Abstract: A fish bait applicator that has a finger grip with a light reflective, textured surface and has a attachment port to attach the applicator to the equipment or clothing of the user. The fingergrip also causes the applicator to float in water. There is a shaft with one end connected to the fingergrip. The shaft has on the other end a hook with a sharpened leading edge. There is a latch means that pivots over the hook to restrict access to the hook and to reduce the change of a leader loop from being dislodged from the hook when the applicator is being pulled back through the bait. There is a recess in the shaft to receive the latch means when the latch means is not in place over the hook. There is a latch means port into which the latch means is pivotally mounted.

Abstract: A fish hook extraction device quickly removes a fish hook embedded in a person by locating the eyelet of the hook in a hook-eye nest which is secured to a first line threaded through a neck extension of an injection molded plastic fish hook extraction device. A second line is secured about the curved portion of the hook. The second line is also threaded through the neck extension of the extraction device and secured to a rigid member, at a choice of locations, depending upon the size of the hook. An operator grasping one portion of the extraction device with two fingers locates a thumb upon a thumb pad. Upon application of pressure by the thumb on the thumb pad, the rigid member is caused to pivot about a living hinge of the device so that upon simultaneous squeezing motion of the first two fingers and the thumb, pressure is applied to the hook-eye nest which directs force downwardly through the hook to unseat the barbed end of the hook.

Abstract: An instrumented drift fish aggregating device to attract game fish for harvest. A highly positive flotation buoy with instrumentation including visual and radio acquisition devices floats on the water. Suspended from the buoy are a plurality of suspension lines connected to a ballast weight, which combine for stability of the buoy. A multiplicity of fish attraction streamers are connected to the suspension lines. The device can provide information to a remote location, such as a fishing vessel, by radio means as to its location, water temperature and quantity of fish in the vicinity of the buoy.

Abstract: It has long been the practice to treat fishing flies with various solutions to enable them to float or to manufacture them in such a manner in order to have them float. A compound containing 1,1,1-trichloroethane and silicone in a waxed preparation form are mixed for use as an agent to keep the flies dry and enable them to float when the fishing fly is dipped into said solution. A method of treating the fishing fly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A bait holder (10) for use in impaling bait with a fish hook includes a cover (11) having an opening (12) formed therein. A flexible, fabric panel (21) is adjustably attached at first and second portions to the cover to define a bait holding chamber (22). Tongs (26) are movably positioned partly within the bait holding chamber (22) for movement between a first position in which a bait gripping portion (36, 37) of the tongs is positioned adjacent the opening (12) in the cover and a second position in which the tongs extend outwardly through an open end of the bait holding chamber to position the bait gripping portion externally of the bait holding chamber, as for grasping and retrieving bait.

Abstract: An open eye awl is used to thread a fishing line leader and straight shank portion of the hook into the bait instead of inserting the barbed point end of the fishing hook at the risk of damaging the bait. This reverse insertion of the hook further minimizes exposed portions of the hook and reliably secures the bait to the fishing line and fishing hook. The leader can be easily installed and removed from the open eye awl before and after insertion even using slippery bait. After baiting, the leader is attached to the fishing line in a conventional manner using a snap clip and loop assembly. The device and method are especially suited for frozen bait. The awl is shaped to create the convenient channel through the bait for the leader and hook shank without apparent deformation, and with minimal holding of the bait.

Abstract: An ice chip clearing tool is for clearing ice chips made by boring a cylindrical hole through the ice by pushing those chips under the ice. The tool includes a downwardly concave circular plate of about the same diameter as the bore hole, a handle, and a rigid shaft extending between the plate and the handle. Openings in the plate allow water to pass through the plate while preventing ice chips from passing therethrough. The tool is forced vigorously down through the fishing hole, carrying the chips a substantial distance below the bottom surface of the ice, and the tool is tipped to allow the chips to float up from the plate to position under the ice at a distance spaced from the ice fishing hole.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for transferring marine creatures from one pressure environment to another. The apparatus includes a rigid container having at least one access opening, and a fluid-tight closure for the access opening. Structure is provided for gradually permitting the escape of fluid from within the container, and thereby the release of pressure. Pressure-indicating structure is also provided to facilitate the release of pressure within the container at a controlled rate. At least a portion of the container preferably is transparent to permit viewing of the marine animal within the container. A method for transferring marine animals from one pressure environment to another is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides pliers for safely gripping the lower lip of a fish in a manner which protects the fish from harm and enables handling of the fish by tending to compress a pressure point common in many fish and by enabling the mouth of the fish to be propped open for hook removal without direct contact between the fish and the fisherman, the fish gripping pliers having uniquely shaped handles which are secure and comfortable in the hand of the fisherman when in use and having C-shaped upper jaw with a tip which is perpendicular to the lower jaw upon closure and a lower jaw with an engaging surface that progresses toward its tip from a cylindrical portion to a convex forward portion with the tip thereof being rounded for engaging the flesh central to the mandible of the fish without injuring the same.

Abstract: A fish attractor using an electronically driven acoustic sounder. It includes a sounding board acoustically coupled to the surrounding water, which has the acoustic sounder connected thereto. The surrounding board may be suspended from the fishing vessel or dragged behind it. It may include simulated sea weed attached to the board and a dispenser for dispensing chumming oil.

Abstract: A method of harvesting earthworms from the ground soil includes forming a solution containing about 1 tablespoon dry mustard, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper and 1/4 teaspoon popcorn salt in 8 oz. of water, pouring the solution on the ground soil or injecting 2 oz. of the solution into a earthworm burrow causing the worms to emerge from the ground.

Abstract: A portable, collapsible ice fishing device includes a monolithic frame that has a seat section and a storage section and is adapted to be straddled. The storage section has two doors on which ice fishing reel elements, bobber elements and line brake elements are mounted. The doors are pivotably mounted and are adapted to swing from a downward direction to an upright position. The doors are held in the upright position by a rod. The device also includes peg and peg receiving holes in the reel elements for "remembering" the amount of fishing line fed off of the reel elements.

Abstract: A device for attracting fish in fresh water lakes and ponds is presented and includes one or more disk which are tandemly arranged and are anchored by a tubular transparent anchor which contains bait fish. The disk have a concave configuration and are formed from a floatable plastic. A serrated edge on at least the bottom disk provides a niche for a fishing line to maintain the fishing line bait near the fish which congregate under the disks.

Abstract: A device for testing the hooking effectiveness of a fishing lure, comprising a frame, a pair of jaws representative of the jaws of a fish mounted on the frame for movement of the jaws toward and away from a closed position, and a resilient mechanism urging the jaws toward their closed position. The arrangement is such that a fishing lure comprising a head and a trailing hook is adapted to be pulled, head first, through the jaws with the jaws moving away from their closed position as the head passes between the jaws and thereafter moving under the bias of the resilient mechanism back toward their closed position. The trailing hook is adapted either to hook one of the jaws indicating that the lure is generally effective for hooking fish or to pass between the jaws without hooking one of the jaws indicating that the lure is less effective for hooking fish.

Abstract: A fishing worm threader for facilitating the placement of a live worm, or the like, on a fishing hook. The threader comprises a hollow threading tube, one end of which being embedded within a handle. The opposite end of the tube is angled (e.g. at 60 degrees) to form a hollow socket within which to receive the barb of a conventional fishing hook. In operation, the worm is first theaded onto the tube. The barb is then located within the socket so that the worm can be displaced (i.e. slid) from the threading tube onto the hook. A fishing line support extends outwardly from the handle to receive and maintain the fishing line in a taut condition during the worm threading operation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus using a pressurizable bladder for maintaining a hole open in outdoor ice atop a body of water. The apparatus has a top plug with an air tube and valve, an elongate bladder extending down from the plug, and radially spaced apart longitudinal cords in the bladder which constrains elongate growth but enable diameter growth of the bladder. The method has steps of placing the ice plug over a hole, weighing the ice plug, inflating the bladder to a pressure of about 2-3 PSIG, and restraining the ice plug in the hole with a diametrically expanded lower part of the bladder underneath the ice.

Abstract: A system for the mechanized handling of long lines uses a hook-collection tube scarfed at the intake and a long line storage winch with an auxiliary turn-around roller. The individual functional elements are mounted on the frame of the long line storage winch which serves as a line-hauling and storage member to provide functional cooperation of the individual functional elements.

Abstract: A treatment for a fishing lure is formed by the combination of a water insoluble carrier such as silicone grease and a water soluble chemical composition. The water soluble chemical composition is one which upon solution with water generates heat. Particularly suitable chemical compositions include sodium hydroxide and magnesium chloride. The treatment is applied to a fishing lure such as a fly. The fly is cast into water and the physical action of the water causes the chemical composition to be exposed to water thereby dissolving the chemical composition. As the chemical composition dissolves it generates heat at the surface of the lure. This heat is detected by fish which strike at the lure. This treatment is effective for a wide variety of lures and for catching a wide variety of different fish species.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with commercial long line fishing gear for receiving the long line as it is hauled from the sea, separating the gangions and hooks from the line and directing them to a storage tub or other storage means. The long line enters the apparatus through an entrance funnel and then passes through a guide funnel where the hooks are oriented substantially in a common plane. Thereafter, the line passes through a sorting gate assembly which orients the bends of the hooks in a common manner and directs them onto a rail assembly. The hooks are then guided by the rail assembly to a storage rail attached to a storage tube. As the hooks proceed along the rail assembly the ground line is drawn over a hydraulically powered sheave and directed into the storage tub.

Abstract: A modified hemostat adapted to be used as a multipurpose fishing tool has a clamping section, a fulcrum and handles. The clamping section has a first short space proximate to the tips and a longer space proximate to flat-shaped sections adjacent the fulcrum. The spaces are on the inner surface of the clamping section and are formed by cavities in the jaws. The jaws should be designed to be in substantial contact when the hemostat is in the closed position. The unit can also have crimpers, cutters and vices on its inner surfaces.

Abstract: A fishing probe apparatus comprises an immersible probe attached to the end of an optic fiber fishing line which carries optic signals transmitted by the probe to a receiver and display unit on the fishing pole. The probe transmits data pertaining to aquatic conditions in the vicinity of a leader and hook attached to the probe.

Abstract: An improved system for baiting fishhooks attached to a fishing line is disclosed. The system comprises a line storage unit and a baiting unit. A fishing line is drawn out of the storage unit and through a bait hopper which contains a series of bearings and deflectors. The hopper is filled with a mixture of liquid and baits, and as the fishing line with attached hooks is drawn through the mixture, each fishhook snags a bait before exiting the hopper. The hopper may include a rotating bearing for varying the path of the fishing line and hooks through the liquid/bait mixture, thus increasing the likelihood that each hook will be baited. The motion of the fishing line as it is drawn through the mixture creates a circulation, which tends to prevent accumulation of the baits at the bottom of the hopper that could interfere with the baiting process.

Abstract: A pneumatically operated device for collecting biological specimens under water in a receiving chamber and employing a pneumatically operated plunger for creating suction at an intake to the receiving chamber is provided with a nozzle having a movable end remote from the intake. A pneumatic nozzle activator is operated in tandem with the plunger to extend the movable end of the nozzle away from the intake and toward a live biological specimen to be trapped. Concurrent retraction of the plunger and extension of the movable nozzle end toward the specimen, enhances the likelihood of a successful capture. A specimen collecting container may be coupled to the receiving chamber, and flapper valves within the nozzle, at the receiving chamber intake, and at a specimen collecting port leading to the collecting container facilitate the direction of the specimen into the collection container while reducing the likelihood that the specimen will escape.

Abstract: The device of the invention consists of a temperature sensitive device embedded in a matrix which provides a useful heat flow pattern. Apparently the device exploits the difference in the thermal conductivities of air versus other media, such as water or slurries, to function. Plastics are the preferred matrix material for most applications. The insulating and non-wettability properties of plastics may contribute to the observed useful properties as well. The chemical resistance of certain plastics can provide additional useful variations. The invention is especially useful as an aid to fishing. The device readily and simply identifies which waters have the best chance of containing fish. Other examples are municipal drinking water tanks, liquid cargo tanks, oil and water wells, etc.

Abstract: A method of constructing and assembling a fishing lure including a stylet with a hole for pushing through a fishing lure or bait such as a worm from one end to another end, placing monofilament line through the stylet, pulling the line back through the lure, affixing a hook to one end of the line, placing at least a portion of the hook into the lure, and connecting the other end of the line to a fishing tackle connection. The stylet can be utilized with plastic worms, live worms, minnows, or any other type of bait or artificial lures. The method provides for the construction and assembly of a fishing lure with a hook positioned in the rear of the bait, and a monofilament line extending through a mojor portion of the bait.

Abstract: There is disclosed a fishing lure having a fish attractant body which is formed of a water soluble polymer having a slow dissolution rate. The polymer contains a fish scent attractant. The fish scent attractant can be encapsulated within the polymer, e.g., fish or blood meal can be included in the polymer so that it will be slowly dispensed into the water as the polymer dissolves. The preferred polymer is polyvinyl alcohol having a preselected degree of hydrolysis of its ester groups to achieve the desired water solubility rate, and optionally plasticized with glycerol. The attractant can be a sheet which has a plurality of parallel and coextensive slits to provide parallel strips that depend from an unslit portion thereby permitting the sheet material to be wrapped about a lure body and secured in place so that the parallel strips extend rearwardly from the body, permitting them to undulate in the water as the lure is pulled through the water simulating the swimming movements of a small fish.

Abstract: A combination bobbin and knot tying tool has a knot-tying element attached to the bobbin. In one embodiment, the element is secured to the rear of the bobbin. In a second embodiment, the front end of the thread tube of the bobbin is tapered to form a knot-tying element. In another embodiment, the barrel of the tool is slidingly mounted on the thread tube of the bobbin and slides from a retracted position rearward of the tip of the thread tube to a forward position in which the conical end of the barrel with its eye receiving cavity is forward of the tip of the thread tube.

Abstract: An ice fishing apparatus and method for retrieving fish through an ice hole during ice fishing provides a support member that is mounted to a base member that is supported by the upper surface of an ice layer. The support member is extended and retracted through the ice hole and is operative to support a fish during such motion. An extension and retrieval mechanism, such as a slide rod interconnecting the base and support member, operates to extend and retract the support member whereby a fish caught on a fishing line may be maneuvered to the ice hole, and onto the support member and supported during upward movement through the ice hole. The support member may be pivoted out of alignment with the ice hole so as not to obstruct the lower opening thereto, and biased against the ice layer lower surface in a ready position. An adjustable limit stop accommodates ice layers of varied thicknesses. The base member is preferably a circular collar, and the support member a pan element with drain holes.

Abstract: A line tying device especially useful for tying a fish line to a fish hook or to another fish line. The line is helically wound a number of times around a mandrel body; the free end of the line is then passed through a groove in the mandrel body into the space circumscribed by the helical windings. A depression in the tip end area of the mandrel body keeps the helical winding in place; after the windings have been formed a pulling force may be exerted on the free end of the line to draw the wound area (knot) off of the mandrel body.

Abstract: A temperature measuring device includes a temperature sensor which is located adjacent one end of an elongated member such as a hiking/wading staff or a fishing rod. A temperature measurement display device is located in the vicinity of the other end of the elongated member. Selectable predetermined temperature alarm limits are included to provide visual, or audible and/or tactile alarms when the temperature measured by the temperature sensor exceeds the predetermined alarm limits. In another embodiment, the temperature sensor is electrically connected to the temperature measurement display through a connector disposed in a fishing reel which, when mounted on the handle of the fishing rod, effects the electrical connection between the temperature sensor and the temperature measurement display to be made.

Abstract: Three different apparatus for feeding artificial bait are disclosed. One feeds individual bait size pieces from a stack of such pieces. A second feeds elongated strips from a stack of strips to a baiting station and cuts incremental pieces presented at the baiting station. A third apparatus feeds a continuous, elongated strip of bait wound onto a reel to a baiting station and cuts incremental pieces presented at the baiting station.

Abstract: Two half sections of bamboo defining three chambers contain a pre-inflated helium gas balloon with a radio beacon, two bags of surface dye, and bait fish. The sections are secured together by multiple wrappings of line ending in hooks or lures. When the associated probe is deployed, the windings unravel in free-fall--separating the half sections and dispersing the bait. The balloon is released and descends to the water surface, where the line hooks and the bait submerge. An aquatic nibble causes the balloon to bob. A more forceful bite separates the bags of dye--creating a surface marker. If a hook is set, the line also extracts a pin from the balloon--activating the radio beacon and freeing it to rise to an altitude where an induced leak soon results in the balloon redescending to the surface of the water. Upon reaching the surface, normal wave propagation forces out the residual gas and the balloon, being no longer buoyant under the weight of the radio beacon, sinks to the ocean bottom.

Abstract: A bait forming gun is set forth for the formation of bait associated with fishing. A tray containing a dough-like bait composition is positioned for accepting a forward portion barrel of the gun wherein previously a fishing hook has been inserted through a first axial slot along the barrel wherein upon imposing of the barrel into the bait, the barrel is twisted to sever the bait and encase the fishing hook with the bait. A second diametrically opposed slot within a forwardmost portion of the barrel of an axial extent greater than that of the first slot is positioned to prevent sticking of the bait within the barrel when an associated release plunger is depressed and a spring biased magnet normally holding the bait and hook forced forwardly to eject the bait and hook from the gun.

Abstract: An automatic worm hooker (2) for rapidly and safely embedding a fishing hook (10) completely within the body of a worm (8) includes an impaling member (20) whereon the worm (8) is impaled along the length of the worm, an extending member (18) which supports the impaling member (20), and a hand gripping member (16) attached to the extending member (18) for conveniently holding the apparatus (2) and tensioning the fishing line (12) attached to the hook (10). The impaling member (20) has a free end (44) that is tapered and concave. Once the worm (8) is impaled along the length of the impaling member (20), the point (50) of the hook (10) is inserted in the concave portion (72) of the free end (44) of the impaling member (20). The hook (10) and fishing line (12) are placed in tension by the user's hand. The worm (8) is then slid off of the impaling member (20) and onto the hook (10) with the result that the hook (10) is completely embedded in the body of the worm (8).

Abstract: An improved fishing device and method comprising a shank, a rearwardly located means for attaching fishing line, one or more forwardly located fishhooks, and a forwardly located bait restraining means, such as a forward-facing hook. The device is preferably inserted, rearward end first, into the mouth of a bait fish such that the rearward portion and bait restraining means lie within the bait, and the fishhook or fishhooks protrude from the point of insertion. The bait restraining means is then engaged with the bait such that when the device is pulled in a forward direction by a fishing line, the bait remains secured to the device yet is substantially uninjured and unimpaired by the device.

Abstract: A removable inflatable device for temporarily plugging holes in an ice layer for assisting fishermen in maintaining or preserving a previously formed hole in the ice layer during periods of absence when the hole is left unattended. The inflatable device includes a hollow generally cylindrical tubular assembly with an inflatable bladder forming the core, and having a plurality of discrete layers enclosing the inflatable core which include a foam liner enclosing the bladder and an outer sleeve disposed over and firmly enclosing the foam liner and inflatable bladder. The foam liner comprises a layer of synthetic resinous foam with a generally closed-cell structure, and is wrapped about the exterior of the bladder so as to form an overlapped segment along the axial length of the bladder.

Abstract: A two pronged apparatus for baiting a fishing hook without contact between the bait and the fisherman's hands. Two resiliently opposed base portions are joined at a common end and have arms extending therefrom. Each arm culuminates in a gripping portion defining a slot which is open at one end. The apparatus is operated by gripping with the hand with the index finger extending along one arm and the thumb extending along the opposite arm. By alternately squeezing the thumb and forefinger together, bait may be picked up between the gripping portions. While the bait is held by the gripping portions, a fishing hook is inserted through one slot, piercing the bait and exiting through the opposite slot. In this fashion, a fishing hook may be baited without the bait being touched by human hands. In one example a roughened inner surface is provided on each gripping portion to provide improved traction for gripping the bait.

Abstract: An elongate flexible cable defines an adjustable loop in one end and slidably carries a hook thereon for releasable positioning to provide a harness for a fish to fasten a fish's head to its tail to prevent flopping and thrashing. A fixed loop in one cable end has the cable passed through it to form the slidable loop to attach to a fish's tail. The slidably mounted hook is connected to the cable by a hole defined in an "L" shaped bracket to provide adjustably releasable positioning that is maintained by tensive forces on the bracket that cause canting.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for immobilization of an earthworm 13 to facilitate the baiting of a fishing hook. To immobilize the earthworm, the earthworm is partially coated with sharp grained sand 11 having a grain size of less than 1/20th of an inch. The apparatus 10 for carrying out the method consists of rectangular container 12 and a reservoir of sharp grained sand 11 and cover 14. Placing earthworm 13 in the apparatus 10 and allowing earthworm 13 to at least partially coat itself with sharp grained sand 11, results in the temporary immobilization of earthworm 13. Earthworm 13 is then impaled on the fishing hook by the fisherman. As soon a the baited hook is immersed in water, the sand is rinsed from earthworm 13 and it resumes wiggling.

Abstract: A tong-like device which contains a bottom strip with an opening through which a fishing jig eye can be inserted and a top strip which has a tab with a point which can be pressed down so that the top tab passes behind the bottom tab and the point passes through the jig eye removing any materials therein. The end of the device where the upper and lower strips meet may be coated with plastic.

Abstract: A multi-purpose fly fishing implement or device is disclosed for the preparation of artificial flies and leaders to which artificial flies are attached. The device is formed as a cylindrical container about the size of a fountain pen and is adapted to be carried in the pocket of a garment worn by a fisherman. The device has several interconnected, separable segments which perform different functions. One segment contains a fly-treatment fluid and an applicator to apply a thin coating of such fluid onto an artificial fly to treat the same. A second segment serves to both straighten and to remove the shine from a leader. A third segment incorporates a holding clip which holds the device in a garment pocket when the segments are connected together and which further carries a leader cutting means. A method of conditioning artificial flies and leaders using such device is also described.

Abstract: An ice fishing assembly includes a conical ring member adapted for the insertion of a fishing pole having a spring-type signaling device. Two displaceably connected sections of transparent plastic resilient material normally enclose the top opening of the ring member and permit the extraction of fish during which the sections are automatically displaced. The plastic sections are interchangeable with styrofoam sections of the same size to further retard and prevent the passage of heat and air energy from the water to the atmosphere. A plurality of assemblies may be nested together and carried in a common receptacle with the fishing apparatus poles in the central cavity of the innermost ring member to be conveniently transported as a kit to allow the fishing of a plurality of ice holes.

Abstract: A multiple remote controlled down rigger and planing board system includes a central control unit that produces control signals for a plurality of remote controlled units disposed near reversible motors controlling the respective down rigger and planing board systems. The central controller includes a memory and input device for accepting input commands from the user at the central location and a position signal generator for generating position signals and control signals causing the down rigger and planing board fishing system to oscillate either in depth or in distance from the boat. The central unit also includes a display showing line depth and distance. The remote controlled units include means to override the control signals from the central control, each remote unit includes a local means for displaying line depth.

Abstract: A totally portable fishing equipment device to facilitate the clean and self-contained preparation of cut bait for the sports angler comprising a solid octagonal cutting block whose perpendicular planar sides coact with the sloping inner walls and bottom of the permanently attached tub or reservoir while the invention is being used aboard a sport fishing vessel moving from one fishing location to another. The interaction between the octagonal cutting block and the sloping inner walls and bottom of the tub or reservoir prevent the standard angler's cutting tool from bouncing or leaping out of the trough of the tub or reservoir when the invention is sustaining vibrations caused by the motion of a sport fishing vessel without the attention of the mate or angler.

Abstract: Three different apparatus for feeding artificial bait are disclosed. One feeds individual bait size pieces from a stack of such pieces. A second feeds elongated strips from a stack of strips to a baiting station and cuts incremental pieces presented at the baiting station. A third apparatus feeds a continuous, elongated strip of bait wound onto a reel to a baiting station and cuts incremental pieces presented at the baiting station.

Abstract: A water temperature measuring device includes a temperature sensor which is located adjacent one end of an elongated member such as a hiking/wading staff or a fishing rod. A temperature readout device is located in the vicinity of the other end of the elongated member. The output of the temperature sensor is electrically coupled to the temperature readout device which is powered by an electric storage battery or a solar power supply contained in a handle of the hiking/wading staff or fishig rod. In another embodiment, the temperature readout device is located in a fishing reel which is mounted on the handle of the fishing rod. Mounting of the reel on the rod causes the making of electrical contact between the readout device and the temperature sensor and power source.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a fish attracting fluid to fishing tackle is disclosed. The apparatus includes a box having an upper portion with an opening including an upper segment of resilient, absorbent material attached therein. The box has a lower portion with an opening including a lower segment of resilient absorbent material attached therein. The segments are of such thickness as to contact one another when the box is closed. The box is also provided with an offset hinge pin for the proper positioning of the box portions during opening and closing. The segments are provided with a fish attracting fluid so that when the box is closed with fishing tackle therein, the fishing tackle will be coated with the fluid. Also disclosed is the method of coating fishing tackle with fish attracting fluid as through the use of such box.

Abstract: A combination fishing device consisting of an ice skimmer and gaff respectively mounted on extensibly connected handles, and a spring latch carried by one of the handles, when the handles are extended, engages an annular groove in the other handle and automatically releasably latches said handles in extended position.

Abstract: A hand held device for safely holding a fish hook or small component while a line or leader is attached, having a tapered, slotted pen barrel shaped member (10), which encloses a coil spring (30), which in turn encloses the sharp portion of a hook, a cap (10a) with an adapted pocket clip (20) and a line cutter (21). The device safely assists in attaching line to a fish hook or small component faster than prior methods and produces a knot that is stronger because the line is attached with two wraps of line through the eye of a fish hook.

Abstract: A hollow, elongated tubular member, constructed of flexible resilient material and including an inlet-outlet for admitting and discharging fluid under pressure, is adapted to be disposed in a hole in a layer of ice so that the top and bottom ends extend upwardly and downwardly above and below the layer of ice such that, when inflated, the top and bottom ends expand to seal the hole and to retain the hollow tubular member as an easily removable plug to displace water within the hole and thereby prevent reformation of the ice therein. The method of temporarily plugging a hole in a layer of ice includes the steps of providing an elongated, resilient inflatable tube, inserting the tub partially through the ice hole and inflating the tube to expand the top and bottom so as to retain the tube in the hole.