Abstract: A device for throwing a casting net comprising a generally circular open top receptacle having a sidewall and a bottom, the bottom having a central portion which is substantially upwardly conical toward an apex centrally located above the sidewall and a horizontal segment, the sidewall being at an obtuse angle to the horizontal segment, and a plurality of ribs extending radially inwardly from and secured to the sidewall and the horizontal segment, and a handle on the outside of the receptacle.

Abstract: A barbless fishhook comprising a fishhook having a shank portion, a hook portion at one end of the shank portion and an eyelet at the other end thereof; a guard member formed of spring wire secured to the shank portion and having a hook member at one end thereof adjacent the hook portion of the fishhook and passing through said eyelet and being bent back along the shank portion so as to be substantially parallel to the shank portion and engaging the hook member, and having the other end bent toward the point of the fishhook, whereby the guard member may be deflected away from the point when the hook is set in a fish, and prevent a fish from being dislodged from the hook, and may be released from the hook member to facilitate release of a fish from the fishhook.