Abstract: A fishing line release is described with a body and a pivoted fishing line receiving arm. The arm is pivoted at one end and is releasably held by an adjustable release clip at a remaining end. A stepped fishing line receiving surface is provided along the arm to enable selective spacing of the points of engagement for the fishing line from the pivot axis of the arm. The resulting tension forces required to release the line are thereby effected. The stepped fishing line receiving surface includes axially spaced enlarged and reduced fishing line receiving surfaces. The enlarged fishing line receiving surface includes a section thereon for abutment with the edge surface of the body when the arm is in the fishing line holding position, to clamp the fishing line in place on the body.

Abstract: An improved release assembly for releasably attaching a fishing line to a separate weighted downrigger line. The release assembly comprises an adjustable release clamp attached to a fishing line. The release clamp is releasably attached to a sleeve slidably engaged on the downrigger line. A wedge clamp is used to attach the downrigger line to a weight.