Abstract: An improved collecting apparatus for small aquatic or airborne organisms such as plankton, larval fish, insects, etc. The improvement constitutes an apertured removal container within which is retained a collecting bag, and which is secured at the apex of a conical collecting net. Such collectors are towed behind a vessel or vehicle with the open end of the conical net facing forward for trapping the aquatic or airborne organisms within the collecting bag, while allowing the water or air to pass through the apertures in the container. The container is readily removable from the collecting net whereby the collecting bag can be quickly removed and replaced for further sample collection. The collecting bag is provided with means for preventing the bag from being pulled into the container by the water or air flowing therethrough.

Abstract: An automatic angling machine of the type comprising a line reel, a circuit associated therewith for delivery of pulses in dependence of the rotational speed of the reel, a counter means for recording the fishing line depth, an electromagnetic clutch and an automatic depth control circuit which, in cooperation with the counter means, controls the various functions of the machine by means of the clutch. According to the invention, there is provided a means for activating the automatic depth control circuits and therewith the clutch in order to stop the line reel when the fishing line becomes slack during discharge from the line reel. The means comprises an electric circuit which is connected between the pulse-delivering circuit and the automatic depth control circuits and is adapted to deliver an activating signal when the frequency of said pulses becomes lower than a given value.

Abstract: A long fishing line method and apparatus are respectively centered on the use of movable multiple skate racks, which upon hauling, receive a string of gear or interconnected skates, with the fish just removed, via a two position, vertical and horizontal, main hauler operated in conjunction with a slack taker, and which upon setting, distribute a string of gear or interconnected skates into a water agitated and stirred automatic fish hook baiter. Each movable skate rack preferably holds substantially 1800 feet of ground line with approximately 600 hooks with their gangions of 10 to 25 inches long, spaced at 30 to 48 inches.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locating and catching certain fish species known as Largemouth Bass and Striped Bass, by locating those zones within a body of fresh water having a pH within the range of from about pH 7.5 to about pH 8.0, followed by fishing for these species in those zones. The invention further includes, as another of its aspects, the raising of the same species of fish by maintaining the pH of a selected aquatic environment within said pH range during the growth of the fish.

Abstract: A device for coiling a snell about a fishing hook consists of a snell holder and a fish hook holder. The fish hook holder is formed from two plates which secure the hook as a nipper and which are rotatably mounted. The fish hook holder also is equipped with a spring loaded bolt that is raised by a lever arm and which is used to hold the snell to coil the snell. The fish hook holder also has a pin inserted through one of the plates operative for forming a loop of the snell used to securely tie off the snell upon completion of the coiling. The snell holder may be a bolt and a spring loaded flange, the snell being held between the head of the bolt and the flange.

Abstract: A wire fishing line for deep water trolling comprises a length of stainless steel or Monel wire, with a first tough, substantially non-porous Formvar polyvinyl formal polymer coating layer adherently bonded to the peripheral surface of the wire, and a second, low-friction Nylon linear polyamide coating layer bonded to the peripheral surface of the first coating layer, whereby a polymer-coated wire is achieved which has high lubricity, is capable of smooth closely packed coiling in even helical layers on the spool of a fishing reel, and which is substantially impervious to salt water and fresh water immersion and capable of repeated immersions without significant loss of tensile strength.

Abstract: This invention comprises an arm that projects outwardly from the boat and has trotline holding means thereon which can hold the trotline external of the boat, and below the boat's gunwale, thereby preventing the hook-carrying line from entering the boat, or passing over, or under the boat. Consequently, the cause of most hookings, is eliminated. This makes trotline fishing safer, easier, more fish productive, and more enjoyable.

Abstract: Line from a conventional reel on a fly-rod proceeds to a line-guiding device, a line-tensioning device and then to a fixed, non-rotatable arbor onto which it is wound by hand. The line is free to uncoil from and axially leave said arbor during the forward cast. The line-guiding device, line-tensioning device and arbor are secured about the waist-line of a fly-fisherman so that the axis of said arbor is directed suitably forward and upward, with the line-guiding device and line-tensioning device being at suitable distances from the arbor.

Abstract: An ice fishing device having a cylindrical sleeve that is resilient and radially compressible to enable the ice fishing device to adapt to a variety of different size holes in the ice and members on the cylindrical sleeve to vertically and securely support the ice fishing device within the confines of a hole in the ice. A small charcoal chamber attaches to the side of the ice fishing device and holds sufficient charcoal to produce sufficient heat to keep the water in the hole from freezing yet keep the ice fishing device sufficiently cool so as not to burn a fishing line located therein.

Abstract: A monolithic, rigid minnow dipper constructed of clear or transparent material (plastic in the preferred embodiment), including a handle and a scoop portion. The handle is hollow and conical, and serves to trap individual minnows so that they may be hooked to serve as live fishing bait. The scoop portion includes perforated sidewalls, an unperforated end wall and an unperforated lower portion which tapers toward a funneled trough-shaped handle having a cross-section shaped like a minnow. The trough opening of the handle serves to permit a hook to be inserted into the trapped minnow and, after the minnow is slipped backward a short distance, is wide enough to remove the hooked minnow there through. The handle is affixed to the scoop portion at such an angle that when held level it permits the minnow to swim headfirst into the handle. The handle has sufficient perforations to release water as it flows through the handle.

Abstract: An apparatus for detaching releasable snoods from a fishing line while at the same time unwinding the snoods from the line, if required, and for depositing the snoods in a storage box continuously as the line is hauled in by means of a winch positioned in front of the apparatus. Said apparatus cooperating with a hook handling means which orients and guides the hooks being drawn along by the snoods, via hook guides, to one or the other side of the circumference of a wheel provided with a peripheral groove for receiving the line, which is drawn over the wheel by a suitable pulling device and sets the wheel in rotation. Each snood having fastening means comprising a peg, rotatably attached to the line, and a ring attached to one end of the snood and detachably retained on the peg. A peg release disk lying resiliently against the periphery of the wheel for partly releasing the said pegs from the said rings.

Abstract: A device for harvesting shrimp, prawn, and other aquaculture from man-made ponds. The device includes an elongated truss which is maintained at each end thereof by a carriage. Depending from the truss are a plurality of support arms maintaining at the ends thereof rows of flexible tines. A net extends between the support arms and is connected to the tines. The truss is maintained above the pond with a carriage on each side and is moved over the pond such that the tines contact the pond bottom, stirring aquaculture therefrom and into the net. Preferably, the pond is of a rectangular shape having an inclined ramp at one end thereof, the ramp emptying into a trough, such that the device may move the aquaculture up the ramp and into the trough from which it may be finally harvested.

Abstract: There is described a system for ice fishing including a flexible tube filled with an antifreeze solution and through which a fish line extends, the tube being supported in a hole in the ice and the fish line extending through a trigger which releases a tip-up flag and actuates an electric lamp when the line is pulled down through the tube.

Abstract: A material used to coat earthworms or the like for facilitating the baiting of the earthworm onto a hook. The coating material comprises a wood flour of powdered wood preferably mixed with dehydrated ground worms, mussels, shrimp, clams and the like food products. The powdered wood is preferably made from hardwood such as maple or hard birch. The mixture may also be used as "chum" or for preventing the drying and breaking of sea worms.

Abstract: An angling machine is electronically controlled with a digital indication of the fishing depth by counting the number of revolutions of the winder or reel spool of the machine. The apparatus comprises a converter for connection to the transmitter and the receiver of an echo sounder, a pulse generator and a plurality of counters being included in the converter for indicating the actual depth as determined by the time interval between two signals from said transmitter and said receiver, respectively, and a plurality of comparators coupled to respective ones of said counters for comparing the counts thereof with the counts of the counters indicating the fishing depth. The angling machine has circuit means controlling the fishing functions thereof by correspondence between the counts of the respective, corresponding counters.

Abstract: In order to facilitate the baiting of fishing lines of the kind having hooks spaced apart along them, such as are used in "long line" fishing, there is provided a method of baiting according to which the line is drawn through an elongated tubular member into which bait is fed. A blocking device in the form of a brush-assembly having flexible brush-bristles is provided in association with the outlet of the tubular member, so as to retain a mass of bait in the tubular member, while allowing bait which has been impaled by the hooks as the line passes through the tubular member, to pass freely out of the outlet. Apparatus for carrying out this method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A liner adapted for insertion in an opening formed in ice on the surface of a body of water comprises a generally cylindrical body having at one end a peripheral flange. The body and the flange are slotted to enable the diameter of the body to be reduced for insertion in the opening, and the material from which the liner is made is sufficiently resilient to enable the body to expand into engagement with the side of the opening following insertion.

Abstract: A downrigger apparatus for trolling in which an electric motor is energizable for winding and unwinding downrigger line from a reel. A rotor is driven in reduced speed synchronism with the reel and automatically actuates up and down limit switches to stop winding and unwinding rotation of the reel by the motor. The down limit switch is carried by a support adjustable along the path of movement of the rotor through a range of positions corresponding to different lengths of line unwound from the reel, with cooperating pointer and indicia means to indicate the length of the line unwound from the reel.

Abstract: A composition for application to fishing flies, lines and leaders to cause them to sink when placed in water.

Abstract: A method for causing earthworms to come out of the ground so that they can be readily harvested, functional when applied to an area of ground to cause the earthworms in the soil to come out of the soil so that they can be harvested.

Abstract: A fishing hook bait mold utilizes a pair of mold halves each pivotably secured to another and having a pair of mating faces. Projections and projection receiving openings align the mold halves in a closed condition wherein a pair of open mouth cavities each communicate with one another by way of an internal passageway. One of the cavities, partly formed in each of the mold halves, is smaller than the other cavity, similarly formed, each having an open mouth portion on opposite sides of the mold. A fish hook is installed having the fishing line end disposed in one cavity and the barb end in another. Pliable bait material, such as dough or the like, is forced into the open mouth portion of the barb containing cavity such that the dough is formed tightly about the fish hook. Opening the mold permits the baited hook to be removed from the mold.

Abstract: A deep trolling apparatus includes a pair of supports between which there is mounted a reel on which a trolling line is wound for paying out and retrieving the line. A slip clutch assembly couples the reel to a rotatable axle extending through the reel hub for providing an adjustable drag for the control line when the axle is held in a stationary position. In the preferred embodiment, the slip clutch assembly takes the form of a lubricious polymeric tapered bushing having slotted sidewalls and seated in a similarly tapered aperture formed in the hub of the reel with the bushing surrounding the axle. The bushing can be adjustably secured to the hub such that the gripping force between the interior surface of the bushing and the axle is varied for adjusting the drag. In one embodiment of the invention the reel axle is integral with a manually actuated crank arm for rotating the reel and one of the reel supports includes a locking member for selectively locking the arm in a fixed position.

Abstract: A control device to prevent or limit gangion enwrapment on long lines including means mounting a line-deflecting guide roller to vary the angular relationship between the roller axis and the plane defined between the line stretches extending to and from the deflecting roller during line hauling. Angular displacement of such guide roller to either side of a neutral position under operator control induces twisting in the approaching long line one way or the other so as to prevent or eliminate gangion enwrapment.

Abstract: An article in the shape of a handgun for injecting air into live bait, the device including a generally transparent barrel member having hypodermic needle centrally disposed with respect to the barrel and recessed therein. The barrel is stationary and coacts with a movable spring loaded plunger having a check valve in the closed end thereof, the plunger being actuable by the trigger of the gun to pass air through a spring loaded check valve into live bait such as a worm or the like.

Abstract: A fish stringer comprising a cord and a plurality of fish holders including links which are attachable to the cord between its ends in sliding relation thereon.

Abstract: Apparatus for threading worms and the like on fishhooks has a body member provided with a through hole arranged for receiving an end portion of a worm disposed extending along a surface of the body member adjacent the hole. A length of tubing is then inserted into the worm and subsequently placed cantilever fashion in a recess provided on the body member. The tubing supports a fishhook at the free end of the tubing, with a length of line attached to the hook being wrapped part of the way around the body member, and the worm is moved manually from the tubing onto the hook and line.

Abstract: A minnow dipper having a handle, a funnel portion and a tubular member defining a minnow receiving chamber is disclosed. An axially extending side opening is formed in the tubular member intermediate open and terminal end portions thereby defining a hooking zone which is sufficiently deep to permit hooking access to a minnow disposed in the chamber. A flexible sheath covers substantially all of the side opening exclusive of the hooking zone for restraining a minnow in the receiving chamber. A slit opening extends along the length of the sheath to permit manual withdrawal of the minnow. In a preferred embodiment, the flexible sheath comprises a portion of a tubular insert having a slit and a notched opening which in combination with the side opening defines the hooking zone.

Abstract: A tapered tubular casing of sheet metal has an open upper end and a closed bottom end. Sheet metal connectors having upwardly and downwardly directed tangs are spot welded to diametrically opposite portions of the casing adjacent the upper end thereof. The upper ends of two flexible chains are attached to holes in the lower tangs. One chain is somewhat shorter than the other, the shorter chain having an open hook attached to its free end and the longer chain having a snap hook attached to its free end. When the device is in use to keep an ice fishing hole from refreezing, the open hook is releasably fastened to an eye screw anchored in the floor of a fish house and the snap hook is similarly releasably fastened to a second eye screw.

Abstract: A jig is disclosed that may be hand held and utilized to assist fishermen in tying a particular variety of knots that are utilized to fasten fishing line to a hook, lure, swivel or the like. The device is elongated with a tapered forward end leading to a blunt tip. An open line receiving cleft is formed in the blunt tip to receive a loop of the fishing line. An open notch is located rearwardly of the line receiving cleft. A number of outwardly projecting pegs straddle the open notch. The pegs are utilized to hold the fishing line in a particular, looped condition while the line is wrapped several times about the tapered end. The line free end, after being wound about the tapered end, is threaded through a bight (formed by the pegs) and the notch located there between. The line is easily removed from the jig and the knot may be tightened simply by holding both ends of the line and pulling on the attached hook, swivel, etc.

Abstract: Apparatus for separably coupling one end of a sample container to an open end of a sample gathering net comprises an annular body adapted to be secured to the one end of the container and removably telescoped within the open end of the net. An elastomeric retainer encircles the end of the net and the body member and is accommodated in an annular groove formed in the body member. An annular anchor member encircles the elastomeric retainer and applies a radially compressive force on the latter to clamp the open end of the net in the groove of the body member. The anchor member has an annular groove in which the retainer seats to latch the body and anchor members together, the groove in the anchor member being of less depth than that of the groove in the body member.

Abstract: A fishing worm threader which includes a handle having a threading needle projecting therefrom with the threading needle having in its sharpened tip end a pocket to receive the point of a fish hook. The needle is threaded through a worm either alive or artificial and the point of a fish hook is placed in the socket of the needle so that the worm can be moved from the needle onto the fish hook so as to be threaded onto the hook.

Abstract: A handled dipper is provided including a body defining an upwardly opening receptacle having a bottom provided with drain passages therethrough. The bottom includes adjacent relatively and oppositely inclined bottom sections defining an upwardly opening included angle of between 90.degree. and 180.degree.. A hold-down member including opposite marginal edge portions is provided and one of the marginal edge portions of the hold-down member is pivotally supported from the marginal edge of one of the bottom sections remote from the other bottom section for swinging of the hold-down member about an axis generally paralleling the hinged marginal edge portion of the hold-down member between an active position with the hold-down member closely overlying the upper surfaces of the aforementioned one bottom section and an inactive position with the marginal edge portion of the hold-down member remote from the pivoted edge thereof elevated above the bottom.

Abstract: In a preferred embodiment, a cylindrically-shaped forwardly-screened vessel having an open lower end and an open or netted upper end, and at a rearward wall of the vessel there being a curved collector plate having centrally thereof an outlet port to which is anchored a narrowing sock tapering to a narrow opening including a sample bag-fastening device together with a detachable filter-sample bag of typically cloth, and the cylindrical walls at the open bottom having a sharpened edge facilitating twisting rotatably to and fro into a sea, lake, river, or stream bottom to be sampled, or having, in the case of impermeable substrate, an attachable foam ring, prior to agitation. Upon agitation, the tidal, stream or artificially-induced current flows through the screen forwardly portion carrying plant and animal life rearwardly through the outlet port through the tapering sock into the filter-sample bag which retains specimens for subsequent identification or counting, or both.

Abstract: An improved temperature and depth indicating downrigger reel in which the reel drum provides a nest between the spokes for thermal electronic indicator apparatus and in which the cable forms the conductor element to a thermal sensor element adjacent the end thereof. A calibrated gage supported in a two-piece housing provides electrometric read-out from between the spokes of the cable carrying drum and one end of the cable is attached to the gage. Power for operation of the thermometric read-out gage is contained in the drum in the two-piece case and at or adjacent the gage. A friction wedge lock is provided which acts between the flanges of the drum to selectively limit pay out of cable. Simultaneous depth read-out is provided by a counter indicator showing the amount of cable payed out and being an indicator of depth. Continuous read-out of temperatures is provided.

Abstract: A dipper for minnows has a cup portion in the shape of a cage-like pentahedral prism of transparent plastic material and is fitted with a normally closed flotation-actuated access door on the rear wall. As the door is closed, a partitioning wall mounted thereon moves inwardly and divides the enclosure into a large upper chamber and a small lower chamber. The forward panel and the rear wall of the enclosure each have a set of downwardly directed teeth along their respective lower and adjacent margins to facilitate fastening a minnow confined within the lower chamber on a fishhook, the forward panel being swingably movable to permit the hooked minnow to be removed therefrom.

Abstract: A pair of elongated outwardly curved grippers are pivotally connected along one edge and have cooperating lip portions along their opposite edges. An elongated handle formed from spring material has free ends connected to the grippers adjacent the lip portions and normally bias the grippers to an open position.

Abstract: Apparatus for baiting fishing hooks attached at spaced intervals by snoods to a long line comprising guide means for receiving the lines, snoods and eyes of the hooks to channel them longitudinally and unobstructedly through said apparatus and restrict them against lateral displacement out of the guide means. Orienting and tensioning means, laterally offset from the guide means, momentarily engage each hook to progressively rotatably orient it while increasing the tension on the hook and its associated snood. As the hook then leaves the orienting and tensioning means, it flips into a baiting chamber to securely impale bait supplied thereto. The baited hook leaves the apparatus together with the snood and main line, thus reducing the chance of loss of bait by a whiplash action, in which the hook and snood have to be separated from the main line before passing through the baiter.

Abstract: An inflatable, cone shaped plug for an ice fishing hole composed of flexible material and made in two concentric, elongated compartments, the inner compartment having a cylindrical shape is inflated first to give rigidity for inserting in the hole, the outer compartment having a flared top and a cone shaped main body extending beyond the bottom of the hole to provide a wide view when the ice increases in thickness, is deflated before the plug is removed.

Abstract: Method for baiting hooks secured to a line by means of a snood, in a baiting apparatus to ensure baiting of each hook when pulled through a hook guide and past a bait holder. Prior to hooking the hook into the bait piece the inside of the hook curve is brought into engagement with a movable member to reduce the advancing rate of the hook and together with the hook curve form an enlarged bearing surface against the bait piece to facilitate and ensure conveyance of said bait piece, whereafter the member is released from the hook and returned to starting position. The movable member being a finger for formation of an auxiliary bearing surface between the hook and the bait piece.

Abstract: A worm holder comprising an elongated open-ended flexible transparent tube with a side opening and a slot extending from one end of the tube to the side opening. A plurality of slits are formed radially about the tube to cause the tube to be more compressible adjacent the side opening. A tethered clamp is threaded through the tube, the clamp engages the end portion of a worm, and the clamp and worm are drawn through the tube by the tether until the worm is located in the vicinity of the side opening of the tube, whereupon the worm can be safely and accurately impaled by a fish hook.

Abstract: An adjustable fish bait forming device is disclosed having a body, a pusher, a tip, an adjusting screw, an adjustment knob, the same being assembled in sequential order of tip and body, pusher within the body, an adjustment knob being at the end of the body remote from the tip. A piston is provided to reciprocate within a cylinder defined at the tip, beginning at a predetermined position within the cylinder so that a bait may be formed of infinitely variable length within the confines of the structure by pressing the tip into the bait, removing the same, and then actuating the pusher to remove the bait. As disclosed the threaded means for determining the position of the piston at the beginning of the formation of the dough is a left-hand thread in order to provide for clockwise adjustment to decrease the size of the bait. Also, at the top of the pusher, an index point is provided which operates in conjunction with graduations to predetermine the length of the bait.

Abstract: An artificial fishing lure having temperature sensing and thermostatically controlled depth selection and guidance means adapted to cause said lure to seek and hold a pre-determined thermal stratum in a body of water where fish of a selected species may be expected to be found. The lure is fabricated of buoyant material and comprises a central cavity housing a bimetallic heat-sensitive spiral-shaped thermostatic element therein. A pair of elevator fins are positioned on the sides of the lure body and will move up and down upon motion of the thermostatic element in response to water temperature changes.

Abstract: A thimble-like member worn on the thumb of the hand of a fisherman has a wedge-like member approximating a finger nail extending therefrom. The wedge-like member has spaced notches formed therein and extending from the edge thereof to receive and manipulate the resilient wire member of a leader snap.

Abstract: An enclosure is provided with an openable cover and has an elongate rotatable shaft extending therethrough. An arm extending radially from the shaft is shaped to engage fish bait within the enclosure and lift the bait through an aperture in the cover in response to rotation of the shaft. A fishhook can be passed through the bait while it is held by the shaped end of the arm.

Abstract: A device and method for baiting fishhooks wherein a tubular member receives a quantity of fish bait having a dough-like consistency to provide a plug, a fishhook being inserted into said plug and thereafter a plunger on said tubular member being actuated to simultaneously expel said plug and hook.

Abstract: A dipper for minnows has a cup portion in the shape of a cage-like pentahedral prism of transparent plastic material and is fitted with a normally closed flotation-actuated access door on the rear wall. The forward panel and the rear wall of the enclosure each have a set of downwardly directed teeth along their respective lower and adjacent margins to facilitate fastening a caught minnow on a fishhook, the forward panel being swingably movable to permit the hooked minnow to be removed from the cup.

Abstract: A device for retrieving minnows individually from a minnow bucket includes a handle and a tubular trap pivotally connected to the handle. The interior of the trap is large enough to accommodate only one minnow, and one of its ends is open so that a minnow will swim into it, while its other end is closed so that the minnow does not swim through the trap. The handle has a gripping portion and two arms which diverge from the gripping portion. The tubular trap is pivotally connected to the arms adjacent the open end of the trap so that when the trap is lifted off the bottom of the bucket, it will assume a vertical deposition with its open end presented upwardly so that the minnow in the trap cannot escape. Retaining means are provided for holding the trap in a compact storage position between the arms of the handle.

Abstract: An illuminated fishing tackle box which includes an opened topped base portion of generally right parallelepiped configuration, a lid hingedly connected to one side of the base portion and forming a closure for the open top of the base portion, and a light swivelly mounted on one end of the base portion on the outside thereof for selectively directing a light beam in a direction extending toward the bottom side of, or alternately, directly out from, the base portion. A second light of different color from the first-mentioned light is mounted on the opposite end of the base portion from the first-mentioned light, electrical circuitry interconnects the two lights and includes means for causing the second mentioned light to undergo an intermittent on-off status so as to present a flashing light.

Abstract: A bait molding device for forming and securing moldable bait material such as bread dough about a fishhook. A mold is formed of two cup shaped mold sections which are secured to pliers-like devices for opening and closing of the mold sections. The molds are of an elongate configuration to accommodate an entire fishhook and moldable bait material surrounding the fishhook within the mold sections. One of the mold sections includes a groove through one of the edges of the mold to permit the fishing line attached to the hook to pass through the mold when closed.