Abstract: A tray (10) for receiving a plurality of fish fillets (28) in a layer for compaction and freezing in a stack of layers. The tray is formed from a sheet (18) of material having a first portion (12) joined to a second portion (14) by a flexible hinge portion (16). The first portion is formed to define a plurality of first recesses (24) and the second portion is formed to define a plurality of negative second recesses (26). A fillet is received within each of the first recesses to form a layer, the tray is folded, and an additional layer of fillets is received within the second recesses. The tray is constructed and configured to be deformed and to enable the fillets to deform within the recesses, under the force of compaction, to form separable layers of substantially separate frozen fillets.

Abstract: A hauling block 20 having a sheave 30 comprising two identical halves 32 and 34. The hauling surfaces 40 and 42 of the sheave 30 carry outwardly extending, cleat receiving pockets 54. Reinforced cleats 50 are seated in the pockets 54 and releasably fastened to the sheave 30.

Abstract: An artificial bait comprises short lengths of randomly dispersed fibers, preferably rayon, a gellable binder, and an attractant, all disposed in a water matrix.

Abstract: A hydraulic swivel 40 transfers pressurized hydraulic fluid from a stationary spool 50 to a housing 42 mounted for rotation relative to the spool 50. The swivel 40 also carries a drain line 64 placed in fluid communication with the spool/housing interface above and below the pressurized fluid passages so that any fluid leaking from the pressurized fluid passages will find its way to the drain and thus not to the outside of the swivel.

Abstract: An artificial bait comprises short lengths of randomly dispersed fibers, preferably rayon, an internal setting alginate, and attractant dispersed in a water matrix.

Abstract: A mechanically driven brailer for fish from the bunt of a net includes a handle, a brailer hoop, and brail net attached to the hoop. The brailer hoop is hinged to the handle such that it maintains a coplanar relationship with the handle as both are driven downward into the fish. Release of a latch means allows the hoop to change positions relative to the handle so that the volume of the bunt swept by the hoop is maximized.

Abstract: Three different apparatus for feeding artificial bait are disclosed. One feeds individual bait size pieces from a stack of such pieces. A second feeds elongated strips from a stack of strips to a baiting station and cuts incremental pieces presented at the baiting station. A third apparatus feeds a continuous, elongated strip of bait wound onto a reel to a baiting station and cuts incremental pieces presented at the baiting station.

Abstract: Three different apparatus for feeding artificial bait are disclosed. One feeds individual bait size pieces from a stack of such pieces. A second feeds elongated strips from a stack of strips to a baiting station and cuts incremental pieces presented at the baiting station. A third apparatus feeds a continuous, elongated strip of bait wound onto a reel to a baiting station and cuts incremental pieces presented at the baiting station.

Abstract: A submersible rotary impeller fish pump augmented by the release of large volumes of pressurized air into the pump's discharge stream during pump operation enables the pumping of fish or other water-borne articles to the same or greater heights at materially lower impeller speeds and with less impeller damage than the same pump unaided.

Abstract: A device for capturing hooks for use in conjunction with longline hauling and stowage apparatus includes a hook elevating ramp, an engagement plate, and a brush. The hook elevating ramp elevates the hook to the location of the guide track by which the hook is to be captured for storage, while the engagement plate rotates the hook to ensure its engagement on the guide track. The brush serves to stabilize the hook immediately prior to and during hook rotation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for baiting circle hooks includes a baiting station and a surface upon which a piece of bait rests at the baiting station. A groove extends away from the surface. A piece of bait is positioned over the groove. As circle hook is fed to the baiting station the point and point bend of the hook are engaged and hidden by the groove, thus hiding the point of the hook from the bait as the point traverses past the leading edge of the bait. Thereafter, the hook is caused to rotate so that the point impales the bait. Preferably, the hook and bait are thereafter counter-rotated so that the bait piece fully engages the hook and resides on the hook bend.

Abstract: An article transfer pumping system combining the effects of a jet pump and an air lift pump to minimize article damage while increasing lift capability and overall system efficiency. Air lift pump placement adjacent the pump inlet aerates the rising column of water with articles such as fish, even large salmon, being raised by the jet pump, whereas jet pump placement adjacent the discharge end of the conduit increases pump efficiency.

Abstract: Pumping efficiency for fish and other articles has been achieved far beyond expectations. By extracting water and adding air at a location in the pumping system higher than the initial air injection point, thereby excluding a certain percentage of the water, efficiency is not only increased but variable control capabilities are achieved.