Abstract: A boot for covering a gimbaled butt end of a fishing rod includes a neck portion and an enlarged base with a body engaging surface structured and disposed for comfortable engagement against the body of a fisherman to thereby protect the body from pain and injury caused by the gimbaled butt end. An open end of the neck portion communicates with a hollow receptacle extending axially through the neck portion for receipt of the butt end therein. An inner wall surface surrounding the receptacle is tapered from the open end to a bottom of the receptacle and frictionally engages the butt end to hold the boot on the fishing rod. The body engaging surface is softer, smoother and larger than the butt end of the rod to thereby increase the force displacement area against the fisherman's body when fighting a fish.

Abstract: A carrying handle fastened to a fishing rod to facilitate lifting and handling of the fishing rod comprises a hand grip (11; 21) shaped and dimensioned for comfortable gripping in the hand, a clamp (12; 22) e.g. in the form of a diametrically split ring or split collar, which can be clamped securely to the fishing rod by tightening screw fasteners (20), and an arm (13; 14; 24) which connects the clamp (12; 22) to the hand grip (11; 21). The handle is secured to the fishing rod so that the hand grip (11; 21) extends alongside the rod below the fishing reel seat.

Abstract: The present invention 10 discloses a forearm support member or saddle 16 which is placed under the forearm of the user near the hand grip 18 whereby the user has better control of the fishing rod. The saddle member 16 is designed to relieve stress on the wrist of the user and to aid the user in fighting bigger fish. The saddle member 16 is also used to control the pressure on the rod from the underarm area of the user for use when the user is bottom fishing with the rod. Also shown is a rod member 12 having a longer rear portion 14 and a shorter front portion 20 having an angular hand grip 18 thereinbetween and further having a saddle member 16 mounted thereon. A locking member 34, 36, 38 is shown for placement of the fishing reel 26 onto the forward member 20. Also, the forward rod member 20 has an aperture 40 or other means for receiving the butt of a fishing rod or fishing rod blank.

Abstract: A drag setting scale includes a hand-held weighing instrument, a wheel that functions as a pulley and a connector that provides a mechanical connection between the weighing instrument and the pulley.

Abstract: A device supporting the arm of a fisherman using a spinning-type fishing rod having a cylindrical rod handle, comprising an adjustable rotatable arm cradle supporting the upper forearm of the fisherman, a partially cylindrical elongated handle support member defining a partially cylindrical compartment that holds a selected area of the fishing rod handle in alignment with the arm cradle, an adjustable post connecting the arm cradle means with the handle, and an adjustable clamp for removably gripping the rod handle to the handle support. The arm cradle is rotatable to a selected angle relative to the rod handle and is removably lockable at the selected angle. The connecting post can be lengthened or shortened to a selected position and removably locked at that position. The clamp that presses the fishing rod handle against the top of the holding compartment of the handle support member is adjustable by means of a vertical screw that raises or lowers the clamp.

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.

Abstract: An off-axis adapter for a parallel, offset fishing rod coupling is provided. The adapter includes a ferrule having two ends. The ends of the ferrule are each attached to a support and each support has a rod mount and a ferrule connection. The rod mounts each attach to a primary rod at mounting points, and the ferrule connections attach to the ferrule proximate to each respective end of the ferrule. The ferrule receives and maintains a secondary rod in a substantially parallel configuration in relation to the primary rod. Because the adapter is attached from the length or side of the host or primary rod, the installation of the adapter does not require matching dimensions of a host rod and a bushing. The adapter is installed onto a side portion of a fishing rod that has already been built and does not require removal of fishing rod components.

Abstract: The fishing rod handle attachment is comprised of a handle, a handle extension for positioning the handle directly above the fishing rod, and an attaching device for rigidly attaching the handle attachment to the fishing rod. The handle is comprised of an elongated member and a support member. The elongated member is gripped by a user's hand while the user is fishing, the elongated member being transverse to the fishing rod, horizontally oriented, and positioned directly above the fishing rod when the fishing rod is being used for fishing. The support member is rigidly attached to the elongated member and provides the means for attaching the elongated member to the handle extension. In some embodiments of the invention, provision is made for adjusting the position of the elongated member relative to the attachment point of the handle attachment to the fishing rod.

Abstract: A fishing rod having an integrally formed receptacle for receiving a remote portion of the fishing rod, when the fishing rod is in a disassembled state. The receptacle is positioned adjacent the handle member of the rod, and is used to receive one end of a remote portion of a fishing rod. The remote portion of the rod is then secured in parallel relation with the base portion of the rod, to facilitate transport and storage. In an alternate embodiment, a detachable rod holder may be mounted onto the base portion of the fishing rod, to accomplish the same task. The detachable rod holder may be attached in one of several places, including attachment underneath the set screw that holds the rod and reel together, or it may be attached by sandwiching the attachment tab between the rod and reel. A stay clip may be used near an upper end of the base portion of the rod, to secure that end of the base portion to the outer end of the remote portion.

Abstract: A device for releaseably retaining a fishing line comprising a main body and two leg portions extending from the main body. The device further comprises resilient means acting upon at least one of the leg portions to urge the latter towards the other leg portion with a force which, for a given relative position of the two leg portions, is adjustable.

Abstract: An ultra-sensitive bite indicator having a mount, a spring and a wire, is attached to a distal end of a fishing rod, with the mount having a through-bore. The spring is adjustably mounted within the through-bore, and the wire is connected to the spring at one end and to a loop, constructed and arranged to receive fishing line, at another end. In another embodiment of this invention, an ultra-sensitive bite indicator comprises a mount portion attached to a fishing rod and an adjustment portion coupled to the mount portion. The adjustment portion is movable between a first position angled away from the fishing rod and a second position lying substantially flat against the fishing rod. A loop, constructed and arranged to receive a fishing line, is attached to one end of the adjustment portion. In each embodiment, the bite indicator is difficult to damage or break. In addition, the sensitivity of each embodiment of the bite indicator can be adjusted for detecting fish of various sizes and weights.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder includes an elongate support that is driven into the sand or earth near a body of water. A short tube receives the butt of a fishing rod so the rod end extends upwardly generally parallel to the elongate support. An alarm is fixed to the upper end of the elongate support and provides a tether releasably connected to the rod with a spring biased clip. When the rod is straight, and no fish is on the line, the tether describes a catenary and is essentially untensioned. When a fish is on the line, the rod bends, straightening out the tether and pulling the clip from the rod. When the rod moves out of the clip, the spring biased ends of the clip close thereby completing an electric circuit energizing the alarm.

Abstract: A lightweight, portable fish strike indicator for use with a fishing rod to provide a visible indication of the movement of the rod tip especially during low ambient light conditions. The fish strike indicator includes a high intensity light source, which transmits light through an optical fiber to the tip portion of a fishing rod. The motion of the tip during and after a fish strike are translated in to a visible light trace whose arc length and oscillation frequency are proportional to the force of the strike and provides an indication whether the fish has been hooked. The high intensity light source along with the optical fiber extending to the tip of the rod can be easily attached to or removed from the outer surface of the shaft of a fishing rod, or may be imbedded inside the shaft as a more permanent accessory.

Abstract: A protective housing for a fishing pole is disclosed. The protective housing includes first and second housing elements, each having a substantially planar surface, first and second opposing longitudinal walls and first and second opposing end walls extending from the substantially planar surface, the first longitudinal walls of the first and second housing elements being hingedly coupled together so as to form an interior chamber when the protective housing is in a closed position. In the closed position, the second longitudinal wall and the first and second end wall of the first housing element are in mutual contact with the second longitudinal wall and the first and second end wall of the second housing element, respectively.

Abstract: A retainer for retaining a lure attached to a fishing line extending from a fishing reel. The retainer preferably comprises an eyelet provided on the fishing reel. The eyelet is preferably integrally formed on the exterior of the reel.

Abstract: An arm rest for use with a fishing pole supports a user's forearm while fishing and broadly comprises a mount adapted to releasably attach to the butt end portion of the fishing pole and a forearm cradle. The forearm cradle is pivotally disposed on the mount and is operative to move between a stowed position wherein the forearm cradle extends along a longitudinal axis of the fishing pole and a deployed position wherein the forearm cradle extends at an angle relative to the longitudinal axis to elevate the user's forearm above the butt end portion. A selectively actuable locking mechanism engagedly retains the forearm cradle in the stowed position and disengages from the forearm cradle to permit the forearm cradle to pivot between the stowed and deployed positions. A finger slide actuates the locking mechanism between the locked and unlocked positions. A spring may also be interconnected between the forearm cradle and the mount to resiliently urge the forearm cradle into the deployed position.

Abstract: A fish strike detector for use on flexible fishing rods to detect and notify the angler that a fish is striking the bait located at the end of his or her fishing line. Light from a light bulb partially enclosed in a housing body is activated when the fishing rod is flexed from fish striking at the bait. The housing body, removably attached to a rigid vertical member attached to the fishing rod, houses an electrical circuit and power supply. A portion of the electrical circuit extends outside the casing body. A rigid horizontal member is attached to the fishing rod on one side of the vertical member. When a fish strikes the bait, the flexible fishing rod bends downward, causing the contact member to apply pressure to the portion of the electrical circuit extending outside the housing and complete the electrical circuit to activate the light.

Abstract: A fishing lure hook holder is disclosed and comprises generally a body 20, a first securing element 40, and a second securing element 60. Body 20 generally includes a first loop end and a second end. First securing element 40 is slidably positionable along body 20. Second securing element 60 can be fastened at a second end or can be slidable along body 20. In use on a two hook fishing lure, the first loop end engages one of the fishing hooks while the first securing element is positioned around the second fishing hook to securely hold the fishing hooks against the fishing lure in proximity thereto and to prevent movement of the fishing hooks during storage. In use on a three hook fishing lure, the first looped end engages the first treble hook. The first securing element engages the second treble hook. The second securing element engages the third treble hook.

Abstract: A connection device for a segmented pole having a line and at least a first pole section (104) and second pole section (106), such as a fishing rod, for interlocking pole pieces during use and during transport including, a first connector section (26) having a first end, a second end and a side (32), a second connector section (50) which is seated on the second piece of the pole and which has a first end, a second end and a side (58), a means for securing the first end of the first section to the second end of the second section, and a means for securing the side of the first connector section (24) to the side of the second section (56). When aligning the rod for use, the side of the first section is twisted to interlock with the side of the second connector section. When the rod pieces are separated for transport and/or storage, the rod tip piece is rotated 180.degree.

Abstract: A fish weighing scale attachment for attachment to a fishing rod for weighing a fish still hooked on the fishing line. The fish weighing scale attachment includes a housing with a channel in a bottom face of the housing. A mounting block is slidably inserted into the channel of the housing. The mounting block has a pair of outwardly extending flexible straps which are coupled to one another. A weighing scale is provided in the housing. The weighing scale has a pivoting weighing arm having a spaced apart pair of upwardly extending fingers. The weighing scale also has a visual display provided on the top face of the housing.

Abstract: A fishing rod assembly includes a multi-segment rod having first and second segments and a clip for securing the segments adjacent one another during storage and transportation. The first segment includes a tip while the second segment includes a handle portion having an end opposite the tip. The handle portion preferably contains a cavity axially extending from the end towards the tip. The handle portion also preferably includes a retainer projecting from the handle portion to retain the first segment proximate the handle portion. The clip includes a first portion configured for attachment to the first segment of the rod and a pair of resiliently flexible extensions projecting from the first portion configured to grasp the second segment of the rod. In the preferred embodiment, the cavity is configured to receive the clip. A ribbon is preferably attached within the cavity to facilitate removal of the clip.

Abstract: A fishing pole with light source that includes an internally wired fishing rod assembly and a detachable, aimable light source. The fishing rod assembly includes a flexible elongated rod portion that is attached to a handle portion. The handle portion includes a battery connector positioned within a battery compartment formed therein. The rod portion has a pair of conducting wires running within the length thereof that are electrically connected at a first end with the battery connector of the handle portion and at a second end thereof to two electrical contact plates positioned at the tip end of the rod portion. The detachable, aimable light source includes a combination securing clip/electrical connector, a swivel assembly, and an aimable light assembly; the combination securing clip/electrical connector including a pair of opposed gripping jaws that define a gripping channel that is partially defined by two electrically separated securing clip electrical contact areas.

Abstract: A rest for a fishing pole which will not only add additional support for a fishing pole, but will also transfer some of the shock to a user's arm, thereby protecting the user's wrist. It comprises a rest which is attached to the fishing pole and has an arm which fits under the user's forearm to provide support. In addition, the device includes a strike strength meter which will indicate the weight of a fish on the line. Also, the extension arm has a storage container incorporated therein for small fishing accessories. In the alternative, the storage container can be a separate item which is attached to the extension arm. In addition the arm may contain a blister which contains air in order to make the device float.

Abstract: Fishing rods have a bulged section within two line guides from the handle, within the last four guides, or a combination of bulged zones. Fishing rods with at least one bulged section are able to cast further.

Abstract: A device for enhancing the effectiveness of a fisherman by translating line vibration to the fisherman wherein a rod holder which has an arm member which transverses the forearm of the user utilizing a semicircular portion and a strap portion and a circular receptacle of split-ring configuration into which the handle or butt end of a fishing rod is inserted. The receptacle has a decreasing inner diameter with inwardly protruding ribs to enhance the fit of the rod handle and accommodate various sizes. The user holds the rod at a location on the handle closer to the tip than the receptacle and this provides a fulcrum at the hand location which allows tip vibration to be translated more effectively to the forearm of the user to increase the user's sensitivity or feel of the action on a lure or bait by the action of a fish or the bottom of the body of water being fished.

Abstract: There is described a fishing line release apparatus (1) for use when casting a fishing line (13) with a fishing rod (4), and in particular for automatically releasing the fishing line (4) when casting. The fishing line release apparatus (1) comprises a body member (2) having a mounting means for mounting the apparatus (1) relative to a fishing rod (4); inclination sensing means (10) mounted relative to the body member (2) for sensing an inclination of the fishing rod (4), and release means (12) for releasably retaining, relative to the fishing rod (4), the fishing line (13) to be cast by the fishing rod (4), the arrangement and construction being such that the release means (12) is operated to release the fishing line (13) retained thereby when the inclination sensing means (10) senses a predetermined inclination of the fishing rod (4).

Abstract: A self-contained, battery operated fishing line tension detector and alarm system that adapts to a conventional fishing rod, reel, and line assembly. The system detects the feeding activity or strike of a fish by detecting the related change in the tension of the line. Engagement and disengagement of the line takes place without the person fishing having to handle the line. The strike alarm holds the line in an offset, unnatural position until the pull of a striking fish straightens the line which rotates a sensing arm until it touches an electrical contact; thus completing an electrical circuit which provides power for audible and visible alarms. Sensitivity to line tension is adjustable. Alarming occurs whenever line tension is above a sensitivity set point. The alarms are independent of each other and can be selectively switched in or out of the circuit. The visible alarm is illuminated for night visibility.

Abstract: A fishing rod flotation device including a buoyancy member constructed from a length of tubular plastic foam having a centrally located, cylindrically shaped, rod receiving cavity defined by a defining wall running the length thereof and a longitudinal insertion opening defined by a first and a second side edge, each of the first and second side edges running the entire length thereof; and at least two part securing mechanisms wherein one part of each two-part securing mechanism is attached adjacent to one of the first and second side edges. In a preferred embodiment a section of plastic film having a plurality of air bubbles formed therein is secured the defining wall of the rod receiving cavity. In a second aspect of the invention a method of increasing the buoyancy of a fishing rod is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for connection to a rod and reel, comprised, in its preferred embodiment, of (1) an emergency flotation bladder, (2) a compact container in which said bladder is stowed, (3) connection means for connection of said container to the rod portion of a rod and reel, (4) monofilament line severing means for severing the line of the rod and reel to which the container is connected, and (5) means for automatically triggering monofilament line severing means and inflating said bladder when the article with attached container falls into water by some mishap or is otherwise immersed therein.

Abstract: A lightweight flashlight attachment for fishing poles which will illuminate the end of a fishing pole and the fishing pole eyelets in darkness. The flashlight attachment includes a lightweight flashlight which can be quickly and easily attached to and detached from fishing poles and will remain attached to a fishing pole even when the pole is cast by the fisherman.

Abstract: In its broadest terms, the present invention includes a major housing with a central bore running through its length. The tensioning device also includes a line guide which is interconnect to the major housing. The line guide also has a central bore which is adapted to be aligned with the central bore of the major housing. Additionally, the major housing also incorporates a tensioning device to apply tension to the fishing line running through the major housing. The device of the present device finds particular application in applying tension to a length of fishing line while such line is being wound upon the fishing reel.

Abstract: A fish equipment lanyard for preventing loss of fishing equipment rod and reel assemblies by tethering the equipment to the user thereof. The fishing equipment lanyard comprising cord which has a first end with a first connector ring fixedly attached thereto. The cord also has a second end with a second connector ring fixedly attached thereto. A semi-circular third connector ring is attached to the first connector ring and further a fourth connector ring of a wrist strap thereby fixedly attaching the first end of the cord to the wrist strap. A snap shackle has a fifth connector ring swivedly connected to a sixth connector ring which, in turn, is connected to the second connector ring, whereby the fishing rod and reel may be snappily connected to the cord.

Abstract: A pair of fishing rod retainers is disclosed for storing and transporting a disassembled fishing rod in a compact manner where each of the disassembled sections are placed adjacent and parallel to the main section. The invention includes a pair of retainers, with one retainer permanently attached to each end of the main section of the fishing rod. The retainers have a number of openings that correspond to the number of sections of the fishing rod such that each section may be laid adjacent and parallel to the main section and inserted into its respective opening in the retainers. Since the retainers are permanently attached to the main section, they cannot be lost or misplaced and the fishing rod is conveniently disassembled for storage and transport. Since the rod sections are placed end over end, the fragile tip of the rod is protected by being in close proximity to the much heavier handle. The retainers can be inexpensively manufactured so that they can be used permanently on every rod in a collection.

Abstract: A flexible line trimmer having a rotating cutting head using a spool of flexible trimming line to form a cutting element is provided with a spare spool of cutting line, stored in various locations on the flexible line trimmer, available to replace the spool of trimming line after it is depleted.

Abstract: A fish bite alert device includes a 3-position adjustable gripper that provides a positive line gripping action in a set mode yet completely releases the line, entirely free of the fish bite alert device, in a release position. The gripper is illuminated for night fishing. The fish bite alert device also includes a 3-mode selector switch to choose light-only operation, light and buzzer operation, and an off position. The light assists the hearing impaired, while the buzzer is beneficial to the sight impaired.

Abstract: An extremely sensitive stainless steel bobber that will fit practically any fishing rod or pole. The bobber includes a first loop through which a fishing line passes; a second, very flexible loop for sensing pull exerted on the fishing line; a securing assembly for mounting the bobber on the end of a fishing pole or rod; and an indicator for signaling the presence of a biting fish.

Abstract: A fishing mitt is provided for keeping the hand of a fisher warm while maintaining sensitivity on a fishing rod. The mitt has a shell and insulating lining configured with a size and shape to encircle the hand of a fisher. A first opening is provided through which a user may dispose a hand within the mitt. The mitt includes a second opening near the outer end of the mitt which is adapted to snugly receive a fishing rod handle extending therethrough so that the hand of the fisher may grip the rod handle in direct contact. Protective end cover containing a fastener may be unfastened to allow access to the second opening or closed to cover the second opening when the mitt is not used in cooperation with a rod handle.

Abstract: The fishing rod alarm apparatus is designed to provide the user indications of pressure on the line caused by the bite of a fish. The apparatus has a molded housing that contains an alarm system and a power source. The alarm is attached to a primary pin. A metal rod controlled by a magnet is held away from the primary pin when no pressure is maintained on the fishing rod. The metal rod is in normal contact with a secondary pin via a second magnet, and the secondary pin is attached to the power source. When pressure on the fishing line causes the metal rod to come into contact with the primary pin, the circuit is completed and the alarm will sound. As the pressure is increased the metal rod will be pulled away from the secondary pin and magnet which will result in the alarm being silenced. The magnet is positioned on a moveable slide to allow for changes in wind or water conditions such as current. When pressure is released from the line the magnets will return the metal rod to its original position.

Abstract: A fishing rod handle heater apparatus includes a flexible sheet-like housing assembly which includes a first end and a second end. The flexible sheet-like housing assembly includes a lock notch which partially extends from the second end toward the first end. A first connector assembly is attached to the first end of the flexible sheet-like housing assembly. A second connector assembly is attached to the second end of the flexible sheet-like housing assembly. The second connector assembly is complementary to the first connector assembly. An electrical resistance heater assembly is housed within the flexible sheet-like housing assembly. A battery-power assembly is electrically connected to the electrical resistance heater assembly, and a manually-operated switch assembly is supported by the battery-power assembly for controlling flow of electric power from the battery-power assembly to the electrical resistance heater assembly.

Abstract: A hook-and-loop fastener for holding the pieces of multi-piece fishing rods together, when the rods are being stored or transported. The fastener is in the form of a strip with a hook portion and a loop portion. An adhesive backing is provided on either the loop portion or the hook portion, whichever is shorter in length. The adhesive is used to attach the shorter portion of the fastener to the fishing rod handle and the other longer portion of the fastener is looped around the other pieces of the fishing rod to hold the bundle together.

Abstract: A floatation device is designed to be frictionally fitted around a fishing rod and will keep the rod from sinking in the event that it is dropped into the water. The device is of a cylindrical shape having a hollow central core and is formed of a dense polystyrene foam. A longitudinal slit along the axial length of the device allows a fishing rod to be positioned within the hollow central core, and the slit is angled so that once the device is attached to a rod, the rod will not accidentally become disengaged from the floatation member. The device further includes a fishing line clearance slot along its axial length, and the complete outer shell of the device is covered with a hard fluorescent plastic material.

Abstract: A braced handle of high rigidity and light weight includes an auxiliary hand grip, a frame and removable attachment by cinctures spaced apart linearly along a casting rod forward of the reel. The frame possesses a rearward portion, an upper medial portion and a forward portion. The rearward frame portion extends upward from the rod forward of the reel with a small inclination forward from normal to the length of the rod about which a resilient hand grip may be located. The upper medial portion rigidly connects the upper end of the rearward frame portion with the upper end of the forward frame portion which extends upwardly from the rod. The frame may further possess a lower portion parallel to and flush with the rod extending from said rearward and forward frame portions. Attachment of the handle to the rod may be made along this lower portion or simply at the lower ends of the rearward and forward portions of the frame.

Abstract: An elastic portable cushion for enveloping the butt-end of a fishing rod for interposition with the fisher-person's body, to protect the body when fighting a fish, the cushion having the property of generally retaining its shape during use and defined by an outer surface having a high coefficient of friction including first device formed therein for receiving the butt-end of the rod in temporary fixed position therein, the device comprising a passageway, of equal or lesser diameter than the butt-end of the fishing rod, passing into the cushion.

Abstract: A system and process for allowing a fisherman to remove kinks and twists from a fishing line by selectively applying and releasing pressure on the fishing line is provided. The system includes a fixed restraining member which members have depending opposed surfaces that are disposed under the fishing pole in the line of the fishing line support eye loops. Both members have extensions extending above the pole with the movable member pivotally connected to an actuator rod that is supported above the pole and terminates at a position substantially opposite to and above the spool and reel. The rod includes a lever arm at its end remote form the restraining members to form an extension suitable to be reached and acted upon by preferably the thumb of the fisherman. When so acted upon, the movable member can exert a restraining pressure on the fishing line by movement toward the fixed member, causing kinks and twists in the line to be spun off toward the water.

Abstract: A fishing line loading apparatus comprising an L-shaped frame for mounting on a conventional fishing pole while supporting a spool of fishing line to assist in loading fishing line from the supply spool to a fishing reel. A helical spring, mounted longitudinally on a spool axle compresses the supply spool between a pair of washers thereby applying frictional drag to the spool ends resulting in adjustable supply line winding tension.

Abstract: A leash is described for attachment between an article such as a fishing rod and a relatively stationary surface. The leash includes an elongated elastic member resiliently stretchable between first and second member ends. A strap connector is provided at the first end, adapted to be wrapped about and attached to an article such as a fishing rod. A clip is provided at the second end of the elongated elastic member. A keeper including a pair of elastic member receiving apertures is oriented transversely to the elastic member and is mounted along the member length between the first and second ends. The elastic member is slidably threaded through both elastic member receiving apertures. A clip anchor point is also provided on the keeper. The keeper is selectively adjustable along the length of the elastic member at selected distances from the second end.

Abstract: A fishing line brake is mounted as a single unit on a rod and includes a main body and a pair of clamping arms that are rotatable relative to the main body. At least one guide ring is securely attached to at least one of the clamping arms. An actuation arrangement switches the line brake between a free-running configuration, in which the fishing line extends without contact through each guide ring, and a locking configuration, in which the lime is clamped between the clamping arms. At least one spring biases the brake into the free-running configuration. In a twin-ring embodiment two guide rings are attached to a different clamping arm. In a split-ring embodiment, a single guide ring is divided into two halves. Each half is attached to a different one of the clamping arms and forms a respective, separate closed loop. The loops formed by the guide ring halves extend through one another to form a closed ring.

Abstract: A fish hook setting device is disclosed comprising a housing having side walls, end walls and a bottom wall. A solenoid is secured within the housing and is activated by a solenoid actuator. The actuator is operatively associated with a fishing line and responds to line weight. The actuation of the solenoid causes the fishing line to be pulled up a predetermined distance. The device also comprises means for deactivating the solenoid. Upon deactivation, the elements of the device return to their starting position and the device can be activated once more.

Abstract: A hand held trainer exerciser and method for training and exercising dogs and cats. The exerciser includes a flexible, telescopic pole and reel assembly for casting a training object connected to a retractable anchor line. The reel has an adjustable drag mechanism to selectably increase or decrease drag on the anchor line, so the dog or cat can pull line off against the reel drag. The training object is designed to be attractive to a dog or cat, and to be pursued while the lure is cast through the air or dragged along the ground.

Abstract: A spinning rod assembly comprises an elongated rod having a handle from which a reel shank laterally extends. A pair of finger supports extend from the handle and straddle the reel shank. The finger supports are configured to bear against the fingers of an angler grasping the rod as the angler casts and retrieves to distribute attendant pressure among the angler's fingers and relieve pain and discomfort previously associated with casting and retrieving.