Abstract: A bait for catching Ictalurid catfish, and fish with similar feeding behavior, containing the free amino acids: L-proline, L-alanine, and L-arginine, and mixtures thereof, at concentrations above those normally found around fish's natural foods is provided to increase the likelihood of snapping or biting of the bait or lure by the fish.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing fish baits by subjecting raw fish or other marine or aquatic product to low temperature and low humidity for an extended period of time so that the body fluids pass out of the fish or marine product to leave a bait which has high longevity and which is resistant to detachment from a hook.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for modulating the sedimentation rate of piscicultural dry pellets and to piscicultural dry pellets with a controlled sedimentation rate. The invention is characterized in that a defined surfactant is added to a piscicultural dry pellet material. In accordance with the invention, it is easy to modulate the floatation property or sedimentation rate of piscicultural dry pellets which has heretofore been difficult to control.

Abstract: The snapping and biting response of ictalurid catfish, and fish with similar feeding habits, are released by the use of the free amino acids: L-proline, L-alanine, and L-arginine, and mixtures thereof, at concentrations above those normally found around the fish's normal, or natural foods.

Abstract: The present invention provides a feeding stimulator for fishes and shellfishes, selected from the group consisting of dimethyl-.beta.-propiothetin and certain compounds related thereto or salts thereof, and a feed to which this feeding stimulator has been added. The above feeding stimulator has the action of stimulating gustatory sense or olfactory sense of fishes or shellfishes to promote their appetites. Hence, employment of a feed to which this feeding stimulator has been added enables enhancement of feed efficiency in aquaculture or the like of fishes and shellfishes. Also, even when a substitute feed available in a low cost is used, it becomes possible to maintain the same feed efficiency as the mixed feeds in which raw feeds and fish powder are used.

Abstract: A feed pellet which is stable in water is manufactured by mixing the materials, including wheat gluten, from which the pallet is to be made, without heating, extruding the pellets through a pellet mill before heating and subsequently cooking and effecting binding of the pellet by heating, preferably with steam.

Abstract: A bait or lure for fish and method of making same. The bait is comprised of a water soluble moldable body having a controlled rate of dispersion in water and a dough or putty-like consistency capable of being formed about a hook. The body is comprised of a cellulose ether and a polyalkylene glycol, such as polyethylene glycol, blended with water in a sufficient amount to form a moldable body of dough-like consistency with a slimy life-like feel when wet.

Abstract: A superior fish attractant is formed which is particulate in nature by mixing together animal feed and flavoring for animal feed.

Abstract: A multi-edged rodent bait unit is disclosed having a quantity of rodent meal and rodenticide formed into an extended article having planar front and rear faces. The article has a substantially constant cross section along its length and has four sides perpendicular to the front and rear faces. At least one side has portions defining a V-shaped groove. The walls of the groove meet the faces of the side at angle of less than 150 degrees to form linear edges which are easily gnawed by a rodent. A preferred form of the bait unit has a single groove on each side of the bait unit. A second preferred form has two grooves on each side, and a third preferred form has alternating grooves and ribs. The bait unit of this invention is formed by mixing a rodenticide with rotent meal at room temperature and adding liquid paraffin at approximately 145 degrees Fahrenheit to the mixture and blending the paraffin into the mixture to form a die homogeneous mass.

Abstract: An insecticidal bait comprises about 55.5% to about 75.5% by weight of a ground cereal grain; from about 20% to about 40% by weight of powdered boric acid, from about 1% to about 5% by weight of an edible oil from the class consisting of corn oil and soy oil, and from about 1% to about 5% by weight of silica gel. From about 0.05% to about 0.2% of a non-white coloring agent may also be added.

Abstract: Banana oil impregnated plastic fishing lures which are provided in various sizes, shapes, colors and resiliency, in order to increase the lure retention time in the mouth of a fish during a strike. In a preferred embodiment the banana oil is impregnated in the plastic fishing lures by mixing the oil into the plastisol while the plastisol is in a liquid state. The concentration of banana oil utilized may be any concentration which is sufficient to impart a banana flavor to the plastic fishing lures. The banana oil may also be added topically to the fishing lures either prior to or after packaging.

Abstract: A packaged bait system for the control of insects, especially cockroaches and other orthopterous insects, comprising an insecticidal food bait composition housed in a bait block holder that allows for easy placement in locations where the probability of encounter by the target insect is high and that makes the bait readily accessible to the target insect. The toxic bait comprises corn distiller's grain, a humectant, an insecticide and a gel former to yield a deformable hydrophilic gel matrix subsequent to hydration.

Abstract: A texturized sinking shrimp and fish food is produced in the form of an extrusion cooked, cellular produce which is self-sustaining in ambient temperature water for a period of at least four hours and is made up of a mixture of at least 8 percent marine meal with up to 60% vegetable protein flour. The product is prepared by mixing and then partially cooking the starting materials in a preconditioner and then introducing the precooked mixture into an extruder (preferably of the twin screw variety) for texturization. During extrusion, the protein within the mixture is developed into laminar striations, which ultimately yields a layered, open-celled, high protein product having a specific gravity greater than 1.00 which will not readily decompose in water during consumption by the shrimp and fish.

Abstract: A swarm lure package formed of a plurality of individual swarm lure units. The units are elongated tubes and are filled with swarm attracting material. A common end pack material closes the ends of each of the individual swarm lure units to form a single integral package. The end pack material permits removal of individual ones of the units while maintaining the remaining units in an integral package.

Abstract: A process for producing free flowing fish feed wherein precipitated amorphous silica or silicate or silica gel is added to fish feed and fish meal. The additive prevents clogging during grinding and tackiness in the fish feed.

Abstract: A water-soluble polymeric fishing lure coating having a odoriferous fish-attractant material dispersed therein. A composition for application onto fishing lures to provide olfactory stimulation of fish includes a volatile solvent, a polymeric material dissolved in the solvent and capable of forming a water-soluble coating, and an fish-attractant material dispersed in the solution. A method for imparting an olfactory stimulus to a fishing lure includes applying such composition onto the lure, preferably by spraying, dipping or brushing, and then exposing the lure to air for volatilization of the solvent.

Abstract: A feedstuff for cultivating Artemia as a feedstuff for larvae of cultivated fishes or crustaceans is provided, which feedstuff for cultivation is a product obtained by treatment of breaking the cell wall of monocellular algae, the thus obtained Artemia having a high survival rate, the body length thereof being large and the content of eisacopentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid in the total fatty acids therein being much higher than those of conventional feedstuffs.

Abstract: This invention supplies lures whose polymer being applied to fish attractants and release said attractant into water at an essentially a controlled rate usually for a period sufficient for the attractant fish to arrive at the lure. These polymers may be any that are commercially available or known that has the ability to selectively absorb the lure and then release it controlably into water. The preferred polymers are copolymers of acrylic water swellable polyesters, water swellable polyesthers, water swellable poly urethanes, with the degree of water swellability being controlled by the degree of cross-linking.

Abstract: An artificially extended natural seafood bait is produced by dissolving gelatin or pectin or combinations thereof in water at a temperature elevated only sufficiently to liquify the material. Into this liquified material there is dispersed a quantity of natural fish or seafood ground to a particle size of not more than about 1/8 inch. Also contained within the liquified material is a mat of randomly crossed fibers of a fibrous material, preferably garnetted cotton. The foregoing fluid mass is allowed to cool to a temperature sufficient to solidify it, after which the solidified, fiber-reinforced artificially extended natural bait is cut to desired bait size pieces. In a preferred method of manufacture, a quantity of the ground fish or seafood is distributed over the surface of a container, a layer of the fibrous mat is placed over the ground material and a second quantity of the ground material is distributed over the fibrous mat.

Abstract: A slow release berley composition and a process for preparing a slow release berley composition are disclosed. The slow release berley composition includes a mixture of from about 10% to about 35% by weight flour, from about 30% to about 70% by weight bran, from about 5% to about 40% by weight water and from a trace to about 14% by weight of one or more water soluble alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts or combinations thereof.The process of the invention is for preparing a slow release berley composition which includes a mixture of from about 10% to about 35% by weight flour, from about 30% to about 70% by weight bran, from about 5% to about 40% by weight water, from a trace to about 14% by weight of one or more water soluble alkali metal or alkaline earth metal salts or combinations thereof and from a trace, to about 20% by weight fish oil.

Abstract: A process for producing a fish food is disclosed wherein a mixture containing 30% to 50% by weight crude protein, 5% to 15% fat and 0.5% to 10% crude fiber is extruded by means of a twin-screw conveyor at a speed of 200-250 rpm at a temperature of from 50.degree. C. to 90.degree. C. with the addition of 20 to 40 liters of water per hour and a throughput of 100-150 kg/hr to yield feed sticks with a length of from 10-25 mm and a diameter of 5-15 mm.

Abstract: A fly attractant composition includes a quantity of poultry protein wherein the poultry protein includes a quantity of at lesat one protein digestive microorganism capable of digesting the protein. This microorganism can either be native to the protein or it can be added as an inoculum. Further the composition contains a quantity of a carbohydrate which is capable of being fermented to yield carbon dioxide as a fermentation product. Additionally the composition contains a quantity of at least one carbohydrate fermentation microorganism which is capable of fermenting the carbohydrate to release carbon dioxide. When water is added to the fly attractant composition to form a fly lure, the carbon dioxide from the fermenting carbohydrate drives off odors from the ingredients which attracts flies to the lure.

Abstract: Powdered, high molecular weight, water soluble, membrane film forming polymeric materials are blended with powdered marine life attractants to produce a free-flowing powdered membrane film forming marine life attractant formulation. The formulation can be applied directly to the wet surface of a lure substrate, forming a gelatinous membrane film on the surface of the lure. When the gelatinous membrane film coated lure in immersed in water, an effective track or trail of marine life attractant is gradually released into the water. By careful selection of the polymeric materials, a formulation can be prepared which will produce a slimy textured viscoelastic gelatinous membrane film on a wet surface or a lure substrate.

Abstract: A soft, homogenous fish bait consisting essentially of a preformed shape of water, a proteinaceous material, a plasticizer and fish oil, fish silage or a mixture of fish oil and fish silage, useful for attracting fresh-water aquatic animals. An osmotic agent is added to the composition for use in attracting salt-water aquatic animals.

Abstract: Method and composition for an insecticide comprising a hydrated hydrogel capsule containing an insecticidally effective amount of at least one nematode capable of infecting an insect host, which capsule has sufficient hydration to maintain the viability and infectivity of said nematode. Also disclosed are methods for providing said insecticidal compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for attracting and retaining fish in an area of an aquatic medium. This composition comprises an active mixture constituted by at least one active element chosen from among monoalkylamines, dialkylamines, trialkylamines, polyamines and the oxides thereof, e.g. monomethylamines, dimethylamines and trimethylamines; at least one active element chosen from among the amino acids and amides, e.g. lysine and/or urea; optionally ammonia; and optionally an active element chosen from among hydrochloric, hydrobromic, hydroiodic, sulphuric, phosphoric, formic, myristic, lactic, butyric, acetic and caproic acids, provided that the mixture contains ammonia when the element of the first group is a trialkylamine. These compositions can be used in the form of solutions, dispersions, granules, powders, etc in different fishing techniques. It is also possible to include these compositions on appropriate adsorbing or absorbing supports.

Abstract: A composition useful as fish and crustacean feed consisting essentially of(a) from about 0.5 to 10 weight percent of a water insoluble polymer having a melting point below about 110.degree. C., selected from the group consisting of polyamides and copolymers of ethylene with from about 15 to about 45 weight percent of at least one ethylenically unsaturated comonomer;(b) from about 75 to about 95 weight percent of a nutrient medium selected from the group consisting of fish meal, crustacea meal, grain derived products, plant derived products, animal derived products, and fish by-products;(c) from 0 to about 20 weight percent of a lubricant selected from the group consisting of edible oil and fish solid solubles;(d) from 0 to about 10 weight percent of a vitamin and mineral concentrate;(e) from 0 to about 10 weight percent of a preservative.

Abstract: A bait consisting of a bread crumb containing a reticulate and resilient web of plastic monofilaments which act synergistically with the gluten of the bread crumb to form a resilient structure, which, while still permeable by water is practically impervious to dissolution in water unless masticated. The buoyancy of the bait may be influenced by the application of pressure, or the omission thereof, to release gas bubbles trapped in the bait because of the resilient structure.

Abstract: Artificial baits are disclosed which slowly release a fish attactant into the water upon use. Said artificial baits comprise a water-soluble cellulose ether, a plasticizer therefore and an attractant for fish or other sea-living animals. Said artificial bait can be employed in a variety of forms suitable for sport fishing, commercial fishing, lobster trapping, and the like.

Abstract: A method of coloring live bait by immersing the live bait in a dye medium for 2-10 min. The dye medium contains water, salt equal to or less than that required for a saturated salt sol and an edible dye in not greater than four times the volume of salt.

Abstract: A fish bait composition for luring fish which can also be used as a hand soap to remove human scent. The fish bait composition is manufactured in a way to entrap the luring qualities within the composition, thereby reducing any odoriferous aromas. As such, the composition is comprised of a soap carrier blended with an essence from the group including poultry fat, fish solubles, fish oils, fish meat and poultry liver. One or more of the essences may be included in the final composition and percentage of any one essence may be from 0-10%. To give the bait composition a more solid base and attract fish like catfish, a vegetable meal and a fish meal is added. The combined percentage of vegetable meal and fish meal is about 40%.The essences entrapped in the fish bait composition are slowly released from the soap carrier either as particles or as aromas trapped in soap bubbles.

Abstract: The gustatory additive of the present invention provides an improved fish bait. The gustatory additive causes a fish to hold a lure treated with the gustatory additive in its mouth for a longer period of time or causes the fish to swallow the lure. Because the fish holds the lure coated with the gustatory additive in its mouth for a relatively longer period of time, the fisherman has more time in which to set the hook in the fish's mouth.The gustatory additive of the present invention is comprised of a mixture of nutrients that are mixed with a water insoluble matrix and then applied to the surface of a lure. The gustatory additive of the present invention can also be distributed throughout the lure.

Abstract: Method and composition for an insecticide comprising a hydrated hydrogel capsule containing an insecticidally effective amount of at least one nematode capable of infecting an insect host, which capsule has sufficient hydration to maintain the viability and infectivity of said nematode. Also disclosed are methods for providing said insecticidal compositions.

Abstract: Fish and crustacean bait consisting essentially of (a) from about 2 to about 50 wt. % of a water insoluble polymer having a melting point below about 110.degree. C. (e.g., polyamides and copolymers of ethylene with at least one ethylenically unsaturated comonomer); (b) from about 45 to about 98 wt. % of plant derived particulate attractant; and (c) from 0 to about 20 wt. % of an edible oil or molasses.

Abstract: A containment type fly trap providing a translucent container releasably carrying an opaque yellow-green to yellow top with structure to aid hanging support. The top is upwardly convex and defines plural downwardly extending indentations each carrying in its medial part a conical entry tube with a sharp edge defining its lower orifice, above the top of the container structure. An aqeuous odoriferous mixture comprising yeast, egg and milk in a fermenting state is carried in the container as an attractant and to aid the demise of entrapped flies.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of aquatic bait blocks wherein filler material, lime, molasses and condensed fish solubles are made into relatively small blocks having a water degradability of from about 18 to 96 hours.

Abstract: Method and composition for an insecticide comprising a hydrated hydrogel capsule containing an insecticidally effective amount of at least one nematode capable of infecting an insect host, which capsule has sufficient hydration to maintain the viability and infectivity of said nematode. Also disclosed are methods for providing said insecticidal compositions.

Abstract: Alpha-potato starch with a quality suitable for use as a binder in feeds for fish can be produced by first adjusting the electrical conductivity of a potato starch slurry, then thermal gelatinizing and dehydrating the same.

Abstract: Fish and crustacean bait consisting essentially of (a) from about 5 to about 50 wt. % of a water insoluble polymer having a melting point below about 110.degree. C. (e.g., polyamides and copolymers of ethylene with at least one ethylenically unsaturated comonomer); (b) from about 45 to about 95 wt. % of fish meal; and (c) from 0 to about 20 wt. % of fish oil.

Abstract: Mature eggs from a female fish, such as a trout or salmon, are separated from the surrounding tissue or membrane material which normally holds them in clusters. The eggs are rinsed in warm water and placed in spaced relation on a suitably waxed substrate or the like, which will not cling to the separated eggs when they are frozen. The substrate is then placed in a freezer where the eggs are frozen as rapidly as possible, after which they are placed in the vacuum chamber of a sublimation or freeze drying device, which maintains the eggs under a vacuum and at a freezing temperature (e.g. 10.degree. F.) for a period of time (e.g. three days) sufficient to cause all moisture to be sublimed or removed from the eggs. The resultant freeze dried eggs have hard outer shells and white, granular, opaque interiors. The eggs can exist indefinitely in the atmosphere at room temperature and require no special storing procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fish food or bait and a method and apparatus for manufacturing same. The food or bait includes an edible porous member saturated with a fish attractant or nutrient. The food or bait may include a cavity filled with an edible solid and it may be covered with an edible solid. The article may further be covered with a sealant.

Abstract: A novel process for the more efficient extraction with an edible oil of the red carotenoid pigment astaxanthin, from the chitinous shells and proteinaceous tissues of shellfish to provide an astaxanthin enriched dietary food ingredient, and other food products. A crustacean waste, e.g. a crawfish waste, is ground in an attrition mill to separate the soft proteinaceous tissue from the chitinous shell, the chitinous shell is removed, and the separated proteinaceous tissue is acidified to pH ranging from about 4 to 5.5 sufficient to suppress microbial degradation and improve overall pigment recovery. The acidified proteinaceous tissue is cooked, as a puree, in a kettle and extracted with certain edible oils at critical concentrations, at specified critical temperature-time relationships.

Abstract: A method for preserving fishing bait, including worms, crickets, shrimp, crawfish, grasshoppers, frogs, minnows and other live bait organisms, which includes the steps of cleaning the bait organisms where such cleaning is necessary, pre-cooling the organisms where such pre-cooling is necessary, and subjecting the organisms to a freezing, condensing, evacuating and heating environment to remove water, and then separating and packaging the bait organisms. The freezing step is accomplished at a temperature below the eutectic of the selected of the bait organisms, and placing of the processed bait organisms in water restores the life-like appearance and odor of the organisms.

Abstract: A coating for live fishbait, such as minnows, worms and the like which includes cornmeal, a specific color ingredient and scent ingredient to more effectively attract fish to the bait. The coating composition is such that it will not easily wash off of the live fishbait and will remain on the live fishbait for an extended period of time after the live fishbait has been placed in water during normal fishing procedures. The coating composition is in powder form with the individual ingredients being thoroughly mixed and the live fishbait is provided with the coating by merely laying the live fishbait on the powder coating material and rolling or otherwise turning the live fishbait so that the external surface thereof is thoroughly coated with the coating composition.

Abstract: A fish food product is disclosed herein comprising a specially prepared ingredient attractive to and consumable by a variety of fish which is encased in a predetermined quantity of frozen water so as to provide a solid block of combined food product. A plurality of frozen food product blocks are prepared together in a tray form and subsequently, removed from the tray and deposited in a covered container for distribution to customers. One specially prepared ingredient is a beefheart composition having raw beefheart blended with gelatin and water and strained followed by pouring the blend into the receptacle of the tray form and then to freeze.

Abstract: Artifical bait comprising a water-insoluble matrix which is permeable by diffusion at a predetermined and controlled rate over a prolonged period of time to an attractant incorporated therein upon immersion in an aqueous medium.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fish food or bait and a method of manufacturing same. The food or bait includes an edible porous member such as a dried ear of corn saturated with a fish attractant or nutrient. The dried ear of corn includes a cavity filled with an edible solid and it may be covered with an edible solid. The dried ear of corn may further be covered with a sealant.

Abstract: A method of feeding fish in a tank with water comprises the steps of forming in the fish tank a region for feeding fish, introducing into the region a water-stable fodder and forcedly moving the water in the fish tank so as to maintain the fodder floating in the feeding region. In an arrangement for performing the method means forming a feeding station, and means for forcedly moving water in the feeding station are provided. The method of the invention may also comprise the step of utilizing heat liberated during operation of a biological reactor for heating agitated water in the fish tank. A water-stable fish fodder comprises particulate nutrient matter and a protein-containing binder imparting substantial water stability to the fodder formed as a pallet. The binder may be admixed with or may outwardly cover the particulate nutrient matter.

Abstract: A pollen substitute for rearing honeybees can be used in either powder or paste form and has a formula similar to that of natural pollen. The substitute is composed of a mixture of lactic yeasts, vegetable proteins, egg proteins, and may receive an addition of acid, sugar and aromatic product.

Abstract: Methods for forming simulated, shaped, edible products suitable for human and/or animal consumption, or as a bait for marine creatures; and simulated, edible products produced thereby.