Abstract: A limit line linear fish catching device having an elongated barrel and a coaxially disposed internal elastic spring humanely allows hooked fish to remain in the water until harvested. Preferably the elastic tube spring extends between a pair of spaced apart guiding elements coaxially centered within the device. A limit line interconnects both ends of the tube spring and limits the elongation of the spring. The limit line extends from the support through the device to the fishing line and interconnects the components of the device. The device is cocked by stretching the spring tube. The tube functions as a linear spring. The limit line from the bottom end of the barrel is secured by captivating a stop in a slot defined in the barrel end. When a fish strikes, the stop is dislodged from the slot, freeing the line. This action activates the spring which contracts and hooks the fish.

Abstract: A linear fish catching device having an elongated barrel and a coaxially disposed internal elastic spring humanely allows hooked fish to remain in the water until harvesting. Preferably the elastic tube spring extends between a pair of spaced apart guiding elements coaxially centered within the device. The device is cocked by stretching the spring tube, that functions as a linear spring. The line from the open end of the barrel is secured when a captivated stop registers with a slot defined in the barrel end. When a fish strikes, line is dislodged from the slot, freeing the stop which is thereafter drawn into the tubular barrel by contraction of the elastic spring. Alternative couplings for centering spring movement are disclosed. Each coupling comprises a cylindrical body having a penetrable eyelet and a pair of aligned relief slots that provide clearance when line is tied to the eyelet.