Abstract: An adjustable tension kite holding and release apparatus, which has an apparatus head, and an apparatus body having an adjustable thumbscrew coupled to the apparatus body, and first and second ring grippers having first and second bumps providing a ring gripping mechanism at a distal end of the apparatus body. The ring gripping mechanism holding a releasable ring, running a fishing line through the releasable ring, tightening the adjustable thumbscrew such that the ring gripping mechanism applies tension to the releasable ring, and increasing or decreasing the tension based on an estimated force desired to release the releasable ring.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for a calibration target for ultrasonic removal of ectoparasites from fish. In some implementations, the calibration target includes a fish-shaped structure, sensors positioned at different locations of the fish-shaped structure, a processor that receives sensor values from the sensors, and a transmitter that outputs sensor data from the calibration target based on the sensor values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal clamp (eU, 6) for securing any objects (10) to a fishing line (12, 130), said clamp allowing, owing to an elastic element, any objects (10) to be secured to the fishing line (12, 130).

Abstract: An offshore fishing apparatus aligns properly, is light weight, and is consistently adjustable by the user to their desired tension for smooth release of their fishing line when a fish strikes or when any force overcomes the applied tension placed on the fishing line release arm. The device further includes a proximal beveled entry and exit including a pivot ball with an aperture, through which a kite or connection line is run through. The pivot ball allows the device to pivot in the direction the fishing line moves. The device is advantageously light weight, in part due to lightweight materials used to construct the device without reducing the device's performance.

Abstract: A tungsten sinker formed of a flat unpainted outer body surface with an inner channel running from a first end to a second end, the tungsten sinker is unpainted, has a flat dark neural color, and includes a base stock of 97% pure tungsten.

Abstract: A backing pad for a power tool having plate-like form and a trapezoid cross-section with a top surface, a larger bottom surface and a slanting circumferential surface connecting the top and bottom surfaces. The backing pad can be connected to a tool shaft of the tool and is adapted for receiving a polishing or sanding material on the bottom surface. The backing pad is provided with a recess and a plurality of holes and channels that creates a predefined air flow between the bottom surface of the backing pad and a working surface. At least one hole ending in an opening is located in an annular outer section of the bottom surface, the annular outer section being located opposite to the slanting circumferential surface of the backing pad. The additional hole is in connection with at least one opening located in the top surface of the backing pad.

Abstract: A dredge boom for towing a fishing dredge is described and includes an elongated beam having a multi-position ferrule and a series of attachment points to connect to support cables and one or more pulleys, the series of attachment points including at least a support line attachment point, a first pulley attachment point and a terminal end attachment point. A rod butt adapter may be removably connected to the elongated beam using the multi-position ferrule and is able to mount to a universal rod holder. A fishing dredge can then be attached to the dredge boom assembly using fishing line, the one or more pulleys and the attachment points.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fishing rig having a fishing line, a fixture, a conical diverter and a hooking device. The conical diverter has a cylindrical wall portion that is contiguous with and extends from a conically-shaped wall portion having an aperture in the narrow end that allows the fishing line to pass through. The aperture has a diameter that is larger than a thickness of the line and smaller than a width of the fixture, which is attached to the line. The line passes through the aperture so that when the fishing rig is pulled through water, the fixture is positioned inside the conical diverter and prevents the narrow end of the conical diverter from traversing the line toward the hooking device beyond the fixture, thereby allowing the conical diverter to be pulled through the water ahead of and spaced from the hooking device.

Abstract: Release devices for fishing rigs including a body, a mount, a compression assembly, and a friction member. The body includes a joint a base that extends from the joint, and a clamp vertically spaced from the base and extending from the joint. The mount pivotally mounts to the base at a second end of the body and cooperates with the clamp to pivot the mount between a retaining position and a release position. The compression assembly is configured to selectively adjust how much the clamp compresses the mount when the mount is in the retaining position. The friction member mounts between the clamp and the base about a vertical axis and is configured to selectively engage the fishing line retained the mount to restrict the fishing line from moving relative to the mount.

Abstract: An energy storage system comprising at least one energy storage module adapted to supply electrical energy to a hybrid vehicle. The energy storage module comprises an enclosure, at least one battery array located within the enclosure, and an energy storage controller module located within the enclosure and electrically connected to the battery array. The energy storage module further comprises a compliant tipped thermistor which may be installed within a flexible clip. The thermistor is positioned to monitor the temperature of one or more of the batteries within the energy storage system.

Abstract: A device for timed release of a bait. The device comprises an enclosure with a release portion of the enclosure being movable between a closed position for enclosing the bait therein and an open position for exposing the bait. An actuating mechanism is connected to the enclosure for moving the release portion of the enclosure from the closed position to the open position. A timing mechanism is connected to at least one of the enclosure and the actuating mechanism. The timing mechanism triggers the movement of the release portion of the enclosure from the closed position to the open position after elapse of a predetermined time interval.

Abstract: The remote-controlled fishing boat having fishing lines with lures extended there from includes a remote controlled air-driven boat to drive at least one baited hook or lure around within a body of water. The remote-controlled fishing boat includes at least one clothespin that grabs onto a fishing line, and pulls the fishing line and lure behind said boat while a fishing rod and reel is located outside of a body of water and adjacent to an end user. Once a fish is hooked, the corresponding clothespin shall release the fishing line, and said end user shall reel in the hooked fish. The remote-controlled fishing boat includes two fans rotatable engaged atop of poles, and which rotate to steer and propel said boat. The remote control may include a bracket that supports the remote control on the fishing rod.

Abstract: A fishing sinker includes a tumbled limestone body and an element for attaching the limestone body to a fishing line. The element for attaching the limestone body to a fishing line can include: a break-away swivel fastener including a stem in a cavity of the limestone body, an eyelet, and a swivel body coupling the stem to the eyelet, an eyelet including a loop portion and a twisted portion, or a tongue and groove fastener.

Abstract: Releasable sinkers for marine applications are described, each of which utilizes rapidly disintegrating water soluble material as an attachment means or as part of an attachment assembly for securing a weight to fishing line. Depending on the configuration of the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material, after exposing the sinker to water, for example, by casting a line into the water or by returning a caught fish back into the water, the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material will dissolve, thereby releasing the sinker from the fishing line. The weighted portion of the sinker, which provides the majority of sinker weight, may be preferably formed from an organic material that will also eventually dissolve in water, although at a much slower rate than the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material.

Abstract: A trolling assembly structured to protect at least a portion of a fishing line from water-borne debris while trolling in a body of water from a boat includes a first positioning assembly attached to the boat and being adjustable to facilitate positioning the portion of the fishing line in a first predetermined spaced relation to the boat, and a second positioning assembly interconnected to the first positioning assembly and being positionable to facilitate positioning the portion of the fishing line in a second predetermined spaced relation to the boat. The trolling assembly also includes a shield assembly, interconnected to the second positioning assembly, which is structured to releasably retain the portion of the fishing line below a surface of the body of water while trolling, and to protect at least the portion of the fishing line from water-borne debris while trolling.

Abstract: A detachable clamping sinker automatically detaches from fishing line after immersion in water. The sinker includes a first weighted half, and a second weighted half that is moveable relative to the first weighted half. An elastic tie assembly couples the first weighted half to the second weighted half. The elastic tie assembly includes an elastic member, and an externally exposed rapidly disintegrating water soluble material linking the elastic member to one of the weighted halves. The elastic member under tension imparts a force holding the first weighted half against the second weighted half to clamp a fishing line therebetween. The disintegrating material when dry withstands a casting load and when wet rapidly dissolves to release the tension that clamps the fishing line. The weighted halves may be biodegradable or dissolvable.

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: A sinker or float that releasably clamps around a line, such as a fishing line, including two members shaped to define a channel for the line when in a closed position. A locking means is provided to releasably lock the two members in the closed position. Each of the members has at least a portion of high or low density material to provide a sinking or floating effect. A jacket may be provided that retains the high or low density material therein. The jacket may also include a hinge portion such that the two members can be hingedly opened and closed.

Abstract: A fishing line trolling release mechanism. One embodiment is for use with a surface planer board line; another embodiment is for use with an underwater depth controlled downrigger-trolling cable and weight system. In either embodiment, the mechanism reduces or eliminates slack line, which results in more consistent hookups while retaining unhindered fish playing ability. The embodiment for board line release is snapped on the planer board line that slides out to the desired distance from the boat. The embodiment for downrigger release is snapped around the downrigger cable, then lowered to the desired depth by the rod and reel, employing a rotating diving and return plate to controls the depth of the combination prior to and after the fish strike.

Abstract: A mechanism by which the hook and leader line are released from a casting float enclosure upon its impact with the water so that once the casting float enclosure opens, the leader line with hook and bait go into the water to attract a fish. A mechanism by which in the event the hook or leader line become snagged, the leader line would be lost but the casting float enclosure separately attached to the fishing line will be retrieved. A separating cage with a portion of the casting float to separate the hook and bait form the operating components of the casing float.

Abstract: A line management system for an outrigger structure is provided for guiding outrigger cords through cord passages to maintain an independent longitudinal displacement in order to prevent entanglement. The system includes a plurality of outrigger cords, cord management units, and retention devices. The plurality of cord management units are coupled to the outrigger structure and are longitudinally spaced one from the other along the outrigger structure. Each of the cord management units defines a plurality of transversely offset cord passages respectively guiding predetermined ones of outrigger cords to maintain an independent longitudinal displacement relative to the outrigger structure.

Abstract: A breakaway coupling includes a socket for captively receiving the shank and eyelet of a fish hook. The breakaway coupling includes a coupling element having a pair of tines with barbs for releasably snap-fitting the coupling element into a socket of a holder having a loop for coupling to a lure. The holder includes a slotted body for releasably holding the hook and barbed coupling element with a desired breakaway force. In another embodiment of the invention, the hook can be integrally molded to the coupling element which snap-fits within the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a fishing rig designed for improved performance in bottom fishing applications such as surf fishing. This fishing rig includes a hoop attached to the top of a sinker. The rig line is attached at its bottom end to the hoop, and a hook-shaped member is attached to the rig line above the hoop. Above the hook-shaped member, one or more fish hooks are attached to the rig line, and a swivel is attached at the top end of the rig line.

Abstract: A detachable sinker automatically detaches from fishing line after immersion in water. The sinker includes weight attachable to the line by means of a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material that when dry withstands a casting load and when wet rapidly dissolves. The weight may be biodegradable or dissolvable. The sinker may include a wildlife attractant released by the disintegrating material or by the dissolvable weight, may be rated according to time or depth at which the weight or attractant will release from the line, may display readable indicia corresponding to a weight value, a release time, or a depth, and may include an attachment means coupling the disintegrating material to the line, such as an elongated clamp for compressing the fishing line and the disintegrating material or a perforated attachment for threading the disintegrating material therethrough. The sinker may be an assembly including the detachable sinker and a fixed sinker.

Abstract: A fishing lure retrieving device is disclosed. Versions of the invention utilize a body with a cavity and handle, a sleeve movably connected to the body, a cutter and closing line. Optional telescoping handle(s), magnet(s), closing fastener(s), sleeve end cap(s) and/or body end cap(s) may also be used with versions of the invention.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a fishing rig designed for improved performance in bottom fishing applications such as surf fishing. This fishing rig includes a hoop attached to the top of a sinker. The rig line is attached at its bottom end to the hoop, and a hook-shaped member is attached to the rig line above the hoop. Above the hook-shaped member, one or more fish hooks are attached to the rig line, and a swivel is attached at the top end of the rig line.

Abstract: An angling rig comprises a pebble of natural stone and, secured to the pebble, an attachment ring for attaching the pebble to a fishing line. The attachment ring is secured to the pebble by means of a swivel bonded by epoxy resin adhesive in a bore formed in the pebble. The invention provides an alternative to a lead weight which is non-toxic (and therefore ecologically desirable) and also of natural form (and therefore not perceived as threatening by fish), whereby anglers may both help the environment and expect better catches.

Abstract: An apparatus provides a fishing rig designed for improved performance in bottom fishing applications such as surf fishing. This fishing rig includes a hoop attached to the top of a sinker. The rig line is attached at its bottom end to the hoop, and a hook-shaped member is attached to the rig line above the hoop. Above the hook-shaped member, one or more fish hooks are attached to the rig line, and a swivel is attached at the top end of the rig line.

Abstract: Herein we describe crustacean fishing traps having degradable cull ring panels, as well as methods for ensuring that such traps have reduced functionality after becoming derelict. Derelict crab and lobster traps have a negative economic and ecological impact, and thus it is advantageous to use degradable traps that will lose their ability to catch and retain fish over time. Incorporating degradable cull ring panels into such traps provides an effective, economical solution. Suitable degradable cull ring panels are described herein.

Abstract: A fishing line cutter which is adapted to cut a fishing line closely adjacent the hook at the end of the fishing line. The fishing line may be inserted into the line cutter without any disassembly of the line cutter.

Abstract: A quick-release weight used on a fishing line defined as having an overall specific gravity greater than one. The new invention is releasably attached without the need of tools and without the need of knotting the device into the fishing line to provide any desirable spacing between the lure or bait and weight. The device releasably attaches when fishing line is placed between its wire arm and cap, biased toward each other by a compression spring. When a fish strikes, the line can be retrieved to the quick-release weight for instant removal, allowing the remaining line and fish to be retrieved without interference. In addition, fisherman will appreciate this new invention's integration of weight and quick-release functions into a single device, eliminating the cumbersome task that require fisherman to assemble varying weight sizes to a line release to achieve desired weight combinations.

Abstract: A detachable sinker automatically detaches from fishing line after immersion in water. The sinker includes weight attachable to the line by means of a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. The disintegrating material may comprise a product that when dry withstands a casting load and when wet rapidly dissolves. The weight may be biodegradable or dissolvable. The sinker may include a wildlife attractant released by the disintegrating material or by the dissolvable weight, may be rated according to an approximate time or depth at which the weight or attractant will release from the line, may display readable indicia corresponding to a weight value, a release time, or a depth, and may include an attachment means coupling the disintegrating material to the line, such as an elongated clamp for compressing the fishing line and the disintegrating material, a mass of moldable adhesive, or a perforated attachment for threading the disintegrating material therethrough.

Abstract: A device for bringing a fishing hook attached to a line out to the side of a boat during trolling, comprising an elongated hull (5), a keel (6) and a line (7) with a release device (8), where the release device is arranged to hold the line during trolling and release the line when a fish bites on the hook.

Abstract: The present invention has an advantage over the currently used toxic lead sinkers because when lost or intentionally jettisoned the sinker degrades leaving no toxic residue to pollute the fishing grounds. This invention is a hybrid fishing sinker shaped like a diving plane with sufficient weight so as to reach appropriate depths. The sinker is composed of a compound of steel granules and Portland cement. During manufacturing, this compound is cast into a mold and solidifies. When fishing the diving quality of the shape compensates for the reduced weight of the steel and cement compound which are not as dense as the currently employed lead metal now being restricted due to environmental concerns.

Abstract: A fishing buoy for reducing injury or premature mortality in target fish species and endangered or protected bycatch includes: a multi-axis swivel having first and second attachment points arrayed along a central first axis and a third attachment point arrayed along a distinct second axis; an anchor or other underwater restraining device; a ballast, float and a transmitter having a transmission state; a leader and at least one baitable hook; a fish strike trigger connected to the transmitter and temporarily coupled to the leader, or connected to the leader and temporarily coupled to the transmitter. After a fish or bycatch strike the trigger changes the transmitter state to provide an indication that a strike has occurred, the leader and transmitter are decoupled, and the leader is free to rotate around the central axis without entangling the anchor or other underwater restraining device.

Abstract: A thwartable link for a vertical fishing line includes a substantially tubularly shaped body having a first end and a second end and first and second opposed side walls extending between the first and second ends. Each of the side walls has an axially extending elongated slot passing therethrough. A knife blade is located within the interior of the tubular body adjacent the first end but facing the second end. The fishing line extends through the slots in the side walls and through the interior of the tubular body. A stop is attached to the line adjacent the first side of the tubular body preventing the line from being pulled through the elongated slot in the first side. A tether extends between the second end of the tubular body and the line. The tether is connected to the line on the same side as the stop means but is spaced therefrom. An elastic O-ring surrounding the tubular body temporarily retains the line adjacent the second end of the tubular member.

Abstract: A fishing line release system is disclosed. The fishing line release system includes a fishing line quick release mechanism that may be used in conjunction with a planar device for trolling or may alternatively be used with a down rigger cable and weight when used in down rigger fishing. When used in conjunction with the planar device, the system may be used for directional trolling. The planar device comprises a planar body, the fishing line quick release mechanism attached to the planar body, and a line locking assembly for securing a portion of a fishing line to the planar body. When used in conjunction with a down rigger cable and weight, the quick release mechanism may be used either on the down rigger cable or may be attached to the down rigger weight.

Abstract: A fish lure break away system, having a lure attachment member, a hook section with at least one elongated shank, an eyelet, an eyelet guide, and a least one curved bend terminating in a tip section. The eyelet defines an eyelet gap having a predetermined width. In one embodiment the lure attachment member has a predetermined breaking strength in combination with a selected thickness and flexibility such that the lure attachment member can be squeezed through the eyelet gap and thereby attached to the eyelet. The lure attachment member may be of strength less than that of fishing line so as to break if snagged to release and avoid loss of a lure. The hook section has an inwardly projecting member which may be maneuvered to close or minimize the eyelet gap to retain the lure attachment member.

Abstract: A fishing sinker includes a tumbled limestone body and an element for attaching the limestone body to a fishing line. The element for attaching the limestone body to a fishing line can include: a break-away swivel fastener including a stem in a cavity of the limestone body, an eyelet, and a swivel body coupling the stem to the eyelet, an eyelet including a loop portion and a twisted portion, or a tongue and groove fastener.

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: A fish lure break away system, having a lure attachment member, a hook section with at least one elongated shank, an eyelet, an eyelet guide, and a least one curved bend terminating in a tip section. The eyelet defines an eyelet gap having a predetermined width. In one embodiment the lure attachment member has a predetermined breaking strength in combination with a selected thickness and flexibility such that the lure attachment member can be squeezed through the eyelet gap and thereby attached to the eyelet. The lure attachment member may be of strength less than that of fishing line so as to break if snagged to release and avoid loss of a lure. The hook section has an inwardly projecting member which may be maneuvered to close or minimize the eyelet gap to retain the lure attachment member.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus that utilizes a remote controlled boat to remotely deliver the hooked portion of a fishing line to the desired fishing area on the water is disclosed. The remote controlled boat includes a fishing line guide attached thereto. The fishing line guide includes a quick-release attachment portion to which a quick-release pad with fishing line is attached.

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 fish lure break away system, having a lure attachment member, a hook section with at least one elongated shank, an eyelet, an eyelet guide, and a least one curved bend terminating in a tip section. The eyelet defines an eyelet gap having a predetermined width. In one embodiment the lure attachment member has a predetermined breaking strength in combination with a selected thickness and a selected flexibility such that the lure attachment member can be squeezed by a user through the eyelet gap and thereby attached to the eyelet.

Abstract: An in-line sliding line release is disclosed for holding a sinker weight to a fishing line. The release apparatus is attachable to and moveable along a fishing line with the capability of being manually fixed to the line so as to provide any desirable spacing between the lure or bait and the sinker weight. The release apparatus includes a compression arm which locks into place under a variable release tension setting. When a pull or strike from the lure line overcomes the adjustable tension set on the release housing body, the compression arm rotates upward by ninety degrees releasing the hold on the line sliding down to the lure or preset in-line stop. In the circumstance that there is no pull from the lure line, the tension screw means may be overcome by pulling the cam line guide manually to release the compression arm which will allow the device to slide down the line as desired.

Abstract: A fish lure break away system, having a lure attachment member, a hook section with at least one elongated shank, an eyelet, an eyelet guide, and a least one curved bend terminating in a tip section. The eyelet defines an eyelet gap having a predetermined width. In one embodiment the lure attachment member has a predetermined breaking strength in combination with a selected thickness and a selected flexibility such that the lure attachment member can be squeezed by a user through the eyelet gap and thereby attached to the eyelet.

Abstract: An improved fishing system that records ambient conditions existing at or around the time a fish is caught. The fishing system includes a lure which records ambient conditions, including time, date, depth, temperature, ambient light, an underwater picture of a hooked fish and water quality. After catching a fish, the recorded data is transmitted from the lure to a handheld control unit. The handheld control unit is also capable of recording location (via GPS), fish weight, water quality, and an out-of-water picture of the fish. The data stored by the handheld control unit is transmitted (via a wireless or wired network) and recorded in an Internet database. The lure can also be controlled to release a hook that becomes irretrievably stuck in an underwater obstruction. The path of the lure in the water can also be controlled.

Abstract: A trolling apparatus and method of use are provided. According to one aspect, a trolling apparatus includes a frame including an upper line guide positioned toward a rear portion of the frame and operable to engage a fishing line during a release state and a lower line guide coupled to the rear portion of the frame and operable to engage the fishing line during a retained state. The apparatus further includes a line retainer operable to be coupled to a holder aft of the lower line guide and a release mechanism operable to engage a portion of the line retainer to provide the retained state and the released state.

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.

Abstract: A detachable sinker automatically detaches from fishing line after immersion in water. The sinker includes weight attachable to the line by means of a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. The disintegrating material may comprise a product that when dry withstands a casting load and when wet rapidly dissolves. The weight may be biodegradable or dissolvable. The sinker may include a wildlife attractant released by the disintegrating material or by the dissolvable weight, may be rated according to an approximate time or depth at which the weight or attractant will release from the line, may display readable indicia corresponding to a weight value, a release time, or a depth, and may include an attachment means coupling the disintegrating material to the line, such as an elongated clamp for compressing the fishing line and the disintegrating material, a mass of moldable adhesive, or a perforated attachment for threading the disintegrating material therethrough.