer surface of the weight in a predetermined thickness, and a plurality of linear protrusions formed at an outer surface of the environment-friendly resin layer.

Abstract: A strike indicator has a hollow plastic spherical body with an opening through which water can flow into the body to weight the body for spin cast fishing and out of which water can be removed from the body for fly cast fishing. An easily manipulable thumbscrew can engage the opening to selectively block the opening while trapping a fishing line between a grommet on the thumbscrew and the spherical body to hold the strike indicator onto the fishing line.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a weight for a fishing line and a method of weighting a fishing line with a sinker. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a weight for a fishing line comprising a length of metallic, inelastic material, the length of material configured into the shape of a coil having an internal coil diameter adapted to accommodate fishing line, the coil comprising a series of loops wherein the spacing between each pair of adjacent loops can be altered by manual application of a transient longitudinal, transverse, or rotational force. The coil may be configured in the field such that it acts as a pure “slip” sinker, it can be partially restrained, or it can be fully immobilized at a given point on the fishing line.

Abstract: An adjustable fishing float with first and second portions slidably joined to form an adjustable air space with the float. The buoyancy of the float may be altered by sliding a first portion further within the second portion or drawing the first portion further out of the second portion. The first and second portions define a sliding water resistant joint to prevent water from intruding into the air space.

Abstract: An adjustable buoyancy fishing bobber system for efficiently increasing or decreasing the buoyancy of a bobber to match the particular combined weight of the fishing line, lure and bait being currently utilized. The adjustable buoyancy fishing bobber system generally includes a casing including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends from the second portion, wherein the casing includes a chamber formed within the first portion and the second portion. Adjusting the first portion with respect to the second portion adjusts a volume of air within the casing. A vent including a channel extends from the casing, wherein the channel extends through vent and fluidly connects to the chamber of the casing to allow the air from within the chamber to escape or enter within the chamber during adjusting.

Abstract: An improved slip sinker having a hollow non-buoyant tubular body mounted intermediate a flanged head piece having a fish line receiving aperture and a weighted ballast piece. Surface projections at the head and ballast pieces mount and fasten to the bore of the tubular body. Alternative sinker configurations provide body pieces that support a ballast connector that receives mating interchangeable ballast weights. The hollow bodies of other sinkers support reflective devices, luminous materials, luminous devices, rattle pieces, granular ballast materials, scents, and/or a plug end. Profile expanding filaments can be adapted into the ballast, head or body pieces.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a rattle that is adjustable between a rattling mode and a muted mode. The fishing lure includes a body having an outer surface and an inner surface. Inside the body is a rattle chamber and a muted chamber, with a channel connecting the rattle chamber with the muted chamber. The rattle is moveable between the muted chamber and the rattle chamber to determine when rattling is available and when the rattle is muted.

Abstract: A fishing lure and method of making a fishing lure. The fishing lure having a body constructed of at least two different materials. One of the materials having a density that is at least two times greater than the other material. The method including depositing the two materials within a mold cavity such that the resulting fishing lure body has a particular center of gravity.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprising a body having a hollow cavity and adapted to be connected to a fishing line, the body having a transparent portion at least partially exposing the cavity, the body having an opening into the cavity and an insert receivable through the opening and having at least a portion extending into the cavity, the insert comprising a spine and a flexible outer structure of a colored material attached to the spine.

Abstract: The present invention describes floating devices with adjustable floating and buoyancy capabilities. Such a float can facilitate as an improved fishing float device whose weight can be changed based on fishing conditions and fishing locations. Another use for the invention can be on floating ropes dividing swimming lanes.

Abstract: A linkable sinker which is particularly suitable for trolling can be used alone or linked end-to-end with similar sinkers. The sinker has an elongated weight with a weight passage and a wire member passing therethrough. The wire member terminates at a leading eye and a trailing eye; the eyes are spaced apart sufficiently that the wire member can be slid in the weight passage to remove a trailing eye leg from the weight passage to open the trailing eye, thereby allowing the leading eye of another sinker to be connected to form an articulated sinker. A resilient hood of compressible material is preferably provided, covering the leading eye. The resilient hood covers the space between adjacent weights when linked together. Preferably, the trailing eye is maintained in engagement with a trailing end of the weight to secure the leading eye of a subsequent sinker when connected to the trailing eye.

Abstract: A number of stackable weights can be bundled together and secured with a lashing to form a modular sinker of a desired weight. Each stackable weight has an elongated bar bounded by four side surfaces and having a fixed eye. A link member is movably attached to the fixed eye and terminates in a coupling eye. The link member provides a degree of motion between the coupling eye and the fixed eye of the bar, allowing the coupling eyes of multiple stackable weights to be connected together to a single fastener while the bars are positioned together in a side-by-side relationship. When so connected, the link members form a pyramid-shaped coupling structure that will reduce the likelihood of snagging the resulting modular sinker. The bars preferably have textured side surfaces to frictionally engage each other to maintain the bars parallel and to retain an elastic band that provides the lashing.

Abstract: A line shield has a tube that can be secured with respect to a sinker to guide the sinker over submerged obstructions. The tube has a tube passage, through which a line attached to the sinker passes, and terminates at a tube leading end and a tube trailing end. The tube is preferably secured to the sinker by a resilient hood having a hood passage sized to frictionally fit over the tube trailing end, and to frictionally fit over an eye of the sinker or a connecting element attached thereto, such as a snap. The frictional engagement of the resilient hood with the eye and the tube trailing end maintains the tube in close proximity to the sinker or connecting element. In use, the tube leading end is raised so that the tube acts as a ramp-shaped deflector to guide the sinker over obstructions.

Abstract: An improved slip sinker having a hollow non-buoyant tubular body mounted intermediate a flanged head piece having a fish line receiving aperture and a weighted ballast piece. Surface projections at the head and ballast pieces mount and fasten to the bore of the tubular body. Alternative sinker configurations provide body pieces that support a ballast connector that receives mating interchangeable ballast weights. The hollow bodies of other sinkers support reflective devices, luminous materials, luminous devices, rattle pieces, granular ballast materials, scents, and/or a plug end. Profile expanding filaments can be adapted into the ballast, head or body pieces.

Abstract: The multi-function float/sinker of a plastic material provides either a quick attachment or removal from the fishing line 37 without the need for cutting the fishing line 37. The four-piece device has a hollow body 13 that is adapted to receive water or other material that has an overall specific gravity weight greater than one. It can serve as a float, or as a casting bubble or as a sinker. It has a water-tight snap-on cover 21 for the cavity 33 and on the opposite side of body 13 an insert 25 placed in slot 12, the two acting together form a passageway for the fishing line 37 or for the retainer 41.

Abstract: An adjustable buoyancy fishing bobber system for efficiently increasing or decreasing the buoyancy of a bobber to match the particular combined weight of the fishing line, lure and bait being currently utilized. The adjustable buoyancy fishing bobber system generally includes a casing including a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion extends from the second portion, wherein the casing includes a chamber formed within the first portion and the second portion. Adjusting the first portion with respect to the second portion adjusts a volume of air within the casing. A vent including a channel extends from the casing, wherein the channel extends through vent and fluidly connects to the chamber of the casing to allow the air from within the chamber to escape or enter within the chamber during adjusting.

Abstract: A fishing bait is disclosed that comprises a frame member that includes a connection point connectable to a fishing line. The fishing bait further comprises at least one hook connected to the frame member, and the at least one hook includes at least one point. The fishing bait further comprises an imitation device for attracting fish, and the imitation device includes a head that comprises fly tying materials connected to the frame member. The fishing bait further comprises a buoyancy control device connected to the frame member proximate to and separate from the head of the imitation device.

Abstract: A detachable sinker automatically detaches from fishing line after immersion in water. The sinker includes weight attachable to the line by means of a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. The disintegrating material may comprise a product that when dry withstands a casting load and when wet rapidly dissolves. The weight may be biodegradable or dissolvable. The sinker may include a wildlife attractant released by the disintegrating material or by the dissolvable weight, may be rated according to an approximate time or depth at which the weight or attractant will release from the line, may display readable indicia corresponding to a weight value, a release time, or a depth, and may include an attachment means coupling the disintegrating material to the line, such as an elongated clamp for compressing the fishing line and the disintegrating material, a mass of moldable adhesive, or a perforated attachment for threading the disintegrating material therethrough.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stem guide that is configured to receive a replaceable cartridge. The stem guide includes a cartridge receiving end having a cartridge attachment means for attaching the cartridge to the stem guide in a manner that the cartridge can be removed from the stem guide without causing an amount of damage to either the cartridge or the stem guide which prevents either the cartridge or stem guide from being used again. The stem guide may be provided in a kit form with a variety of replaceable floats, scent sticks and light sticks.

Abstract: A fishing line release system is disclosed. The fishing line release system includes a fishing line quick release mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a planar device for trolling or may alternatively be used with a down rigger cable and weight when used in down rigger fishing. When used in conjunction with the planar device, the system may be used for directional trolling. The planar device comprises a planar body, the fishing line quick release mechanism attached to the planar body, and a line locking assembly for securing a portion of a fishing line to the planar body. When used in conjunction with a down rigger cable and weight, the quick release mechanism may be used either on the down rigger cable or may be attached to the down rigger weight.

Abstract: A weighting material for use with fishing tackle includes a gel base material and a distributed tungsten filler material suspended in the gel base material. The weighting material can be applied to a fishing tackle article to provide weighting.

Abstract: A dovetail split bobber includes a first bobber half and a second bobber half. A horizontally and/or vertically tapered male dovetail projection is formed on the first bobber half and a horizontally and/or vertically tapered female dovetail slot is formed in the second bobber half. The tapered female dovetail slot is sized to receive the tapered male dovetail slot. The split bobber is preferably a sphere, but may have any other suitable shape, such as a cylinder. A stuffed toy eye may be attached to opposing outside surfaces of the split bobber to create a rattling sound, when floating in a body of water. A Velcro split bobber includes a first bobber half and a second bobber half. A hook fastener pad is applied to the first bobber half and a loop fastener pad is applied to the second bobber half.

Abstract: Fishing lure apparatus includes a weighted head, a body portion fixable to the head and a foam annulus disposed between the body portion and the head. The foam annulus has a dimension greater than a dimension of the head for enabling expansion thereof upon water impingement thereagainst during movement through a body of water. Expansion of the annulus is dependent upon the velocity of the head through the water body. The foam annulus is formed from a material capable of absorbing and temporarily retaining attractant and the attractant is displaceable by water in order to simultaneous disperse the fix attractant as the head is drawn through the water body.

Abstract: A number of stackable weights can be bundled together and secured with a lashing to form a modular sinker of a desired weight. Each stackable weight has an elongated bar bounded by four side surfaces and having a fixed eye. A link member is movably attached to the fixed eye and terminates in a coupling eye. The link member provides a degree of motion between the coupling eye and the fixed eye of the bar, allowing the coupling eyes of multiple stackable weights to be connected together to a single fastener while the bars are positioned together in a side-by-side relationship. When so connected, the link members form a pyramid-shaped coupling structure that will reduce the likelihood of snagging the resulting modular sinker. The bars preferably have textured side surfaces to frictionally engage each other to maintain the bars parallel and to retain an elastic band that provides the lashing.

Abstract: A linkable sinker which is particularly suitable for trolling can be used alone or linked end-to-end with similar sinkers. The sinker has an elongated weight with a weight passage and a wire member passing therethrough. The wire member terminates at a leading eye and a trailing eye; the eyes are spaced apart sufficiently that the wire member can be slid in the weight passage to remove a trailing eye leg from the weight passage to open the trailing eye, thereby allowing the leading eye of another sinker to be connected to form an articulated sinker. A resilient hood of compressible material is preferably provided, covering the leading eye. The resilient hood covers the space between adjacent weights when linked together. Preferably, the trailing eye is maintained in engagement with a trailing end of the weight to secure the leading eye of a subsequent sinker when connected to the trailing eye.

Abstract: A bait cage device and method for sustaining bait during fishing operations is provided. A capsulate shaped structure has an opening for inserting the bait. At least one vent on the capsulate shaped structure provides fluid communication between the exterior and interior of the bait cage. A lid is hingedly disposed on the capsulate shaped structure to cover the opening. At least one anchor point is disposed on the capsulate shaped structure, operable to receive a line. At least one anchor point is disposed on the capsulate shaped structure, operable to receive a hook. The lid further has a clasp, the clasp releasably mated with the capsulate shaped structure to close the opening. The clasp releases the lid into an open position upon application of pressure to radial diametrically opposed sides of the exterior of the capsulate shaped structure.

Abstract: A buoyancy compensating fishing weight apparatus including a weight, a hollow cylinder, and a length of wire or line disposed through each of the weight and the cylinder. The hollow cylinder is slightly elongate, waterproof, buoyant, deformable and flexible. Proximate the upper end of the cylinder, the line connects to a swivel or comparable fishing tackle element adapted for snap-on connection to a fishing line. A lower end of the lines terminates immediately below the weight in an element that prevents the line from removal through the weight or cylinder. The weight is attached to the lower end of the hollow cylinder with a watertight seal. The upper end of the line is disposed through a seal at the upper end of the hollow cylinder.

Abstract: The bottom fish rig 12 has a strong leader 13 with a removable sliding c-weight 25 and a horizontal unilateral three-pronged hook 41 that resists snagging and reduces possible injuries. A horizontal unilateral three-pronged hook 41 differs from the standard treble hook by having all three barbs oriented upwards in a 180-degree plane and the hook 41 is designed to lie flat on the surface. An elongated leader 13 has a hook end 14 and a line end 16. The hook end 14 has a leader hook loop 18 and the leader line end 16 has a leader line loop 20. A first movement stop 22 is crimped to the leader 13 before the leader line loop 20. A second movement stop 24 is crimped to the leader about two-thirds of the length. A sliding c-weight 25 connects to the leader 13 between movement stops.

Abstract: A floating fishing lure having the capability to adjust the buoyancy of the fish lure with a high degree of precision, such that the fish lure has fore and aft chamber sections connected and held together by an attaching means. Disposed on each fore and aft chamber sections are a plurality of buoyancy windows, one set of which will coincidentally overlie the other set of buoyancy windows as the fore chamber section is rotationally moved in regard to the aft chamber section. By changing the rotational placement of the two sections, valve aperture openings are produced that regulate the air to water ratio within the fish lure, thereby controlling its buoyancy. Additional fish attractors, hooks and illuminators can be added to the fishing lure.

Abstract: The sink line comprises a plurality of weights attached to a longitudinal supporting structure, preferably in a spaced a part relationship, the weights comprising a core member of a first material entirely enclosed in a coating of a second material, the weights having an outer surface in securing engagement with the supporting structure.

Abstract: An adjustable depth fishing bobber having a hollow bobber housing for upright floatation having a top and a bottom opening, an elongated stem extending displaceably through said housing openings and having provision for the attachment of a fishing line to an upper end and a fishing leader to a lower end, a top cap affixed to the stem above the housing that normally engages the housing to sealably close the top opening, and a coiled spring surrounding the stem within the housing urging the stem downwardly with respect to the housing to normally close the top opening, the stem being upwardly displaceable relative to the housing whereby a quantity of water can be admitted into or drained from the housing to vary the buoyancy of the bobber.

Abstract: A plastic spoon bill, oval or circular in plan view with two angled thin faces which may be flat or curved, has a horizontal insert in the mouth of an artificial or natural bait fish. A pin through the bait fish body and through a hole in the insert secures the insert. A multiple pronged hook on a wire leader from the spoon bill is inserted in the underside of the bait fish. A weighted ballast attached to the hook is inserted in the underside of the bait fish. A live fish being hooked pulls the hook from the bait fish and the undamaged bait fish is reusable.

Abstract: A fishing lure is described containing a cast of a natural bait encased in a castable transparent material designed in hydrodynamically correct shapes and to operate at different depths by utilizing an adjustable buoyancy device. A cast of a natural bait being the embodiment of a natural bait in the form of a castable material taken from the cast of a natural bait and then painted, to which an adjustable buoyancy device is incorporated by containment within the lure or attachment to the lure of a sealed air chamber wherein the adjustable portion consists of a cylinder which is threaded on the inside to accommodate a set screw/gasket seal combination. Rotation of the set screw varies the lure's buoyancy by compressing the air in the air chamber thus varying the fluid displacement volume of the lure and also changing the center of gravity of the lure. Alternatively, the cast can be of a part of the natural bait or a section or surface texture of the bait.

Abstract: A combination slip/spring float with the ability to be used as a lighted float and more particularly a lighted center slide float.

Abstract: A fishing sinker device for maintaining the fishing line and attached fishing lure at the desired water level regardless of the terrain. The inventive device includes a buoyant member having a first end and a second end, a first engaging member attached to the first end of the buoyant member for engaging a fishing line, and a second engaging member attached to the second end of the buoyant member for engaging a weight. The buoyant member is preferably an elongate structure and is constructed of a buoyant material such as a foam rubber material or the like. The first engaging member includes a first slot for receiving the fishing line and the second engaging member includes a second slot for receiving a loop from the weight. The buoyant member maintains the fishing line at the desired height above the surface of the body of water during fishing regardless of the obstacles encountered during usage of the present invention.

Abstract: The invention is a fishing float and method of using the same that permits a positive attachment to a fishing line and that provides secure, easy and rapid attachment of the fishing line to the float and that allows the weight of the float to be readily changed thereby controlling the casting and float characteristics of the float.

Abstract: The invention is a fishing float and method of using the same that permits a positive attachment to a fishing line and that provides secure, easy and rapid attachment of the fishing line to the float and that allows the weight of the float to be readily changed thereby controlling the casting and float characteristics of the float.

Abstract: A floatation and fish hook setting device for catching more fish and to prevent fish from getting away. The floatation and fish hook setting device includes an elongate tubular member having open ends and a bore extending therethrough; and also includes end-cap members being removably disposed upon the ends of the elongate tubular member; and further includes a floatation sleeve being disposed about the elongate tubular member; and also includes a fishing line assembly including an elastic member being disposed in the bore of the elongate tubular member, and also including fishing line members and a fish hook member being securely attached to one the fishing line members.