Abstract: An Adjustable Trolling Device, or dodger, consisting of a flat primary body and configured to be removably attached at one or more points along its edge to a primary fishing line, and at other points on its edge, at least some of which may be substantially opposite to the point where it is affixed to the primary fishing line, to trailing fishing bait, or lures. The device has an attached mounting surface, rotatable through 360°, or a specified range, projecting one or more guiding fins, substantially perpendicular to the rotatable mounting surface. The mounting surface, by its nature, may be rotated to place the guiding fins at alternate desired angles from the leading fishing line, so that movement of the dodger through the water may produce a variety of rotation or roll characteristics of the dodger and, correspondingly, the trailing bait or lures.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder assembly includes a channel, a bracket, a hub and a rod holder. The channel may be mounted on the boat at any angle desired, from horizontal to vertical. The bracket is configured to be slidably inserted within the channel in any of four orientations. The hub, which is rotatably mounted on the bracket, defines a plurality of apertures. A pin is positioned on the bracket. A spring biases the hub against the bracket to a positive, locked position with the pin in one of the apertures. Separate tile pieces, configured to be slidably inserted within the channel, space rod holders on the channel.

Abstract: A cable penetration plug or cap for use in conjunction with an opening in a structure through which at least one cable is passed includes a hollow hub provided with at least one slot along its length, and a flange joined to one end of the hub. The flange is provided with at least one groove aligned with each slot provided in the hub. The bore, slot and groove, collectively define a passageway for receipt of a cable that passes through the opening.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically actuating a downrigger motor to reel in a downrigger line upon release of a fishing line or release of tension on the downrigger line includes a normally closed switch mounted on a fishing rod holder and engaged by the rod holder when the holder is in a set position. Upon movement of the rod holder from the set position to a strike position, the switch closes a circuit between a power source and downrigger motor. The motor is actuated to reel in the downrigger line.

Abstract: A rigger for trolling a fishing lure at a desired depth includes an elongated arm having a free end and an end pivotally secured to a mounting base. A trolley is slidably mounted on the arm for movement towards and away from the free end of the arm. A downrigger line pulley is secured to the trolley for movement therewith. A downrigger line reel is mounted on the base and a downrigger line or cable extends over the downrigger pulley. An elastic cord has ends fixed to the trolley for biasing the trolley towards the free end of the arm. A latch is provided to secure the arm in a vertical or tipped up position.

Abstract: A trolling bar assembly includes an elongated member or board which defines a plurality of longitudinally spaced rod holder apertures, a plurality of tubular rod holders and a pair of support brackets for securing the elongated member to the boat. The tubular rod holders are retained in the apertures of the elongated bar by a pair of longitudinally spaced garter springs disposed in notches formed in the tubular holders. The support brackets are adjustable longitudinally of the bar.

Abstract: A rod holder assembly adapted for use with a downrigger includes a base having a mounting portion and a bifurcated upper portion which defines a slot. The base is adapted to be secured to the transom, gunwale or other portion of a boat. An elongated, tubular rod holder is pivotally supported within the slot by a pivot pin extending through the bifurcated upper portion of the base. A T-shaped spring bracket extends perpendicularly from the base. A pair of springs extend between the bracket and pivot arms secured to the pivot pin. The springs bias the fishing rod holder to a strike position pointing into the boat. The rod holder is held in a set position when the fishing line is attached to a downrigger line release against the bias of the springs.

Abstract: A device for attaching a plurality of leaders to a single fishing line is disclosed. The device comprises a hollow, elongate, generally cylindrical body having axially opposed ends proximately and distally located with respect to the fishing line. An abutment is formed in the proximal end of the body. An axially displaceable clamping member is disposed within the body and a guide slot is formed in the proximal end of the body for guiding a fishing line between the abutment and the clamping member. The clamping member is spring biased toward the abutment into secure clamping engagement with a fishing line disposed therebetween. A stem disposed on the clamping member extends through the distal end of the body and includes means for securing a leader to the clamping member.

Abstract: A down rigger line release is disclosed for releasably holding a fishing line relative to a down rigger line. The release includes a body defining an upwardly, opening groove which is angled from the horizontal. The fishing line is wrapped around a tapered release pin pivotally mounted at one end within the groove. Due to the taper of the pin, the fishing line will be wedged between the pin and the sidewalls of the groove when the pin is disposed within the groove. A resiliently mounted member is carried by the body and exerts an adjustable force against the free end of the tapered release pin.