Abstract: Trailer hitch protectors have a flexible body member sized and configured to be sleeved over a tow bar tongue associated with a trailer hitch assembly. The body member most preferably includes an opposed pair of generally U-shaped inner and outer lateral walls which are spaced apart from one another so as to define a cushion space therebetween and thereby provide cushioned protection laterally of the tow bar tongue when received within the body member. A series of spaced-apart flexible connecting webs extending between said inner and outer lateral walls within the cushion space may be provided so as to provide further cushioning effect. In especially preferred embodiments, the flexible body member has an upper wall joined to both the inner and outer lateral walls, and has an aperture adapted to surround a hitch ball attached to the tow bar tongue of the trailer hitch assembly.

Abstract: Fish handling pliers are stabilized against lateral movements of the pliers jaws. More specifically, the fish handling pliers of the present invention include an upper member having an upper handle section at a rearward end thereof, and an upper jaw at a forward end thereof. A lower member has a lower jaw at a forward end thereof which is opposed to the upper jaw of the upper member. The lower member also has a rearward end pivotally connected to the upper member to allow for pivotal movements of the lower member towards and away from the upper member to thereby close and open the opposed upper and lower jaws, respectively. Importantly, one of the upper and lower members defines a lengthwise-extending groove. The other of the upper and lower members includes a lengthwise extending tongue in opposition to the groove.

Abstract: Fishhooks include a wire element which encircles the shank rearwardly of the fishhook's main barb. The wire element is preferably in the form of an elongate loop having a slide element capable of slidable movements therealong to allow for size adjustment of the wire element loop and thereby prevent it from becoming disengaged. The wire element thus retains its weed-guard position when being trolled through even relatively dense underwater vegetation. At the same time, however, the reduced-size wire element loop allows the wire element to pivot laterally in response to increased pressure thereagainst (e.g., as occurs when a fish strikes the hook) and thereby expose the point for penetration into the striking fish. Alternatively or optionally, the fishhooks include significantly longer and larger shank barbs than those capable of being obtained through conventional fabrication techniques.

Abstract: Fishing lures which include an empty firearm ammunition shell casing and a fishhook attached thereto. Soundwave-propagation is achieved by means of one or more rattle bead or beads freely housed within the interior cylindrical space of the shell casing to thereby attract game fish when the lure is submerged during use. Most preferably, the fishhook is attached rigidly to the rearward rim surface of the shell casing (e.g., in the pocket space in which the primer for the cartridge is seated) and protrudes rearwardly therefrom. A spoon or other decorative lure devices may optionally be attached to the shell casing to provide the fisherman with the desired effect.