Abstract: A bait container for storing bait in water incorporates a perforated carriage that slides vertically within a housing. Raising the carriage extracts the bait from the water and obviates the need to immerse a hand in cold water. A post extends upward from the carriage. A door can be moved in a vertical plane to cover an access opening. A rigid link is fixed to the door and extends inward to pass through a slot in the post. The slot locks the door, raises the door, and limits or prevents over-raising of the door. The post is free-sliding so as to cause the door to close unless held open, reducing the likelihood of bait egress. The door can be locked in a closed position using a rotatable latch arrangement to protect further against bait egress.

Abstract: A bait container for storing bait in water incorporates a perforated carriage that slides vertically within a housing. Raising the carriage extracts the bait from the water and obviates the need to immerse a hand in cold water. A post extends upward from the carriage. A door can be moved in a vertical plane to cover an access opening. A rigid link is fixed to the door and extends inward to pass through a slot in the post. The slot locks the door, raises the door, and limits or prevents over-raising of the door. The post is free-sliding so as to cause the door to close unless held open, reducing the likelihood of bait egress. The door can be locked in a closed position using a rotatable latch arrangement to protect further against bait egress.

Abstract: A weighted retaining member for use with a stringer of the type used to secure fish that have been caught. The retaining member comprises a body in the general configuration of an animal or fish body, a fish configuration typically having a mouth and a tail. The body is configured to be operatively connected to a fish stringer such that the body is suspended from the stringer and hangs in the natural orientation of a fish. The retaining member may also be pre-configured as a fish stringer having the retainer already attached to one end of the stringer. When the retaining member is suspended from a fish stringer in proximity to free-swimming fish, the retaining member is accepted as a part of the natural surroundings and, accordingly, may be used in proximity to a fishing lure without driving fish away. The retaining member is weighted sufficiently to keep fish retained on the stringer under water.