Abstract: An ice fishing hole cover comprising a cover body having a top surface, a bottom surface, and an edge surface surround the cover body, a fishing line access extending through the cover body from the top surface to the bottom surface, a fishing line removal guide extending from the fishing line access to the edge surface of the cover body, and a set of vent hole preventing the ice hole from freezing or closing up.

Abstract: A sleeve configured to be disposed substantially within an ice fishing hole, including a cylindrical body member having a top aperture, a bottom aperture, an interior surface, and a tapering exterior surface, such that an exterior diameter of a top portion of the exterior surface is larger than an exterior diameter of a bottom portion of the exterior surface. The exterior surface of the cylindrical body member includes a hydrophobic layer. The sleeve includes an L-shaped flange extending as a ring outwardly from a region between the top portion and bottom portion of the exterior surface of the cylindrical body member, thereby preventing the sleeve from falling through the ice fishing hole and thereby substantially covering the ice fishing hole. The sleeve includes a cover member sized and shaped to fit over the top aperture of the cylindrical body member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are examples of fishing leader storage wallets and devices. A fishing leader storage wallet may include a plurality of single-piece flaps for storing a fishing leader on an exposed surface of the single piece flaps.

Abstract: An ice fishing device enclosed in a housing and configured for indicating that a fish has taken the bait is disclosed. The device provides a curved rod having a portion external to the housing and a portion internal to the housing comprising a hooked end adapted for clasping onto a handle tip of the fishing spool. The hooked end will release from the handle tip when a fish tugs on the fishing line thereby moving the spool and the handle tip away from the hooked end. Once the hook is released, the curved rod containing a flag repositions to an upright position alerting the fisherman that the fish is ready to be pulled out of the ice.

Abstract: A device for mounting more than one accessory to a weapon includes a clamp, a circular opening, and a weapon mount. The clamp receives a first accessory and the circular opening receives a second accessory. The clamp has a yoke and a strap securable around the first accessory. The circular opening is spaced laterally from the clamp such that the first accessory and the second accessory can be received in a parallel configuration. The weapon mount is located centrally between the clamp and the circular opening for attaching the device to the weapon.

Abstract: An ice fishing line protection device, for protecting micro fishing line as light as one or two pound test, comprising an elongated tube with an internal passageway through which a fishing line may pass. The protection device floats in an ice fishing hole protecting the line from abrasions. The protection device opens to release the line or it can be extracted from the ice hole entirely when a fish is caught.

Abstract: The present invention is a culling device that comprises a cable element, a retainer element and a floating element. When in use, the device is attached to a fish by way of the retainer element, which may be a clip, hook or other suitable element. The cable element is the link between the retainer element and the floating element. The floating element provides buoyancy to the device as a whole, and serves the purpose of indicating the weight of the fish to which the device is attached. The present invention further comprises a kit, the kit potentially including a plurality of devices, a scale, or some combination thereof. The present invention further comprises a method of using a device or kit. The present invention further comprises embodiments where a device disclosed herein is used on an animal other than a fish.

Abstract: A fish keeping system includes a bucket for storing a floating net assembly. The bucket may include a cushioned seat on a lid portion thereof to provide a seat for a user. The floating net assembly may be removed from the bucket and allowed to float in water. The floating net assembly may include a float ring on a top portion and a weighted lower ring to allow the net assembly to become elongated when disposed in water, such as a lake. A drawstring may be included at the lower end of the net assembly for easy removal of fish kept in the net. The net assembly may allow a fisherman to keep their catch in a more natural environment, without any physical restraint attached to the fish.

Abstract: A handheld device is provided for aiding in attaching a fishing line to a fishing hook having an eye. The device includes a holder having a first end and a second end. At least one of the first end and the second end includes an opening through which the hook can be securely coupled. An end of the fishing line is inserted through the eye of the fishing hook to tie a fishing knot. The device can also include a fishing lure extending from at least one of the first end and the second end. The opening can be one of a slit, a groove, a slot, a hole, and a notch.

Abstract: A trolling teaser including a tubular hull having at least one substantially planar end face. The tubular hull has a circumference defined by a wall. A plurality of channels is formed in the wall of the tubular hull.

Abstract: A video fishing rod with underwater observation gear as fishing equipment, allowing surveillance of the bait and fish around it, and includes a video monitor attachable to the fishing pole, miniature submersible video camera attached close to the end of the fishing line for transmitting video images up to the monitor via the same fishing line without the use of a video cable.

Abstract: An improved automatic precision baiting apparatus for use with long line fishing gear, the apparatus having a baiter housing, a magazine, a hook rail extension, a hook orientation means, a baiting area, a bait moving means for moving bait to the baiting area, and a bait cutting means; where an unbaited fish hook is drawn off the magazine, over the hook rail extension, and into the hook orienting means of the apparatus where it is positioned in anticipation of being baited; and where an uncut piece of bait is fed into the baiting area of the apparatus by the bait moving means and cut by the bait cutting means to the appropriate size, then held in the baiting area of the apparatus until engaged by a hook.

Abstract: A tool for holding a fishing lure eyelet, or other small structure, with a small aperture while a flexible line is extended through the aperture. Two pivotably mounted and spring-loaded levers have a jaw formed near one end and a handle near the opposite end. Each jaw has a pocket formed in its face. When the jaws are closed, preferably by a spring, the pockets register to hold a lure eyelet. The handles ends can be compressed to open the jaws against the spring. A tapered guide passage extends between the exterior of the jaws and the pockets to guide the line from a flared end to the aperture in the pocket where the guide passage narrows, and another passage guides the line out of the pocket. A blade and anvil on the handle ends can cut the line after a lure is tied.

Abstract: Devices and methods for forming a new and improved fishing hook is provided. Various materials, including fluorocarbons and polycarbonates, and combinations thereof are provided to produce a translucent or transparent device that maintains desirable material properties such as weight, tensile strength, ductility, and flexibility.

Abstract: The Weedless Fish Structure is a simple, waterproof, hardened acrylic structure that is submerged in water to provide camouflage and shade cover for game and feeder fish in areas where the body of water does not provide adequate cover. The weights within the main tube allow the apparatus to rest on the bottom with little buoyancy. A small air tube edges around the semi-circular bifurcated shade fin and provides buoyancy to the top fin so it remains upright. Two stakes are provided to secure the apparatus to the bottom when desired to prevent currents from moving the device. If the structure is turned over to where the long tube is above the shade fin, the weights will slide down into the shade fin tube and the air will rise into the long main tube, and then by attaching two floats, the structure becomes a surface apparatus.

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: The invention relates to a method for adjusting the buoyancy of a fishing bobber. The method includes providing a buoyant member and a stem guide configured to receive the buoyant member, mounting the buoyant member to the stem guide and cutting the buoyant member. The buoyant member is made of a material capable of being severed by a cutting device and having first length, a lower end, and an upper end. The stem guide receives the buoyant member and a fishing line with fishing tackle. The buoyant member is cut such that the buoyant member has a second length shorter than the first length. The buoyant member is cut to a second length such that the buoyancy of the buoyant member when cut to a second length is enough to oppose the tendency of the stem guide and fishing tackle to submerse the buoyant member such that a top surface of the cut buoyant member is adjacent to the surface of the water when the stem guide, buoyant member, fishing line and any fishing tackle are placed in the water.

Abstract: An apparatus for reducing by-catch of seabirds or turtles during fishing include a fish hook (220) and a barrier or shield (227) mounted in a position relative to the fish hook (220) such that the barrier (227) reduces or prevents hooking of a seabird or turtle by the fish hook or ingestion of the hook by a seabird or turtle. The apparatus includes a degradable component (226) that degrades when placed in water such that when the degradable component degrades the barrier moves away from the position relative to the fish hook or no longer exists to allow the fish hook to be taken by a fish. The degradable component (226) may be a retaining means or a mounting means. The degradable component may form part of, or all of, the barrier.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter concerns a system and related method that forms a wall of bubbles, which is used to catch fish. The system consists of or can include, at least, two boats, two or more chambers, a suction pump, a compressor and a device that forms a wall of bubbles, constituted by one or more bubble making chambers, one or more conducting chambers, conducting tubes, floating tubes and ballast, which, by forming a “net” of bubbles, enables fish to be trapped and subsequently caught. Thus, the disclosed subject matter is useful for catching fish in a more economical and ecological manner, eliminating conventional nets and reducing the level of non-target species being caught. Another advantage is an improvement in the quality of the catch. This system can be used in the fishing industry and in aquaculture.

Abstract: An air pump is employed to inject an adjustable flow of air into the column of water within an ice fishing hole to create air bubbles that naturally rise to the surface of the water as the result of air being lighter than water. The rising air bubbles create an upward flow or circulation of water within the hole, replacing colder water at the surface of the hole with warmer water from near the bottom of the hole to thereby prevent formation of ice on the surface of the column of water. The present apparatus and method may be similarly employed to maintain livestock water tanks and other contained volumes of water free of ice.

Abstract: Measures for controlling nuisance-carp populations include a harvest apparatus for harvesting not sub-surface fish but fish that leap out of the water proximate the harvest apparatus. Detectors detect when subsurface fish are within proximity of the effective range of the harvest apparatus and, when such are detected, a stimulus is applied which causes target fish like nuisance carp but not desirable fish to leap out of the water. When that happens, the harvest apparatus takes its toll on the leaping fish, harmlessly to the desirable fish which do not leap, and instead might flee from the stimulus by diving deeper.

Abstract: A fishing-rod assembly is provided for real-time observation of under-water fish behavior while fishing. The fishing-rod assembly includes a fishing rod or pole which supports a fishing line having a fish hook, a video camera, and a monitor for displaying video images of fish behavior in proximity to the fish hook. Also provided is a method for observing underwater fish activity while fishing. The method comprises focusing an underwater camera on an end of a fishing line, and displaying video images of fish activity at the end of the fishing line.

Abstract: An under ice crawler lowerable into a body of water through a hole in a layer of ice overtop is operable to extend a flexible line within the body of water between two points spaced along the ice. The crawler features a floating body having sliding surfaces defined at an upper limit thereof, a motor carried on the floating body to selectively drive a propeller, a connector carried on the floating body to facilitate the connection of the line thereto and a starting device carried on the floating body and actuable from thereabove. A termination device is carried on the floating body at a position distinct from that of the starting device to provide easy access. The starter device is actuable by lowering a starting-signal generator through the hole in the ice into proximity with a starting-signal sensor carried on the float body without requiring physical contact with the receiver.

Abstract: The fishing lure float has long been available as an indicating device to alert fishermen of the presence of nibbling or striking fish The claims presented herein, advance the original fishing lure float beyond its former, limited role as an indicator. The Radio Controlled Fish Finding Lure Float combines recasting, trolling, and fish finding capability into one unit, while keeping the water and the environment as undisturbed as possible, all at an affordable price. More advanced releases of this technology allows for the detection of a force hitting the end of the lead line. Similarly, means for indicating the submergence of the float can be added to even more advanced models. The addition of global positioning technology to the float allows for the recording of locations and monitoring of aquatic life in specific areas. The addition of the remotely controlled lead line spool winch aids in the control of depth of the lead line.

Abstract: A culling buoy holder that includes multiple tubes laid side by side in a parallel fashion and affixed to a mounting structure or to each other. The tubes are sized in length and diameter such that a culling buoy may be inserted down through the bore of a tube, with a float first orientation, until the float dangles below the lower open end of the tube. Further, while tube bore sizes are large enough to permit the passing of a buoy float, they are small enough that the clipping apparatus comprising the opposite end of the buoy cannot pass. Advantageously, each buoy, once inserted through an individual tube of the buoy holder, is effectively separated from other buoys as it securely hangs in its individual tube.

Abstract: A tool for releasing excess air from the swim bladder of a fish. The present invention includes a puncturer situated in a housing and a push rod which extends out of the housing for pushing the puncturer out of the housing and into the swim bladder of the fish. When the tool is employed, the excess air passes through the puncturer into the housing and then out vents located in the side wall of the housing. The puncturer is spring biased to remain in the covered position until the user applies an external force to the push rod to expose the puncturer.

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 reel 100 includes a data communication unit 44 capable of wirelessly transmitting terminal tackle water depth data to a data communication unit 66 of a fishing data display device 60, which is arranged outside of a fishing reel 100. The fishing data display device 60 includes a display unit 65 that displays the terminal tackle water depth data obtained from the data communication unit 44 and fish depth data obtained from a data communication unit 91 of a fish finder 90. The fisherman is capable of easily performing jigging with a fishing reel, as well as ascertaining the water depth of terminal tackle.

Abstract: An improved stripping basket for fly fishing is disclosed. The stripping basket is easily compacted for stowing while on board a boat, or for packing the stripping basket in a suitcase for travel to a fishing destination. The basket comprises multiple removable line separators and drainage holes in a base plate. The base plate folds towards the front wall of the stripping basket. The front wall has multiple slits that correspond to the arrangement of the line separators. With the line separators still attached to the base plate, the stripping basket can be quickly unfolded for use. This is convenient when on board a boat, awaiting a turn to fish. For longer term storage, such when packing in a suitcase for travel, the line separators can be removed for maximum portability.

Abstract: The present invention describes a bait rigging holder constructed from only a single block of material such as plastic. The bait holder is provided with a first pair of side members having a trough or slot extending along the entire length of these first pair of side members. A second pair of side members extend from the end of the first pair of side members and are also provided with a slot or trough therethrough. The height of the second pair of side members is less than the height of the first pair of side members. The bait rigging holder is utilized to rig a bait fish, such as a ballyhoo by allowing a fisherman to appropriately attach the bait fish to a hook, such as a circle hook.

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 dual purpose fishing tool which includes an elongated handle portion. One end of the handle portion has attached to it a fishhook-removing portion. The opposite end of the handle has a fish bladder venting needle attached thereto.

Abstract: A remotely operable fish bait deploying system including a remote controller adapted to be carried by a user, a fishing rod spaced from the remote controller, and a toy vessel anchored to the fishing rod. A first primary line is anchored to the toy vessel and extends rearwardly therefrom. A second primary line is adjustably connected to the actuator interface and trails behind the toy vessel. The actuator interface automatically adjusts a longitudinal length of the second primary line based upon instructions received from the on-board controller. A plurality of flotation members are directly coupled to the second primary line respectively and remain spaced from the first primary line. A plurality of auxiliary lines are directly anchored to each of the flotation members and terminate underwater wherein each auxiliary line is provided with a hook attached to a distal end thereof for holding bait.

Abstract: The present invention relates to device and method for guiding or herding aquatic animals, where a light source is used to herd and direct the animals into an enclosure. Light source (9), operational with physical barrier or enclosure (2) is used to project light (3) in waters forming visible shapes in the scattering of the light through the waters. The light source can be remotely controlled based on the movement or the location of the animal (4). The animals react to the scattered light as a physical barrier or an animal and can be directed or lured into the enclosure (2).

Abstract: A first embodiment is a paste baiting device system comprised of one or more bait holders, a bait application housing, and a bait dispenser. The bait holders can be filled with paste bait commonly referred to as stink, dip, and punch baits from the bait dispenser. One or more bait holders can be secured at a time in the bait application housing during the baiting.

Abstract: A design for improvements to the prior art of conventional A-frame fish capture devices which incorporates one or more flexible loop spring mechanism(s) and a multi-functional crossbeam splay limiting and hand grip apparatus, attached to an A-frame structure which enables collapsing the device into a nearly flat condition for storage and when deployed the loop-spring mechanism instantly splays out the crossbeams and pushes the mouth of the net into a deep trough enabling the angler single handed instant deployment and attitude control of the net to enable prompt landing which minimizes stress by rapidly cradling the fish during landing.

Abstract: A fish catcher having a handle connected to a base wherein the base is tubular in shape having two ends. On a first end is a large opening less than the diameter of the tube. On the second or distal end is an opening smaller than the large opening. The body is made of an opaque rigid material.

Abstract: An ice fishing tip-up system includes a rod, a fishing line, a bobber stop coupled to the fishing line, and a tip-up device. The tip-up device includes a base, an arm extending from the base, a lever supporting a line-engaging end having a set slot through which the line will pass, but not the bobber stop, and a flag attached through a resilient wire to the base. Distal to the line-engaging end is a trip end. The resilient wire applies a spring force to the trip end of the lever, the effect of which is variable depending upon the distance between the wire point of contact of to lever and the lever pivot point. A base serves to support the lever, insulate the ice hole to prevent the hole from freezing shut, and provides a selectively opened slot for separating the base from fishing line.

Abstract: An apparatus configured for fish retention includes a first arm and a second arm integral with a channel lock hinge having a plurality of channels; a lattice top jaw integral to the channel lock hinge, the lattice top jaw and bottom jaw defining a curved surface extending through a middle portion of the lattice top and bottom jaw from the channel lock hinge to a forward end, each of the lattice top jaw and the lattice bottom jaw movable to form an adjustable cavity for receiving a fish; the lattice top jaw defining a first notch at the lattice top jaw forward end, and the lattice bottom jaw defining a second notch at the lattice bottom jaw forward end, the first notch and the second notch configured to enable retention of the fish without damaging one or more fins of the fish.

Abstract: A fishing lure is inserted into a housing opening and into contact with a liquid absorbent material. The housing is placed in fluid communication with a container of liquid fish attractant through a nozzle that extends through a port in the housing, and in one embodiment, through an elastomeric tube. Liquid fish attractant is dispersed from the container, through the nozzle, into the housing and onto the liquid absorbent material. The housing is closed, and compression is applied, pressing the fishing lure into the liquid absorbent material, thereby coating a portion of the fishing lure. The fishing lure can then be removed without a user's hands coming into contact with the attractant.

Abstract: A fish hook is baited by placing a morsel of bait in a well located at the top end of a block having a slot extending along a side of the block. The slot is located relative to the well such that upon placing the shank of the fish hook in the slot, with the tip of the hook confronting the well and aligned with the bait in the well, and then drawing the shank along the slot, the bait is impaled upon the tip of the hook with safety and with accuracy. The baited hook then is withdrawn from the block in a direction which militates against inadvertent pulling of the tip of the hook out of the bait.

Abstract: The invention is a fishhook threading device mounted on the rod of a fishing pole and utilizing opposing diverging funnel-shaped passages in the main body of the device. One passage is for mounting the eyelet of a fishhook therein while a line is threaded through the opposing passage to be guided into the eyelet of the fishhook. After the fish line is threaded through the eyelet, the end thereof can be grasped by the fingers of the fisherman to remove the hook and line from the threading device and allow any desired knot to be tied to permanently attach the fishhook to the fish line.

Abstract: An ice fishing line protection device, for protecting micro fishing line as light as one or two pound test, comprising an elongated tube with an internal passageway through which a fishing line may pass. The protection device floats in an ice fishing hole protecting the line from abrasions. The protection device opens to release the line or it can be extracted from the ice hole entirely when a fish is caught.

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 lobster snare device (1) that permits a user to catch a lobster without harming the environment or the lobster. A telescoping internal pole (3) is located inside an external pole (2). A loop (9), located on a distal end of the internal pole, may be made smaller or bigger by pushing or pulling the internal pole. The proximal end of the internal pole extends from the external pole and has a handle/dive indicator (13) attached to it which is preferably colored red so as to indicate where a user is located while in the water. The proximal end may also have a dive flag (14) attached to it to warn boaters of the user's location while in the water. While the lobster snare device is not in use, the dive flag may be rolled around the handle/dive indicator and covered by an outer cover (15).

Abstract: A spool braking device and a spool braking method for increasing spool braking capability. The spool braking device includes a reel attached to a fishing rod in a detachable manner. A rotatable spool is arranged in the reel. A fishing line is wound to the spool. A brake mechanism electronically brakes rotation of the spool. An acceleration sensor detects swing acceleration produced when the fishing rod is swung and generates an acceleration signal. A brake control unit determines whether or not the spool needs to be braked based on the acceleration signal and drives the brake mechanism.

Abstract: An ice fishing line protection device, for protecting micro fishing line as light as one or two pound test, comprising an elongated tube with an internal passageway through which a fishing line may pass. The protection device floats in an ice fishing hole protecting the line from abrasions. The protection device opens to release the line or it can be extracted from the ice hole entirely when a fish is caught.

Abstract: A device for holding fish to remove a fish hook from the mouth of a fish, the device comprised of a first hollow cylindrical member, a connecting member attached to a first end of the first hollow cylindrical member, a second hollow cylindrical member attached to a first side of the connecting member, and a third hollow cylindrical member attached to a second opposed side of the connecting member. A gap is located within the second and third hollow cylindrical members, and two dowels are attached to the inside surfaces of the second and third hollow cylindrical members. The second end of the first hollow cylindrical member is fitted over a fishing rod holder. A fish is pulled within the second or third hollow cylindrical member until the fish head is wedged between the dowels at which time the fish hook can be removed from the mouth of the fish.

Abstract: A tool for saving the lives of captured fish that are swollen by expanded gases when brought to the surface includes an elongate hollow tube of rigid construction having a sharp cutting edge formed in a distal free end of the tube. A user grasps a proximal end of the tube and punctures a fish at a predetermined location in its body with the sharp cutting edge to allow gases to flow out of the body of the fish until the body returns to a substantially unswollen condition. The fish is conventionally resuscitated prior to release after the gases have been vented. The tube folds into a handle for storage when not in use.

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.