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.