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

Abstract: Fish holding apparatuses and methods of using the same are disclosed. Embodiments of a fish holding apparatus include: a first plate; a second plate coupled to the first plate, the second plate rotatable relative to the first plate about a horizontal rotation axis proximate and substantially parallel to a bottom edge of the first plate; a biasing member configured to bias the fish holding apparatus toward a closed position; and a holding mechanism configured to maintain the fish holding apparatus in an open position. Other embodiments of a fish holding apparatus (a “caliper”) configured to hold open the mouth of a fish include an elongated wire including: two ends having prongs; two arms; and a spring loop configured to provide a spring force.

Abstract: A device for venting gases from the swim bladder of fish is provided. The device includes a puncturing member that can be extended, locked in the extended position and retracted into a case. Gases are vented from the case through the puncturing member.

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: A fish net and a method of netting a fish are provided. The fish net includes a pair of elongate members. A first of the elongate members includes a handle portion, a net assembly, and a body extending therebetween. The net assembly includes a frame including a mating surface, and a net coupled to the frame. A second of the elongate members includes a handle portion, a net assembly, and a body extending therebetween. The net assembly includes a frame including a mating surface, and a net coupled to the frame. The first and second elongate members are pivotally coupled together such that the net assemblies are moveable from a closed position wherein a first of the net assemblies is positioned in contact against the second of the net assemblies, to an open position wherein the two net assemblies are positioned a distance apart.

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 fish handling pliers includes two levers pivotally coupled together, and each has a jaw member at one end and a handle member at the other end, a protrusion is extended from one of the levers and has a lock notch, the other lever includes a channel for pivotally receiving a latch device which includes a catch for engaging with the lock notch of the other lever and for latching the levers together, and a spring biasing device for biasing the catch of the latch device to engage with the lock notch of the protrusion, or for disengaging the catch of the latch device from the protrusion, and for allowing the user to easily handle or operate the fish handling pliers.

Abstract: An electronic fishing device for facilitating trolling a fish-catching element in water and a related system, method, and use, the fishing device including: a first sensing element for obtaining a first indication relating to water temperature, a second sensing element for obtaining a second indication relating to the depth of the device, a steering member for adjusting the depth of the device, a processing unit for controlling, via the first and/or second indication provided by the first and second sensing elements, the steering member so as to guide the device relative to at least one element selected from the group consisting of: the position of the thermocline layer, a predetermined depth, and a predetermined temperature. In addition to fishing the disclosed device may be utilized in marine or other underwater research.

Abstract: A fishing reel handle grip design formed to produce optimal gripping ability and comfort by considering the ergonomic requirements of a fisherman's natural gripping hand shape as well as his body and arm alignment while loosely and comfortably grasping said grip.

Abstract: An ice fishing underwater camera holder is disclosed which is used for holding the camera at a desired depth and rotating the camera to the desired viewing area. The camera holder comprises a disk for setting over a hole in the ice. The disk having a slot for passing a cable through and for holding the cable by use of a plurality of cleats aligned on the top of the disk for winding the cable between the cleats. To adjust the length of the cable, the cable can be removed from the cleats and the length of cable passing through the slot adjusted before winding the cable through the cleats. The cable has a camera on one end to view fish or other objects below the ice. To turn the camera to a desired position for viewing the disk is rotated thus turning the cable to align the camera.

Abstract: A fish weighing device configured to be integral with the lid of a compartment in a fishing craft. The device includes a fishing rod locker lid configured to provide access to a fishing rod locker in a fishing boat, a fish holding compartment configured to receive a fish, the fish holding compartment being integrated into the lid of the fishing rod locker, and a fish weight measurement device configured to measure the weight of a fish placed within the fish holding compartment.

Abstract: A transportable shelter providing convective heat and a heated seat for the user's comfort, and providing heat to prevent the formation of ice in an enclosed fish hole when ice-fishing. Generally a box-like design, where the front of the box has no bottom or top, and is placed over a fish hole when ice-fishing. The rear of the box has a seat mounted thereon over a partial bottom, overlooking the front opening. A heat source is placed on the partial bottom, under a heat deflector, creating a heating chamber which provides heat for the seat, directs escaping heat to the user, and which will keep a fish hole from freezing over. A canopy frame attaches, over which a tarp can be draped containing heat and providing additional shelter from extreme weather. A sled or wagon assembly is provided for pulling the unit out to a spot for ice-fishing or hunting.

Abstract: An apparatus for mounting equipment on a waterborne vessel includes a base member configured to support an instrument. An elongate spacer arm is connected to the base member. A selectively deployable elongate transducer arm is pivotably coupled to the spacer arm. The transducer arm is configured to pivot between a deployed position and a stored position. The length of the transducer arm is at least sufficient for the transducer end to reach the water surface when the transducer arm is in the deployed position. The spacer arm is substantially parallel to or collinear with the transducer arm when the transducer arm is in the stored position, allowing the apparatus to be folded for compact storage.

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: A device and method prevents freeze over of a fishing hole cut through a layer of ice overlying a body of water. The device has a housing; a motor; at least one water inlet in the housing; at least one water outlet in the housing; and at least one water-moving element driven by the motor and moving water out of the at least one water outlet. The device may spin within the hole and stir water to prevent too rapid ice buildup.

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 fishing reel has a reel unit that is mounted on the fishing rod, a spool that is rotatably attached to the reel unit, a tension detector that detects tension applied to the said fishing line, and a communication portion that transmits to a fishing information display apparatus data of the tension applied to the fishing line detected by the tension detector. The fishing information display apparatus is provided externally of a fishing reel, and receives data communicated from the fishing reel. The fishing information display apparatus includes a body member, a display portion provided in the body member, a communication portion that receives from the fishing reel data of the tension applied to the fishing line, and a controller that is displays on the display portion the data of tension received from the fishing reel. A navigator away from an angler can certainly have information of the fishing situation.

Abstract: The invention involves a fishing device used for operatively connecting a first fishing line and a second fishing line from a first fishing rod and a second fishing rod, respectively, to a hook. The fishing device includes a spreader bar having a first connector at a first end, a second connector at a second end, and a third connector interposed between the first end and the second end. The first connector is shaped to connect with the first fishing line. The second connector is shaped to connect with the second fishing line. The third connector is shaped to operatively connect with the hook. The spreader bar is shaped to remain streamline when pulled through a body of water. The spreader bar thereby acts to inhibit the first fishing line from entangling with the second fishing line.

Abstract: A fish length and weight measuring device includes a tape measure having graduated markings displayed on at least one side thereof and a weight measuring hook extending from the device opposite the tape measure. Loop fasteners are provided on a back side of the device for coupling it the butt end of a fishing rod. The measuring device may include a housing having a transparent face through which the weight of a measured fish is displayed on a digital display. A power supply is coupled to the display. A fish is easily measured by hooking the end of the tape measure into the mouth of the fish and extending it along the length of the fishing rod. The fish is easily measure by gripping the butt of the pole and hooking the fish onto the weight measuring hook. In this manner, a fisherman can easily determine whether the fish is a keeper or can accurately measure the size and weight of a caught fish.

Abstract: A casting and throwing tool for center pin fishing reels. A ring or molded handle allows an angler to control the tool. The fishing line is strung through an open loop connected to the ring or handle. The angler can use the open loop to control the cast much easier than other techniques used for center pin fishing reels. Using the tool, a user can guide the line to the fishing pole more efficiently due to less restriction from the open loop than encountered using hand techniques. The tool prevents injuries such as cuts caused by the friction of the line.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for repelling elasmobranchs with high-pull-force magnets, including devices and methods for reducing by-catch in commercial fisheries and protecting humans from attacks by elasmobranchs.

Abstract: A device is provided for securing against crime-of-opportunity theft at least one fishing rod and reel to be stored or transported in an outdoor, unsecured area or on an open, unsecured portion of a vehicle, such as an open bed of a pick-up truck, trailer, or boat.

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 handling tool which provides an easier and more stable nipping operation for holding a fish. The fish handling tool is structured that a finger hooking position of a finger hooking opening provided in an operating member crosses a center line of a rod-like grip so that the finger hooking position does not become eccentric.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for systems/designs for an advantageous fishing garment that facilitates ready access to fish fighting articles or gear. A fishing garment design that includes attachment features for releasably securing fish fighting articles or gear to the fishing garment design is disclosed. The present disclosure provides for a fishing garment design that includes attachment features for releasably securing fish fighting articles or gear to the fishing garment design, and where the fish fighting articles or gear are easily adjusted by the user once the fighting articles or gear are secured onto the fishing garment design. The disclosed fishing garment design is particularly adapted for use in connection with big-game fishing, e.g., sportfishing, salt and freshwater offshore fishing, billfish fishing, tuna fishing, sharkfishing or the like.

Abstract: An automated fish sensing, reeling, and alarming device, particularly for ice fishing, designed to allow the fisherman to have a hands-free ice-fishing device that will catch fish without monitoring the device at all times. It also will allow a person with a limitation or handicap to enjoy ice fishing, such as some one with arthritis or limited use of upper limbs.

Abstract: A gripper on a miniature remote controlled boat constructed with an integral, soft core and release finger formed with a slit to frictionally receive a fish line from a rod.

Abstract: The present invention is a device for holding fish, said device comprising first and second handles attached to first and second arms. The first and second arms are connected in scissor-like fashion. The first and second arms are connected to first and second contact plates. The first and second contact plates pinch the inside and outside of a fish's mouth when the device is in the closed position, thereby allowing a fish to lifted out of the water or off the ground. The present invention may also comprise first and second tongs attached to first and second arms. In this embodiment, the first and second tongs are shaped substantially like semi-ovals and are attached to the first and second contact plates.

Abstract: A device for attaching an elastic band to a lure having a narrowed end is provided. The device includes a body portion for supporting the elastic band. A cavity is defined in the body portion. An open end leads to the cavity for receiving the lure. The cavity has a first diameter at a first distance from the open end and a second diameter at a second distance from the open end. The first diameter is greater than the second diameter and the first distance is less than the second distance. The first diameter is approximately equal to a diameter of the lure and the second diameter is approximately equal to a diameter of the lure at the narrowed end.

Abstract: A game fish disabling device, and method of disabling a game fish. The game fish disabling device is preferably configured as a pole type device with a sliding “hammering” action to generate and transmit a disabling force or blow to the game fish, in particular the head of the game fish.

Abstract: A live eel hook-insertion device. A hand-operated unit is disclosed that generally comprises a T-handle/trigger driving a spring-mounted plunger through a housing, an open-ended eel nesting tube at one end of the housing and defined by a lateral notch, and a distal yoke on the plunger for immobilizing an eel within the nesting tube. The T-handle trigger is actuated to trap the eel, whereupon a hook can be easily inserted into the eel. The nesting tube is further defined by a lengthwise notch to allow extraction of fishing line if the eel backs out of the nesting tube with hook attached. In use, the device is inserted into a bait well full of eels and the nesting tube is placed flat against the bottom. One eel will enter the nesting tube, whereupon the yoke is distended to trap the eel against the floor of the nesting tube. A hook with attached fishing line is inserted through the notch of the nesting tube and the eel is thereby hooked.

Abstract: A fishing stringer is structured with multiple fishing related tools integrated into a tether and an elongated member of the stringer. Specifically, the elongated member acts as a standard retention bar, while also providing a hook disgorger tool at a first end, and a fishing line cutting tool at a second end. Similarly, the tether acts as a normal stringer' tether, while also incorporating a measuring capability along a substantial length of the tether. Once the tether and stringer are deployed, each of the integrated tools, including the line cutter, the disgorger, and the measuring tape, are also thereby fully available for convenient and immediate use—without any risk of being dropped and lost. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope and meaning of the claims.

Abstract: A fish length measuring apparatus that incorporates a digital scale allows fishermen to both measure and weigh their catch without touching or handling the fish. The apparatus incorporates a housing with a lip grip to grasp the mouth of the fish. A viewable digital output screen is connected to a weight-sensing member whereby the weight of the fish generates a digital numeric display. A distance-measuring sensor projects a beam towards a surface adjacent the tail of the fish and detects the reflection from that surface, then calculates the distance (i.e., length) and displays the length on the output screen. The contour of the housing facilitates hand-holding of the apparatus, and a variety of unique digital data may be selectively displayed on the output screen.

Abstract: A method for retrieving a fish that has been caught on a fishing line according to which a rope is secured to a loop, the line is secured to the loop, and the rope is pulled to retrieve the line.

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: A fishing caddy apparatus kit includes a housing having a bottom wall and a peripheral wall that is attached to and extends upwardly from the bottom wall. The peripheral wall includes a front wall, a rear wall, a first lateral wall and a second lateral wall. A pair of axles is attached to the housing and each has a pair of free ends. Wheels are attached to each of the free ends. A plurality of containers is provided and each is positioned in the housing and extends upwardly above an upper edge of the peripheral wall. A female coupler is attached to one of said axles and extends forward of the front wall. A plurality of pulling members is provided. Each of the pulling members is selectively engaged to the female coupler. A fastener is removably extendable through the female coupler and an engaged one of the pulling members.

Abstract: Stick-on Bait is disclosed. The bait is configured to be applied to submerged portions of a boat hull where swimming fish in the vicinity can view them. The bait includes a flexible substrate and a fish-attracting design on its outer side. The back side includes a water-proof adhesive material. The bait is shaped like a small fish in two dimensions. The outer surface may further have a metallic film providing a kaleidoscopic pattern therein.

Abstract: A floating ice removal device with a disk shaped upper cover, a disk shaped lower cover and a heat emitting cup. An electric circuit board is mounted on an inner bottom of the lower cover, and a helical heat emitting wire is mounted on the inner top surface of the upper cover in a contact mode, and the cup having a heat emitting source is mounted on the outer bottom surface of the lower cover. An electric power line is extended in from the bottom of the heat emitting cup to connect the circuit board to supply electric power, so that the helical heat emitting wire keeps the surface temperature of the upper cover above 5 degrees Celsius, so that the surface of the entire ice removal will not be covered by snow or ice, while the heat emitting cup can emit heat under the water for removing ice.

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: An electronic apparatus for measuring water speed and water temperature then periodically transmitting said data during controlled depth fishing wherein an underwater probe is secured to and insulated conductive downrigger cable and gathers and relays data though the cable to a remote receiver/display unit disposed on the watercraft.

Abstract: A fish length measuring apparatus that incorporates a digital scale allows fishermen to both measure and weigh their catch without touching or handling the fish. The apparatus incorporates a housing with a lip grip to grasp the mouth of the fish. A viewable digital output screen is connected to a weight-sensing member whereby the weight of the fish generates a digital numeric display. A distance-measuring sensor projects a beam towards a surface adjacent the tail of the fish and detects the reflection from that surface, then calculates the distance (i.e., length) and displays the length on the output screen. The contour of the housing facilitates hand-holding of the apparatus, and a variety of unique digital data may be selectively displayed on the output screen.

Abstract: A screening device includes a screen and frame, and is useful in permitting fishermen to detect conditions of the water to be fished for optimum bait and lure selection. The screening device allows a fisherman to collect aquatic insects rising through the water to be fished, thus alerting the fisherman as to the food being seen and eaten by the fish, and identify what depth the insects are in the water. With this knowledge, the fisherman can select the proper lure or fly to catch the fish present in the tested waters.

Abstract: A teaser apparatus for fishing includes a flat, transparent, substantially horizontally oriented, plastic sheet having a leading edge, a trailing edge, a top surface and an underside. A primary spreader bar is attached to the leading edge of the sheet. A secondary, spreader bar is attached at or near the trailing edge of the sheet. If the secondary spreader bar is attached near the trailing edge, optionally a tertiary spreader bar may be attached at the trailing edge to aid in the floatation of the entire sheet. A plurality of three-dimensional, imitation fish is attached either on a top surface or to an underside of the sheet and is made of flexible rubber. The spreader bars are made of clear plastic and may be cylindrical tubes with cross sections which may be L-shaped, circular, oval-shaped or triangular. End caps with finger grips seal opposite ends of the cylindrical tubes.

Abstract: A fishing rod is electronically enhanced to improve sensitivity and transmit to the user information related to conditions below the water surface in at or near real time.

Abstract: The fish set line 100 is an apparatus or kit that a fisherman may use: to be alerted when a fish has been caught; to provide a convenient means to adjust the proper line length; and to provide a convenient means of storing the fishing combination. The fish set line 100 may include a housing means 110; an attachment means 120 and an attachment line 130 for attaching the fish set line 100 with a fixed structure; a swivel 136 attached with the attachment line 130; a motion activated light means 140 for detecting motion related to fish engagement; a fish hook 150; a hook line 152; a weight 158; a hook line shaft 160; and a locking crank means 162 for reeling in the hook line 152 and locking the hook line 150 in place.

Abstract: A sport fishing system having: a rod and reel, including fishing line; at least one fishing lure or natural bait; and a controlled released fish attractant for applying to the fishing lure or natural bait. The system may further include an applicator for applying the controlled released fish attractant to the fishing lure or natural bait. In the preferred embodiment, the controlled release fish attractant includes: an attractant and a substantially hydrophobic, film forming release agent.

Abstract: An equipment selecting system for assisting in selecting optimal fishing equipment for catching a desired type of fish that includes a correlating device for displaying a first reference and a second reference. The first reference is associated with a type of fish selected from a plurality of types of fish. Each fishing kit is optimized for fishing for one of the plurality of types of fish. The second reference of the correlating device is associated with a suggested one of the fishing kits. The fishing kits are preferably assembled to provide optimal equipment for a particular species of fish, as indicated by the correlating device.

Abstract: A hand-held manually swingable chum distributing device including a substantially elongated bat-shaped housing having a hollow interior, a closed handle at a proximal end thereof and an enlarged open distal end. The distal end is defined by an opening formed preferably generally diagonally to a longitudinal axis of the housing. The hollow interior is sized to receive and hold a quantity of chum therein which is placeable or pourable into the hollow interior when the housing is held tipped upwardly and with the opening upwardly facing. An interior surface of the housing adjacent the opening is smooth and uninterrupted to allow the chum within the hollow interior to flow smoothly therefrom when the housing is held by the handle and swung. Flotation material within the handle preferably renders the device buoyant in water.

Abstract: A bait rigging holder includes a V-shaped trough supports the bait along its entire length during insertion of rigging needles through the bait. The trough includes a frontal slot that allows the rigging needle to be inserted through the jaw and nose when the bait is vertically oriented. The trough includes a side slot for transverse insertion of the rigging needle through the gill covers, preparatory to tying closure. Both insertions may be made without encountering any point dulling surfaces and allow the fish to be removed after penetration for manually completing the rigging operations. The holder includes provisions for holding a plurality of needles of varying sizes, as well as a support for rigging spools.

Abstract: Generally, a method and apparatus for the automated acquisition of information related to fishing is provided. In one embodiment, a data acquisition system is provided comprising a memory, a processor coupled to the memory, a communication port for coupling to a vessel navigation system and a switch, which when actuated, causes information retrieved from the vessel navigation system to be stored in memory. The information, which includes attributes associated with the event, may be recall for viewing and analysis. The information may also be exported from the data acquisition system to a remotely stored database.