Abstract: A fish gaff provides moveable, opposing gaff fangs which are reliably transitioned between a closed engagement position and an open retracted position. The fish gaff hook provides a hollow handle into which is inserted an actuating shaft. The actuating shaft is pivotally connected to the opposing gaff fangs which extend out of the hollow interior of the gaff handle through openings on the sides of the gaff handle. The side openings provide bearing surfaces for engagement and pivoting of the gaff fangs during both insertion and retraction of the gaff actuating shaft.

Abstract: A device for retrieving a fish hooked to a fishing line comprising: a gripping mechanism for gripping the fish, a guide mechanism connected to the gripping mechanism for guiding the device along the line, and a retrieval mechanism operatively connected to the gripping mechanism for retrieving the device and the fish.

Abstract: A fish roping device, having a relatively U-shaped spring member with two arms, a rigid handle connected to the base section of the U-shaped spring member, a first arcuate member having a first end and a second end, the first arcuate member being pivotably connected near its second end to one arm of the spring member, a second arcuate member having a first end and a second end, the second arcuate member being pivotably connected near its second end to another arm of the spring member, a hinge for connecting together the second ends of the first and second arcuate members so that the arcuate members pivot relative to one another, the first and second arcuate members being movable between an open position in which the arms of the U-shaped member are pushed apart from a rest position, and a closed position which is entered when an impact is imparted on the hinge so that the arms of the U-shaped spring member return to the rest position, a rope having one end releasably connected to the first end of the first arc

Abstract: A tool for more effectively gripping and handling fish which includes a generally cylindrical tubular housing defining a handle having a hand grip thereon with a pair of pivotal gripping jaws actuated by a slidable sleeve that is spring biased away from the handgrip by two light coil springs to enable the sleeve to be retracted by the use of one finger or thumb of the hand which is used to grip the handgrip in order to open the jaws. The jaws, when open, are placed over the bottom lip of the fish and the sleeve is released with the light spring causing the jaws to grip the lip of the fish in order to lift the fish. The jaws include a pin and cam slot connection between the sleeve and jaws with the weight of the fish causing the jaws to more tightly grip the lip of the fish.

Abstract: A fish roping device, having a relatively U-shaped spring member with two arms, a rigid handle connected to the base section of the U-shaped spring member, a first arcuate member having a first end and a second end, the first arcuate member being pivotably connected near its second end to one arm of the spring member, a second arcuate member having a first end and a second end, the second arcuate member being pivotably connected near its second end to another arm of the spring member, a hinge for connecting together the second ends of the first and second arcuate members so that the arcuate members pivot relative to one another, the first and second arcuate members being movable between an open position in which the arms of the U-shaped member are pushed apart from a rest position, and a closed position which is entered when an impact is imparted on the hinge so that the arms of the U-shaped spring member return to the rest position, a rope having one end releasably connected to the first end of the first arc

Abstract: An apparatus for releasibly grasping objects has an elongated handle having a first end with a pair of grasping hands and a second end. Each hand has a stem end pivotally connected to the first end of the handle and a grasping end. Closer force means is operably connected to the handle and the grasping hands for selectively exerting a force tending to bring together the grasping ends of the grasping hands. Trigger means is operably connected to the grasping hands for selectively opposing the force means and holding the grasping ends of the grasping hands apart. The trigger means is responsive to contact with an object located between the grasping ends of the grasping hands to cease selectively opposing the force means and to permit the grasping ends to pivot rapidly toward each other.

Abstract: A clamping device suitable for clamping objects such as large fish which includes clamps disposed in scissor-like fashion pivoting about a common point and biasing means such as a rubber band which biases the clamps in a normally closed position. A locking assembly is provided to releasably lock the clamps in an open position and which is released by contacting the clamps against the object to be clamped.

Abstract: The symmetrically operating jaws of the fish gaff are movable between an open and cocked position and a closed fish engaging position. The jaws are normally urged to the closed position to thereby clampingly engage opposite sides of a fish positioned therebetween. A coil spring trigger is connected at opposite ends to medial portions of the jaws and extends in a straight line path across the space between the jaws when in the open and cocked position to maintain the jaws in the open position. The medial portion of the coil spring trigger is engageable by a fish in position between the open jaws so that the coil spring trigger is moved out of the straight line path and releases the jaws so that they are immediately free to clamp the fish therebetween.

Abstract: A gaff for game fish has a flared crook for engaging the body of a fish at the tail. An end portion of the crook is attached to a pole and includes a ratchet assembly. An L-shaped arm is pivotally attached to the ratchet assembly and is rotatable in one direction in the plane of the crook. A contact arm of the L-shaped arm closes the open end of the crook while a capture arm extends in the direction of the pole. When the contact arm contacts the body of the fish and the fish is pulled into the crook, the capture arm rotates to captivate the fish in the crook. The ratchet includes a release lever to release the fish without damage thereto.

Abstract: A fishing device, used by fishermen for gaffing a fish, which has two hooks at one end of a shaft at an angle to positively engage and retrieve fish; and a handle at the other end of the shaft with a strap to wrap around wrist to secure gaff to fisherman to avoid loss of gaff by pull of fish or slipping of gaff from hand.