Abstract: An electronic fish finder transducer lifting system includes a mechanical actuating device; a transducer lifting device; an electronic fish finder attachment member, rotatably connected to the transducer lifting device, configured to attach to an electronic fish finder; and a mechanical linkage, connected to the mechanical actuating device and the transducer lifting device, configured to transfer force, applied to the mechanical actuating device, to the transducer lifting device to lift a front portion of the transducer lifting device.

Abstract: An improved crab trap having a selectable counting device that actuates floatable transmitters that indicate when a certain number of crabs have entered the trap. The transmitters are connected to receivers that can determine which traps have crabs allowing the fisherman to improve and optimize the counting of crabs and pulling of crab pots.

Abstract: A fish bite indicator utilizes a line retainer coupled to a pivot arm and configured to rotate to bring a pair of electrical contacts into contact with a circuit contact to complete a circuit and activate an indicator light and/or indicator speaker. An indicator speaker may produce a factory set alert sound or a recorded alert sound that a user records to distinguish one fishing pole from another. A user may insert the fishing line a desired amount down into the line wedge seam and the depth of insertion may change when the line is released upon the pivoting of the pivot arm. The fish bite indicator may have a drag knob to change how much line tension is required to move the pivot arm and may have a sensitivity knob that adjusts how far the pivot arm has to rotate before the indicator is activated.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder alert apparatus for improved ice fishing includes a housing, a rod aperture configured to hold the handle of a fishing rod, and a pivot rod. The pivot arm moves between a side position and an alternate front position. A swing arm moves between an engaged position and an alternate released position and has a line slot configured to secure a fishing line. A plurality of magnets is coupled to the pivot arm. A ferrous strip is coupled to the swing arm and is selectively engageable with the plurality of magnets to secure the swing arm in the engaged position until pulled by the fishing line, tripping a switch sensor to activate a buzzer. A logic module and a battery are coupled to the housing. The battery is in operational communication with the switch sensor, the buzzer, and the logic module.

Abstract: An unattended fishing rig includes a flotation device having a base frame member with a centrally positioned upright crossbar attached thereto. Disposed across the crossbar is a plurality of attachment points capable of supporting a fishing assembly. An anchor is secured to a tether which in turn is secured to the base of the fishing rig.

Abstract: A fish bite indicator utilizes a line retainer coupled to a pivot arm and configured to rotate to bring a pair of electrical contacts into contact with a circuit contact to complete a circuit and activate an indicator light and/or indicator speaker. An indicator speaker may produce a factory set alert sound or a recorded alert sound that a user records to distinguish one fishing pole from another. A user may insert the fishing line a desired amount down into the line wedge seam and the depth of insertion may change when the line is released upon the pivoting of the pivot arm. The fish bite indicator may have a drag knob to change how much line tension is required to move the pivot arm and may have a sensitivity knob that adjusts how far the pivot arm has to rotate before the indicator is activated.

Abstract: An ice fishing apparatus for allowing the use of the natural wind to operate, the ice fishing apparatus comprised mainly of a base, a spring action bar, a flat cross bar, a spring-loaded signal flag, an air foil, a rod holder and a trigger mechanism.

Abstract: A fish striking device for attachment to a fishing rod and line having a channel body containing tension means one end of which is retained at one end of the channel and the other end of which is fixed to a trigger mechanism slidably mounted on the channel which trigger mechanism is releaseably retained on the channel and engages the line of the fishing rod such that when a fish pulls on the line the trigger mechanism is released and the line is pulled taught by the released tension means.

Abstract: An ice fishing assembly for urging a fishing line upwardly and downwardly includes a fishing rod. A box is provided. The box may be positioned on a support surface. A bracket is movably coupled to the box. A shaft is coupled to the bracket. The shaft is supported above the box. A plank is coupled to the shaft. The plank is supported above the box. The shaft acts as a fulcrum on the plank. A rod holder is coupled to the shaft. The rod holder engages the fishing rod. The plank engages a line on the fishing rod. The line is urged upwardly and downwardly by the plank.

Abstract: A fishing rod retention apparatus that includes an indicator for notifying a fisherman that a fish has been hooked. The apparatus includes a frame mounted on a base with at least one set of aligned fishing rod retention clips on each side of the frame. The frame includes a pair of converging frame portions, and a flag support spring attached to a bracket that connects the converging frame portions. A rotatable axle component with a retention spring at one end sits inside grooves in the converging frame portions. The axle component is used to hook the free end of a flag connected to the flag support spring while fishing line runs through the retention spring, such that a force applied to the fishing line causes the axle to rotate, thereby releasing the flag from the axle component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to enable IP networking for mobile hosts without requiring changes to be made to the TCP/IP stack in the operating system installed on the mobile hosts. The apparatus is an “intelligent device” that can be installed on or connected to a mobile host, and may comprise a software-only logical module, physical hardware, or a combination of both. To a mobile host, the intelligent device emulates a network interface such as an Ethernet card or a telephone modem. The intelligent device appears to an access network just like any regular IP host connected to the access network through a physical network interface device. The intelligent device handles all mobile networking functions for the mobile host, and may control multiple different physical network interface devices to enable a connection to an access network available to the mobile user at his location.

Abstract: The fishing rod holder having audible strike signal is constructed of a pole configured to be inserted into a ground surface. A “V” member is affixed to a top pole distal end of the pole. The inner “V” member is further defined with an inner “V” armature that extends inwardly and is configured to engage both a fishing rod as well as a fishing line. The fishing rod is adapted to be leaned against the inner “V” armature when in fishing use. The inner “V” armature also includes a bell that rings when the fishing line is pulled. The “V” member also includes reflectors that are located adjacent the top “V” distal ends. The pole includes straps that are configured to secure the pole to a fishing rod when not in use.

Abstract: An ice fishing strike indicator preferably includes a support base and a strike indicator. The strike indicator preferably includes an indicator housing, a pop-up indicator and a trigger member. The pop-up indicator is slidably biased upward in the indicator housing. The trigger member preferably includes a support tube, a trigger rod and a fishing line reel. The support tube is retained by the indicator housing and adjustably retained by the support base. The trigger rod is slidably retained in the support tube. A trigger finger is formed on one end of the trigger rod and the fishing line reel is retained on the other end thereof. The trigger finger hooks into the pop-up indicator. Rotation of the fishing line reel by a fish strike causes the trigger finger to release the pop-up indicator. A light emitting strike indicator may be used for night time fishing.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus is provided for ice fishing that can be used unattended. The apparatus can include a substantially vertical tower member, a crane member rotatably attached to the tower member and a fishing line spool rotatably attached to the tower member. Fishing line from the spool can be fed through a guide disposed on one end of the crane member to receive a hook. The crane member and spool can be held in place with threaded studs and wing nuts to keep the crane member and spool from rotating freely. The apparatus can also include means for visually indicating when a fish is hooked. These means can include fluorescent markings on one or both ends of the crane member or a self-powered light mechanism that lights a light bulb when the crane member is tipped downwards thereby indicating that a fish has been caught.

Abstract: A float fishing apparatus and method of use are described primarily for fishing in lakes and ponds. The apparatus includes a cylindrical weight inside an elongated hollow shaft which will readily slide to upright the fishing apparatus from a horizontal position to a vertical position when a successful struck by a fish is made. An LED light casts a broad light pattern on the water when the apparatus is in an upright position to easily identify the state of the fishing apparatus. A rotatable reel with attached fishing line allows the line to be adjusted to a desired length and can then be secured with a reel catch to secure the reel in a non-rotatable position.

Abstract: A fishing device, for use with a reel and rod combination having fishing line with attached terminal tackle, includes a base, an indicator device, a trigger mechanism, and a line device. The base has a hole and slot configuration to allow a fishing line to feed through the base. The indicator device is coupled to the base and is configured to indicate the presence of a fish. The trigger mechanism is configured to cause the indicator device to pop up when the trigger device is activated. The line device attaches to the fishing line and is configured to activate the trigger mechanism. When a fish pulls on the terminal tackle, the line device activates the trigger mechanism that causes the indicator device to pop-up indicating to a user the presence of a fish.

Abstract: A fishing trigger device alerts the fisherman of a fish bite and at the same time releases the fishing line to offer sufficient slack line for the fish to swallow the bait. The fishing trigger device includes a holder adapted to be inserted into a ground, the holder including a one piece device including a container and a pointed end and a trigger supported by the container, the trigger adapted to secure a fishing line prior to a fish bite, the trigger adapted to release the fishing line after the fish bite.

Abstract: A device for holding a fishing pole. The device employing a hollow elongated pole holder for fishing pole with elongated slots wherein a trigger is positioned. The trigger is adjustable for various weights of poles and tackles. The trigger comprises a swing arm adjustable to weight of the fishing tackle. A signal indicates a strike on the line. Sensitivity of the signal can be adjusted. A frame holds the pole holder and the pole holder is angularly positionable in relation to the frame. Removable pins are used to hold the pole holder pivotably to the frame and to a mounting plate. Another removable pin allows the pole holder to be angularly adjusted. The device can mounted to boats, docks, the ground or to ice.

Abstract: A demagnetically activated ice fishing indicator apparatus consisting of a magnet affixed to an elongated spindle found within elongated housing above and below which housing are bushings affixable thereto for receipt of the spindle threadably affixed to a spindle top component atop one bushing and to a spool with fishing line just below the other bushing, and; a cover unit with a center hole for receipt of the housing when the cover unit is resting on ice above an ice hole, and; equipped with a semi-metallic flag unit attached to a spring attached via a springclip to an upper portion of the housing such that when a fish bites bait at the end of the fishing line causing the spool, spindle and attached magnet to rotate; the flag unit previously adherent to the housing in view of alignment with the magnet, springs upwardly as the magnet is rotated out of alignment therewith.

Abstract: A fish strike signal that can selectively be placed in a storage position, a ready position or a deployed position. The signal has a main body with a storage ledge, a retainer and a pocket. A trigger is provided having a notch for engaging a segment of fishing line and having a kick-out post for deploying a signal. The kick-out post can be held with a pocket in the ready position. Rotation of the trigger caused by a strike forces the post from the pocket and causes the wire of the signal to clear a retainer on the side of the main body. A tension assembly is provided for adjusting the amount of force that is required to rotate the trigger. The post and a ledge holds the signal in place and the tensioner can be used to lock the signal in the storage position.

Abstract: A strike-setting assembly for an unmanned fishing rod including a hook-setting device carried by a fishing pole holder is provided. The hook-setting device includes a tether and an efficient, reliable mechanical trigger assembly including multiple magnets that permit easy, sensitive, multiple adjustments in multiple increments. The fishing pole holder is suitable for retaining the hook-setting device and for holding the rod in a manner providing resistance to the upward tension on the back handle portion of the fishing rod applied by the hook-setting device engaged on the front of the fishing rod.

Abstract: An ice fishing device enclosed in a housing and configured for indicating that a fish has taken the bait is disclosed. The device provides a curved rod having a portion external to the housing and a portion internal to the housing comprising a hooked end adapted for clasping onto a handle tip of the fishing spool. The hooked end will release from the handle tip when a fish tugs on the fishing line thereby moving the spool and the handle tip away from the hooked end. Once the hook is released, the curved rod containing a flag repositions to an upright position alerting the fisherman that the fish is ready to be pulled out of the ice.

Abstract: An ice fishing apparatus particularly suited to fishing in deeper waters where the ability to reel in a fish without tangling a line. The apparatus is suited to accommodate a wide variety of standard pole and reel configurations. The apparatus also has a hook setting mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a simple, yet improved, spring-loaded fishing hook and bobber. The bobber includes a spring-loaded triggering apparatus attached to a light weight rod and floating device. The triggering apparatus is inertia-driven and activated when a fish swimming by attempts to bite on the lure. The fish activates the device by its movement away from the lure and pulls the spring free from its latch allowing the spring to activate and forces the hook into the fish's mouth. The quickness of the trigger does not allow the fish to avoid the hook and the forcefulness of the trigger means less fish can free themselves of the hook before being caught.

Abstract: The fishing tip-up has an upright support and a swinging arm pivotally mounted to the top of the support. A forward segment of the arm pivots downward and toward the support when the rear segment pivots upward The swinging arm is adapted to support a fishing line which extends downward into a fishing hole from the forward segment and to which a bait is attached for attracting a fish. When a fish strikes, the forward segment pivots downward when a force greater than a predetermined value is applied to the fishing line. The predetermined value is adjustable. A magnet is provided in the rear segment of the swinging arm and keeps a reed switch in the support open until a fish strikes. At that time, the rear segment swings up and away from the support with resulting separation of the magnet from the reed switch and concurrent closing of the switch. When the reed switch is closed, a light illuminates.

Abstract: A device for signaling to an ice fisherman that a fish has taken the bait and a method for utilizing the device are disclosed. The device comprises a trigger pivotally attached to a housing. The trigger is balanced horizontally by a fishing line containing a loop adapted for looping and draping over one end of the trigger and one or more balancing and counterbalancing weights. The tugging of a fish taking the bait on the fishing line pulls the line off the trigger which allows the trigger to tip vertically signaling to the fisherman to take action to raise the fishing line.

Abstract: The current invention is an automatic fishing device for setting the hook upon fish strike. It can be used as an adaptive device for existing fishing assembly, or to be integrated into new fishing assembly. It embodies a weight, a weight support and a fish line coupler with a clip for connecting the weight to the fish line. The weight has a groove for engage the fish line, an opening for engage or disengage the weight onto or from the weight support. The weight can be either engaged or dis-engaged, determined by the position and the shape of the opening relative to the position and the shape of the weight support, respectively. When the movement of fish line caused by fish strike rotates the initially engaged weight to be dis-engaged, the falling weight will drag the fish line downward, effectively pulling the line and setting the hook.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to tip-down devices used in fishing and particularly adapted for use in ice fishing. In various exemplary embodiments, the tip down includes a pivoting rod holder wherein the fishing rod pivots between two positions and automatically moves away from intermediate positions, the two positions differing in the tip of the fishing rod being held upward or downward. In various exemplary embodiments, the disclosed tip-down includes a line clip, which is used to temporarily hold the fishing line in place (e.g., at a point between the reel and the first eye of the fishing rod). The disclosed tip-down the fishing rod to be set up in a way that allows a fish to take the bait and attempt to swim away without resistance from the fishing line or rod while still indicating a strike and allowing the user, who may be remote from the fishing rod, time to respond.

Abstract: A fishhook setting apparatus utilizing a lever arm support which holds a fishing rod associated with the fishhook and which is freely rotatable about a pre-determined arcuate path. The trigger mechanism initiates the instantaneous raising of the rod chip through the lever arm support when the lever arm support travels to the extreme portion of an arcuate path.

Abstract: A fishing strike indicator for providing a visual indication showing that a fish has taken a lure or bait includes an elongate body portion, a clamp for attachment to a fishing pole, a sliding connection joining the clamp to the elongate body portion, a line engaging feature formed as a portion of or attached to the elongate body portion, the line engaging feature engageable with a portion of a fishing line below the fishing pole, whereby tension in the portion of the fishing line below the pole causes the elongate body portion to move upwards thus providing the visual indication.

Abstract: An automated fish sensing, reeling, and alarming device, particularly for ice fishing, designed to allow the fisherman to have a hands-free ice-fishing device that will catch fish without monitoring the device at all times. It also will allow a person with a limitation or handicap to enjoy ice fishing, such as some one with arthritis or limited use of upper limbs.

Abstract: A strike indicator for a fishing device is provided. The signaling mechanism of the strike indicator is activated by a trigger. Either the trigger or the signaling mechanism is attached to a rotating component of the fishing device. An optional location beacon or fish attractor light may be incorporated into the signaling mechanism.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder that is mountable to a surface. The rod holder comprises an elongated sleeve defining a proximal end, a distal end and a body disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. The body delimits an internal channel that extends between the proximal end and the distal end and that opens out of the distal end. The distal end includes a first cut-out and a second cut-out which are in communication with the internal channel and in communication with each other. The second cut-out is positioned perpendicular with respect to the first cut-out and opening out of the distal end wherein the second cutout is sized and shaped to guide the handle of the fishing rod to the first cut-out as the fishing rod enters the distal end and into the internal channel.

Abstract: The invention is a fishing system comprising a fishing pole with a force measuring device coupled to a transmitter. The transmitter broadcasts a signal including a representation of the force measured by the force measuring device. The fishing system includes a receiver configured to receive the transmitted force data generated by the fishing pole or poles. The receiver may be configured to display, store, or process force data received from said fishing pole or multiple fishing poles.

Abstract: A remotely operable fish bait deploying system including a remote controller adapted to be carried by a user, a fishing rod spaced from the remote controller, and a toy vessel anchored to the fishing rod. A first primary line is anchored to the toy vessel and extends rearwardly therefrom. A second primary line is adjustably connected to the actuator interface and trails behind the toy vessel. The actuator interface automatically adjusts a longitudinal length of the second primary line based upon instructions received from the on-board controller. A plurality of flotation members are directly coupled to the second primary line respectively and remain spaced from the first primary line. A plurality of auxiliary lines are directly anchored to each of the flotation members and terminate underwater wherein each auxiliary line is provided with a hook attached to a distal end thereof for holding bait.

Abstract: An ice fishing tip-up system includes a rod, a fishing line, a bobber stop coupled to the fishing line, and a tip-up device. The tip-up device includes a base, an arm extending from the base, a lever supporting a line-engaging end having a set slot through which the line will pass, but not the bobber stop, and a flag attached through a resilient wire to the base. Distal to the line-engaging end is a trip end. The resilient wire applies a spring force to the trip end of the lever, the effect of which is variable depending upon the distance between the wire point of contact of to lever and the lever pivot point. A base serves to support the lever, insulate the ice hole to prevent the hole from freezing shut, and provides a selectively opened slot for separating the base from fishing line.

Abstract: An automatic fishing device for pulling the fishing line upon fish strike to set the hook. It embodies a trigger member, a weight member, a trigger support, a fish line and a connector for attaching the weight member to the fishing line. The trigger member includes a weight support element and a fish line coupler. Parts of the weight support element can support the weight member but other parts of weight support element cannot support the weight member. The weight member can be connected to the fish line by the connector. The movement of fishing line caused by a fish strike rotates the trigger member to unload the initially supported weight member to drag the fishing line downward, effectively tightening the fishing line for setting the hook.

Abstract: A strike indicator for a fishing device is provided. The signaling mechanism of the strike indicator is activated by a trigger. Either the trigger or the signaling mechanism is attached to a rotating component of the fishing device. An optional location beacon or fish attractor light may be incorporated into the signaling mechanism.

Abstract: An automated fish sensing, reeling, and alarming device, particularly for ice fishing, designed to allow the fisherman to have a hands-free ice-fishing device that will catch fish without monitoring the device at all times. It also will allow a person with a limitation or handicap to enjoy ice fishing, such as some one with arthritis or limited use of upper limbs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing device that automatically sets a fishing hook within the mouth of a fish when the fish bites on the hook. The automatic fish hook setting device comprises a housing, a fishing pole holder, a trigger mechanism, and a biasing mechanism. The fishing pole holder is adapted to hold a fishing pole therein. The trigger mechanism is configured to hold the fishing pole holder in a first position until a fish bites the fishing hook. When a fish bites the fishing hook, the trigger mechanism is disengaged and the biasing mechanism causes the fishing pole to quickly rotate to a second position, thereby setting the fishing hook within the mouth of the fish. An alarm mechanism is also disclosed. The alarm mechanism notifies a user when a fish has been caught using the automatic fish hook setting device.

Abstract: Fish strike indicators are disclosed herein. Fish strike indicators can include a fishing reel having a rotatable fishing line spool and housing a power source operably connected to an electrical circuit, wherein the electrical circuit includes means for closing the electrical circuit in operable connection with the rotation of the fishing line spool and means for signaling a fish strike to a user.

Abstract: An ice rigger apparatus has a planar base member that has an adjustable fishing rod holder at one end and a trip rod at the other end. The trip rod is rotatably mounted to the top surface of the base member and is disposed generally transversely to the base member. The trip rod includes means for releasably attaching a portion of a line to it, the line running from a fishing pole placed within the rod holder to a lure that is suspended in the water just below the ice. The trip rod also includes means for releasing an indicator flag when the lure has attracted a fish and the fish has taken the bait.

Abstract: An ice fishing trap comprising a main body supporting a rotatable spool for supporting a desired length of fishing line. An indicator, having both a set position and a triggered position, is supported by the main body. A release rod cooperates with the rotatable spool and, when the indicator is in its set position, and also cooperates with the indicator. The release rod has a first position in which the release rod captively retains the indicator in its set position and engages with the spool and the release rod has a second position, axially spaced from the first position, in which the release rod releases the indicator to permit the indicator to move to its triggered position, and rotation of the spool moves the release rod from its first position to its second position to actuate the indicator into its triggered position.

Abstract: A fishing rod includes one or more signal devices in a portion thereof and a power system that is connected to and activates the one or more signal devices when the fishing rod is flexed by a fish. The connection between the one or more signal devices and a power source includes a control switch and an activation switch that includes an electrically conductive pin mounted on the fishing rod and an electrically conductive coil spring surrounding the electrically conductive pin. The circuit between the one or more signal devices and the power is completed when the control switch is in the “on” condition and the electrically conductive pin and the electrically conductive coil of the activation switch are in electrical contact with each other. A kit may be used to retrofit an existing fishing rod.

Abstract: A fishing rod includes one or more signal devices in a portion thereof and a power system that is connected to and activates the one or more signal devices when the fishing rod is flexed by a fish. The connection between the one or more signal devices and a power source includes a control switch and an activation switch that includes an electrically conductive pin mounted on the fishing rod and an electrically conductive coil spring surrounding the electrically conductive pin. The circuit between the one or more signal devices and the power is completed when the control switch is in the “on” condition and the electrically conductive pin and the electrically conductive coil of the activation switch are in electrical contact with each other. A kit may be used to retrofit an existing fishing rod.

Abstract: The present invention uses the Jig Fishing System™ to achieve a more effective and enjoyable way of ice fishing. By practicing the disclosed invention, the skilled practitioner will now enjoy quick set-up, enhanced monitoring, and more effective, safer, warmer, dryer and more social ice fishing. The advantages of using the present invention include: easy set-up, storage and transportability of the ice fishing devices; easier and more effective fish detection monitoring, including fish detection monitoring from a distance; warmer, dryer, safer and more social ice fishing; and the ability to have reliable fish strike monitoring and signaling during the day, night or inclement weather.

Abstract: A free floating fishing apparatus includes a float and a spool that is positioned on the float for holding a supply of line to be dispensed. A line holding beam is mounted on the float and has a line guide that enables fishing line to be spooled from the spool through the line guide and then underwater for fishing. Rigging such as a hook, sinker or the like can be attached to the free end portion of a line. The spool is comprised of two sections, a non-rotating section which is received over the float and a rotating section received over the non-rotating section. A finite length of line is wound on the rotating section and a selected amount is payed out prior to fishing. The free end of the payed out line is attached to a hook and perhaps a float and the float and hook are dropped into the water. Depending upon the amount of line wound and whether the spool sections are locked during fishing, a finite amount of line may pay our after the fish has struck the hook.

Abstract: A free floating fishing apparatus includes a float and a spool that is positioned on the float for holding a supply of line to be dispensed. A hook setting trigger mechanism is mounted on the float and has a line guide that enables fishing line to be spooled from the spool through the line guide and then underwater for fishing. Rigging such as a hook, sinker or the like can be attached to the free end portion of a line. The trigger assembly includes an arm that is pivotally movable between extended and retracted positions. The arm is spring loaded to bias the arm toward the retracted position. A sear plate enables the arm to be retained in an intermediate position that is in between the extended and retracted positions, but closer to the extended position. The sear plate is spring loaded to move the sear out of engagement with the arm when the arm is moved beyond the intermediate position toward the extended position such as when a fish bites the hook and pulls on the line.

Abstract: A novel “Y” shaped fishing rod support for a novel semi-automatic fishing is comprised of, including but not limited to, an anchoring pole, a straight means of partially cut-out metal pipe consisting the upper part of the fishing rod support, a fishing rod holder guide, a fishing rod holder pivotally engaged in between the “Y” shaped cleavage that is formed between the upper part of the fishing rod support and the fishing rod holder guide, a spring which connects the fishing rod holder and the vertical upper part of the fishing rod support, and an electric trigger operated by a fisherman. The lower part of the straightening means is constructed of a narrow metal pipe. The upper part of the straightening means is constructed of a metal pipe, which is larger in diameter than the metal pipe consisting the lower part of the straightening means.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automated movement of a fishing rod. A preferred embodiment comprises a quick-release receptacle for a fishing rod, a drive mechanism, means for connecting the receptacle to the drive mechanism, a programmable controller, an input/output device and a mounting bracket. Preferred methods support a wide range of fishing rod movements, including erratic movements that increase fishing success. Operational modes include fishing (both trolling and jigging), setting a hook and playing a fish.