Abstract: A fish holder clamp system includes an elongate lever having a handle end and a jaw end. Disposed intermediately between a proximal part of the handle end and a distal part of the jaw end is a pivot pin that defines an obtuse angle between virtual lines connecting the proximal part of the lever to the pivot pin and the distal part of the jaw end to the pivot pin. A lever effect about the pivot pin to causes an elevation of the jaw end responsive to a depression of the handle end.

Abstract: A fish landing net for landing heavy fish from an elevated location includes a flexible retaining hoop having a normal open position. A netting has an open end carried at the hoop periphery and a depending closed end providing an enclosure for securing and carrying the fish. A lifting rigging is attached by three outwardly and downwardly extending rope sections to the hoop for raising and lowering said hoop member at the elevated location. The hoop has an initial prestressing establishing the open position and is locally anneals at the attachment sites for permitting inwardly deforming of the periphery under loading conditions of the fish in the netting thereby resulting in an inward constricting of the hoop opening during landing of the fish.

Abstract: A hand net frame for the binding of a net to form a hand net, having a main body and a wooden covering layer covering at least one part of the main body, the main body having an annular head and a shaft extended outwards from the periphery of the head at one side, the head having a plurality of string holes for the binding of strings of the net, the head and the shaft being respectively formed of a roll of laminated fiber reinforced plastic sheet materials.

Abstract: A heavy fishing line useful in fishing to reduce the environmental impact on marine birds has a high specific gravity and a high sink rate in water. The composite line has a central core of heavy metal and metal salt particles surrounded by a polymeric monofilament for use in long line fishing as well as fish nets.

Abstract: A device for throwing a cast net that facilitates the throwing and improved deployment of said cast net. The device is predominatly disc shaped and contains a multiplicity of radial openings that span an area from near the periphery of said disc to a central portion of the disk. The device is attached to a typical cast net by passing the individual draw strings from the central hub of the net, down through the separate radial openings in the disc shaped device, to the weighted peripheral line of the cast net. The device provides the means for imparting a uniform centrifugal motion to the weighted cord of a typical cast net, then allows the draw strings to freely slide through the device while the net expands. After net deployment, the device then allows the draw strings to move from a point near the circumference of the device to a central portion of the hub of the device upon retrieval.

Abstract: A fish net, comprising a frame, and a net, attached to the frame, and including a length measuring scale disposed on the net, configured to allow a user to determine a size of a fish held in the net by visually comparing the fish with the length measuring scale. In one embodiment the length markings include a zero point near the bottom of the net, with two coordinated scales sharing the zero point and extending in opposing directions therefrom, such that a user may visually determine the length of the fish by aligning the fish with the length scale, and adding the numeral designations which are aligned with opposing ends of the fish.

Abstract: A fish net, comprising a frame, and a net, attached to the frame, and including a length measuring scale disposed on the net, configured to allow a user to determine a size of a fish held in the net by visually comparing the fish with the length measuring scale. In one embodiment the length markings include a zero point near the bottom of the net, with two coordinated scales sharing the zero point and extending in opposing directions therefrom, such that a user may visually determine the length of the fish by aligning the fish with the length scale, and adding the numeral designations which are aligned with opposing ends of the fish.

Abstract: Thermoplastic resin compositions are provided that possess improved acoustic reflectivity. The compositions are useful in preparing acoustically reflective fishing nets that can be used in a method of fishing to avoid the unwanted capture of cetaceans.

Abstract: A hand net frame for the binding of a net to form a hand net, having a main body and a wooden covering layer covering at least one part of the main body, the main body having an annular head and a shaft extended outwards from the periphery of the head at one side, the head having a plurality of string holes for the binding of strings of the net, the head and the shaft being respectively formed of a roll of laminated fiber reinforced plastic sheet materials.

Abstract: A collapsible bait trap has a support assembly for netting support arms. The support has a plurality of notches in which the arms are connected. A rotatable gear is attached to the notched support and rotatable from a first position where gear teeth cover the notches to prevent the arms from collapsing thereby holding the netting in its open position, to a second position where the gear teeth do not cover the notches so that the support arms are free to collapse thereby moving the netting to its closed position for convenient storage.

Abstract: A retractable fishing net includes a handle, a retraction mechanism, a net support band and a netting. The handle has a grip end and a net end. The retraction mechanism is slidably mounted on the handle, the retraction mechanism being movable between the grip end and the net end. The net support band has a first band end and a second band end, the first band end and the second band end each being mounted to the retraction mechanism, the net support band thereby having a hoop shape. The net support band is mounted relative to the handle and the retraction mechanism in a manner so as to provide the net support band with a spring quality, the spring quality of the net support band acting to bias the retraction mechanism toward the net end of the handle. The netting is mounted on the net support band.

Abstract: A cast net throwing device is provided for use with a cast net including a netting defining a mesh, with the netting being bounded at an outer periphery by a lead line, and the cast net further including a plurality of braille lines secured at opposite ends to the lead line and interconnected therebetween to a throwline, with the throwline and braille lines operating in combination with one another to close the net when a user pulls on the throwline. The cast net throwing device comprises at least one handle member, with the at least one handle member being operatively securable to the netting without interfering with the operation of the braille lines of the cast net.

Abstract: Mesh cells (30) for machine-made netting (51) use pairs of mesh bars (35) made from a continuous length of material and meet at a common coupler (34). Such mesh bars (35) have a lay with a common direction throughout the length of material. In a zig-zag pattern used in knitting machine-made netting (31), the longitudinal axis of symmetry (38) of mesh bars (35) turns at each coupler (34). Towing such mesh bars (35) causes water to flow past pairs thereof in two different directions with respect to their common lay. The directions of water flow are neither parallel nor perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of symmetry (38) of the mesh bars (35). As water flows past the mesh bars (35), the cross-sectional shapes of the mesh bars (35) produce a net component of force that is oriented in a direction perpendicular to a combined drag component of force for the mesh bars (35).

Abstract: An apparatus and method that electronically measures and displays the size of a fish in a net using an electrical transducer generating a signal responding to the weight of a fish, and electronics converting and displaying the signal to indicate fish weight, length, and/or girth to inform a person of fish size with minimum trauma to a fish.

Abstract: An automatically closing drop fishing net is provided for commercial fishing operations. The drop net assembly includes an upper float ring, a lower weight ring, and a net formed in a generally tubular configuration. The upper end of the net is attached to the float ring and the lower end of the net is attached to the weight ring. The drop net assembly has several torque lines that extend from locations on the float ring on the outside of the net to locations on the weight ring that are initially angularly offset at least one hundred eighty degrees relative to their points of attachment to the float ring. The torque lines are shorter than the vertical length that the net would assume in a stretched condition with the float ring buoyed upon the surface of a body of sea water and with the weight ring suspended therebeneath and held only by the structure of the net. As gravity pulls the weight ring downwardly from the float ring in the water, tension is exerted on the torque lines.

Abstract: A fish netting device including a frame member with a handle. Included is a first net member that defines a pocket configuration, when interconnected to the frame member. A rider bracket is positioned within the frame and capable of sliding back and forth within the frame. A second net member has a first portion that is interconnected with the frame and a second portion interconnected with the rider bracket. Lastly, the handle has a guide slot and a channel. The channel has a means for moving the rider bracket back and forth. The means has a lever positioned within the guide slot for controlling the movement of the rider bracket.

Abstract: A collection apparatus for collecting specimens of a predetermined size floating within a body of water comprises a net and a float connected to the net. The net has a mesh surrounded by a periphery. The float has a sufficient buoyancy to maintain the net in a position above the lower surface of the body of water and in a generally stationary attitude relative to the upper surface of the body of water.

Abstract: A fishing net mechanism with a supporting tubular frame and an inflatable floating assembly mounted thereon. A compressor in a vessel is connected to the inflatable floating assembly to submerge or bring afloat the fishing net mechanism. Two identical pairs of interlocking sections define the supporting tubular frame. Carrier assemblies slidably mounted to the supporting tubular frame hold the net member through an edge cable positioned at the rim. Upper and lower cables are used to control the position of the mechanism which is hoisted to the vessel. A constraining loop is controlled by the lower cable and when inside the vessel is allowed to release the netted fish.

Abstract: A reinforced net apparatus, defined by a recovery net portion and a rear bag portion, the recovery net portion including a lower body panel portion of reinforced heavy duty netting, interconnected to left and right side panels of netting, and a top body panel portion of lightweight netting, together forming a forward debris-receiving opening. The recovery net portion would be interconnected at its rear wall to a bag portion, comprising netting, for receiving the debris collected in the recovery portion, the bag portion closed off at its rearmost end, and including elephant ears for recovering the bag portion when it is filled with debris. There is further included a lead chain member across the forward floor portion of the net and a trash chain to contact the debris and help move it into the net while the net is being pulled along the bottom of the body of water by a vessel.

Abstract: A net apparatus for catching aquatic animals includes in a preferred embodiment a substantially transparent monofilament netting attached to a substantially transparent, hollow, tubular rim, which is attached to a substantially transparent, hollow, tubular handle. One or more openings allows water to flow into the hollow interior of both the rim and the handle when immersed underwater. The handle includes two openings for receiving the two ends of the rim. An elliptical cross-section of both the rim and the openings in the handle afford assembly of the dip net apparatus by inserting the ends of the rim into the corresponding handle openings and friction locking the rim to the handle by twisting the rim relative to the handle.

Abstract: A fishing net is suspended from a corkline. A monofilament line is formed into three loops which are clamped together. The first of these three loops forms a knot around the corkline and the other two loops weave through the fishing net to hold it in place. The first loop is wound around the corkline in one angular direction for about one turn. It then crosses the portion of the first loop that is below the corkline. It then again passes around the corkline but in an angular direction opposite said one direction. Afterward, a limited portion of the loop that was wrapped around the corkline is free. The other loops are then passed through this free limited portion and the knot it tightened.

Abstract: A net trap incorporating a net attached to both a frame and a bar, which is slidably attached to the frame. A handle is attached to the frame. A release means in the handle allows the bar to slide relative to the frame as urged by an elastic means, thereby closing the net and imprisoning its contents.

Abstract: A fish handling net comprises a body portion having a triangular opening. The body portion can be formed from a net material or from waterproof plastic sheet material such as PVC which has been perforated to provide drainage holes.The body portion is provided with attachment means comprising weighing rings, and VELCRO.RTM. strips along each side of the body portion. The weighing ring is attachable to a projection of a sleeve which is clamped to a pole.

Abstract: The invention provides a marine fishery article of threads which is made of threads consisting essentially of polycaprolactone represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein n is 300 to 2,000.

Abstract: A golf ball retrieving device for retrieving submerged golf balls from lakes includes a net which has an edge about its periphery. Attached to the net's edge is hollow pipe which is selectively fillable with air or water to raise or lower the net respectively. At the center of the net is a receptacle for receiving golf balls. When the golf balls are to be removed from the receptacle, the hollow pipe is filled with air, causing the edges of the net to rise. The rising edges of the net cause the golf balls to roll toward the center of the net where they are retained by the receptacle. The receptacle is then easily lifted and the golf balls contained therein removed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a castable rig and a method for catching crustaceans using a standard rod and reel. The disclosed rig includes an annular ring attached to a harness by means of a plurality of elongate suspension members. The periphery of a generally conical net is attached to the annular ring. A weight is attached to the net and a bait sack is positioned within the conical structure of the net. The bait sack may be integrally formed with the net.

Abstract: A collapsible crab pot structure comprising a crap pot frame with a removable unitary bag-like net therein secured to the frame by a rope framework within the bag-like net. The bag-like net can be made from a single piece of netting fabric according to a prescribed pattern. The frame has square parallel vertically-spaced similarly oriented congruent relatively-movable rigid top and bottom horizontally extending frame portions. The four respective corners of the top and bottom frame portions are interconnected by, and pivotably connected to, four post structures to form an essentially parallelpiped frame structure. A netting-covered door in a vertical front side of the frame structure is hinged along the front side of the top frame portion for swinging movement from a closed vertical position to a position atop the top frame portion. Convergent tunnel portions of the trap net enter the trap from opposite vertical sides which are perpendicular to the door side of the frame structure.

Abstract: A fishing net is held in place below a corkline by a series of holding devices. Each holding device has a crimped cylinder from which three loops extend. One of these loops may be tied around the corkline to position the crimped cylinder below the corkline. The other two loops cooperate with similar loops from other adjacent holding devices to position the fishing net below the holding devices.

Abstract: Separate anchor members (1, 1', 1", 1'", 40, 60, 70, 80, 80', 80") are secured at regularly spaced locations to a rope or line (L) to which a net (N) is to be coupled. The anchor members carry separate connectors (11, 11', 11", 11'", 50, 65, 65', 12'") which, in turn, are adapted to be connected to the net. The connectors can have closed loops (14, 15, 14', 15') to be threaded through a selvage portion of the net and interwoven with the loops of connectors of the adjacent anchor members.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a detachable boom for containing and recovering fluids spilled on open water. The invention has a float system using a plurality of floats arrayed along a flexible, stretch-resistant cork line, a substantially rectangular barrier where the barrier is fixedly but detachably attached to the float system by a first attachment system, and an elongated weight device which is fixedly but detachably attached to the bottom of the barrier. The detachable boom disclosed in the present invention can be anchored in a stationary position or towed behind a small-to-medium sized marine vessel using a towing bridle.

Abstract: A crab catcher for use with baited crab line includes a mesh box cage or basket with an opened end facing in the direction of motion of the boat. It is mounted in a frame alongside a moving boat, just under the water. Crab line is run over two rollers, forming a V shape, positioned above the open end of the basket; the line continues over the basket to a rear guide and off the back end. As the boat moves, crabs feeding on the baited line will let go as they near the surface. They are then swept into the open end of the basket by the flow of water and held there by the current. To increase the chance of entrapment, mesh plates are arranged about the open basket end to form a partial funnel and give a larger efffective opening. The basket lifts out of the frame for emptying it of crabs. The frame, which is adjustable for different sizes of boats, has hooks to go over the gunwales of the boat.

Abstract: Separate anchor members (1, 1', 1", 1'", 40, 60, 70, 80, 80', 80") are secured at regularly spaced locations to a rope or line (L) to which a net (N) is to be coupled. The anchor members carry separate connectors (11, 11', 11", 11'", 50, 65, 65', 12'") which, in turn, are adapted to be connected to the net. The connectors can have closed loops (14, 15, 14', 15') to be threaded through a selvage portion of the net and interwoven with the loops of connectors of the adjacent anchor members.

Abstract: This invention relates to a scoop net for catching fish, which includes a net coupled with a water-tight plastic fabric and connected to the scoop net frame. The plastic fabric is having one circular end adhered to the middle part of the net to define a scoop-like water chamber, and having the other elongated end fixedly connected to the curved side portion of the scoop net frame to define a water channel.

Abstract: An apparatus having a curved member in a substantially closed configuration so as to define an ovate shaped confinement area wherein the curved member is formed from a material having a first hardness. A cross piece is connected to the curved member within the confinement area. A snap release mechanism disposed upon the curved member is movable between a first position for opening the configuration and a second position for closing the configuration. The curved member has a line engaging surface facing the confinement area having a material deposit thereon. The material deposit has a second hardness relatively greater than the first hardness.

Abstract: A fishing net includes a cord having a multiplicity of strands including an identification strand marked at spaced intervals with sequential numerical codes. The preselected strand is substantially inextricably incorporated in the cord so that the preselected strand extends along the length thereof. The cord is in turn incorporated in the net so that the cord extends substantially from one end of the net to an opposite thereof. The cord has ends located at readily accessible preselected points relative to the net so that a smallest numerical code and a largest numerical code on the cord are easily determinable upon visual inspection of the net.

Abstract: A connector (10) for detachably interconnecting the intermediate portion of a first, primary line (16) and the end portions of secondary lines (24) includes two separate, identical opposing members (30) having complementary, substantially planar mating faces (32). Grooves (34) extend centrally across the mating faces (32) of the connector members (30) to cooperatively define a primary passageway (36) extending through the connector member at the interface of the two connector members to snugly receive the primary line (16) therein. A hollow post (50) extends transversely from the mating face (32) of each connector member to engage within a close fitting, aligned socket (52) formed in the opposite connector member thereby to clamp the two connector members together. The two opposing connector members (30) also have portions cooperatively defining a pair of secondary passageways (40) extending through the connector (10) at the interface of the two connector members (30).

Abstract: An algicidal composition which is effective against red tide comprises, a higher fatty acid or its salt as an active ingredient, such as 6, 9, 12, 15-octadecatetraenic acid.

Abstract: A fish landing net having a cord attached to the apex of the net webbing for preventing drifting of the webbing during landing of a fish. One end of the cord is attached to the apex of the webbing and the other is attached to a weight slidably received within the hollow portion of the landing net handle.

Abstract: A hanging cord is threaded through the top selvage of the net or web of a fishnet assembly and is secured at regularly spaced locations to separate anchor blocks which, in turn, are secured to the fishnet corkline. The anchor blocks have rigid bodies and swingable connectors with arms projecting from the block bodies for attachment of the hanging cord to the connector arms, such as by clips clamping the hanging cord and having lines fitted through eyes in the arms. The securing of the anchor blocks to the corkline can be by straps or staples threaded through the block bodies and tightenable to clamp the blocks to the corkline. The bottom selvage of the net can be connected to the lead line in the same manner by threading a separate hanging cord through the bottom selvage and securing it at regularly spaced intervals to corresponding anchor blocks clamped to the lead line.

Abstract: A casting net is disclosed constructed of a circular net with a ring-shaped element fitted in its center. The circumference is fitted with a bottom rope holding weight elements, weight blocks or chain-weight chains. The cast-net hanging from its central ring-shaped element drops to form a conical cast-net when retrieved. During casting, the integral net element spreads to become a planar net shape which differs from that of the traditional cylindrical cast-net. This invention reduces seam stitching and makes it easier to spread for maximum effect. Moreover, the central ring-shaped element, i.e. the lower and the upper retaining ring elements, can be easily fitted to the meshes in the center of the cast-net in a secure simplified manner.

Abstract: A pneumatic plunger system for use in a commercial seine fishing vessel, comprising apparatus for expelling a mixture of forced air and water through a plurality of nozzles that are located along the keel of the vessel. The forced air and water which is ejected through the nozzles creates a wall of air bubbles extending substantially vertically and downward from the keel. Fish swimming between the net and the wall of air bubbles are startled by the air bubbles and are repelled into the net.

Abstract: A hanging cord is threaded through the top selvage of the net or web of a fishnet assembly and is secured at regularly spaced locations to separate anchor blocks which, in turn, are secured to the fishnet corkline. The anchor blocks have rigid bodies and swingable connectors with arms projecting from the block bodies for attachment of the hanging cord to the connector arms, such as by clips clamping the hanging line and having pins fitted through eyes in the arms. The securing of the anchor blocks to the corkline can be by straps threaded through the block bodies and tightenable to clamp the blocks to the corkline. The bottom selvage of the net can be connected to the lead line in the same manner by threading a separate hanging cord through the bottom selvage and securing it at regularly spaced intervals to corresponding anchor blocks clamped to the lead line.

Abstract: Method and composition for preserving fibrous materials. A urethane and thinning agent are mixed, and a fibrous material is contacted with the mixture and dried. An anti-oxidant, thinning agent or drier may optionally be mixed with the urethane and thinning agent. Extenders, plasticizers and ultraviolet light absorbers may also be used to advantage in some applications. The method and composition have particular application for use as a preservative for fishing and shrimping nets, uralkyd resins being the preferred urethane for this use.

Abstract: A length of buoyant material is coiled around the outside of a mesh fish basket to provide a floatation collar for the basket.

Abstract: A chain net comprises a plurality of warp strands (1.1) with mutually equal links (1.2) which at intersections lock round links (1.5) of weft strands (1.4) having mutually equal links. The links of the warp strands have dimensions such that they first allow the insertion of weft strands and, after plastic or elastic deformation, lock links of the weft strands. The plastic deformation is provided by elongating the warp strands. The elastic deformation is provided by the warp strand links being first expanded to allow the insertion of weft strands, after which the warp links are elastically re-deformed for locking round weft links.

Abstract: There is disclosed a net antifouling composition for use on nettings and comprised of from 2 to 10 percent, preferably 3-6 percent by weight of a tri-n-butyl tin ester selected from the group consisting of tri-n-butyl tin linoleate, bis(tri-n-butyl) tin succinate, tri-n-butyl tin benzoate, bis tri-n-butyl tin salicylate and mixtures thereof in an organic solvent system or a water base system, preferably a water base system, for controlling algae and invertebrate growth.

Abstract: A rescue net structure for rescuing persons from the sea or other bodies of water is disclosed. The structure has a net with mesh openings which are larger than thigh size but smaller than chest size. The net is attached to side ropes which are provided with floats and the side ropes at a forward end of the structure are extended to form pulling ropes. A sinker rope extends between the side ropes at the rear end of the structure. The sinker rope has the effect of submerging the rear end of the structure in the water, and pulling together rear end portions of the side ropes while their front ends remain open. Thus a partial enclosure is formed into which a person to be rescued can enter and be enmeshed in the net in an upright position.

Abstract: A method of effectively connecting a fishing net without the necessity for tying each net mesh to the support rope prevents a tearing-off of the fishing net with consequent loss of the net. During the connecting operation, a number of pairs of depending ear portions are formed along the support rope, one after another, by inserting a first depending ear portion into the support rope to form a second ear portion. The net is hung from the depending ear portions. Each pair of depending ear portions are successively connected to one another, without tying the two together at any position on the support rope.

Abstract: Keepnets allowing safer and easier release of fish retained therein with reduced danger of damage to the fish comprise a tubular net (1) open at one end (2) and closed at the other (3), the net having a rigid mouth-ring (5), a terminal ring at the closed end and a plurality of intermediate support rings (4) spaced along its length between the mouth-ring and the terminal ring. One of the intermediate rings (10) is of substantially rigid construction as opposed to the relative flexibility of the remaining intermediate rings (4). The rigid ring (10) is used as a secondary mouth when releasing the fish to reduce the length of net over which they have to be tumbled and thus the risk of damage to them. Various designs of net using this principle are described.

Abstract: A reinforced net apparatus, defined by a recovery net portion and a rear bag portion, the recovery net portion including a lower body panel portion of reinforced heavy duty netting, interconnected to left and right side panels of netting, and a top body panel portion of lightweight netting, together forming a forward debris-receiving opening. The recovery net portion would be interconnected at its rear wall to a bag portion, comprising netting, for receiving the debris collected in the recovery portion, the bag portion closed off at its rearmost end, and including elephant ears for recovering the bag portion when it is filled with debris. There is further included a lead chain member across the forward floor portion of the net and a trash chain to contact the debris and help move it into the net while the net is being pulled along the bottom of the body of water by a vessel.