Abstract: A plate member has a wire or strip spring attached to one end thereof, a fish hook being attached to the other end of the spring. The barb of the hook is received in a slot formed in the plate, the spring operating to resiliently urge the end of the hook against the plate wall such that the hook end is shielded by the plate. The fishing line is attached to the hook at or near its junction with the spring and guided through an eye in the plate directly opposite this attachment point. The hook is thus effectively masked by the plate so that it cannot become entangled in weeds, sticks and the like. When the fish's mouth strikes the hook, the fisherman pulls on the line which causes movement of the hook away from the plate, thereby enabling the fisherman to set the hook in the fish's mouth.