Abstract: A rig unit for a fishing line includes a float body and a ballast mass removably coupled to the float body. The ballast mass and the float body are configured to remain coupled together during a launch phase and a flight, and to separate from each other upon impact with the water at the end of a flight path. During flight, when the float body and the ballast mass are connected together, the rig unit is orientated with the float body arranged in front, and the ballast mass arranged behind it. After separation upon impact with the water, the ballast mass is configured to rest on the seabed. The main line has a first section descending from the fishing rod to a guide passage of the ballast mass, and a second section ascending from the guide passage to the float body, which is able to remain immersed, at a distance from the water surface, with a terminal line extending upwards, starting from the float body, to an auxiliary float with which the hook is associated.

Abstract: A line connector apparatus for removably engaging a flexible line to an article, the apparatus including a beam with an external surface, the beam also including a flexible line end and an opposing article end. The apparatus has a void disposed partially within the flexible line end and the void is also partially formed from an open channel adjacent to the external surface. The void having a slip fit clearance with the flexible line, wherein the void communicates therethrough the flexible line end and the void receives the flexible line allowing the flexible line to be manually feed therethrough the void. The apparatus includes structure for selectively compressing the flexible line that is positioned within the open channel to change the slip fit clearance to an interference fit and the opposing article end is attached to the article. Operationally, the flexible line is affixed to the article via the beam.

Abstract: Fishing line accessory systems, methods, and apparatuses for securing strike indicators, bobbers, floats, weights, and other accessories to a fishing line include a primary coupling component and a secondary threaded coupling component. At least one of the coupling components has a gap defined therein. At least one of the coupling components has at least one fishing accessory connected or connectable thereto. The secondary coupling component is matable with the primary coupling component such that the gap is obstructed when the coupling components are in a mating relationship. A fishing line that is captured by the coupling components in an adjustably secure relationship can be adjusted without completely disengaging the threaded coupling components.

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: In one embodiment, a fishing line bobber includes a bobber body having a length and an exterior surface. The bobber body includes an aperture that extends through the length of the bobber body and a slot extending along the length of the bobber body and connected to the aperture through sidewalls that extend from the exterior surface of the bobber body inward to the aperture. The fishing line bobber includes a closing mechanism movable with respect to the bobber body between an open position that permits insertion of a fishing line into the aperture and a closed position that retains the fishing line within the aperture. The closing mechanism is configured to enable the fishing line bobber to function as an attachment bobber that maintains a fixed position on the fishing line and as a slip bobber that is moveable along the fishing line.

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 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: A fishing lure component assembly includes a first panel and a second panel. Each of the first and second panels has a first side, a second side and a perimeter edge extending between associated ones of the first and second sides. The first side of each of the first and second panels comprises a light reflective material. The first and second panels each include an upper layer which includes the first side and a lower layer which includes the second side. The lower layer of the first panel comprises a first mating member and the lower layer of the second panel comprises a second mating member. The first and second mating members are configured to be removably coupled together with a leader positioned therebetween to releasably retain the first and second panels on the leader.

Abstract: An improved baited lure has a head section and a tail section so that when press fitted together an interior chamber with scent holes is formed for containing bait or scent and/or a rattle. A fish hook is attached to a leader that runs through holes in the head and tail sections so that, as the lure is moved through water, the two sections are held together. One section may have an air pocket for buoyancy when at rest, and a tether may be connected between the two sections so that, in the event the leader is broken, the lure rises to the surface of the water and, even if separated, both sections are retrievable.

Abstract: According to an embodiment of the present invention, an improved fish finder apparatus is provided that allows for the apparatus to be attached to and removed from a fishing line without need to cut said fishing line. This is achieved by providing an improved fish finder apparatus with a channel for receiving fishing line, thread or other filamentous material. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate that any type of fishing line, thread, or other filamentous material could be used with embodiments of the present invention, and embodiments of the present invention are contemplated for use with any fishing line, thread or other filamentous material.

Abstract: A line connector apparatus for removably engaging a flexible line to an article, the apparatus including a beam with an external surface, the beam also including a flexible line end and an opposing article end. The apparatus has a void disposed partially within the flexible line end and the void is also partially formed from an open channel adjacent to the external surface. The void having a slip fit clearance with the flexible line, wherein the void communicates therethrough the flexible line end and the void receives the flexible line allowing the flexible line to be manually feed therethrough the void. The apparatus includes structure for selectively compressing the flexible line that is positioned within the open channel to change the slip fit clearance to an interference fit and the opposing article end is attached to the article. Operationally, the flexible line is affixed to the article via the beam.

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: Some embodiments of fishing bobbers include a main body portion, a first shaft portion, a second shaft portion, a slot, a first closing mechanism, and a second closing mechanism. Each of the first and second shaft portions has a generally cylindrical shape. The first shaft portion is positioned at one of the outer ends of the main body portion, and the second shaft portion is positioned at an opposite one of the outer ends of the main body portion. The slot runs along a length of the fishing bobber and enables a fishing line to be positioned within a central aperture of the fishing bobber. The first closing mechanism is positioned within the first shaft portion, and the second closing mechanism is positioned within the second shaft portion. The first and second closing mechanisms can be rotated between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A fishing rig for use in catching fish is described herein. The fishing rig includes a leader that extends between a first end and a second end, and a plurality of bait elements that are coupled to the leader. The plurality of bait elements includes a first bait element that is coupled to the leader and is oriented between the leader first end and the leader second end. At least one second bait element is coupled to the leader and oriented downline of the first bait element along the leader such that the first and second bait elements display a schooling-type action to facilitate attracting fish to the fishing rig.

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: Fishing line stops are disclosed. Fishing line stops illustratively include a lid and a main body. The lid has inner and outer walls. The lid outer wall forms a portion of an outer surface of the fishing line stop. The lid inner wall has first and second surfaces. The lid inner wall first and second surfaces are separated from each other by a lid offset that runs perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis. The main body has inner and outer walls. The main body inner wall forms another portion of the outer surface of the fishing line stop. The main body inner wall has first and second surfaces. The main body inner wall first and second surfaces are separated from each other by a main body offset that runs perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A fly fishing device for indicating a strike from a fish which suspends a fly or lure a fixed distance above the bottom of a lake or river is disclosed. The device may include a strike indicator made from foam or other buoyant materials that includes a threaded set screw and O-Ring to attach the line/leader to the indicator body. Most strike indicators are either difficult to attach, or difficult to adjust. This invention will allow easy attachment, and easy adjustment.

Abstract: The invention is a fishing float device specifically to be used on a fish line as a fish bite indicator for ice fishing. The fishing float device provides a simple means of attachment and release allowing greater versatility fishing through ice. By design this system slides on gripping the fish line by utilizing friction versus fixed to the fish line allowing an angler to fish at any depth through ice and remove, or dislodge the fishing float with ease when desired.

Abstract: A wahoo fishing jig comprises a barrel swivel, a first ring welded to the barrel swivel, a chain body having a plurality of links connected with the first ring, a second ring connected to a last link of the plurality of links, J hook connected to the second ring, a hook flag hanging from the J hook, and a pair of hard rubber black washers connected by a barrel and held by a pair of screws that freely moves inside a first link of the plurality of links. The chain body and the pair of hard rubber black washers produce noise in water and the pair of hard rubber black washers secured by the pair of screws resembles floating eyes. The chain body collapses and the J hook swings into the mouth and face of the wahoo fish regardless of on which link the wahoo fish bites.

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 device made of a thermoplastic material having two portions connected together with a web or hinge. A first portion forms a main body and the second portion forms a lid or cover. When the lid is aligned and closed onto the main body, the shape of the unitary device may be spherical, elliptical or another shape. The main body allows for one or more lines or strings to rest within a channel formed in the main body parallel to a pivot axis of the hinge so that when the lid is closed into the main body the strings are trapped within the channel of the main body by the lid.

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 unified swivel snap device provides optional rotational motion for use as fishing tackle to couple lures, bait hooks, and weights to a main fishing line. Embodiments include a rod rotatably held within a housing and a snap configured to lock the swivel by attaching to both the housing and the rod. Embodiments of the swivel can be unlocked by attaching the snap to the rod alone and allowing the rod to swivel relative to the housing. The swivel snap can be used for enhancing a variety of fishing mechanisms including the shank of jigs and the spindle of lures and other apparatus attached to fishing lines. Embodiments of the locking swivel snap can be used in other applications which call for selective locking of swivel motion.

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 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 unified swivel snap device provides optional rotational motion for use as fishing tackle to couple lures, bait hooks, and weights to a main fishing line. Embodiments include a rod rotatably held within a housing and a snap configured to lock the swivel by attaching to both the housing and the rod. Embodiments of the swivel can be unlocked by attaching the snap to the rod alone and allowing the rod to swivel relative to the housing. The swivel snap can be used for enhancing a variety of fishing mechanisms including the shank of jigs and the spindle of lures and other apparatus attached to fishing lines. Embodiments of the locking swivel snap can be used in other applications which call for selective locking of swivel motion.

Abstract: A device made of a thermoplastic material having two portions connected together with a web or hinge. A first portion forms a main body and the second portion forms a lid or cover. When the lid is aligned and closed onto the main body, the shape of the unitary device may be spherical, elliptical or another shape. The main body allows for one or more lines or strings to rest within a channel formed in the main body parallel to a pivot axis of the hinge so that when the lid is closed into the main body the strings are trapped within the channel of the main body by the lid.

Abstract: A reusable strike indicator of size and weight that is useful in fly fishing, ice fishing and bait fishing, which can be attached without slippage at any location along a leader or fishing line. The strike indicator comprises two solid and watertight half spheres affixed to a bridge that is hinged in the middle allowing it to be closed and secured by a snap locking mechanism at both ends so that the two half spheres form a sphere. The fishing line is clamped between the two halves of the bridge adjacent to the hinge securing the strike indicator to a fishing line. The snap can be opened and closed repeatedly to move the strike indicator to selected positions along the fishing line or to another fishing line without removing the fly or lure.

Abstract: A new line attachment which is easily removed and attached to a fishing line. The attachment body features a longitudinal bore and slot through which a bushing and fishing line can be inserted. The bushing also features a longitudinal bore and slot through which a fishing line can be fed. The longitudinal bore and slot in the bushing also enable the bushing to be compressed to fit securely into the body of the attachment body, thereby preventing the attachment body and bushing assembly from becoming unintentionally separated from the fishing line. The preferred embodiment of the invention further comprises a rib on the outside surface of the bushing that prevents rotational movement of the bushing vis-à-vis the attachment body.

Abstract: A removable and interchangeable limited resistance dive-action bait-navigating fishing bobber comprising, a substantially flat floatant body of an inverted tear drop design having a bottom slot containing a top notch for receiving a fishing line and a bottom notch for receiving a weight, a conical shaped weight having front and back ear extensions with a connecting rod that interlocks into the bottom notch of the slot in the floatant body retaining the weight to the floatant body. The top of the ear extensions forms a hole in the top notch of the slot retaining the bobber to the fishing line. The weight is removable from the floatant body when the rod is pulled out of the bottom notch allowing the bobber to be removed from the fishing line and the floatant body and weight to be interchangeable with other weights and bodies.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus includes a float, first and second fishing lines and a spring biased leader. The first fishing line is connected at its opposite end to a spring biased leader which is associated with the float. The second fishing line has a proximate end and an opposite distal end for attaching a fish catching device such as a baited hook. The spring biased leader communicates between the first fishing line and the second fishing line. The spring biased leader includes, in a parallel arrangement, a spring and a non-resilient leader line which is longer than the unextended length of the spring. A fish striking at the distal end of the second fishing line must cause the extension of the spring biased leader before applying maximum tension on either the first or second fishing lines thus preventing the fish from applying a sudden breaking force to either fishing line.

Abstract: A free floating fishing apparatus includes a float and a spool that is positioned on the float for holding a supply of line to be dispensed. A line holding beam is mounted on the float and has a line guide that enables fishing line to be spooled from the spool through the line guide and then underwater for fishing. Rigging such as a hook, sinker or the like can be attached to the free end portion of a line. The spool is comprised of two sections, a non-rotating section which is received over the float and a rotating section received over the non-rotating section. A finite length of line is wound on the rotating section and a selected amount is payed out prior to fishing. The free end of the payed out line is attached to a hook and perhaps a float and the float and hook are dropped into the water. Depending upon the amount of line wound and whether the spool sections are locked during fishing, a finite amount of line may pay our after the fish has struck the hook.

Abstract: A fishing line sinker assemblage including a streamlined weighted body that is provided with a longitudinally extending, central bore; and a fishing line securement member that is telescopically received within the central bore of the weighted body for telescopic movement between a first extended position and a second retracted position. The fishing line securement member is constructed from a length of yieldably deformable stainless steel wire and includes a line eyelet that securely grips the fishing line upon movement of the securement member from the first extended position to the second retracted position. The assemblage is fishing line sinker of a configuration such that when it is in use nothing protrudes from the sinker, such as an eyelet or swivel as found in some prior art devices, that can become tangled with weeds, grass or other debris.

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 fishing bobber which has a threaded rod positioned internally of the bobber, and which has a weight at one end. The weight can be adjusted along the threaded rod to alter the disposition of the bobber in the water.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an air chamber is formed with a plastic convoluted bellows tube which can be expanded or contracted to vary the size of the air chamber. Shaft guides at the top and bottom of the tube each have an opening in the center which receive a plastic shaft. The lower shaft guide has a small opening to allow air to enter and exit the bellows. The shaft has, at its lower end, structure for attaching a fishing line containing bait and and one or more fish hooks. At its upper end the plastic shaft includes structure which facilities viewing the float from a distance.

Abstract: A buoyant body (10, 10′) is connected to a fishing line (FL). The buoyant body (10, 10′) includes an inner chamber (12) having a closed top (14) and a closed bottom (16). An elongated member (18) extends vertically through the inner chamber (18). Fish line receiving eyes (68, 70) are formed by the elongated member (18) at the upper and lower ends of the bobber (B). A movable mass (M) is provided within the inner chamber (12). During fishing, movement of the bobber (B) imparts movement to the mass (M) and movement of the mass (M) induces fish attracting vibrations into the fishing line (FL).