Abstract: A fishing rod vibration system including a battery powered electronics system, programmable motor controller, and user interface, as well as a vibrator selectively and detachably coupled to the electronics system for receiving output signals from the motor controller. The electronics system and user interface may be disposed in or on a fishing reel, and the electronic vibrator may be collocated with the electronics system or disposed on a fishing rod separated from the electronics system.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein comprises an apparatus and method of use for holding, locking and transporting fishing rods on the exterior of a vehicle. The apparatus is easily and removably attached to a standard and commercially available trailer hitch. The invention is modular and adjustable; the number of rods carried can be changed, and the orientation in which the rods are mounted and transported can rotate between a vertical and horizontal configuration. Furthermore, the apparatus is constructed of lightweight, durable materials and can be readily disassembled for convenient storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an assembly for trolling with multiple fishing lines, and in particular to an assembly allowing the multiple fishing poles to rotate simultaneously. The assembly has a rail having a channel and that can be affixed to the side of a boat. One or more units can be secured to the rail. Each unit has a base that can be secured to the channel, a swivel, a platform and a rod holder. An actuator can be pivotally secured to the rail and to an actuator arm secured to the back end of the platform of the adjacent unit. Extension and retraction of the actuator makes the platform and rod holder swivel relative to the base. Tie rods are used between adjacent units so that each unit swivels in unison with each other. Two parallel tie rods are used when three units are present.

Abstract: A reciprocating decoy movement device which has a swivel arm mounted on a pivot post extending upwardly from a base plate, and a drive bar rotatably mounted on a drive shaft extending upwardly from the base plate, the drive bar having an upwardly extending drive post slidably fitted in a guide channel disposed on the underside of the swivel arm, such that rotation of the drive bar moves the drive pin through a circle while sliding in the guide channel, thereby causing the swivel arm to move reciprocally from side-to-side.

Abstract: A system and a method of monitoring a functional status of a vehicle's electrical powering system (VEPS) makes measurements on the vehicle's electrical powering system, diagnoses problems for the VEPS, and sends a warning notification to the vehicle's owner. A retrofit device is electrically coupled to the VEPS, or a computerized battery is included in the VEPS. The retrofit device or the computerized battery periodically makes voltage readings. The retrofit device or the computerized battery stores and analyzes those voltage readings so that the retrofit device or the computerized battery predicts any malfunctions or failure that may occur for the VEPS. If the retrofit device or the computerized battery does predict a malfunction or failure in the VEPS, then the retrofit device or the computerized battery would output a warning notification either through the retrofit device or the computerized battery themselves or another external computing device.

Abstract: This invention includes several variations of a machine for catching small creatures unharmed, particularly small fish and other aquatic creatures. Most embodiments include a hollow container, attached to a specially designed fishing rod via an insulated fishing line containing electrical wires. The user can lower the insulated fishing line into water and wait for a creature to swim into the hollow container, then the user can use electronic controls to remotely snap the hollow container shut, hopefully trapping the creature alive and unharmed within. The invention also makes a fun and interesting tool for children. Embodiments of the invention include the ability to monitor the temperature and other conditions inside the container, and also the ability to communicate remotely with the container, and monitor the conditions therein, through a program downloaded on the user's computer or phone.

Abstract: A system and a method of monitoring a functional status of a vehicle's electrical powering system is able to make measurements on the vehicle's electrical powering system, to diagnose problems for the vehicle's electrical powering system, and send a warning notification to the vehicle's owner. A retrofit device is electrically coupled to the vehicle's electrical powering system so that the retrofit device is able to periodically make voltage readings. The retrofit device stores and analyzes those voltage readings so that the retrofit device is able to predict any malfunctions or failure that may occur for the vehicle's electrical power system. If retrofit device does predict a malfunction or failure in the vehicle's electrical powering system, then the retrofit device would output a warning notification either through the retrofit device itself or another external computing device.

Abstract: A motorized jigging device that can be used with conventional fishing rods and reels. It has a drive wheel attached to a spool-shaped eccentric unit by a pivotal attachment. The eccentric unit supports the handle of a fishing rod. The eccentric unit can be pivotally offset from the drive wheel to travel in a circular path producing a jigging movement as the rod pivots vertically on a fulcrum support. Speed is adjustable by the variable speed motor, and the amplitude of the jigging movement can be easily adjusted by simply pivoting the eccentric unit attached to the drive wheel. It is very simple and can be easily used by fishermen of all ages and abilities. It can have a remote controller to operate the device, including switching the device on and off, adjusting the speed, and setting the duration of the on and off periods of the repeating jigging cycles.

Abstract: A tipping rod and reel holder comprises an upright support with a rod and reel holder member slidably secured thereto. The rod and reel holder member includes a closed, linear, fulcrum slot with a fastener slidably fastening it to the upright support. The rod and reel holder member accepts the handle of a fishing rod therein, with the shank of the fishing reel positioned in an L-shaped slot in the holder member. The rod and reel holder member with a fishing rod and reel therein is slidably positioned on the fastener to maintain the fishing rod and reel essentially horizontal. A fish pulling on the line pivots the rod and reel holder member with rod and reel therein on the fastener, causing the rod and reel to slide within the L-shaped slot, further pivoting the rod and reel holder member away from horizontal to indicate a bite.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus for implementing a substantially hands-free form of angling, includes a movable arm assembly securable to a fixed point, where the movable arm assembly is operatively engaged to a fishing rod having a distal end through which a fishing line extends, and is adapted for imparting a reciprocating motion to the distal end of the fishing rod relative to the fixed point.

Abstract: An improved automatic jigging device comprising a motorized wheel having cutouts of a multitude of geometric shapes, sizes, and textures, a support arm with a fulcrum, and a jigging arm with a clamp for holding a fishing line. The fulcrum is inserted into the cutout and the rotational movement of the wheel transfers the movement to the fulcrum. The movement of the fulcrum is transferred to the clamp through the support arm and the jigging arm. The clamp holding the fishing line transfers the irregular, life-like movement to the fishing line. Throughout the fishing experience, the type of irregular, life-like movement of the fishing line may be changed by inserting the fulcrum into a cutout with a different geometric shape, size, and texture.

Abstract: A powered jigging device for fishing includes a base section secured to an upright support section. A pole holder assembly pivotally attached to the upright support section includes a plate portion parallel to the upright support section and pivotally attached at a pivot point thereto, and a pole attachment portion secured to the plate portion above the pivot point thereof. A fishing pole is mounted in the pole attachment portion. A motor member rigidly secured to the upright support section is operatively attached to a rotor member positioned below the pivot point of the plate portion. A multipivot point linkage is pivotally secured at one end to the rotor member and at an opposite end to the plate portion of the pole holder assembly below the pivot point thereof. Rotation of the rotor member by the motor member causes pivoting movement of the pole holder assembly through the multipivot point linkage there between.

Abstract: The present disclosure is a bobber that has a front hollow cavity, a rear hollow cavity, and a middle hollow cavity separating the front cavity from the rear cavity, the middle hollow cavity having a first opening in a top portion of the middle hollow cavity and a second opening in a bottom portion of the middle hollow cavity. In addition, the bobber has an arm comprising a first end and a second end, the arm extending through the first opening and the second opening and fixedly connected to the middle hollow cavity, the arm attached at a first end to fishing line such that when water pressure is applied to the second end of the arm extending from the second opening the arm moves vertically causing bait attached to the fishing line to move vertically in a body of water.

Abstract: An improved automatic jigging device comprising a motorized wheel having cutouts of a multitude of geometric shapes, sizes, and textures, a support arm with a fulcrum, and a jigging arm with a clamp for holding a fishing line. The fulcrum is inserted into the cutout and the rotational movement of the wheel transfers the movement to the fulcrum. The movement of the fulcrum is transferred to the clamp through the support arm and the jigging arm. The clamp holding the fishing line transfers the irregular, life-like movement to the fishing line. Throughout the fishing experience, the type of irregular, life-like movement of the fishing line may be changed by inserting the fulcrum into a cutout with a different geometric shape, size, and texture.

Abstract: An elongated vibration generating device with a self contained vibration generating mechanism having its own power source including a battery driven motor, and eccentric weight and means to vary the vibration that can be easily attached to an ordinary fishing rod having a reel and line mounted thereon to cause the fishing rod shaft to vibrate in a manner to cause a bait or lure attached to the line to vibrate in a selective manner to attract fish.

Abstract: One example embodiment includes a system for automatically jigging a lure. The system includes a fishing pole. The fishing pole includes a tip and fishing line, where the fishing line passes through the tip. The system also includes a motor, where the motor is configured to move the tip of the fishing pole.

Abstract: An automatic jigging device (10) used to support to a fishing pole (12) and impart action to a fishing lure secured to the pole (12) broadly comprises a frame (22), an arm (24) rotatably secured to the frame (22), a fishing pole holder receiver (26) rigidly secured to the arm (24) and designed to accept a fishing pole holder (28) to support the pole (12), and an actuator (30) for selectively rotating the arm (24) with respect to the frame (22), thereby imparting action to the pole (12) and the lure. The frame (22) is designed to be rigidly secured to a support (32), such as a rail of a boat or a pier. The device (10) may also include a spring (50) to dampen the arm's (24) movement and a housing (46) to enclose and protect the arm (24), the actuator (30), and the spring (50).

Abstract: Disclosed is an ice fishing device which holds a fishing rod in a bent position until a fish strikes the line. A trigger releases the tip of the fishing rod, and the rod tip snaps up and sets the hook. A jigging assembly imparts an up and down movement to the line and the attached hook, to attract fish to the hook and bait.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing rod assembly including a pair of fishing rods each having a fishing line connected thereto, and a jigging apparatus. The jigging apparatus has a v-shaped spreader bar with a first connection point and a second connection which are both upper in use and configured to operatively connect with respective ones of the fishing lines. An L-shaped elongate member pivotally connects to the spreader bar via a third connection point. The elongate member has a weight-connecting portion extending downwards, when in use, relative to the first connection point and the second connecting point, and a hook-connecting portion extending laterally outwards, when in use, relative to the weight-connecting portion. A weight operatively connects to the weight-connecting portion of the elongate member. A hook operatively connects to the hook-connecting portion of the elongate member.

Abstract: An ice fishing apparatus features a support stand engaging and projecting upward from a frozen surface of a body of water and projecting laterally outward at a distance above the frozen surface. A flexible strip has a fixed end coupled to the stand and extends past a distal end laterally outward from the upright portion of the stand engaged in the ice. A wind flap is coupled to the flexible strip at a position therealong between the distal end of the stand and a free end of the flexible strip. A reel support is provided on the support stand and a clip near the free end of the strip is used for gripping fishing line from the reel to move the hook end of the line with the strip under action of moving air on the wind flap.

Abstract: An elongated vibration generating device with a self contained vibration generating mechanism having its own power source including a battery driven motor, and eccentric weight and means to vary the vibration that can be easily attached to an ordinary fishing rod having a reel and line mounted thereon to cause the fishing rod shaft to vibrate in a manner to cause a bait or lure attached to the line to vibrate in a selective manner to attract fish.

Abstract: A holder is disclosed which is capable of holding and allowing a jig pole to move. The holder includes a first member having an attachment mechanism rotatably secured to a first end and a holding member rotatably secured to a second end. The holding member also has a pair of spaced apart, upright legs each having a terminal end with a notch formed therein. The holder also includes a second member which has a shaft joined to a collar. The shaft is sized to fit within each of the notches and the collar is of sufficient size to encircle the handle of the jig pole. The holder further includes an adjustable member capable of securing the collar to the handle, forward of the fishing reel, such that the weight of the fishing reel retains the jigging pole at an acute angle relative to a body of water.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ice fishing device which holds a fishing rod in a bent position until a fish strikes the line. A trigger releases the tip of the fishing rod, and the rod tip snaps up and sets the hook. A jigging assembly imparts an up and down movement to the line and the attached hook, to attract fish to the hook and bait.

Abstract: An elongated device with a self-contained vibration generating mechanism including a battery driven motor and eccentric weight and means to vary the vibration that can be easily attached to an ordinary fishing rod having a reel and line mounted thereon to cause the fishing rod shaft to vibrate in a manner to cause a bait or lure attached to the line to vibrate in a selective manner to attract fish, without passing the fishing line through the device.

Abstract: An automatic jigging device is described that utilizes a cam to move a fishing rod upwardly and downwardly in a manner based on fish behavior and psychology for a particular type of fish to increase the probability that a fish of the prescribed type will bite. Embodiments of a fishing rod holder are also described that can be used with the automatic jiggers or separately. The holder is adapted to lockably retain a fishing rod therein without the use of additional pieces.

Abstract: A rod jigging apparatus is disclosed for jigging one or more rods at the same time. The rod jigging apparatus includes a mounting member being designed for coupling to a support structure. An arm member selectively engages the mounting member whereby the arm member is designed for extending away from the support structure. At least one rod member is coupled to the arm member. The rod member is positioned opposite the mounting member. The rod member is designed for receiving a handle of a fishing rod whereby the arm member is for being pushed down and released by the user to jig the fishing rod positioned in the rod member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system for regulating fishing line tension. The system comprises a plurality of line retainers. Each line retainer comprises a holder on which the line rests, an elongated portion, and a clip that is attached to the surface of a fishing rod proximate the handle. The line retainer may be fabricated as one seamless piece of resilient material or may comprise at least two pieces of different material. The method for regulating the free spooling of a fishing line enables a fishing enthusiast to regulate tension on the fishing line with an open bail or in the free spool position on the drag system.

Abstract: A fish luring system for luring fish to a fishing lure attached to an end of a fishing line attached to the fishing pole. The fish luring system includes a fishing pole that includes a rod portion and a handle portion. A plurality of eyelets is mounted on the rod portion and a vibrating assembly for vibrating the rod portion of the fishing pole is mounted in the fishing pole.

Abstract: A shock suppression system for a fishing rod is mounted to a fishing rod and connected to the secure end of the fishing line for dampening the movement of the secure end of the toward the tip of the rod when a force is applied to the free end of the line by a fish hooked on the line. The invention may include a piston attached to a cartridge that is mounted to the handle portion of the fishing rod. The piston is attached in sliding engagement to the cartridge, which has a mechanism for dampening the movement of the piston toward the rod tip. Such a mechanism may be found in pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders or compression spring systems as found on a screen door for a home.

Abstract: The present invention is an ice fishing device that is completely self-contained, collapsible and its jigging action is completely wind driven. The tip-up is a complete fishing device. It can be assembled and collapsed with relative ease for quick usage or quick storage. The flexible riser is erected at an angle that allows the wind to give the bait a natural up and down jigging motion.

Abstract: An automatic jigging device (10) that may be secured to a rod (16) of a fishing pole (12), thereby imparting action to a fishing lure, and broadly comprises an actuator (22) attached to the rod (16) and a controller (24) for controlling the actuator (22). The actuator (22) preferably includes a rotating assembly (28) for causing the vibration, a housing (32) for containing the assembly (28), and a rod mount (34) for securing the housing (32) to the rod (16). As a motor (30) rotates the assembly (28), the assembly's (28) offset center of gravity causes the actuator (22) to vibrate. The rod mount (34) preferably comprises one or more clips having an internal diameter approximating the rod's (16) external diameter. Thus, the actuator (22) may be firmly seated onto the rod (16), but not the handle (14), of the fishing pole (12), thereby leaving the handle (14) unobstructed.

Abstract: A fishing rod having a motorized vibrator secured to a floating rod blank. The rod blank is substantially displaced from the bore of a handle. A ferrule switch mounted to a suspended portion of the handle contains a battery power source that is manipulated as a switch contact. A vibrator includes a motor and eccentric weight and is supported to the rod blank forward of the handle and responsively vibrates the rod blank for controlled periods and/or frequencies and a supported fishing line and lure.

Abstract: Jigging devices for fishing poles are described which provide for easy assembly of the device and easy removal of the fishing pole from the device upon a fish strike. The devices provide for releasable yet reliable connection between the fishing-pole mount and the jigging mechanism and allow communication of movement of the jigging mechanism to be communicated to the fishing-pole mount and, thus, to the fishing line.

Abstract: A vibrating fishing rod has a vibratory module mounted within a handle cavity of the fishing rod. The vibratory module is accessible through an end opening defined by end edges of the handle cavity. A switch is located in the fore grip, and an electric motor and eccentric weight in the vibratory module are activated in response to actuation of the switch.

Abstract: A device is provided for transmitting a sound signal to a fishing lure on a fishing line of a fishing rod. The device includes a vibrating element supported on the fishing rod to transmit vibrations to the fishing rod and means for coupling the vibrating element to a sound signal source to vibrate the vibrating element in response to the sound signal. The vibrating element is movable relative to the fishing rod at a frequency dependent upon a frequency of the sound signal and at an amplitude dependent upon an amplitude of the sound signal. The vibrating element allows sound to be transmitted to a fishing lure without the need of a complex and specially adapted lure. The sound can be transmitted to a conventional fishing lure through the fishing line in the form of vibrations within a range of frequencies audible to the fish. Furthermore, the vibrations can be completely random so as to simulate movements of live bait.

Abstract: An automated fishing line jigger, comprising a rotatable member adapted for rotation-such that fishing line associated with the rotatable member is jigged as the rotatable member rotates. An electromagnet operatively connected to the rotatable member, the rotatable member having a first position and a second position such that in the first position the electromagnet is energized causing rotation in a first direction and in the second position gravity causes rotation in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A vibrating fishing rod has a vibratory module mounted within a handle cavity of the fishing rod. The vibratory module is accessible through an end opening defined by end edges of the handle cavity. A switch is located in the fore grip, and an electric motor and eccentric weight in the vibratory module are activated in response to actuation of the switch.

Abstract: Claimed is a trolling device for use on a moving boat. The trolling device utilizes a continuous looped guide groove, which spirals around a driveshaft, and has a connecting loop that joins the first spiral with a second spiral that then travels back down the driveshaft to a second connecting loop. As the driveshaft continuously rotates in one direction, a travel pin with an attached fishing lure moves back and forth along the driveshaft. One or more speed change zones are incorporated into the driveshaft as regions of changed pitch in the spiral guide grove. The speed change zones result in the speed of the lure changing as it passes through the water, so that the lure will have an occasional burst of speed, and then slow down during its travel through the water.

Abstract: Jigging devices for fishing poles are described which provide for easy assembly of the device and easy removal of the fishing pole from the device upon a fish strike. The devices provide for releasable yet reliable connection between the fishing-pole mount and the jigging mechanism and allow communication of movement of the jigging mechanism to be communicated to the fishing-pole mount and, thus, to the fishing line.

Abstract: An ice fishing device for increasing the effective radial fishing range beyond the radius of a fishing hole comprising a fishing rig with a vertical post and a generally horizontal extendable arm. The vertical post moves axially and rotatably relative to the fishing rig and the extendable arm extends radially from the axis of the post for increasing the effective radial fishing range beyond the radius of the fishing hole.

Abstract: Claimed is a trolling device for use on a moving boat. The trolling device utilizes a continuous looped guide groove, which spirals around a driveshaft, and has a connecting loop that joins the first spiral with a second spiral that then travels back down the driveshaft to a second connecting loop. As the driveshaft continuously rotates in one direction, a travel pin with an attached fishing lure moves back and forth along the driveshaft. One or more speed change zones are incorporated into the driveshaft as regions of changed pitch in the spiral guide grove. The speed change zones result in the speed of the lure changing as it passes through the water, so that the lure will have an occasional burst of speed, and then slow down during its travel through the water.

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.

Abstract: A device is provided for transmitting a sound signal to a fishing lure on a fishing line of a fishing rod. The device includes a vibrating element supported on the fishing rod to transmit vibrations to the fishing rod and means for coupling the vibrating element to a sound signal source to vibrate the vibrating element in response to the sound signal. The vibrating element is movable relative to the fishing rod at a frequency dependent upon a frequency of the sound signal and at an amplitude dependent upon an amplitude of the sound signal. The vibrating element allows sound to be transmitted to a fishing lure without the need of a complex and specially adapted lure. The sound can be transmitted to a conventional fishing lure through the fishing line in the form of vibrations within a range of frequencies audible to the fish. Furthermore, the vibrations can be completely random so as to simulate movements of live bait.

Abstract: A fishing downrigger assembly secured to the stern of a boat for use with a fishing rod and reel during trolling. A substantially planar shaped base has a top face with an upwardly extending superstructure, a spaced apart bottom face defining therebetween a predetermined thickness, a front end and a rear end. An arm pivotally secures to the base along an axis defined therebetween and so that a substantially elongated portion of the arm extends substantially upwardly and forwardly from the base. A reel is rotatably secured to the superstructure, a cable extending from the reel and which is guided along the arm before terminating in a suspended weight. The reel further includes at least one line release clip located at a selected distance from the weight and which is capable of being engaged by the fishing reel. A catch mechanism is established between the base and the pivoting arm and actuates in a direction substantially parallel and offset relative to the pivotal axis.

Abstract: A signaling device for alerting fishermen to the presence of fish at the fish hook and includes a signal light and sound switching system fitted to a fishing rod so that a fish pulling on the hook and line activates the light and or the sound. A compact system which can be installed within the body of the fishing rod without cumbersome attachments.

Abstract: A simplified and reliable automatic fishing device is disclosed which may be operated in one of a plurality of fishing configurations to produce desired fishing motions to a fishing rod held on the device wherein the device is automatically disengaged from operation when a fish strikes.

Abstract: A automated jigging apparatus for receiving and automatically jigging a fishing pole. The automated jigging apparatus includes a housing. A coupling means pivotally couples the fishing rod in a position generally above and to the housing. The coupling means includes a support means for supporting the fishing rod. The support means extends upwardly away from the housing. A receiving means receives the end of the fishing rod is rotatably mounted to the support means. An actuating assembly for jigging the receiving means includes a motor. The motor is adapted to rotate a gear. The gear is adapted to move an end of a rod up and down with respect to the base portion. The actuating assembly is generally positioned in a central portion of the housing. A Linking means links the rod to the receiving means.

Abstract: An improved fishing rod holder and jigging apparatus has a cradle portion for engaging and loosely supporting a fishing rod, and a jigging device attached to the cradle portion for jigging a fishing line. The cradle portion provides a stationary support on which a fishing rod can be placed and removed easily during fishing. A support arm having a handgrip portion is connected to the cradle portion for supporting the jigging device. The jigging device includes a motor and a drive wheel driven by the motor. A fishing line striker is pivotally attached to the drive wheel about a pivot axis that is generally parallel to a rotation axis of the drive wheel and a longitudinal axis of the fishing rod. The fishing line striker and drive wheel are arranged such that the fishing line striker flops from a laid-back position into sudden engagement with the fishing line as a center of mass of the fishing line striker passes over its pivot axis during rotation of the drive wheel.

Abstract: A simplified and reliable automatic fishing device is disclosed which may be operated in one of a plurality of fishing configurations to produce desired fishing motions to a fishing rod held on the device wherein the device is automatically disengaged from operation when a fish strikes.

Abstract: A variable fishing line action device is an integral unit intended to be clipped on a fishing rod mounting an open-face spinning reel, preferably, between the reel and a first eye of the rod. It comprises a generally hook shaped line rest portion adapted to receive and divert a fishing line emanating from an open-face spinning reel toward the rod mounting the reel and, a C-shaped clip portion adapted to selectively and adjustably secure the line rest to the fishing rod in front of the reel. The device may be selectively disposed along the length of the rod, between the reel and the first eye to impart the desired action to a fishing line. In its preferred embodiment, the C-shaped clip is comprised of two diverging legs, and the device is formed from a single length of rigid stainless steel wire. Resilient pad insulators may be disposed on the legs to protect the rod from scratching by the clip.