Abstract: A fishing device has a body with a flat planing surface and a bail for slidably receiving a connector at an end of a fishing line. The bail has a first position for the connector where the planing surface is angled to carry the fishing line to a desired depth below the surface of a body of water and a second position, assumed by the connector when a fish strikes, where the planing surface is angled to move towards the surface of the water as the fishing line is reeled in. The device has a tubular line protector for slidably embracing the leader. The body has a recess for releasably connecting the line protector to the body. There is a fitting for engaging the line protector with the leader so the line protector is disconnected from the body when a fish pulls on the leader. The fitting disengages from the line protector to permit slidable movement of the line protector along the leader after the line protector is disconnected from the body.