Abstract: A fishing tackle bait keeper for a fishing hook includes an anchor and an extension member. The anchor has a sleeve with first and second ends, and plural ribs coupled to the first end. The ribs project in a diverging arrangement from the first end of the sleeve in a direction opposite of the sleeve first end. The ribs each have a free end. The ribs move from a deployed position to a retracted position, wherein when the ribs are in the retracted position, the ribs are oriented with the sleeve to allow insertion of the bait keeper into a bait, and wherein when the ribs are in the deployed position, the ribs extend out from the sleeve to resist being removed from the bait, the ribs are normally in the deployed position. The extension member is coupled to the sleeve and having an attachment portion for coupling with the hook.

Abstract: According to the principles of the present invention a combination sinker and bait stabilizer for a fishing hook is provided. The device is intended for use with a fishing hook having a curved shaft and a sharp tip extending from the curved shaft. The device includes an attachment portion including an eye adapted for receiving the curved shaft through the sharp tip and for lying on the curved shaft. The device further includes first and second capture members attached to the attachment portion and spaced apart from each other, the first and second capture members lying in a plane lateral to the plane of the fishing hook and extending upwardly to be inserted into a portion of a soft bait to maintain the soft bait laterally to the fishing hook.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide fishing jig having improved head, weed guard, and adjustable fall features. Trailing weights are adjustable in size and/or position within the jig, provide for adjustment of the fall characteristics of a given jig for a given situation. Movement of weights forward along the jig cause the jig to fall more forwardly, and vice versa. All else being the same, increasing size of weights at a given position on the rear of the jig cause the jig to fall more rearwardly, and vice versa. Thus a rear weight that can be adjusted in size, shape, and position or completely removed and reused, without destroying the jig or weight system. Also provided is a wire coil and a skirt-mounting collar on the same lure, providing improved weedless capability. Also provided is a jig with a “dropped” line attachment eye, giving an upward movement when the lure is pulled in.