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 bobber includes a float and a fishing line handling assembly. The float has a passage extending therethrough from a first end of the float to a second end of the float, and the fishing line handling assembly is fitted in the passage. The assembly is terminated (i) at one end thereof by a downrigger release that extends from the passage at the first end of the float, and (ii) at an opposing end thereof by a snap clip that extends from the passage at the second end of the float.

Abstract: A fishing device that can act in one mode as either a diver or side diver, and in a second mode as a side sub-surface planer. The device includes a top plate, a curved bottom plate joined at their leading and trailing edges. Side plates are attached to the right and left sides of the top and bottom plates to thereby form a watertight compartment. A keel member is mounted on the curved bottom plate in a manner adapted to allow the keel member to be adjusted and held at any position between substantial abutment with the bottom edge of the right side plate and substantial abutment with the bottom edge of the left side plate. A keel weight is attached to the keel member. To cause the device to act in its second mode, a planer mode arm is removably attached to one of the side plates.

Abstract: A fishing swivel, such as a barrel, includes a slip-on connector, i.e., an attachment element, formed from bent wire. The attachment element has a neck and, adjacent the neck, an opening for slidingly inserting and removing fishing line, lure or hook. An embodiment of the attachment element further includes a blunt acute leading edge and an S-shaped trailing edge. A terminal end is removably hooked around the neck, separably abutting the neck, or adjacent to and apart from the neck. A swaged end is attached to the neck for rotational engagement within a cavity of a body. An embodiment features a first lateral bight that leads to a second bight, leading to a first side, leading to a tip bight defining an acute blunt leading edge, leading to a second side, leading to a fourth bight defining a capture recess, leading to a return bight, leading to a terminal end proximate the neck.

Abstract: A spring loaded line recoil device which automatically rewinds the line which secures the release clip on a telescoping outrigger when the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed. Balanced spring assemblies automatically recoil the fishing line on outrigger release clip onto a spool. As one spring assembly increases pressure, the other spring assembly produces pressure to maintain uniform tension on the line holding release clip. The retraction device attaches to the base of an outrigger. When the telescoping outrigger pole is collapsed, the spring assemblies recoil the outrigger line onto a spool. When the telescoping outrigger pole is extended, the position of release clip arm on the outrigger can be moved without changing the overall tension on the line securing the release clip arm due to the counter balanced spring pressure.

Abstract: A lure trolling device is disclosed. An illustrative embodiment of the lure trolling device includes a body having an elongated main panel and an end panel disposed at a generally obtuse angle with respect to the main panel, an elongated rail carried by the body, a flexible tail hook carried by the rail and a guide wire carried by the rail.

Abstract: A downrigger release comprises a “scissors-like” release clip, which includes a release arm mounted to an arm holder and adapted to rotate between closed and open positions for carrying and releasing a fishing line, a bifurcated pincer clip, which includes a pair of beams that receive the arm holder, an axially extensible and retractible spring for connecting the pincer clip to a downrigger line, a retainer for retaining and triggering release of the release clip from the pincer clip, the retainer comprising a boss on one of the beams and a detent on the arm holder, release being effectuated by the action of a transverse force camming the boss outwardly from engagement with the detent, a positioner for positioning the release arm in the closed position, and a force adjuster for adjusting the amount of transverse force needed to trigger release of the pincer clip from the release clip.

Abstract: The device for releasing fishing line used with downrigger includes a body with a front face angled to a bottom face. A downrigger aperture is orientated parallel to front face. A chamber is configured for slidable movement of an adjustable magnetic engaging member. A magnetic body is within the chamber for magnetically engaging with the adjustable magnetic engaging member. A fishing line retaining mechanism is on the body, for releasably holding a fishing line release member, which is releasably held to the fishing line retaining mechanism at one end, and pivotally connected to the magnetic engaging member at the other end, so that the fishing line retaining mechanism releases a fishing line when a force, such as a fish strike, is sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the magnetic body and the magnetic engaging member.

Abstract: A trolling release device for use during fishing. A ring of the device has an aperture formed between sidewalls and a slit in one of the sidewalls for extending a line through the sidewall. A handle is mounted to the ring and has peripheral sidewalls with an aperture formed between the sidewalls and a slit in one of the sidewalls of the handle. A string is attached to a fishing line at one end and the opposite end is inserted into the handle aperture. When a fish strikes a lure on the fishing line, the string is cut, thereby releasing the fishing line.

Abstract: An apparatus for releasably securing an intermediate location of a baited fishing line to a weighted and fixed underwater line. The apparatus includes an interiorly hollowed and substantially rectangular elongated sleeve having first and second ends. An elongated slide exhibits axially and outwardly tapered side walls axially which are frictionally engageable within associated inner side walls of the sleeve proximate a first selected and open end of the sleeve, the intermediate location of the fishing line being pinchingly engaged between the slide and the sleeve interior. A further selected end of the sleeve engages the fixed underwater line. Upon a fish striking a baited and trailing end of the fishing line, a substantially linear applied force causes said slide to linearly eject outwardly from within said sleeve, releasing the fishing line therefrom.

Abstract: A fishing line carrier device for use in downrigger fishing. The device includes a main body portion. A bow extends from the front of the main body portion. A tail extends from the rear of the main body portion and includes a vertical stabilizer and a horizontal stabilizer. The horizontal stabilizer has a flap extending downwardly from its trailing edge. A vertically disposed central plane extends from the bow to the tail. A bore extends vertically through the main body portion along the central plane. A diagonally extending access slot extends from the outer surface of the body to the central plane. Upper and lower access slots communicate the diagonally extending access slot with the bore. A locking pin receiving tunnel extends along the diagonally extending access slot and is adapted to receive a locking pin after the carrier device is positioned onto a downrigger line.

Abstract: A means to cast a fishing bait or lure using a weight on your fishing line which eliminates the disadvantages of weight on the line. This is achieved by the use of a weight, so configured that it detaches from fishing line instantly or over time, depending on preference, upon contact with water. The configuration of the weight is 2 equal bodies of clay held together by water-soluble adhesive tape. The amount of tape determines the amount of time the weight stays attached to the line. The identical clay bodies have a tab and slot on the mating surface of the bodies to prevent slippage. There is a groove down the longitudinal axis of the bodies, which forms a hole for fishing line when the bodies are joined together. This weight is easily attached to the line using the hole formed.

Abstract: A submersible ice fishing troller system for efficiently trolling a fishing lure or bait beneath an ice surface. The submersible ice fishing troller system includes a submersible unit in communication with a control unit, sonar for bottom and fish detection, a downrigger clip attached to the submersible unit, and a line release attached to the submersible unit. An actuator unit mechanically connected to the line release allows for selective release of the fishing line from the line release after a fish has bitten. The submersible unit automatically travels to the bottom of the ice after the line release has been opened.

Abstract: A method of establishing a fishing line with a breakaway feature includes connecting a first end of a rope to underwater gear and attaching its second end to a breakaway connector without using or having to form a noose or a closed loop in the second end of the rope. The second end is inserted through a passage of the breakaway connector on one side of a breakaway element disposed in the passage, and passed back on the opposite side. When either end of the rope is pulled, a bent section of the rope comes to rest on the breakaway element. Further pulling the rope applies a load on the breakaway element which will break when the load reaches a predetermined level, allowing the rope to slip through the passage. Thus, the rope is completely released, without carrying at the second end thereof a noose or a closed loop which might be caught, e.g., in the mouth of a marine mammal.

Abstract: A method of establishing a fishing line comprises the steps of attaching attachment openings of a breakable link to a surface buoy and underwater gear, and disconnecting the surface buoy from the underwater gear by irrecoverably breaking the wall of one of the attachment openings at a weakened portion thereof, without breaking a join portion connecting the attachment openings. The weakened portion extends circumferentially from 150° to 210°, i.e. for about a half of an entire circumference of the associated attachment opening. The thickness and/or material failure load of the weakened portion is from 50 to 70% of the thickness and/or material failure load of the remaining elements of the breakable link. The connecting portions may be rigidly integrated with each other, or pivotably attached via the join portion.

Abstract: A breakaway line 10 is disclosed which fails at a predetermined tension level, and when interposed between a fishing lure 14 and hook 12, may be used to allow the lure 14 to be pulled from the hook 12 in the event of hook 12 snagging. The failure level of the breakaway line 10 is chosen to occur at a slightly lower tension level than that of the associated leading fishing line 18 attaching the lure 14 to the rod and reel. In use, the coupling that is supplied with the lure 14 is first removed and the breakaway line 10 is installed in its place.

Abstract: A first horizontal hollow cylinder open at both ends has a first narrow elongated slot. A second horizontal hollow cylinder open at both ends is disposed concentrically within the firtst cylinder and has a second narrow elongated slot that extends between its ends. A vertically elongated element is secured at its upper end to the first cylinder and has an opening intermediate its ends. A flexible elongated connector secured at one end to the lower end of the element with its other end being detachable with the element opening. A rotatable member is secured to one end of the second cylinder and is spaced from the first cylinder so that the member can rotate the second cylinder about its axis without rotating the first cylinder.

Abstract: A fishing line sinker assemblage including a streamlined weighted body that is provided with a longitudinally extending, central bore; and a fishing line securement member that is telescopically received within the central bore of the weighted body for telescopic movement between a first extended position and a second retracted position. The fishing line securement member is constructed from a length of yieldably deformable stainless steel wire and includes a line eyelet that securely grips the fishing line upon movement of the securement member from the first extended position to the second retracted position. The assemblage is fishing line sinker of a configuration such that when it is in use nothing protrudes from the sinker, such as an eyelet or swivel as found in some prior art devices, that can become tangled with weeds, grass or other debris.

Abstract: A downrigger including a downrigger line and weight supported from a motor powered reel associated with a fishing line and fishing rod with a releasable interconnection between the downrigger line and fishing line so that when the bait connected with the fishing line is taken by a fish, the fishing line will separate from the downrigger line to enable a fisherman to play and reel in the fish in a well known manner. The motor powered reel can pivot between an outboard fishing position, an idle position above a boat cover board or gunwale and an inboard position which enables the reel, motor and associated components of the downrigger to be attached to or removed from the boat. Power is supplied to the powered reel only when the downrigger is in the outboard fishing position. The powered downrigger unit includes a removable cover for the reel, motor and other drive components to prevent accidental contact with these components.

Abstract: A releasable fishing device includes a flasher body having a distal end and a proximal end. A guide member is attached to the proximal end of the flasher while a releasable member is releasably attached to the distal end of the flasher. A line is threaded through the guide member and an aperture in the releasable member. A stop is affixed to the line between the guide member and the releasable member. As the line is pulled through the water or trolled by movement of the rod relative to the water, the stop member contacts the guide member and pulls the body through the water so that it can function in a conventional manner. A lure is connected to the distal end of the line. Once a fish strikes the lure and runs with the bait, the line is drawn in a distal direction relative to the flasher. The stop member contacts the releasable member and releases that member from the flasher, thus allowing the line to move relatively freely as the fish runs with the lure.

Abstract: A scent releasing fishing apparatus such as a downrigger weight. The apparatus includes a body having a cavity formed therein providing a reservoir to hold an amount of scented attractant in liquid form. A nozzle may be removably coupled with the body and in communication with the cavity for releasing the liquid material contained therein. A wicking member may be partially disposed in the cavity and extend through the nozzle orifice such that it is partially externally located relative to the body of the apparatus. The wicking member is formed of an absorbent material and assists in delivering the liquid material through the nozzle through a wicking or capillary action. The apparatus may be formed of a dense material such as lead for easy submersion in a body of water.

Abstract: The invention described relates to a downrigger line clamp mechanism used in downrigger fishing and includes an adjustable clamping force for adjusting the overall release tension of a fishing line. The pre-stressed line clamp mechanism includes a pair of pivotally engaged, elongate arms which, when assembled, are resiliently flexed such that one portion of the arms, the proximal grip portions, are outward bowed, the tips of the proximal grip portions pinching together, thereby biassing another portion of the arms, the jaws, towards a closed clamp position. The line clamp mechanism uses an adjustable compression-force biassing device movably mounted between the tips of the proximal grip portions of the arms. The biassing device may include spacers of different spacing dimensions, each spacer being positionable into an active position between the tips of the proximal grip portions of the arms by moving the biassing device relative to the arms.

Abstract: A method of establishing a fishing line comprises the steps of attaching attachment openings of a breakable link to a surface buoy and underwater gear, and disconnecting the surface buoy from the underwater gear by irrecoverably breaking the wall of one of the attachment openings at a weakened portion thereof, without breaking a join portion connecting the attachment openings. The weakened portion extends circumferentially from 150° to 210°, i.e. for about a half of an entire circumference of the associated attachment opening. The thickness and/or material failure load of the weakened portion is from 50 to 70% of the thickness and/or material failure load of the remainign elements of the breakable link. The connecting portions may be rigidly integrated with each other, or pivotably attached via the join portion.

Abstract: A scent releasing fishing apparatus such as a downrigger weight. The apparatus includes a body having a cavity formed therein providing a reservoir to hold an amount of scented attractant in liquid form. A nozzle may be removably coupled with the body and in communication with the cavity for releasing the liquid material contained therein. A wicking member may be partially disposed in the cavity and extend through the nozzle orifice such that it is partially externally located relative to the body of the apparatus. The wicking member is formed of an absorbent material and assists in delivering the liquid material through the nozzle through a wicking or capillary action. The apparatus may be formed of a dense material such as lead for easy submersion in a body of water.

Abstract: A method of establishing a fishing line comprises the steps of attaching attachment openings of a breakable link to a surface buoy and underwater gear, and disconnecting the surface buoy from the underwater gear by irrecoverably breaking the wall of one of the attachment openings at a weakened portion thereof, without breaking a join portion connecting the attachment openings. The weakened portion extends circumferentially from 150° to 210°, i.e. for about a half of an entire circumference of the associated attachment opening. The thickness and/or material failure load of the weakened portion is from 50 to 70% of the thickness and/or material failure load of the remaining elements of the breakable link. The connecting portions may be rigidly integrated with each other, or pivotably attached via the join portion.

Abstract: A fishing method and apparatus is provided comprising a lure module enhanced with circuitry that is capable of releasing hooks upon detection of a signal sent from a user operated, remote device enhanced with circuitry to send the signals causing hook release. The module may be provided as a lure, as a bait-holder, or as a shape-neutral module, while the signal-sending device may be a mounted or handheld device used for example in a boat. Upon determining that a irretrievable snag has occurred, the signal sending device is used to send an appropriate remote signal to the lure or module effecting hook-release rendering the lure or module free from obstruction and retrievable. The lure or module may be reset with replacement hooks for continued fishing.

Abstract: A fishing downrigger assembly secured to the stern of a boat for use with a fishing rod and reel during trolling. A substantially planar shaped base has a top face with an upwardly extending superstructure, a spaced apart bottom face defining therebetween a predetermined thickness, a front end and a rear end. An arm pivotally secures to the base along an axis defined therebetween and so that a substantially elongated portion of the arm extends substantially upwardly and forwardly from the base. A reel is rotatably secured to the superstructure, a cable extending from the reel and which is guided along the arm before terminating in a suspended weight. The reel further includes at least one line release clip located at a selected distance from the weight and which is capable of being engaged by the fishing reel. A catch mechanism is established between the base and the pivoting arm and actuates in a direction substantially parallel and offset relative to the pivotal axis.

Abstract: A tool for opening the split of a round type split shot fishing weight in order to remove or insert an embedded fishing line. Typically, a split shot weight having a split is positioned in a groove with the split up and parallel to a pair of sharpened edges. Opening arms are then pinched by hand towards an attached bottom support. This drives the sharpened edges into opposing sides of the split. This position is generally held while a user bends the bottom of the support inward. In turn, this bending force pulls the sharpened edges outward and away from each other. Because the sharpened edges engage opposite sides of the split, the split shot weight is opened and a fishing line may be removed or inserted.

Abstract: Apparatus for receiving and securing an end segment of a line, the end segment having an outer diameter, the apparatus comprising a receptacle including a chamber bound by a substantially continuous sidewall defining an inner diameter that is substantially equal to the outer diameter of the end segment and extensions extending into the chamber for impinging against the end segment.

Abstract: A fish reviver for reviving deep water fish brought up from depth by reintroducing them to deep water. The fish reviver is attached to a deep sea fishing rod, and an appropriate weight, depending upon the fish's size, is attached to the reviver. A hook member on the reviver is then inserted through the fish's gills and out of the mouth and then secured in place by a clasp. The fish is then lowered over the side of the boat into the water and then the weight is lowered into the water at which point the weight pulls the fish on the fish reviver down while also opening the clasp. The fish remains attached to the hook member due to the force of the water and friction caused by the downward pull of the weight and the inverted positioning of the hook member as well as owing to the fish's incapacitation caused by the exposure to the life threatening environment, e.g. pressure differential from depth to surface.

Abstract: An outrigger for use with a fishing boat having a support surface for mounting the outrigger thereon, the outrigger having a vertical member supported for rotation about a vertical axis and a boom member having a first end thereof pivotably coupled to the vertical member for movement about a horizontal axis. A variable length cylinder is pivotably coupled at the ends thereof to the vertical member and the boom member respectively. A control system is coupled to the cylinder for controlling the length thereof such that the inclination of the boom member is positionable relative to the vertical member via the control system. Thus, the boom member can be automatically positioned in an inclined position for trolling or a horizontal position for stowage of the outrigger. A fishing line can be attached to the boom to position the fishing line away from the boat during trolling.

Abstract: A fishing method and apparatus is provided comprising a lure module enhanced with circuitry that is capable of releasing hooks upon detection of a signal sent from a user operated, remote device enhanced with circuitry to send the signals causing hook release. The module may be provided as a lure, as a bait-holder, or as a shape-neutral module, while the signal-sending device may be a mounted or handheld device used for example in a boat. Upon determining that a irretrievable snag has occurred, the signal sending device is used to send an appropriate remote signal to the lure or module effecting hook-release rendering the lure or module free from obstruction and retrievable. The lure or module may be reset with replacement hooks for continued fishing.

Abstract: An electric drive assembly allows a manual downrigger to be easily converted to electric operation. The electric drive assembly includes a pair of braces which are affixed to the downrigger which are in turn connected to a bracket attached to the electric drive. The electric drive can be removed and the crank reattached for reconversion to manual operation in an easy, quick manner.

Abstract: An adjustable fishing sinker release enabling release of a sinker from a fishing line after a fish has been hooked includes a generally hollow housing member, open at both ends, bearing a hole proximate one end for attachment to a fishing line, and a release slot along one side for releasable capture of a sinker. A pin member is slidably engaged within the housing member, and includes a first leg portion that catches on the housing member and prevents disengagement, a loop portion for attachment of a fishing hook, and a second leg portion that selectively extends across and closes the slot on the one side of the housing member. When a fish strikes the fishing hook, the pin moves to the open position, opening the slot and releasing the sinker. The force required to move the pin may be easily and conveniently adjusted either at the time of manufacture or in the field to fit the intended catch.

Abstract: A fishing method and apparatus is provided comprising a lure module enhanced with circuitry that is capable of releasing hooks upon detection of a signal sent from a user operated, remote device enhanced with circuitry to send the signals causing hook release. The module may be provided as a lure, as a bait-holder, or as a shape-neutral module, while the signal-sending device may be a mounted or handheld device used for example in a boat. Upon determining that a irretrievable snag has occurred, the signal sending device is used to send an appropriate remote signal to the lure or module effecting hook-release rendering the lure or module free from obstruction and retrievable. The lure or module may be reset with replacement hooks for continued fishing.

Abstract: A fishing flasher including a plurality of notches or holes at the trailing end, any one of which may serve as the temporary securement to the line. Removable plugs, secured to the line, are inserted into one of the notches or holes to be pulled free when a fish strikes allowing the flasher to move freely along the line.

Abstract: A planar board having ease of retrieval includes a base, a first fishing line release extending outward from substantially a front of the base, a second fishing line release extending outward from substantially a middle of the base, and a line retainer. A fishing line is retained by inserting thereof under the first fishing line release, inserting the fishing line release into a second fishing line release with preferably a peg, the fishing line is then inserted into a line retainer disposed at substantially the end of the base. A planar board with ease of retrieval allows a user to retrieve a planar board without tangling it with other planar boards being fished adjacent it. A planar board with ease of retrieval and strike indicator allows a user to easily retrieve the planar board and have notice of a fish strike.

Abstract: A fisherman's release clip comprises a unitary molded clip body consisting of two parts. One part is an eye in the form of a snap hook having a resilient gate allowing it to be readily engaged with a line or cable but configured to prevent unintentional disengagement. The other part is a pair of fingers that are connected by a molded living hinge, and extend in side by side relationship. An adjusting screw is used to vary the spacing between the fingers, and gripper sleeves are removably fitted onto the fingers to grip a line extending between the sleeves. The release clip can be used in a variety of modes including outrigger, downrigger, flat line and kite fishing, and also in fishing utilizing hydrofoils, downplanes, weights and floats.

Abstract: A fishing method and apparatus is provided comprising a lure module enhanced with circuitry that is capable of releasing hooks upon detection of a signal sent from a user operated, remote device enhanced with circuitry to send the signals causing hook release. The module may be provided as a lure, as a bait-holder, or as a shape-neutral module, while the signal-sending device may be a mounted or handheld device used for example in a boat. Upon determining that a irretrievable snag has occurred, the signal sending device is used to send an appropriate remote signal to the lure or module effecting hook-release rendering the lure or module free from obstruction and retrievable. The lure or module may be reset with replacement hooks for continued fishing.