Abstract: A fishing line retention device is disclosed for use with a trolling apparatus which detachably retains the line to the weight carried by the trolling apparatus, but permits quick detachment therefrom upon a fish strike. The device includes a body portion attached to an arm extending from a weight with a pivotably mounted body portion attached to the first body portion having a spool detachably retaining the line.

Abstract: Trolling apparatus is disclosed for controlled depth trolling which includes a spring urged pin which can be turned to an "on" position where it is retained so that the pin can be successively engaged by members on the spool to provide an audible sound when the line is being drawn out by a fish on the line or which can be turned to an "off" position so that the pin is moved to a position out of engagement with the members on the spool.

Abstract: Trolling apparatus with controlled reel rotation is described which includes a large diameter reel rotatably mounted on a base with a drag assembly in contact therewith, and a handle for rotation mounted directly to the perimeter of the reel, with line from the reel passing over a pulley and through a bracket for bait attachment. The controlled rotation of the reel for winding and unwinding of the line is attained by direct manual manipulation, and by engaging and disengaging a dog assembly which may be manually or automatically actuated and which provides a drag on the reels' rotation.

Abstract: Cable hardware is disclosed for use with trolling apparatus for fishing carried by a boat, which cable hardware is carried on the line from a boom which extends from the apparatus and includes a line guide sleeve stop through which the line passes and which is prevented from passing through a bushing by the sleeve stop. The bushing is mounted in a bracket carried by the boom and the line preferably extends to a reel carried by the apparatus. Strain placed on the sleeve by winding of the line on the reel, does not place any undue strain on the hardware and transmits the strain evenly to the bushing. The line carried by the sleeve stop is prevented from kinking at the bushing and subsequent entanglement or breakage.

Abstract: A line guiding tip for trolling apparatus used with a boat is shown which line guiding tip is carried by a boom extending from the apparatus and includes a mounting plug rotatably carried by the boom and a sleeve support attached thereto which carries a pulley over which passes line from a reel carried on the apparatus, over the boom through a guide over the pulley and out through a readily removable bushing carried by a bracket also mounted to the sleeve support. The bracket is rotatable in response to changes in direction of the line. Movement of the bracket to a position approximately parallel to the boom is obtained improving access to and reducing damage to the line when the end of the line is pulled aboard the boat.

Abstract: A trolling apparatus for fishing which includes a large diameter reel mounted on a frame with a supply of line thereon which line extends to a pulley mounted on a boom connected to the frame and which may extend from the boat for fishing. The frame is mounted by a plate to a swivel base which permits the frame and boom to be swung about to desired positions without any locking or unlocking action, trolling positions being fixed by the relative motion of the boat with respect to the water and which permits the frame and boom to be locked in out-of-the-way positions when the unit is not in use, and with positive stops to prevent the base from rotation in excess of 180.degree.. The swivel base is fastened to the deck or transom of the boat and may be mounted on either side of the boat without modification.

Abstract: A fishing line retention device for use with a trolling apparatus which detachably retains the line to the weight carried by the trolling apparatus but permits quick detachment therefrom upon a fish strike. The device includes a body attached to an arm extending from a weight with the body detachably retaining a light-weight tongue in a slot, the tongue and the fishing line being in slidable relation.

Abstract: A line from a reel passes over a pulley and through a bracket mounted on a boom which extends outwardly from a base, the bracket carrying a bushing which can engage a stop piece on the line. The pulley is mounted on a sleeve support carried by a plug member on the boom, the support being rotatable with respect to the boom. The bracket can swivel on the pulley support and the pulley and its support can turn with respect to the boom in response to change of direction of the line.

Abstract: A large diameter reel for a trolling line is rotatably mounted on a base with a variable drag assembly in contact therewith and with a handle rotatable in one direction for reel rotation for winding.Rotation of the reel for unwinding and winding of line with respect to the reel can be controlled by control of the drag with release for unwinding and tightening for winding so that winding of the line can be effected by rotating the handle. A shield is provided for heat dissipation from the drag.A counter is provided driven through a gear train from the reel which measures the line payout and which can be reset to zero at any time.The line from the reel passes over a wheel and bracket mounted on a boom which extends outwardly from the base, the bracket carries a bushing which can engage a stop piece on the line. The boom and bracket can both swivel in response to change of direction of the line. The bracket engages stops on the boom to limit its travel about the boom and prevent line tangling.