Abstract: A fishing lure comprises a wire form member having a first leg and second leg, a weighted member coupled to the second leg, and a line attachment point located between the first leg and second leg. A first blade member is pivotably coupled to the first leg, while a second blade member is rotatably coupled to the wire form member and positioned between the first blade member and the weighted member.

Abstract: A fishing lure with an adjustable geometry that can be adjusted as desired by a fisherman. The variably adjustable geometry enables the fisherman to vary and control the spin of the lure, as well as the depth of the lure during trolling. In addition, the adjustable geometry enables the fisherman to orient the lure such that it behaves in a manner similar to a wounded or injured fish, thereby attracting predator fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure is provided which includes a jig, a hook integrally formed within the jig, and a number of pellets retained within the jig. The jig includes a male portion and a female portion, each of which has a blind cavity formed therein. The male portion and the female portion are press-fitted together such that the blind cavities form a single, internal cavity within the jig which is configured to retain the number of pellets. The male portion of the jig also includes a groove configured to accept the hook therein. The groove is configured such that the hook is retained within the jig when the male portion and the female portion are press-fitted together. The groove includes a bend portion configured to retain the hook in tension. The groove also includes an exposed portion that is in fluid communication with the internal cavity.

Abstract: A jig body adapted to at least temporarily mount a soft plastic lure relative thereto is provided. The jig body includes an elongate shank, a line attachment portion relative to a first end of the elongate shank, a hook mounting element along the length of the shank, a soft plastic lure retention portion, and at least one portion of positive or negative buoyancy.

Abstract: A fishing lure having a long axis provided at its proximal portion, an elongated stiff wire shaft having a bent or looped portion on its proximal end for attaching fishing line or a swivel thereto, and a bent or looped portion on its distal end. The distal portion of said long axis is formed by either a flexible element, or by a second elongated stiff wire shaft, or by one or more split rings. At the distal end one or more hooks are attached, at least one carrying a weight element. The fishing lure includes at least one spinner blade assembly connected to a span of the proximally located stiff wire shaft, that it is free to rotate 360°. A rigid element is attached to the wire shaft between its proximal end and the spinner blade assembly, containing one or more openings representing attachment locations for fishing lines or swivels.

Abstract: A fish hook includes a shaft having a first end, and a first plurality of prongs attached to the shaft a first distance from the first end. The fish hook also includes a second plurality of prongs attached to the shaft at a second distance from the first end, wherein the second distance is longer than the first distance.

Abstract: A convertible fishing lure assembly includes a lure body having at least one body section and a channel extending longitudinally therethrough and terminating in oppositely disposed open ends. A securing member, and in at least some embodiments a sleeve, is removably disposable within the channel. The securing member is dimensioned and disposed to include opposite ends being simultaneously disposed through the open ends of the channel for connection to fishing tackle components disposed exteriorly of the body section. Both the channel and the securing member have corresponding cross sectional configurations to restrict rotation of the securing member within the channel. The lure body may include a plurality of body sections each having a channel extending therethrough with a securing member removably disposed therein, wherein the body sections are movably interconnected to one another through interconnection of corresponding ends of the different securing members.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a lure head, a leader within a leader tube within the lure head; a ball rattler within the lure head; and an aerator cap attached to a front side of the lure head.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a leading lure body shaped like a fish; and a trailing lure body shaped like a fish. The leading lure body includes a passage therethrough to enable a fishing line to slidably pass through the passage for connection to the trailing lure body. The trailing lure body includes a front portion and a curved front surface. The front portion of the trailing lure body is weighted such that the trailing lure body tends to sink front portion first in water. The curved front surface of the trailing fishing lure facilitates a swimming motion for the trailing lure body when the trailing lure body moves through water, and tends to lift the trailing lure body if the trailing lure body is pulled through water.

Abstract: A fishing jig for connecting a lure body to a fishing line includes rivet insertable into the lure body and can function as a conduit to the fishing line. The rivet can be connected to a jig weight and can be formed with a single twisted wire forming an eye for engaging a hook barb. The rivet permits attachment of the line and of jig weights and hooks at selected locations along the length of a soft lure body, significantly extending the operating life of the jig body and by changing the functional operation of the jig when cast into, resting in, or retrieved through the water.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a body resembling the shape of a crawfish. The fishing lure includes a wire material and a flexible material connecting portions of a tail of the lure, and a passage through the body of the lure for receiving a fishing line such that an upward pulling of the fishing line passing through the passage causes a relative movement the portions of the tail in the downward action, and wherein the wire material operates to return the portions of the tail to their original position to generate a backwards movement of the lure.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes an inner member and a sheath. The inner member is positioned in the sheath with a bottom wall of the inner member facing an open end of the sheath. A closed end of the sheath, a perimeter wall of the inner member and the bottom wall of the inner member define an interior space. Openings are provided in the bottom wall. A primary hook is inserted through the closed end of the sheath and the open end of the inner member. The hook extends through the perimeter wall and a peripheral wall of the sheath such that a point of the hook is positioned outside of the sheath. A weighted capsule is positioned in the interior space. A scent producing material is releases a scent through the openings in the bottom wall of the inner member and the open end of the sheath.

Abstract: A weight to facilitate weed resistant fishing is disclosed. Embodiments include a biconically-tapered weight shaped to define a relatively centrally located aperture, an off-center exit aperture, surrounded by a lip, wherein the weight has a channel where conventional fishing line may pass through the top of the weight, through the channel, and out an exit aperture. With tension on the line, a portion of the hook enters the lip and the hook is relatively shielded from accumulating weeds on decent through a weed mass. A variety of methods disclose manipulating a conventional fishing rod and line with the subject weight.

Abstract: A reversible lure and method of making in which a cam lever from a nail clipper is removed and suitable hook and line are attached to opposing ends thereof. The elongate body has opposing first and second ends and a central section with the first end having an angled section extending from the central section, an opening formed in the angled section, and a raised scoop formed on a first side of the central section adjacent the angled section with an interior in fluid communication with the opening in the angled section. A second end has an opening to accommodate a hook or fishing line. Preferably the lure is formed of metal having a polished finish that reflects light.

Abstract: A fishing device has a hook unit attachable to a fishing rod and including a first end provided with a connecting member, an elongated carrying element extending from the connecting member to a second end, a hook at the second end and extending from the carrying element back toward the first end, a load arranged on the carrying element between the first and second ends, a plate at the first end, and a lure piece mounted on the hook unit and having an end portion extending beyond the hook unit and having a thin tail shape movable transversely to the hook unit in all directions.

Abstract: A fishing lure system which has removable and interchangable lure bodies on a hook assembly. The hook assembly has a means of attaching the fishing line at one end and for attaching the hook or hooks. At the rear end of the hook assembly on the main body is a raised positive stop lug, which prevents it from sliding through the lure body. The lure body/bodies having a bore extending through the lure body in equal size and length to the main portion of the hook assembly. In addition to the bore a slot is provided from the bore to the bottom of the lure along the length of the lure. The slot being a smaller width than the bore as to provide a passageway for the fishing line to pass through and a passageway for any forward positioned hooks on the hook assembly.

Abstract: An improved baited lure has a head section and a tail section so that when press fitted together an interior chamber with scent holes is formed for containing bait or scent and/or a rattle. A fish hook is attached to a leader that runs through holes in the head and tail sections so that, as the lure is moved through water, the two sections are held together. One section may have an air pocket for buoyancy when at rest, and a tether may be connected between the two sections so that, in the event the leader is broken, the lure rises to the surface of the water and, even if separated, both sections are retrievable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the current invention are directed towards an apparatus for connection to dual and multi hook fishing lures. In an embodiment, a single hook can be loaded over dual hooks via the two eye holes. An exemplary embodiment of the present invention may comprise a dual hook, a wire attachment clip, a joining mechanism (including a sleeve, and a plastic spacer according to one embodiment), and a trailer hook. When attached to the dual hook, the trailer hook point or points ride in a position behind and between the dual hook.

Abstract: A protection device for a fishing lure includes a fishing lure and a hook-releasing unit. The hook-releasing unit can be disposed outside or inside the fishing lure. An end of the hook-releasing unit is connected to a fishing line of a fishing rod. The other end of the hook-releasing is movably connected to a cord of a fishhook. An end of the hook-releasing unit connected to the fishing line has an elastic force of a specific load. When the fishhook is hooked at the bottom of water, pulling the fishing line will generate a force larger than the elastic force of the elastic body to thereby release the hook-releasing unit from the cord of the fishhook, so that the fishing lure can be taken back. The present invention is simple in structure, easy to use, and suitable for all existing fishing lure, and protects a wide range of fishing lures.

Abstract: A re-usable fake fishing bait device which glows or glitters, is stronger and more resilient than real bait, which eliminates the excessive preparation, care and costs of real bait, and to which any desired scent or oil may be applied.

Abstract: A fishing lure capable of sufficiently catching fish, while not getting caught in weeds or similar environments. The lure generally comprises a hook and a main body, with the hook having a barbed portion abutting the underside or belly of the main body when in a normal position and being located externally of the main body when engaging a fish.

Abstract: A simulated fishing lure replicates the physical characteristics and swimming motion of a live North American mudpuppy, while preventing a captured fish from escaping by biting through the lure. The lure comprises of a lure body (a head, midsection and tail) and a motion-creating bill. The motion-creating bill and the lure body's tail work together to create the life-like side-to-side swimming motion of the lure. The longitudinal inner cavity within the midsection of the lure body contains an anchoring device to ensure that the fishing line and hook remain secured to the fish, even when the lure is bitten in half.

Abstract: An accessory for fishing lures of the type including strands of material camouflaging a hook is characterized by a disk formed of flexible material having a flat surface on one side and a tapered surface on the other side. The disk is positioned on the hook of the lure adjacent to a tying collar and extends the profile of the strands of material to provide a more realistic appearance of baitfish for the lure. With the flat surface of the disk adjacent to the tying collar of the lure, the profile of the strands is extended farther than when the disk is oriented with the tapered surface adjacent to the tying collar of the lure.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a body resembling the shape of a crawfish. The fishing lure includes a wire material and a flexible material connecting portions of a tail of the lure, and a passage through the body of the lure for receiving a fishing line such that an upward pulling of the fishing line passing through the passage causes a relative movement the portions of the tail in the downward action, and wherein the wire material operates to return the portions of the tail to their original position to generate a backwards movement of the lure.

Abstract: A fishing lure is provided comprising: an elongated longitudinally aligned main wire shaft having a front and a rear portion; a spinner revolveably supported on the front portion of the main wire shaft; a wire shaft extension extending from the main wire shaft between the front portion and the rear portion of the shaft at an acute angle pointed away from the spinner; a fishing line attachment loop for attachment of a fishing line at a front end of the main wire shaft; a rear hook attachment loop at a rear end of the main wire shaft with a rear hook attached thereto; a front hook attachment loop at a distal end of the wire shaft extension with a front hook attached thereto; and a creature bait secured to the rear portion of the main shaft by having the shaft extend through the creature bait.

Abstract: A fishing lure may include a body portion shaped to generally resemble a body of a baitfish. The body portion may include a head portion corresponding to a head of the baitfish and a tail portion corresponding to a tail of the baitfish. A cavity may be formed through an outer surface of the body portion for receiving a at least a portion of a live or dead fish, or any other quantity of any other animal tissue, therein. The fishing lure may be connected to a fishing line and may include one or more hooks.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprises a hook structure including a hook portion for engaging the mouth flesh of a fish, a shank portion connected to the hook portion, and a line securing portion for securing a line to the hook structure. The line securing portion forms an unsecured loop so that a portion of fishing line is movable into the eye of the loop without threading. The lure also comprises a body structure mounted on the hook structure. The body structure has an anchor notch formed thereon and configured to receiving a portion of a looped fishing line.

Abstract: A modular hook and lure system. The lure body includes a central passage running parallel to its longitudinal axis. The central passage passes completely through the lure body from its forward end to its aft end. The forward portion of the passage is a leader bore which is made large enough to accommodate the leader but not the hook. The aft portion of the passage opens into a hook bore, which can accommodate the eye and shank portion of a hook. The leader is passed completely through the passage and out the aft end of the lure body. It is then attached to a hook. The eye and shank portion of the hook is then pulled within the hook bore, so that only a portion of the hook extends beyond the lure body. A weed guard is attached to the body, with a free end of the weed guard extending out to the position of a hook tip, so that the free end of the weed guard may be engaged with the hook tip.

Abstract: The blood-simulating fishing lure is a fishing lure having a chain of lightweight spherical elements or ball chain threaded through or attached to an artificial lure body, such as a float or plug, to simulate a bleeding or wounded baitfish as it moves through the water. The spherical elements are preferably colored red and made from aluminum or other lightweight material. The chain is preferably attached to the lure so that a portion of the chain extends on both sides of the float or plug.

Abstract: A fishing lure includes a weighted hydrodynamic head, mated artificial bait and pivoting hook. The weighted hydrodynamic head includes an integrally molded, conically-shaped or pyramid-shaped malleable body with a plurality of fins projecting laterally therefrom, a blunt leading edge, a trailing edge, a central passage extending from the leading edge to the trailing edge, and a slot formed in the side of the body and extending into the central passage. The weighted hydrodynamic head is made of a dense material such as lead. The hook is an offset hook including an eyelet, a proximal shank, an offset bend section, a distal shank, a u-shaped bend and a pointed barbed tip. The distal shank and proximal shank are substantially parallel. The eyelet, which projects through the central passage in the leading edge and the distal shank, is aligned with and extends longitudinally from the slot.

Abstract: A fishing lure is provided which is adapted to simulate the behavior of a minnow at rest. Specifically, the new and improved fishing lure described herein is equipped with a pedestal on its bottom, whereby the pedestal is adapted to make contact with a bottom surface at a single contact point. The single contact point is aligned with the lure's center of balance, such that when the lure rests on the bottom surface it has a tendency to remain balanced on the single contact point. This allows the lure to be wobbled by the water turbulence, thereby imitating the behavior of a minnow at rest.

Abstract: A surface floating fishing lure including a forwards facing concave surface located at the water line, designed to scoop, redirect, and “spit” water into the air to subsequently splash unto the surface of the water when the fishing lure is tugged sharply, whereby a surface disturbance is created to attract fish hiding under cover of lily pads and other floating weeds or debris. This fishing lure shall include at least one fish hook rigged to be weedless, containing a flexible member deflecting weeds and debris away from each barbed point, a forwards facing concaved surface oriented in a manner predetermined to be suitable to redirect and splash a spray of water across the water surface, a floating body, a fish line connecting means at the forwards end of said fishing lure, and may, in some embodiments, further include at least a portion of said floating body in the form of a soft polymer flexible body in a shape resembling natural fish prey such as worms, frogs, minnows, centipedes, and etc.

Abstract: A fishing lure release apparatus is a quick release system that allows rapid interchanging of fishing lures on a fishing. An closed wire loop eyelet opposite a posterior open end clasp are opposed along a linearly elongated wire form. The posterior open end clasp forms an attachable hook element that is impinged by a spring urged closure. The hook element is inserted into a inner tubular cavity of the closure causing an impingement of the hook opening for securely holding and maintaining a mechanical coupling to anything attached thereto, while at the same time providing easy removal by sliding the closure upward along the body of the wire form.

Abstract: A fishing lure (10) includes a lure mounting arrangement (12) for mounting on a fishing line (14) and a lure movement altering body (18) that is detachably mountable on the lure mounting arrangement (12) for influencing movement of the lure (10) when it is displaced through water. The lure movement altering body (18) has an outer surface and defines a longitudinally extending body passage (20) therein. The body (18) also includes a longitudinal fishing line opening (21) communicating with the body passage (20) that opens onto the outer surface thereof. The movement altering body (18) is mountable on and dismountable from the lure mounting arrangement (12) by a movement that is transverse to the longitudinal direction of the body passage (20). Further the fishing line (14) can be passed through the fishing line opening (21) into or out of the body passage (20) when the movement altering body (18) is mounted on or dismounted from the lure mounting arrangement (12).

Abstract: A fishing lure made from a pliable flexible material is designed to simulate movements of live bait when pulled through water. The middle portion of the lure body is formed with a width substantially greater than a head portion or the tail portion. The width of the tail portion is substantially smaller than the middle portion and the head portion, while the length of the tail portion is equal to or slightly smaller than a combined length of the middle portion and the head portion.

Abstract: A resilient fishing lure, which simulates the movement of live bait when a fisherman tugs on the fishing line, includes a molded, resilient worm/amphibian larvae-like body. The body is unitary, having a head equipped with a longitudinal aperture, an attached tail equipped with at least two apertures, and at least one hook secured to the body. A fishing line is routed, first through the longitudinal aperture in the head, then in an “S” pattern through the remaining apertures, and secured to the body through the aperture farthest from the head. Resiliently-hinged jaw flaps on an anterior portion of the head open to positions of maximum hydrodynamic drag when the lure is pulled forward through the water, thereby transferring a portion of the pulling force to the tail so that is transformed from an elongate configuration to a serpentine configuration.

Abstract: A weight to facilitate weed resistant fishing is disclosed. Embodiments include a biconically-tapered weight shaped to define a relatively centrally located aperture, an off-center exit aperture, surrounded by a lip, wherein the weight has a channel where conventional fishing line may pass through the top of the weight, through the channel, and out an exit aperture. With tension on the line, a portion of the hook enters the lip and the hook is relatively shielded from accumulating weeds on decent through a weed mass. A variety of methods disclose manipulating a conventional fishing rod and line with the subject weight.

Abstract: A fishing lure has a body having a front end, a rear end, a top and a bottom. A hook is secured by a shank to the rear end of the body. A slot extends through the body from the top to the bottom. The slot at the top of the body is enlarged toward the front end and the slot at the bottom of the body is enlarged toward the rear end. A fishing line, is extended through the slot from the top to the bottom and secured to the shank of the hook. The body assumes a substantially linear orientation when the body is pulled forward by the line, such as when casting or trolling. The body enlarged slot results in the body pitching, such as to imitate a swimming motion during jigging.

Abstract: A flexible fishing lure is provided that includes a outer shape having a transverse opening for receiving a plurality of alternatively formed lure fin members allowing a user to change the action of a lure by fin selection without replacing the lure. Multiple internal channels within the lure are adaptively provided for receiving a variety of scent sticks, sound generators, light generators, flavor generating means. Flow internal channels extend from a front opening to gill openings allowing a water flow along an inserted scent or flavor stick member to pass through the lure body and exit proximate fin, nair, belly, or other locations simulating an injured or wounded fish leaking bodily fluids or blood. Other features to simulate wounded features. Replacement fins and weighting constructions allow a user to tailor a weight and action enabling a circling or injured motion during retrieval.

Abstract: A fishing jig with a hook that has an oversized eye and a jig head that has a funnel-shaped lead-in area. The oversized eye makes it easy to insert the fishing line into the eye. The funnel-shaped lead-in area is used to guide the line directly into the eye of the hook.

Abstract: A bait assembly for fishing, e.g. leisure fishing, is described. The bait assembly comprises a hook coupled to a rearward end of a line. A bait body is slideably or detachably mounted with respect to the line so that in normal use a flexible section of the line extends into the bait body. The bait body may comprise an artificial lure, or may comprises a skewer onto which dead bait may be mounted. A retaining mechanism is arranged between the bait body and the line to bias the bait body in a forward position on the line relative to the hook. Thus when a pulling force is applied between the bait body and the line which overcomes the biasing action of the retaining mechanism, the bait body is operable to move backwards with respect to the line (e.g. by sliding or breaking free), thereby causing a relative forward translational movement of the hook with respect to the bait body.

Abstract: A fishing lure comprising a resilient soft bodied bait and a hook attaching device, wherein the soft bodied bait includes a first hole extending along the width of the soft bodied bait near its head portion and a second hole extending perpendicularly from the center of the first hole till the exterior of the bait and a slit dividing the head portion and the second hole. The hook attaching device comprises an elongated member adapted to be securely received in the first hole, a stem adapted to be securely received in the first hole and an eyelet on the stem. The stem extends perpendicularly from the center of the elongated member and is substantially of the same length of the second hole. The hook attaching device is inserted in the bait; and the nose portion of the soft-bodied bait is resiliently pushed back to expose the eyelet for inserting a fish hook.

Abstract: A fishing lure capable of mimicking various motions of a wounded or distressed fish in the water. The lure may resemble a prey fish, worm or other natural food, and includes a flaccid elastomeric body having a front end, a tail end. and a tail section. The fishing lure includes a spine extending lengthwise through some, but not all, of the elastomeric body. The spine allows a fisherman to shape the lure by hand to a motion defining configuration that will cause motion that simulates that of a wounded or distressed prey fish or other natural food. The elastomeric body is not rigid enough to sustain a motion defining shape without the spine. The spine extends forward of the front end of the lure and exits the elastomeric body of the lure near the tail section, but not at the rear end of the lure. The spine does not support the tail section. The tail section is free to flutter in the water as the fishing lure is drawn through the water.

Abstract: Fishing lures constructed with internal strands of high tensile strength fibers (e.g. aramid) bonded to body pieces independent of any associated hooks. The strands are trained in appropriate alignments (e.g. longitudinally, transverse and/or radially) at high wear areas to enhance flexion and minimize tearing, especially at spanned joints. The fibers can be bonded into the body materials or anchored to the body pieces. Several soft plastic (e.g. plastisol and pvc) lures molded with resilient, durable stranded and webbed fibers enhancing durability and defining flexible joints, appendages etc. are disclosed.

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 invention relates to a fishing lure comprising a body member, the body member having an outer surface comprising one or more indentations and/or one or more protuberances. The indentations and/or protuberances located on the outer surface of the body member results in an increased bubble trail when the lure is pulled through water.

Abstract: A surface floating fishing lure including a forwards facing concave surface located at the water line, designed to scoop, redirect, and “spit” water into the air to subsequently splash unto the surface of the water when the fishing lure is tugged sharply, whereby a surface disturbance is created to attract fish hiding under cover of lily pads and other floating weeds or debris. This fishing lure shall include at least one fish hook rigged to be weedless, containing a flexible member deflecting weeds and debris away from each barbed point, a forwards facing concaved surface oriented in a manner predetermined to be suitable to redirect and splash a spray of water across the water surface, a floating body, a fish line connecting means at the forwards end of said fishing lure, and may, in some embodiments, further include at least a portion of said floating body in the form of a soft polymer flexible body in a shape resembling natural fish prey such as worms, frogs, minnows, centipedes, and etc.

Abstract: A fishing lure shaped like a snake that mimics the undulating, swimming action of a snake. It incorporates this original action into an extremely versatile lure specifically designed to be fished on water's surface, under water's surface, diving, bouncing around on floor bottom, and swimming back up to surface simply by adjusting rod position/retrieval speed. Furthermore, consisting of not only replaceable (soft plastic) snake bodies, but replaceable (soft plastic) lizard bodies and replaceable (soft plastic) frog bodies as well that all attach to the same hard plastic head and neck via a snap-on/squeeze-off connection. Furthermore, it's design enables each body to have it's own swimming action. The snake body, aforementioned, undulates like a real snake swimming. The lizard body wiggles and sways like a real lizard swimming. And the frog body wobbles and kicks it's legs like a real frog swimming.

Abstract: The present invention provide a fishing lure with big range of possible wobbling actions due certain amount of degrees of freedom of the joint between two lure's members—skeleton and vibrating body. The amount of degrees of freedom could be changed by fishermen, allowing the vibrating body movement relative to the skeleton and generating wobbling movements by the way of planar or three dimensional vibrating around axes perpendicular to a retrieval direction and/or rotating around an axis which is collinear or parallel to a retrieval direction.

Abstract: An improved fishing lure head has an outer shell with a smooth, curved outer surface and a through-hole for passing a leader line therethrough, an interior that is hollow, and a rearward open end leading into a cavity which provides a volume for holding a leading end of a soft plastic lure therein. Preferably, the front end of the shell has a weighted portion with a hole or aperture for passing the leader line therethrough. A soft plastic lure is threaded on a hook and leader line and pulled into the cavity of the shell where it is strongly held by suction forces created by press fitting into the cavity. Retention of the lure in the cavity may be further reinforced by providing a retainer ring at the rearward open end of the shell.