Abstract: A fishing-rod assembly is provided for real-time observation of under-water fish behavior while fishing. The fishing-rod assembly includes a fishing rod or pole which supports a fishing line having a fish hook, a video camera, and a monitor for displaying video images of fish behavior in proximity to the fish hook. Also provided is a method for observing underwater fish activity while fishing. The method comprises focusing an underwater camera on an end of a fishing line, and displaying video images of fish activity at the end of the fishing line.

Abstract: A device for fastening emergency equipment to a vessel includes a hydrostatic release mechanism, a tether, and a float-free link. The tether is attached to the hydrostatic release mechanism and provides an attachment point for lashing the emergency equipment to the vessel. The tether may also be threaded through openings in the curved partially tubular body of the float-free link. A breakable bridge is integrally coupled to the body of the float-free link to form a closed loop. The breakable bridge is designed to be the break point when the emergency equipment needs to be freed from a vessel that has sunk below a predetermined depth. When the vessel sinks below the predetermined depth, the hydrostatic release mechanism severs the tether thus freeing the emergency equipment from one point of attachment to the vessel. The bridge is designed to break when the strain on the fastening line, e.g., the painter line, is between a predetermined minimum force and maximum force.

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 invention is directed to a weight for a fishing line and a method of weighting a fishing line with a sinker. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a weight for a fishing line comprising a length of metallic, inelastic material, the length of material configured into the shape of a coil having an internal coil diameter adapted to accommodate fishing line, the coil comprising a series of loops wherein the spacing between each pair of adjacent loops can be altered by manual application of a transient longitudinal, transverse, or rotational force. The coil may be configured in the field such that it acts as a pure “slip” sinker, it can be partially restrained, or it can be fully immobilized at a given point on the fishing line.

Abstract: A fishing rig and method of fishing. The fishing rig has a leader with a first and second end, at least one bait hook attached to the leader, and at least one game fish hook attached to the leader. The at least one game fish hook is positioned relative to the at least one bait hook so that a bait attached to the bait hook attracts a game fish to the game fish hook.

Abstract: A method for dead stick fishing. The method includes casting a lure from a fishing rod to a selected spatial location in a body of water or slightly outside of the body of water. In a specific embodiment, the lure comprises at least a processor device coupled to a sound module and coupled to a lighting module. The method also includes allowing the lure settle and be substantially motionless state, e.g., laying with little or slight movement or suspended or floating with little or slight movement from the angler. The method includes transferring a combination of audio information and electromagnetic radiation from the lure to a region of water surrounding a vicinity of the lure to entice a predator fish to strike the lure while the lure is in the substantially motionless state.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a releasing device and more particularly a releasing device used to release fish in water. Deep-water fishes such as rockfish often exhibit the effects of rapid water pressure change such as expelled gas bladder, protruded eyes when brought to the surface. The fish releasing device of the present utilizes a jaw assembly, a weight, and other components to clamp onto a fish. The device is dropped into the water which pulls the fish beneath the surface of the water and automatically releases the fish upon the opening of the clamping jaw.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fishing float are provided. The fishing float has an internal axial passageway for use when a slip-type configuration for the float is desired, and a plurality of divergent passageways for use when a fixed-type configuration for the float is desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to device and method for guiding or herding aquatic animals, where a light source is used to herd and direct the animals into an enclosure. Light source (9), operational with physical barrier or enclosure (2) is used to project light (3) in waters forming visible shapes in the scattering of the light through the waters. The light source can be remotely controlled based on the movement or the location of the animal (4). The animals react to the scattered light as a physical barrier or an animal and can be directed or lured into the enclosure (2).

Abstract: A portable fishing pole holder is a device for supporting a fishing pole without manually holding the pole. It is a substantially “Y” shaped frame which further comprises a support and an anchor. The support contains the fishing pole. The anchor secures the fishing pole holder. Optionally, the fishing pole holder includes a bridging member to more securely contain the fishing pole. The an anchor for securing the in which the fishing pole is placed while fishing. The other end is used to anchor the device. Optionally, it has members to more securely support the fishing pole or to more securely anchor the device.

Abstract: The fish set line 100 is an apparatus or kit that a fisherman may use: to be alerted when a fish has been caught; to provide a convenient means to adjust the proper line length; and to provide a convenient means of storing the fishing combination. The fish set line 100 may include a housing means 110; an attachment means 120 and an attachment line 130 for attaching the fish set line 100 with a fixed structure; a swivel 136 attached with the attachment line 130; a motion activated light means 140 for detecting motion related to fish engagement; a fish hook 150; a hook line 152; a weight 158; a hook line shaft 160; and a locking crank means 162 for reeling in the hook line 152 and locking the hook line 150 in place.

Abstract: A linear regression equation, ?1=?(?×h)+?, is obtained based on a depth h to a water zone of a predetermined water temperature, respective densities ?1 and ?2 of upper and lower layers above and below the water zone, and an absolute dynamic topography ?1 obtained based on data measured by satellite (?=(?2??1)/?2). Further, h? (depth of the water zone of the predetermined water temperature at each of a large number of spots) is determined according to this equation, ?2=?(??×h?)+?, based on ?? for each of the large number of spots calculated based on historical data, an absolute dynamic topography ?2 at each of the large number of spots based on data measured by satellite, and the values ? and ?.

Abstract: A fish hook is baited by placing a morsel of bait in a well located at the top end of a block having a slot extending along a side of the block. The slot is located relative to the well such that upon placing the shank of the fish hook in the slot, with the tip of the hook confronting the well and aligned with the bait in the well, and then drawing the shank along the slot, the bait is impaled upon the tip of the hook with safety and with accuracy. The baited hook then is withdrawn from the block in a direction which militates against inadvertent pulling of the tip of the hook out of the bait.

Abstract: An ice fishing hole lighting device has a solid frame with an opening within the frame having an average diameter of at least six inches. The frame has a top portion and a bottom portion, the bottom portion of the frame having a flat surface so as to lay against surfaces of ice, the bottom of the frame having between 2 and 12 high efficiency light emitting devices that emit light from the bottom portion of the frame without extending beyond the flat surface to interrupt contact between the flat surface and the ice surface. There are leads from the lights to a battery storage area, and a battery is in the battery storage area.

Abstract: The snag-resistant fishing lure is designed to minimize the chances of the lure becoming ensnared. The lure has a jig and a blade attached to the blade in a configuration that limits the side-to-side movement of the blade, thereby preventing the jig from rolling to a hook-downward position prone to snagging. A centrally aligned hole is positioned close to the front edge of the blade member. An eyelet extending from the jig body is attached through an aperture in the blade. The blade is limited in its side-to-side movement by contact between the blade edge and either the jig body or the eyelet. The limited side-to-side movement of the blade creates a quick, controlled, oscillating blade action that imparts a natural swimming motion to the lure, emulating prey species movements.

Abstract: A device for fishing in a body of water includes a first generally extended member having a first end and second end, a second member including a generally resilient material having a first portion connected with the first member and a second portion operable with a second fishing attachment, and a sleeve slidably operable with the first member and the second member to retain the second member disposed proximate and generally in alignment with the first member. A method of making a fishing rig includes forming a loop in a medial portion of a first generally resilient wire member, and securing a first end of a second generally resilient wire member to the first member proximate the loop, wherein the second member depends from the loop, and a first end and a second end of the first member are disposed spaced from one another and spaced from the second member.

Abstract: A device for fastening emergency equipment to a vessel includes a hydrostatic release mechanism, a tether, and a float-free link. The tether is attached to the hydrostatic release mechanism and provides an attachment point for lashing the emergency equipment to the vessel. The tether may also be threaded through openings in the curved partially tubular body of the float-free link. A breakable bridge is integrally coupled to the body of the float-free link to form a closed loop. The breakable bridge is designed to be the break point when the emergency equipment needs to be freed from a vessel that has sunk below a predetermined depth. When the vessel sinks below the predetermined depth, the hydrostatic release mechanism severs the tether thus freeing the emergency equipment from one point of attachment to the vessel. The bridge is designed to break when the strain on the fastening line, e.g., the painter line, is between a predetermined minimum force and maximum force.

Abstract: A method and an arrangement for trawling wherein trawl are bags positioned one above the other and towed by a single trawl vessel is disclosed. The bag(s) are continuously emptied of caught seafood/biomass via an injector assisted suction hose connected to a bottom end of the bag(s), and leading to the trawler vessel. In the case of two trawl bags, one above the other, the uppermost trawl bag is along the upper trawl opening portion equipped with a plurality of buoyancy bodies, and the lower trawl bag's lower trawl opening portion, at the outer ends, is equipped with weights or sinkers. Spreading of trawl opening(s) is effected either by otter boards, or a spreading member linked to the trawl opening portions. Tension lines pass from the outer ends of the upper trawl opening portion to the outermost positioned joining points for the trawl bags, and to the weights or sinkers.

Abstract: A device and method is for providing fishing chum, over an extended period of time, to a body of water.

Abstract: A fishing device includes an elongated stake having a first end and an opposed second end, a ground engaging portion formed adjacent the first end thereof, a through aperture formed adjacent the opposed second end, and a planar surface portion terminating the second end and being disposed perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the stake. A ring is movably received within the aperture and a first swivel is secured to the ring. A fishing line has one end thereof being secured to the first swivel while a second swivel is secured to a distal end of the fishing line. Fishing implements are attached to one of the distal end of the fishing line, the second swivel and a combination thereof. The user simply casts the fishing line into the water and drives the stake in the ground for unattended fishing.

Abstract: A method for handling fish (42) which are pulled, or fall, off a fishing line (10) when it is hauled on board a fishing boat, is disclosed. The method is characterized in that the fish are forced to drop into a water-filled well (11) inside the vessel, and the water in the well (11), and in that the fish, is forced to flow in the direction towards the transport section (3,4) in conjunction with the well (11), from where fish are transported to further treatment. A device for the implementation of the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A harvesting device for zooplankton (1) or other micro organisms in a body of water (2). The new and inventive in the harvesting method is amongst others a bubble diffuser (3) arranged for being submerged in the body of water (2) and arranged for releasing gas bubbles (4) preferably air, in the body of water so as for said bubbles (4) may attach to zooplankton (1) and bring them closer to the surface (21) of said body of water (2) for collection by means of a skimmer or trawl (5). Said trawl is further arranged as a skimmer with a transportation tube from the aft of said skimmer to a vessel which both tows the trawl and processes the harvested zooplankton at the same time.

Abstract: A method for producing a fishing net is disclosed. Some sections and the other sections of the net are respectively formed of threads different in dyeing property, and then the net is dyed.

Abstract: A trawl door (20, 60) or a paravane (120, 140) having at least one main deflector (22, 22U, 22L) includes a permeable structure disposed adjacent to and separated from an outer surface (34) of the main deflector (22, 22U, 22L). The permeable structure extends from near a trailing edge (26, 26U, 26L) of the main deflector (22, 22U, 22L) over and separated from the outer surface (34) toward the main deflector's leading edge (24, 24U, 24L). In one embodiment of the permeable structure, a plurality of apertures (54, 56) pierce a perforated slat (52, 52U, 52L) thereby establishing a porous surface adjacent to the outer surface (34) of the main deflector (22, 22U, 22L). Adding the permeable structure perforated slat (52, 52U, 52L) to a trawl door (20, 60) increases the trawl door's stability when the trawl door is towed through water at a high angle of attack, and also reduces the trawl door's drag when operating at a high angle of attack.

Abstract: Devices, methods of manufacture, kits and methods of use for attracting aquatic animals to be caught are provided. In various embodiments the device includes a body, with an interior bar extending lengthwise in a channel in the body, an anterior loop and exterior loop on the anterior end and posterior ends of the bar respectively, a plate set into a transverse dorsal exterior slot in the body, and a weight in an interior chamber. The anterior loop of the device is attached to a vessel and the posterior loop is attached to one or more lures for hooking aquatic animals. In various embodiments the device is manufactured and/or painted to resemble a bait fish.

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: A method of fishing that employs a fishing loop as the terminal tackle article that holds bait and interoperates with fish attractants. The fishing loop opens a gap urged by pressure between a gradual bend top and a loop closing extension to receive bait and allow fish flesh to pass. The gap closes after pressure is released holding the bait or engaged fish. The fishing loop has an elongated lever eye for securing fishing line. The lever eye also serves to help the loop stay closed under pressure from swimming fish. The fishing loop can be shaped from a single section of wire or rod; or, the loop closing extension can be a separate flexible material when rigidity in the fish engaging portion is desired. The fishing loop can be used with natural or penetrable artificial bait.

Abstract: An integrated fishing rod holder kit incorporates a grip coupler that replaces a butt cap on a preexisting fishing rod that has a hollow rod blank having a void space that extends linearly through from the butt of the rod through a rear grip end and forward through the grip area and reel seat area of the rod towards the fishing rod tip. The grip coupler is securely fixed to the rear grip end coaxially and preferably about the rod blank butt end that is revealed after the butt cap is removed. The grip coupler has external threads on its outer surface for engaging a coupler engagement collar of a rod holder body.

Abstract: The present invention includes a spear tip that is removably mounted onto the upper end of a spear shaft, which is securely engaged upon the upper end of a handle. A rubber band secures the spear tip to the upper end of the spear shaft. Spear tip has a conical portion integrally formed upon the top of a cylindrical portion. A cable is fixed to the spear point by passing the end of cable through a transverse passageway formed through the cylindrical portion below conical portion and forming a loop at the end of the cable. A pair of parallel rabbit ears is affixed to opposing sides of the cylindrical portion. The cable is adapted with a quick connect/disconnect mechanism.

Abstract: A swim bait fishing lure. The lure has a longitudinally aligned tapering supple body with a drag producing flipper substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis and a longitudinal length. The tapering supple body further has: a base portion adjacent to the drag producing flipper. The base portion has a base transverse width. The lure also has a pendulum hinge portion positioned a pendulum distance at least one third of the longitudinal length forward from the drag producing flipper. The pendulum hinge portion has a pendulum transverse width a substantially smallest width of the tapering supple body. The base transverse width is substantially larger than the pendulum transverse width which provides a transversely narrowing taper along the tapering supple body from the base portion to the pendulum hinge portion.

Abstract: A buoyant live bait container constructed to contain a quantity of live bait beneath the surface of a body of water via a tether line coupled to ballast anchor and/or nesting flotation collar. A twist-lock cover having a buoyant liner, flow ports and/or carry handle interlocks with a porous storage housing. A positive buoyancy collar can be fitted to the housing. Holes, ported appendages or a cross piece displaced from a concave housing bottom wall can support a tether line coupled to a ballasted anchor. The housing can also provide a longitudinal sidewall flotation member.

Abstract: A variable-depth fishing lure includes an elongated lure body and a depth-control lip body at a front end. The lip body has opposed sides and an arcuate forward portion meeting the sides at outwardly extending shoulders. The forward portion has a beveled edge therearound. A lip extension is removably affixable to the lip body and has an arcuate inner edge dimensioned for sliding onto the lip body's forward portion. The inner edge has a slot therein configured to be slidable over the lip body's beveled forward edge. The lip extension has an arcuate front edge and opposed back ends positioned in bridging relation between the front and the inner edges. The back ends are dimensioned to substantially coincide with the lip body shoulders. The front edge meets the lip body's forward portion edge to form a substantially continuous side edge.

Abstract: A bottom snagging sinker kit includes a retaining ring, a series of anchor wires and a nose. Rather than manufacture a wide range of specially designed sinkers having weights of different size, a bottom snagging sinker is assembled from the kit by using a standard sinker weight of the type having a passage therethrough. A fisherman or other person may assemble the sinker by connecting the retaining ring to the sinker weight with a connector, such as a cotter pin. The anchor wires are assembled to the nose or between the nose and the retaining ring. The nose is then attached to the retaining ring. When the sinker is cast into water, the sinker descends to the bottom where the anchor wires are aimed generally at the fisherman to minimize movement of the sinker. When the fisherman pulls on the fishing line, the anchor wires deflect to a position allowing easy retrieval of the sinker.

Abstract: Method and computer control software executing, the method for an electronic submersible device, such as a fishing device for facilitating trolling a fish-catching element in water, comprising obtaining a first indication relating to water temperature, obtaining a second indication relating to the depth of the device, determining the location of the thermocline layer, and providing control data utilizing said first and/or second indication so as to adjust the depth of the submersible device and thus guide the device relative to the thermocline layer. In addition to fishing applications the disclosed device may be utilized in marine or other underwater research. Related submersible device and carrier medium are likewise presented.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure includes a base assembly, a spring-biased hook assembly, a movable hook-setting post, a fixed retention member, and a pivoted actuation lever. The base assembly has spaced apart leading and trailing ends. The hook assembly is carried by the base assembly, and is adapted for sudden movement from a loaded condition to a released condition. The hook assembly has a proximal end and a pointed distal end adapted for piercing a fish. The hook-setting post is located adjacent the leading end of the base assembly, and is adapted for temporarily engaging the proximal end of the hook assembly in the loaded condition. The fixed retention member is located adjacent the trailing end of said base assembly, and is adapted for cooperating with the hook-setting post to temporarily hold the hook assembly in the loaded condition. The actuation lever is connected to the hook-setting post, and is adapted for moving the hook-setting post away from the hook assembly when actuated.

Abstract: A slip bobber rig having an elongated member carrying a slip bobber and a bobber stop with one end of the line securable to a fishing line and the other end of the line securable to an article of fishing tackle as well as a method of attaching a slip bobber to a fishing line without having to thread the fishing line through the slip bobber.

Abstract: An improved crustacean, fish & animal trap comprising a collapsible hoop and mesh structure to minimize storage size. The invention is unique in that it collapses through the manipulation of flexible hoops to a size minimized in all three dimensions. The primary configurations would be for crab, prawns and lobster/crayfish; however, in slightly different configurations, can be used to catch or cage animals, fish and other crustaceans. Another embodiment of the trap would feature only one hoop and would be used as a “lift trap.

Abstract: An apparatus that enables the fishing pots to be lifted with ease. The system includes a hook embedded in the gear rope near the first pot. The string of pots is set normally, with the end of the rope marked with a buoy. To retrieve the pots, the buoy is pulled up onto the boat and the rope is tied off. An anchor-pulling ring with a buoy attached is placed around the line. The boat is driven in the opposite direction as the current or tide. This causes the pot rope to be pulled up, with the pots. The rope passes through the anchor-pulling ring until the hook passes through the ring. The line can be slacked off and the hook will catch the ring and hold the pots while the remainder of the rope is retrieved. Once the boat reaches the buoy, the pots can easily be pulled up.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus for dispersing an attractant having a housing (10) having a first plurality of apertures (11), a rotatable insert (20) for carrying the attractant and positionable within said housing, the insert including a second plurality of apertures (22) which can be aligned with the first plurality of apertures (11) so as to provide a plurality of openings (41) for the distribution of said attractant between the insert (20) and said housing (10) and a closure adapted (30) to engage the housing (10) and retain the insert (20) therein whereby selective rotation of the insert (20) relative to said housing (10) varies the area of the plurality of openings (41) in order to vary the rate of dispersion of the attractant.

Abstract: What is disclosed is a fishing line stop for use with a method know in the art as slip bobber fishing. A main body shaped like a cone oval, round or cylindrical shaped is slid able along a fishing line, placed on a fishing line and above a fishing bobber or lure. A second part of the fishing line stop in the form of a prettied knot, string or rubber band encircles the main body completing a fishing line stop assembly. A fishing line from a fishing pole is inserted into and through the main body and the knot is release from the main body and onto the fishing line toward the fishing pole. The knot is secured firmly on the fishing line to determined the fishing depth. The main body of the fishing line stop assembly slides freely along the fishing line and is located above the bobber or lure and below the secured knot on the fishing line.

Abstract: A device and method prevents freeze over of a fishing hole cut through a layer of ice overlying a body of water. The device has a housing; a motor; at least one water inlet in the housing; at least one water outlet in the housing; and at least one water-moving element driven by the motor and moving water out of the at least one water outlet. The device may spin within the hole and stir water to prevent too rapid ice buildup.

Abstract: A fishing casting device (10) for mounting onto a fishing rod (12), the casting device comprising a mount (20) and a catch (30) connected to the mount (20), wherein the fishing line (15) is releasably held by the catch (30). The device (10) also includes a release mechanism (40) adapted to release the fishing line (15) from the catch (30) during a casting action when a predetermined casting force is reached.

Abstract: A fishing contest is implemented by entering a plurality of lures in the fishing contest, receiving fishing data used to judge the fishing contest from the plurality of lures, and determining a winner of the fishing contest in response to the received fishing data. Each lure includes a memory that stores a unique identifier value. This unique identifier value is stored in a database when the lure is entered in the contest. The fishing data that later becomes associated with the lure during the course of fishing (e.g., fish size, time the fish was caught, ambient conditions) is subsequently downloaded along with the unique identifier. The unique identifier stored in the data base is compared with the unique identifier downloaded with the fishing data to verify the fishing data. The verified fishing data is analyzed at the end of the contest to determine a winner.

Abstract: An enclosure, method and apparatus for influencing the swimming behaviour of fish is disclosed. The enclosure defining a space within which the fish can swim, said enclosure having a series of light output members disposed along a path, said light output members being operable to provide a moving visual stimulus along the path by output of light in sequence from the series of light output members thereby to influence the swimming behaviour of the fish.

Abstract: The DNA Sampling Hook is a significant improvement on a method of obtaining a tissue sample from a live fish in situ from an aquatic environment. A tissue sample taken from a live fish can be used for DNA analyses, which can identify the species of fish, as well as the unique individual fish. Taking a small tissue sample without bringing the fish to the surface is important as it allows for observing the fish community without harming the individual fish by inducing barotrauma or other stresses associated with bringing a fish up from depth, which can be lethal to the animal. These tissue samples are obtained by hook and line methods and do not capture or traumatize the fish resulting in a non-lethal and non-destructive method of observing fish individuals and species. The DNA Sampling Hook is specifically designed to virtually eliminate a condition called double bites, in which more than one individual fish gives up tissue to the same hook.

Abstract: A strike indicator that indicates when a fish bites and reduces false positives, comprising a light source, a power source, a printed circuit board, an accelerometer integrated circuit mounted on said printed circuit board, and a microcontroller mounted on said printed circuit board. The strike indicator may be housed in a fishing rod, with the light source illuminating the tip of the rod. The accelerometer detects acceleration of the rod, and the microcontroller utilizes an algorithm to determine whether the acceleration is due to a fish biting or due to other causes. If the acceleration is due to a fish biting, the light source is activated, alerting the user that a fish is biting.

Abstract: An improved soft flexible fishing lure and a method of rigging same are provided by the present invention. More in particular, the invention provides a soft flexible fishing lure having an elongate lure body having a longitudinal axis, a top longitudinal surface, a bottom longitudinal surface, a left wall surface, a right wall surface, a head region forming the distal end, and a tail region forming the proximal end and a channel positioned along the longitudinal axis of the lure at the bottom longitudinal surface. The fishing lure of the invention is further provided with a tandem hook assembly that resides in part in the channel of the soft flexible lure body.

Abstract: A fish detection accessory to be installed on the end of a fishing pole or which alternately can be incorporated into a fishing pole during manufacture of the pole. The unit employs a miniature dual axis accelerometer integrated circuit that can detect angular rotation of the unit relative to the earth's surface, allowing the unit to detect a fish bite based on vibration method, i.e. rotation of the pole per unit time, or on a rotation method, i.e. rotation of the pole independent of time. Bite detection sensitivity levels and alarm methods can be selected by the user using the power switch and two setting switches. The unit can also be used as a mini flashlight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampling device for capturing samples from a fluid environment. The invention has particular application to the capture of phytoplankton samples from bodies of water. The invention is adapted to allow a sampling net to be easily manipulated by a user. Means of minimising and/or eliminating potential contamination of any collected samples are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stem guide that is configured to receive a replaceable cartridge. The stem guide includes a cartridge receiving end having a cartridge attachment means for attaching the cartridge to the stem guide in a manner that the cartridge can be removed from the stem guide without causing an amount of damage to either the cartridge or the stem guide which prevents either the cartridge or stem guide from being used again. The stem guide may be provided in a kit form with a variety of replaceable floats, scent sticks and light sticks.