Abstract: An apparatus for operating a jig from a fishing boat is provided in which the jig is raised to and lowered from the fishing boat by a cable on a motor operated reel. A tub on the jig by a fish will reverse the motor and activated an indicator light to show that the fish is caught.

Abstract: An automatic fishhook setting device (10) for use with the tip eyelet (105) and the spaced eyelets (103) of a fishing rod (100); wherein the device (10) includes a tether member (13) adapted to releasably engage one of the spaced eyelets (103) and a contoured leaf spring member (20) attached on one end to the tether member (13) and having a shallow leaf spring segment (21) formed on its other end adapted to releasably engage the tip eyelet (105) when the fishing rod (100) is in a flexed disposition.

Abstract: An ice fishing apparatus and method for retrieving fish through an ice hole during ice fishing provides a support member that is mounted to a base member that is supported by the upper surface of an ice layer. The support member is extended and retracted through the ice hole and is operative to support a fish during such motion. An extension and retrieval mechanism, such as a slide rod interconnecting the base and support member, operates to extend and retract the support member whereby a fish caught on a fishing line may be maneuvered to the ice hole, and onto the support member and supported during upward movement through the ice hole. The support member may be pivoted out of alignment with the ice hole so as not to obstruct the lower opening thereto, and biased against the ice layer lower surface in a ready position. An adjustable limit stop accommodates ice layers of varied thicknesses. The base member is preferably a circular collar, and the support member a pan element with drain holes.

Abstract: A latch for a hook setting mechanism for fishing rods is provided by a latching ball which is held in engagement with a latching indentation of a keeper rod by a rotatable cam, the cam being rotatable by a trigger arm which is moved in response to a tug exerted on a fishing line of the fishing rod.

Abstract: An automatic fish catching device includes a support structure, a pole holding mechanism mounted near the top of the support structure and biased to place the pole in a generally vertical position, a triggering device which maintains the pole in a generally horizontal position and allows a fish to trigger the pole, an adjustment mechanism which allows the triggering device to be adjusted for the particular type of pole being used and for the type of fish to be caught and further allows adjustment of the tension necessary to overcome the triggering device, and an alarm mechanism which signals a fisherman that a fish has been caught. The pole is held down by the triggering mechanism until a fish pulls sufficiently on the triggering mechanism to release same at which time the pole is biased into a generally vertical position with a quick snap thereby pulling sharply the line associated with the pole and setting the hook on the line in the fish.

Abstract: A fishing jigger has a main body with two vertical panels mounted on a pair of relatively long, transverse supports, a rod holder extending along the top of the two main panels is pivoted to the panels at one end. An electric operating system for the rod holder includes a crank, a rod mounted on the crank and extending upwardly between two pivoting guides to a cam at the top end of the rod. A cam follower on the bottom of the rod holder is engaged by the cam. When the crank is rotated by an electric motor, the drive linkage produces a slow upward movement of the rod holder and a quick descent. The jigger may be operated by a remote control unit, using power from an automobile battery. The jigger may also include a hook setting feature which is an electrical bypass of the motor speed control to produce a fast upwards movement of the rod holder to set a hook when a nibble or bite is detected.

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: An automatic fish catching device includes a support structure, a pole holding mechanism mounted near the top of the support structure and biased to place the pole in a generally vertical position, a triggering device which maintains the pole in a generally horizontal position and allows a fish to trigger the pole, an adjustment mechanism which allows the triggering device to be adjusted for the particular type of pole being used and for the type of fish to be caught and further allows adjustment of the tension necessary to overcome the triggering device, and an alarm mechanism which signals a fisherman that a fish has been caught. The pole is held down by the triggering mechanism until a fish pulls sufficiently on the triggering mechanism to release same at which time the pole is biased into a generally vertical position with a quick snap thereby pulling sharply the line associated wtih the pole and setting the hook on the line in the fish.

Abstract: A device which holds a fishing rod and automatically sets a fishhook in a fish. A stake driven into the ground supports a pivot arm on which the rod is held. A trip lever holds the arm in position for fishing and is released by a trigger wire when the fishing line is subjected to a pulling force caused by a strike on the bait. A spring then pivots the arm upwardly in an abrupt and forceful manner to set the fishhook.

Abstract: A fishing rod tender in which upper and lower pivotable plate member are positioned on a vertical support member with a spring positioned there between. A vertically pivotable rod element and a horizontally pivotable latch member are engaged to hold the device in its closed, compressed position. When fishing line is wrapped around the latch mechanism, sufficient tension on this line will pull the latch out of engagement with the rod to activate the mechanism and displace the upper plate member upwardly to set the fishing hook.

Abstract: A holder device for fishing rods including a mount, a support secured to said mount, and a rod or pole handle holder pivotally secured to said support, the holder being spring biased relative to said support. A pivot mechanism includes an eccentrically mounted release pin which releasably retains the holder relative to the support. A line-responsive lever is engaged with the pivot mechanism for rotationally displacing the pivot mechanism, thus causing an upward snap of the support, in response to a tug on the fish line. The device is thus suitable for leaving a fishing pole unattended and yet condition the same to set a hook upon a fish strike occurring.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus particularly adapted for ice fishing. Fishing line having a first stop member thereon is wound around a rotatable spool member. A winding mechanism is connected to the spool member for automatically rotating the spool and winding the fishing line therearound. A mounting assembly is connected to the winding mechanism and passes through the spool member for supporting both the winding mechanism and the spool member. The mounting assembly is connected to a platform when the apparatus is used for ice fishing. The platform has an opening therethrough and is designed to fit over a hole in the ice. An adjustable trip mechanism is positioned between the spool member and the platform and is engagable with the first stop member on the fishing line in order to restrain the stop member from moving toward the spool member and to halt the rotating motion imparted to the spool by the winding mechanism while the stop member is restrained.

Abstract: An ice fishing pole and supporting stand are constructed from modular molded plastic components. The pole has an elongated end portion for dropping a line into the water and a reel portion about which the line is wound. Along the elongated pole portion are three cylindrical trunnions supportable in a plastic upright stand. The three trunnions allow the pole to rotate when a fish strikes to give a visual indication that a fish is on the line. When this occurs the fisherman can grab the pole out of the stand and reel in the fish. An ice skimming attachment facilitates use of the pole by allowing the fisherman to skim away ice from his or her fishing hole.

Abstract: Disclosed is a water fishing device or hook setter which can be left unattended. The hook setter includes a circular or polygonal floating base member having a plurality of diagonal frame members which are joined together at their upper ends by a top piece. Suspended from the top piece are a resilient member (a rubber band or spring), a trigger mechanism which includes a hook that engages a fixedly mounted bracket, and a fishing line suspended from the hook. When a fish pulls on the fishing line, the hook is disengaged from the bracket, and the rubber band or spring pulls the fishing line and fish toward the hook setter.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder suitable for operation by the sportsmen's foot including a base to which a foot pedal is pivotally attached and a vertical support member affixed. The fishing rod holder has a fishing rod receiving member which is pivotally attached to a foot pedal and the support member. The weight of the fishing rod when mounted in the rod holder maintains the holder and rod in an essentially horizontal position. Pressure on the foot pedal counterbalance the weight of the fishing rod causing upward movement. Rapid depression of the foot pedal will set the fish hook. In the preferred embodiment, the fishing rod holder has spikes attached to the lower side of the base to firmly position the device and a set screw located on the fishing rod receiving member to securely attach the fishing rod to the device.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder with automatic hook setter embodies a supporting frame having a rod holder operatively connected thereto and adapted for vertical pivotal movement. One end of a trigger rod is pivotally connected to the supporting frame with the other end of the trigger rod extending forwardly beneath a fishing rod supported by the rod holder. A fishing rod support member is carried by the forward end of the trigger rod and is movable therewith selectively to a lower inoperative position and to an upper operative, hook setting position. One end of a jerk rod is pivotally connected to the supporting frame. The other end of the jerk rod extends forwardly and is urged upwardly toward the trigger rod by a resilient member.

Abstract: A fishing appliance for use with a fishing pole and bait and interposed in the line connected therebetween. The appliance comprises a main stem having a stretchable spring secured at one end and a trigger arrangement attached at the other end for locking the spring in a stretched condition and releasing the spring in response to a force applied to said bait.

Abstract: A combined strike indicator and hook setter adaptable to a fishing line and independent from a fishing pole having of a base, a removable spring arm with a releasable line holding means attached at one end, and a sear mechanism for actuating the removable spring arm from a set to a releasable position.

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: An automatic hook setting device is disclosed for setting in a fish a hook connected to a fishing line in response to a pull exerted by the fish on the line. When a fish pulls on the fishing line to pivotally move the front end of the line support member downwardly a distance exceeding a predetermined displacement, a trip element is moved to a release position and in turn releases an elastic band tension member so as to engage a fixed stop and cause the front end of the line support to jerk upwardly, thereby setting the hook in the fish.

Abstract: A ground-embedded and anchored stake carries a cross arm on which is pivotally mounted a support sleeve for the handle of a fishing rod. The support sleeve is biased by a tension spring to a fishing catching position and is releasably held in a normal waiting position by a simple latch which engages the cross arm and is released therefrom automatically when a fish strikes the hook.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder having an improved latch release mechanism is the subject of the present invention. A stake is insertable into the ground and mounts a rigid bracket which in turn mounts two pivotal arms. A socket which receives the end of a fishing rod is mounted on the pivotal arms and is held in place by a latch which is likewise pivotal. A camming mechanism is mounted on the socket so that any downward movement of the socket will result in an upward camming movement of the camming means which releases the latching mechanism. A first spring means biases the latch into engagement with a latch plate and is adjustable for rods of different weight and different fish. A second yieldable means is provided for biasing the socket upwardly after the latch disengages the latch plate.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder features an automatic hook setting mechanism which is adjustable over a wide range thereby making it suitable for use with both heavy and light tackle, and for stationary use or trolling. The fishing rod holder includes an elongated rod retainer which is pivotally coupled to a support member such as a ground engaging stake or the sidewall of a boat. The fishing rod is inserted into a cup which is pivotally mounted onto a pedestal. A latch plate is set in detented engagement with a pivotally mounted backplate. A trigger is carried by the latch plate and engages the backplate. The trigger is actuated by rotation of a trip bar which is pivotally mounted onto the latch plate. The fishing line is run around a retainer carried by the trip bar. The pulling force developed by a strike causes rotation of the trip bar and actuation of the trigger. The strike force required to actuate the trigger is adjusted by changing the location of the line retainer on the trip bar.

Abstract: An automatic fishhook setting apparatus includes a base which is detachably mounted on an anchor post with freedom of side-to-side pivotal movement. A fishing rod support member is hingedly connected to the base for pivotal movement between a set position wherein a fishing rod is supported in forwardly extended relation and a release position wherein the rod is moved to an upright position. The rod support member is biased toward its release position but may be releasably latched in the set position by an elongated upright trigger pivotally connected to the base and having a latching surface engageable with the rod support member. A portion of the fishing line adjacent the reel is trained rearwardly around the upper end of the trigger so that strikes on the line by a fish pivot the trigger forwardly causing the fishing rod and rod support member to be pivoted upwardly to securely set the hook in a fish's mouth.

Abstract: A base bar is longitudinally secured to a fishing rod forwardly of its handle and in alignment with the fishing rod line guide rings. A sleeve-like housing, at the rearward end portion of the base bar, pivotally supports a spring biased lever for movement of its other end portion toward and away from the forward end portion of the base bar. A ring, pivotally secured to the forward end portion of the base bar, supports the lever in cocked position and forms a trigger released by a pull on the fishing line for releasing the lever from its cocked position. A guide ring, on the forward end of the lever parallel with the plane of the pivoting ring, jerks the fishing line rearwardly when the lever is released.

Abstract: This invention provides automatic fishing apparatus for trailing line fishing. The trailing line is supported on a reel which is adapted to be coupled or uncoupled with driving means to enable the line to be reeled in or let out. The selective coupling of the reel with the driving means is in response to variations in the line tension caused by a fish being hooked on the line.

Abstract: Fish can lightly nibble bait off a hook before a fisherman becomes aware and is able to react by firmly setting the hook in the fish. Apparatus is provided for reacting to a fish lightly nibbling at the bait in a manner sufficient to swiftly jerk the hook thus firmly setting it in the fish's mouth. The apparatus can be used for ice fishing or can be hand held in the conventional manner for water fishing. The hook can be set for fishing at various depths.

Abstract: Fish can lightly nibble bait off a hook before a fisherman becomes aware and is able to react by firmly setting the hook in the fish. Apparatus is provided for reacting to a fish lightly nibbling at the bait in a manner sufficient to swiftly jerk the hook thus firmly setting it in the fish's mouth. The apparatus can be used for ice fishing or can be hand held in the conventional manner for water fishing. The hook can be set for fishing at various depths.

Abstract: An automatic fishing device in which a pull on a line by a fish causes a leaf spring to exert a momentary pull in the opposite direction on the line. A subsequent force applied to the line releases it from contact with the leaf spring and the device then functions as a fishing rod wherein the line is guided but can be retrieved or released free of other constraint.

Abstract: A fish catcher comprising, an elastic bent rod, a center rod mounted on said bent rod and connected to said bent rod at its lower end, an inward engagement rod pivotally connected to the other end of said bent rod, said engagement rod having a hook ring at its end, a bracket extending from said center rod to be secured to said engagement rod, a swing maker swingably provided on said bracket, said maker having a guide ring at its end to be engaged with said engagement rod and an engagement edge at the other end thereof, a hook provided downwardly on said bracket, an inward ring formed directly below said hook of said center rod, a float provided loosely around said center rod, and a hook line connected to said inward engagement rod and to pass through said inward ring. By thus contructing, a hook line will be automatically and resiliently drawn so that a fish would be kept hooked.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder features an automatic hook setting mechanism which is adjustable over a wide range thereby making it suitable for use with both heavy and light tackle, and for stationary use or trolling. The fishing rod holder includes an elongated rod retainer which is pivotally coupled to a support member such as a ground engaging stake or the sidewall of a boat. The fishing rod is carried in a generally horizontal position on top of the rod retainer by a cup which receives the butt of the fishing rod and a guide bar which supports and confines an intermediate portion of the fishing rod. According to an important feature of the invention, the guide bar is spring biased for yieldably resisting downward movement relative to the rod retainer, thereby preventing the triggering mechanism from being actuated by the weight of the fishing rod. The rod retainer is held in a cocked position by a latch which is pivotally mounted on the support member.

Abstract: Fish can lightly nibble bait off a hook before a fisherman becomes aware and is able to react by firmly setting the hook in the fish. Apparatus is provided for reacting to a fish lightly nibbling at the bait in a manner sufficient to swiftly jerk the hook thus firmly setting it in the fish. The apparatus can be used for ice fishing or can be hand held in the conventional manner for water fishing. The hook can be set for fishing at various depths.

Abstract: A fishing pole holder for use during fishing having a spring biased tube for the pole handle, and a latch for holding the tube in cocked position with a release trigger activated by a fish line, when a fish takes the bait at the end of line.

Abstract: Fish hook setting apparatus adapted to be mounted on a fishing pole to grip fishing line and to automatically pull sharply on the line when a fish seizes the hook and thus tugs the line, thereby setting or embedding the fish hook in the mouth of the fish.

Abstract: A fishing line assembly is provided including a flexible base end portion for support from a support structure such as a fishing rod, a flexible free end portion from one end of which a hook assembly may be supported and an elongated intermediate portion extending between and connecting the base end portion and the second end of the free end portion.

Abstract: A motor driven fishing reel having control means so that when a selected minimum speed of unwinding rotation is reached by the pull of the fish a switch is actuated causing the reel to rewind.

Abstract: This device is for the purpose of setting a fishhook or lure in a fish's mouth, when the fish strikes and the fishing rod is unattended, and it consists primarily of a box for the placement of the rod butt. It further includes an adjustable length base member, for properly flexing the fishing rod, and it also includes a self setting mast assembly with a seer action, for release of the rod end, when the line is pulled.

Abstract: An automatic fishing apparatus is disclosed which comprises a reel means mounted on a free clutch plate of a clutch assembly. A second clutch plate of the clutch assembly is provided on a driven shaft which also passes through the first plate. Two members are provided with bevelled surfaces one of the members having a rod which is moved when a fish takes a line coupled with the rod. Movement of the rod causes rotational movement of one of the members and also lateral movement of one of the members, which lateral movement is transmitted to the free clutch plate to force the free clutch plate against the driven clutch plate so that drive is transmitted to the free clutch plate and the reel means to reel in the line. Once the fish is reeled in the fish contacts the rod which causes the rod to move to return the said one of the members to its original position to separate the clutch plates to thereby stop the rotation of the reel means.

Abstract: An automatic hooksetting fishing rod holder including a mounting member formed of a strap including a stake section; a pivot carried by the mounting member; a holder arm member pivotably connected to the pivot and including a forward portion extending on one side of the mounting member for engaging a fishing rod handle; a spring interconnected between the mounting member and the holder arm member to urge the forward portion of the holder arm upwardly; and a latch including a pawl pivotably attached to one of the members and a pawl engaging seat on the other of the members for restraining upward motion of the forward portion of the holder arm member until a downward force on the forward portion disengages the pawl and seat.

Abstract: A device for supporting an unattended fishing rod while fishing; the device including a tripping mechanism activated by a fish nibbling at the bait, so as to jerk the line and thus securely hook the fish, the device also including a holder insertable into the ground, the holder supporting the fishing rod handle.

Abstract: Fish can lightly nibble bait off a hook before a fisherman becomes aware and is able to react by firmly setting the hook in the fish. Apparatus is provided for reacting to a fish lightly nibbling at the bait in a manner sufficient to swiftly jerk the hook thus firmly setting it in the fish. The apparatus may be preset so as to avoid being set off or tripped while being cast out onto the surface of the water. Also, the apparatus may be modified for ice fishing. The preset may be adjusted to varying levels of sensitivity depending upon the type of fish to be caught or the type of bait being used.

Abstract: In an automatic angling machine of the type comprising a line reel driven by a motor through a clutch device, and which may be used for jigging and bobbing type of fishing with automatic reversal of the movement direction of the fishing line and for automatic hauling by increased line load, there is provided a drum which is mounted next to and as an extension of the line reel, which drum is provided with a helical line-guiding groove which is adapted to receive the portion of the fishing line comprising angles or drags, a line guide being provided in association with the drum and being adapted to guide the line from the line reel onto said drum when actuated by an element which is attached to the fishing line.

Abstract: Fish can lightly nibble bait off a hook before a fisherman becomes aware and is able to react by firmly setting the hook in the fish. Apparatus is provided for reacting to a fish lightly nibbling at the bait in a manner sufficient to swiftly jerk the hook thus firmly setting it in the fish. The apparatus may be preset so as to avoid being set off or tripped while being cast out onto the surface of the water. Also, the apparatus may be modified for ice fishing. The preset may be adjusted to varying levels of sensitivity depending upon the type of fish to be caught or the type of bait being used.

Abstract: Apparatus for jerking a fishline in response to a fish taking the bait on the end of the line, comprising a base, a one-piece, spring-biased wire arm having one end connected to the base, a trigger pivotally connected to the base and having a hook-shaped portion for engaging the arm such that a fishline connected to the outer end of the arm and through a hook-shaped portion of the trigger causes the trigger to release the arm in response to a fish taking the bait.

Abstract: Fish can lightly nibble bait off a hook before a fisherman becomes aware and is able to react by firmly setting the hook in the fish. Apparatus is provided for reacting to a fish lightlynibbling at the bait in a manner sufficient to swiftly jerk the hook thus firmly setting it in the fish. The apparatus may be preset so as to avoid being set off or tripped while being cast out onto the surface of the water. Also, the apparatus may be modified for ice fishing. The preset may be adjusted to varying levels of sensitivity depending upon the type of fish to be caught or the type of bait being used.

Abstract: An automatic fish snagger has a tiltable, spring-loaded tube for receiving the handle of a fishing rod, the tube being normally "cocked" through use of a latch which is tripped as the result of a tug on the line by the fish. The spring then swings the tube, and therefore the rod, in a direction to "set" the hook. The geometry of the device is such that when making one or more of a number of adjustments, the fisherman can be assured of a catch under various conditions whenever the fish either "strikes" or takes the bait, all before the bait can be ejected from the mouth upon discovery of the hook.

Abstract: An improved hook fishing device is described which consists of a base plate provided with side shoulders and capable of being fixed in the ground. A tubular member, located in a vertical plane and adapted to house the end portion of the fishing rod, is pivoted to the plate. A tension spring anchored in the plate holds the tubular member in slanted position. On the opposite side of the spring, is pivoted a small rod adapted to rotate in a vertical plane and provided with a lower tooth capable of engaging with a ridge formed onto the tubular member. At diametrally opposed positions, two movable circle sectors, of suitable width, rigid with the tubular member, are capable of defining a protecting gap for the spring, the two circle sectors cooperate with corresponding circle sectors fixed to the shoulders of the base plate. The movable sectors are effective to rotate in the inside of the fixed sectors and act as stop members for the downward rotation of the tubular member.

Abstract: Fishing apparatus comprising a reel mounted on a tubular member, a short pilot rod pivotally connected to the tubular member, a spring housed in the tubular member and connected to the pilot rod for urging it from a first position toward a second position, and latch means for so retaining the pilot rod in the first position as to be responsive to a motion of the fish line reacting to a fish striking the lure, for jerking the line to set the hook as the pilot rod is moved toward its second position. A weight, carried on the line, can also be cast from the apparatus by mounting it on the pilot rod, pulling the pilot rod against the spring tension toward the reel, and then releasing the pilot rod.

Abstract: This invention relates to automatic hook setting devices in general, and more specifically to a compression spring actuated fishing rod holder which will rapidly rise from a substantially horizontal to a substantially vertical position when a trigger mechanism is tripped. The trigger mechanism is adjustable to vary the force necessary to activate it, and the trigger releasably secures a loop of fishing line so that the hook setting action is not immediate, but occurs only after a predetermined amount of force has been exerted on the line.

Abstract: A fish catcher effective for automatically lifting a hooked fish, or a readily visible portion thereof, out of water has a fishing line attached at one end to a weight, the fishing line extending upwardly from the weight, along a horizontal fishing line guide, and then downwardly to a fishhook termination. The weight is slidably movable from its mounting by action of a hooked fish, and the size of the weight is such that at least a visible portion of a hooked fish is lifted above the surface of the water as the weight falls. The preferred embodiment integrates mounting bracket elements enabling removable attachment of the catcher to an upstanding support, and the weight is preferably a heavy metal spool about which fishing line may be wound and fastened.