Abstract: Fishing device, such as a lure (1), in which there is a body (2), to the front end of which are attached means (3) for attaching a line (4) and at the rear end of which are winglets (11, 12) that rotate due to the force of the water flow. The winglets (11, 12) are mounted eccentrically on bearings on an essentially wire-like axle (9) to rotate in opposite directions and/or at different speeds. The winglets (11, 12) are essentially triangular, the bearing point being essentially at, or in the immediate vicinity of one point of the triangle.

Abstract: A line connector apparatus for removably engaging a flexible line to an article, the apparatus including a beam with an external surface, the beam also including a flexible line end and an opposing article end. The apparatus has a void disposed partially within the flexible line end and the void is also partially formed from an open channel adjacent to the external surface. The void having a slip fit clearance with the flexible line, wherein the void communicates therethrough the flexible line end and the void receives the flexible line allowing the flexible line to be manually feed therethrough the void. The apparatus includes structure for selectively compressing the flexible line that is positioned within the open channel to change the slip fit clearance to an interference fit and the opposing article end is attached to the article. Operationally, the flexible line is affixed to the article via the beam.

Abstract: A fishing protector and a method for use of the fishing protector at or near the sea bed by long-line fishing is provided to avoid that the catch is eaten by sea mammal when the line with the catch is hauled into a fishing boat. A gliding stopper is fastened at the termination of the line and thereafter the fishing protector is hooked on the line during the setting out of the line such that the line passes through the fishing protector. By hauling of the line the line is passing through the fishing protector and the catch is hooked off inside the fishing protector. An opening and closing mechanism at a first termination of the fishing protector closes the opening through which the fish passed, avoiding fish to escape.

Abstract: A fishing rig may include a first fastener mechanism configured to attach to a fishing line. A second fastener mechanism may be configured to attach to at least one a balloon and a bobber. A button may cooperate with the first or second fastener mechanism to release and lock the fishing line or balloon.

Abstract: An improved fishing weight or “bottom bouncer” wherein a flexible wire support arm includes an offset bent region that cooperates with an exposed cavity and internal depression at a weighted ballast piece threaded onto the arm. Reciprocating movement of a latch piece mounted to the arm prevents or permits the arm to flex in the ballast piece to attach and detach the bent region from the depression. The support arm also provides a line attachment bend having defined shoulders that maintain a preferred alignment of the sinker to a supporting fishing line. An alternative, single arm bottom bouncer sinker is also disclosed.

Abstract: A rig for ice fishing has an elongated rod having two vertically spaced connection members at one end and an eyelet at an opposite distal end. A line member adapted to be vertically dropped through a hole in a portion of ice that has formed upon a body of water, the line member including an upper end portion adapted to be held by a fisherman out of and above the water and ice, and a lower end portion having a weight member attached thereto. A first connecting means attached to the line and a second connecting means attached on the line and below the first connecting means; the first and second connecting means joining so as to form an elongated rod thus biased and held substantially horizontally below the surface of the water and ice while being used.

Abstract: An improved fishing weight or “bottom bouncer” wherein a flexible wire support arm includes an offset bent region that cooperates with an exposed cavity and internal depression at a weighted ballast piece threaded onto the arm. Reciprocating movement of a latch piece mounted to the arm prevents or permits the arm to flex in the ballast piece to attach and detach the bent region from the depression. The support arm also provides a line attachment bend having defined shoulders that maintain a preferred alignment of the sinker to a supporting fishing line. An alternative, single arm bottom bouncer sinker is also disclosed.

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 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 bottom bouncer preferably includes a flexible line, a float and at least one weight. A loop is formed on one end of the flexible line for attachment of a swivel loop or the like. The float includes a lengthwise through hole for receiving the flexible line. The float is preferably retained on the one end of the flexible line. The weight preferably includes a lengthwise through hole for receiving the flexible line. A set screw or the like may be threaded into the weight against the flexible line to secure the weight thereto, such that the loop or swivel loop will be a set distance off the bottom of a body of water. A set screw in a clamp collar may also be tightened on the flexible line to retain the at least one weight on the flexible line. However, other types of fastenable weights may be used.

Abstract: A fishing rig that reduces the likelihood of snags on submerged objects. The fishing rig includes a flexible rod and a retainer secured to the top of the rod. The retainer has a ring for fastening a fishing line to the rig. A float is secured to the rod adjacent the retainer. A sinker is secured to the bottom of the rod. A spreader is secured to the rod between the retainer and the float. The spreader has a pair of outstretched arms, each of which has an outer end with an aperture therein. Two flexible leaders have inside ends that are connected to the ring and have outside ends extending respectively through the apertures. A fishhook is fastened to the outside end of each one of the flexible leaders.

Abstract: A snag-proof multi-purpose fishing weight apparatus combined with fish hook and a fish attractant/fish feeding stimulant delivery system generally comprises a slender tubular hollow shaft with small holes along its length which can be filled with fish attractant/feeding stimulant and then seep or ooze out of the small holes along the shaft into the surrounding water. The shaft has attached to it on one end (top) a flotation device and a flexible wire to which is attached a fish hook and main fishing line. The other end of the shaft (bottom), has a weight of the same diameter as the shaft and attached to it and extending from it on the same plane creating a smooth extension of the shaft. This configuration, underwater will naturally orient the apparatus in the upright vertical position with the float end and fish hook on top and the weighted end resting on bottom, while positioning the baited hook outward and away from shaft in view of foraging fish.

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: The fishing lure is a complete fishing rig for attachment to the end of a fishing line. A pair of connecting rods are attached to a fishing line by a swivel attachment. A slidable weight is mounted on the first connection rod, and a spoon is attached to a four to six foot length of clear durable line, which is secured to the second connecting rod. The weight is formed from polyurethane resin with an embedded sinker, and the spoon is formed from epoxy resin. The connecting rods prevent tangling of the fishing lure rig and the fishing line, making the lure easier to cast off shore, and making the fishing lure more attractive to the fish.

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

Abstract: A leader and fish hook combination has eyes or loops formed at both ends of the leader so that the leader can be attached to the fishing line with either the one eye or the other. The fish hook, or more than one fish hook, has the leader threaded through the eye end of the fish hook. The leader passes through the eye of each hook, but is not tied to it, leaving the hook free to slide along the leader. Fastened one way, the hook is presented outward, and if fastened or tied off the other way, the hook presented inward. In that orientation, the lower eye projects over the hook portion so the rig serves as a weedless hook.

Abstract: A snag-proof multi-purpose fishing weight apparatus combined with fish hook and a fish attractant/fish feeding stimulant delivery system generally comprises a slender tubular hollow shaft with small holes along its length which can be filled with fish attractant/feeding stimulant and then seep or ooze out of the small holes along the shaft into the surrounding water. The shaft has attached to it on one end (top) a flotation device and a flexible wire to which is attached a fish hook and main fishing line. The other end of the shaft (bottom), has a weight of the same diameter as the shaft and attached to it and extending from it on the same plane creating a smooth extension of the shaft. This configuration, underwater will naturally orient the apparatus in the upright vertical position with the float end and fish hook on top and the weighted end resting on bottom, while positioning the baited hook outward and away from shaft in view of foraging fish.

Abstract: A number of stackable weights can be bundled together and secured with a lashing to form a modular sinker of a desired weight. Each stackable weight has an elongated bar bounded by four side surfaces and having a fixed eye. A link member is movably attached to the fixed eye and terminates in a coupling eye. The link member provides a degree of motion between the coupling eye and the fixed eye of the bar, allowing the coupling eyes of multiple stackable weights to be connected together to a single fastener while the bars are positioned together in a side-by-side relationship. When so connected, the link members form a pyramid-shaped coupling structure that will reduce the likelihood of snagging the resulting modular sinker. The bars preferably have textured side surfaces to frictionally engage each other to maintain the bars parallel and to retain an elastic band that provides the lashing.

Abstract: The fishing lure is a complete fishing rig for attachment to the end of a fishing line. A pair of connecting rods are attached to a fishing line by a swivel attachment. A slidable weight is mounted on the first connection rod, and a spoon is attached to a four to six foot length of clear durable line, which is secured to the second connecting rod. The weight is formed from polyurethane resin with an embedded sinker, and the spoon is formed from epoxy resin. The connecting rods prevent tangling of the fishing lure rig and the fishing line, making the lure easier to cast off shore, and making the fishing lure more attractive to the fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure assembly is disclosed which comprises a blade free to oscillate, yaw and produce a trailing wake as the fishing lure assembly is displaced through water. A weight is affixed to the fishing lure assembly, but inferiorly disposed such that the blade is free to oscillate and have a yaw divergence which is substantially unaffected by inertia of the weight. The fishing lure may be variably constructed to include one or more hooks and soft bait and hard bait bodies which are disposed to follow behind in the trailing wake. In one embodiment, a float is added to the lure assembly. In another embodiment, a combination of a frame and blade is disclosed, the blade being flexible and resilient and affixed to the frame such that the blade is securably affixed but replaceable in a fishing environment.

Abstract: A popping float fishing rig has a float and beads mounted slidably on a rigid wire, in combination with a substantial weight. The weight may either be fixed at the lower end of the wire, or slidably mounted on the wire below the float. Such an arrangement provides truer casting, less tangling, and better fish attractant properties as compared to the prior art.

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

Abstract: A fishing rig that reduces the likelihood of snags on submerged objects. The fishing rig includes a flexible rod and a retainer secured to the top of the rod. The retainer has a ring for fastening a fishing line to the rig. A float is secured to the rod adjacent the retainer. A sinker is secured to the bottom of the rod. A spreader is secured to the rod between the retainer and the float. The spreader has a pair of outstretched arms, each of which has an outer end with an aperture therein. Two flexible leaders have inside ends that are connected to the ring and have outside ends extending respectively through the apertures. A fishhook is fastened to the outside end of each one of the flexible leaders.

Abstract: The bottom fish rig 12 has a strong leader 13 with a removable sliding c-weight 25 and a horizontal unilateral three-pronged hook 41 that resists snagging and reduces possible injuries. A horizontal unilateral three-pronged hook 41 differs from the standard treble hook by having all three barbs oriented upwards in a 180-degree plane and the hook 41 is designed to lie flat on the surface. An elongated leader 13 has a hook end 14 and a line end 16. The hook end 14 has a leader hook loop 18 and the leader line end 16 has a leader line loop 20. A first movement stop 22 is crimped to the leader 13 before the leader line loop 20. A second movement stop 24 is crimped to the leader about two-thirds of the length. A sliding c-weight 25 connects to the leader 13 between movement stops.

Abstract: A counterweighted weedless fishing float suitable for suspending at least part of an attractant, such as live bait or an insect replica, above the surface of water in which the float is borne, and kits for assembling a variety of attractants, are provided. The float is counterweighted, and may comprise a plurality of air-trapping channels arranged within it to trap an amount of air sufficient to support the float and a connected attractant. In other embodiments, the float may comprise one or more sealed chambers to provide buoyancy. The float may be disguised as a water plant, fallen tree leaf, twig or other floating detritus or water creature. The attractant may replicate an insect such as a dragonfly, an insect larva such as a hellgrammite, or any other natural or artificial fish bait or prey.

Abstract: Non-trolling fishing leader apparatus comprised of a single braided steel cable having a first end portion coupled to a fishing line supplied from a rod and real and having a second end portion coupled to a baited hook or lure such that leader apparatus is devoid of external weights attached thereon and proximate the baited hook or lure and is comprised of a designated length, weight, and rigidity for keeping it elongated along a bottom of a body of water when cast and set for providing a substantially impulse free response to a big game fish taking the baited hook or lure without having the unnatural feel or counter force of external weights and further including a weighted element slideably coupled to the fishing line for sliding on the fishing line in response to the fish for continuing the natural impulse response for securely catching big game fish.

Abstract: A free floating fishing apparatus includes a float and a spool that is positioned on the float for holding a supply of line to be dispensed. A line holding beam is mounted on the float and has a line guide that enables fishing line to be spooled from the spool through the line guide and then underwater for fishing. Rigging such as a hook, sinker or the like can be attached to the free end portion of a line. The spool is comprised of two sections, a non-rotating section which is received over the float and a rotating section received over the non-rotating section. A finite length of line is wound on the rotating section and a selected amount is payed out prior to fishing. The free end of the payed out line is attached to a hook and perhaps a float and the float and hook are dropped into the water. Depending upon the amount of line wound and whether the spool sections are locked during fishing, a finite amount of line may pay our after the fish has struck the hook.

Abstract: The present embodiment of the invention relates to a bottom fish rig for use in connection with fishing tackle. The bottom fish rig has particular utility in connection with fishing tackle having a strong leader with a notable new removable sliding c-weight and a horizontal unilateral three pronged hook that resists snagging and reduces possible injuries. A horizontal unilateral three pronged hook differs from the standard treble hook by having all three barbs oriented upwards in a 180 degree plane and that the horizontal unilateral three pronged hook is designed to lie flat on the surface.

Abstract: A casting device for casting a fly or other lure without the need for fly fishing tackle is provided and comprises an elongated ballasting member that has an outer body and a wire running axially through the outer body. The ballasting member is adapted for the addition of beads positioned on the wire at either end of the outer body. Two swivels are attached to either end of the ballasting member. One swivel is adapted for attachment to a spin or bait casting line and the other swivel is adapted for attachment to a leader.

Abstract: A counterweighted weedless fishing float suitable for suspending at least part of an attractant, such as live bait or an insect replica, above the surface of water in which the float is borne, and kits for assembling a variety of attractants, are provided. The float is counterweighted, and may comprise a plurality of air-trapping channels arranged within it to trap an amount of air sufficient to support the float and a connected attractant. In other embodiments, the float may comprise one or more sealed chambers to provide buoyancy. The float may be disguised as a water plant, fallen tree leaf, twig or other floating detritus or water creature. The attractant may replicate an insect such as a dragonfly, an insect larva such as a hellgrammite, or any other natural or artificial fish bait or prey.

Abstract: A fishing bait suspension assembly for submerging fishing bait while preventing the bait from contacting a bottom of a body of water while fishing includes a rod member having a pair of outwardly extending top flanges, a buoyant member coupled to the rod member proximate said top flanges, and a lead line having opposite ends extending through distal ends of the top flanges. The bottom of the rod member is designed to contact the bottom of the body of water while the buoyant member holds the rod member in an upright position. The bait is attached to the top flanges.

Abstract: A weedless fishing lure is provided, comprising a float, a connector and an attractant, such as live bait or an insect replica, suspended above the surface of water in which the lure is borne. The float may be disguised as a water plant, fallen tree leaf, twig or other floating detritus or water creature. The attractant may replicate an insect such as a dragonfly, an insect larva such as a hellgrammite, or any other natural or artificial fish bait or prey. The lure is adjustable so that the relative position of the attractant or bait with respect to the float and the water surface may be changed depending on the particular fish sought or the conditions present. In one form, the specific gravity of the invention may be adjusted by adding counterweights to vary its floating and casting properties. In another form of the invention, a snag-free platform is provided comprising a float and a connector suitable for suspending above a body of water a hook or an attractant chosen for specific fish or conditions.

Abstract: A weedless fishing lure is provided, comprising a float, a connector and an attractant, such as live bait or an insect replica, suspended above the surface of water in which the lure is borne. The float may be disguised as a water plant, fallen tree leaf, twig or other floating detritus or water creature. The attractant may replicate an insect such as a dragonfly, an insect larva such as a hellgrammite, or any other natural or artificial fish bait or prey. The lure is adjustable so that the relative position of the attractant or bait with respect to the float and the water surface may be changed depending on the particular fish sought or the conditions present. In one form, the specific gravity of the invention may be adjusted by adding counterweights to vary its floating and casting properties. In another form of the invention, a snag-free platform is provided comprising a float and a connector suitable for suspending above a body of water a hook or an attractant chosen for specific fish or conditions.