Abstract: A spring-loaded receptacle designed to accept and reversibly link a stringer spike to an angler or watercraft to collect and combine fish. The sheath is a dual lumen device comprised of an outer tubular shell, a vertically movable, hollow inner stem, and a helical spring about the lower portion of the inner stem. The inner stem manifests three holes drilled at 120 degrees from one another and beads placed in these holes for engaging and securing the spike. A conically shaped bead deflector skirts the inner stem, surrounds the bead system, and exhibits a widening circumference as it descends into the outer shell. Spike insertion is accomplished by depressing the stem, compressing the spring, and allowing bead movement downward and outward away from the sheath center. The beads grip the spike when the stem is released, the spring expands, and the beads move into the bead deflector's tapered angle.

Abstract: This invention provides a livewell for storing and/or transporting live fish, and an insert for a livewell, including a padding system that is disposed between at least one wall of the tank one or more fish. The livewell or the insert may include one or more sensors, wherein the one or more sensors provide monitoring of oxygen, temperature, pH, and/or ammonia in the water of the livewell. The livewell or the insert may further include apparatus that performs at least one function selected from circulating, oxygenating, filtering, and chilling water in the livewell, optionally in accordance with at least one corresponding sensor. The padding system may include one or more portions that divide the livewell into two or more chambers, each chamber adapted to accommodate a fish. In one embodiment, the padding system comprises at least one pouch adapted to accommodate a fish.

Abstract: A fish holding device for culling fish has a forward section with an upper member and a lower member and a spring located therebetween having sufficient biasing force for maintaining the lip of a fish between the ends of the upper and lower member when the holding device is in the closed position. The holding device further comprises a rear section for locking the holding device in the closed position. The rear section is connected to the lower member of the forward section and is rotatable between a non-locking position and a locking position over the upper member of the forward section. When the lip of a fish is secured between the upper and lower members of the forward section the rear section is in position over and secured to the upper member of the forward section, the holding device is locked in place on the fish.

Abstract: A fish live box has a frame assembly supporting a mesh screen surrounding a chamber for accommodating fish. A minnow cage is located in the chamber. A top wall and door closes the top of the frame assembly. Brackets mount the fish live box to a dock. Upright legs mounted on the frame assembly are vertically adjustable to locate pads on the bottom of the legs on the bed of a body of water to support the fish live box on the bottom of a body of water.

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: Devices, methods, and systems are disclosed for harvesting a member of a marine species while minimizing or preventing contact between the harvester and the marine species. Certain embodiments reduce the opportunity for contact between the harvester and the harvested member by providing mechanical means for removing the harvested member from a spear. The invention method includes, in one case, the steps of impaling the marine species member, removing the member from the impaling device, and securing the removed member in a manner to prevent contact with the harvester during each step of the method.

Abstract: A live aqueous animal container having: a) an insulated housing; b) the insulated housing having an insulated base and insulated water tight walls forming a water-retaining volume having a maximum internal height within which water can be retained in the volume while the housing insulated base is seated on a flat surface; c) the insulated housing having an openable top; d) at least one wall or the base having a port therein; e) a hollow tube having a first end connected to the port and a second end connected to a water-submersible, electric fluid pump; f) the electric pump connected to a battery powering the electric pump; g) the insulated housing having a self-leveling water system that levels water in the water-retaining volume to a level at least 5% below the maximum internal height.

Abstract: A fishing rod holder includes a base plate and a fishing ice box. The base plate is provided with at least one rod holding portion that is erectable or foldable. The rear edge of the base plate is connected by hinges to the bottom of one side surface of the fishing ice box, so that the base plate can be folded to abut against the side surface of the fishing ice box. Therefore, the present invention provides a fishing rod holder that includes a fishing ice box attached to at least one rod holding portion. Further, the fishing ice box is also used for supporting the fishing rod, so that the present invention can be folded for storage and ease of carrying.

Abstract: A boat holding tank for anesthetizing fish is described having a pulsator, with the pulsator having an anode output and a cathode output; a holding tank capable of receiving an aquatic animal, the holding tank further comprising an anode probe and a cathode probe, with the anode cathode probe of the holding tank switchably connected to the anode and cathode output of the pulsator, such that when the pulsator is activated the aquatic animal in the holding tank is anesthetized.

Abstract: A fishing bait pen includes an upper floating member and a lower member having a specific gravity that enables the lower member to sink in water. A sidewall extends generally between the upper floating member and the lower member. A bottom is provided adjacent the lower member. The wall and bottom include a series of openings for permitting water to flow into and out of a fishing bait pen. Both the upper floating member and the lower member are sufficiently flexible such that each can be bent at multiple points and folder over to form a collapsed configuration.

Abstract: The bait well apparatus provides for hands-free carry of live bait within an ergonomically shaped apparatus. The concave inner surface fits against a user's hip or leg or even waist, depending upon the chosen wear location. A belt is provided that fits a user's waist or hips. A small optional belt is provided that fits a user's leg. The two clips disposed on the concave inner surface are selectively hooked over a given belt or other clothing item. The lid is hinged to open over the well within the body of the apparatus. The apparatus is provided in more than one size. One size, for example, holds 48 ounces of water. Another exemplary size holds up to 64 ounces of water.

Abstract: A container and method for storing and imparting a scent to an object. The container having an outer layer formed to define an object receiving space and fabricated of a moisture and gas barrier material. The container further having an inner scented layer having a scent incorporated therein such that, upon an object being disposed in the object receiving space, the scent of the inner scented layer is imparted to the object while the outer layer serves as a barrier to prevent surrounding objects from being contaminated with the scent.

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: In some embodiments, a portable floor may include one or more of the following features: (a) a frame having a top surface and a bottom surface, (b) a pre-cut hole in the floor adapted to allow a ice-fishing auger, (c) a plug to cover the at least one hole, (d) a container which is attachable to the floor, the container having a hinged top lid providing access to the interior of the container and a fishing rod holder, (e) an insulated material located adjacent to the frame, (f) a non-slip material coupled to the top surface, (g) a means for coupling the container to the floor, (h) a container to store live bait, (i) lights protruding from containers, and (j) cup holders.

Abstract: A submergible container that includes a plurality of fluid passages formed through a container body to allow a chamber of the container to fill when submerged in water to form a live well is described. In embodiments described, the container is formed of an oval or egg shaped body to provide a streamline contour for towing through the water. In an illustrated embodiment, the container includes a wheel assembly and pull handle to transport the container over the ground. The illustrated container includes a closure that is operable between an open position and a closed position to insert items into the container.

Abstract: This involves a box, a box stack and a packaging for storage boxes for bloodworms, made of substantially parallelepipedal plastic. Each box comprises a container for retaining the bloodworms and their medium of isosceles trapezoidal section and having a surround the periphery of which is perpendicular to the bottom at a distance from the outer face of the lateral walls and with a height of between ¼ and ? of the height of said container. The surround comprises stiffening lugs with a length greater than its height, arranged so that, when the upper container is fitted onto a lower container, the resting of the lugs of the upper surround on the top of the lower surround provides on the one hand a space for retaining the worms and their medium between the lower face of the upper container and the upper face of the lower container and, on the other hand, a zigzag empty space between the volume of air trapped between said faces and the outside of the containers.

Abstract: A leech trap consisting of a location marking float and an enclosure having a removable lid and a first plurality of holes through the surface of the enclosure to allow entry of leeches into the enclosure. The lower end of the enclosure is weighted and contains a second plurality of smaller holes for rapid drainage of water without loss of the trapped leeches.

Abstract: A buoyant live bait container constructed to contain a quantity of live bait beneath the surface of a body of water via a tether line coupled to ballast anchor and/or nesting flotation collar. A twist-lock cover having a buoyant liner, flow ports and/or carry handle interlocks with a porous storage housing. A positive buoyancy collar can be fitted to the housing. Holes, ported appendages or a cross piece displaced from a concave housing bottom wall can support a tether line coupled to a ballasted anchor. The housing can also provide a longitudinal sidewall flotation member.

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 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 fish live box has a frame assembly supporting a mesh screen surrounding a chamber for accommodating fish. A top wall and door closes the top of the frame assembly. Brackets mount the live box to a dock. Upright legs mounted on the frame assembly are vertically adjustable to locate pads on the bottom of the legs on the bed of a body of water to support the box on the bottom of a body of water.

Abstract: A fishing case equipped with compartments to separate, organize and contain all necessary tackle required in an easily accessible manor by the fisherman including pole, real, hooks, lures and bait in a secure protected manner. The entire case is constructed of a durable moldable material shaped in an rectangular tube with two outer shells that open on one side with hinges and both closeable and lockable for security and containment purposes. Each of the multiple compartments is self contained with its own openable and securable compartment to enable organization of the items carried as well as a separate insulated bait compartment permitting the carrying of live baits.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for dispensing products that includes a theft deterrent retail product dispensing hook. In certain embodiments, the hook prevents product “sweeping” (where a thief quickly empties a conventional retail hook of product) and also delivers a time-delayed delivery of product per hook. A specific embodiment of a time-delay display hook system comprises a two-prong system having an upper member and a lower member, with the upper member supporting a dispensing system and the lower member supporting a product to be dispensed. Upon triggering of an activation member, the dispensing system releases a single product and provides a time-delay between dispensing of further product.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a bait bucket assembly for retaining bait therein. More specifically, a bait bucket assembly is described that may facilitate transferring bait from a cast net therein while minimizing, if not preventing, undesired egression of the bait from the bait bucket assembly, i.e., the bait “escaping” from the bait bucket. Further, the bait bucket assembly may facilitate desired egression of the bait from the bait bucket assembly, i.e., a user retrieving the bait. The bait bucket assembly comprises a bucket having a funnel to achieve the above. The bait bucket assembly may further comprise a floatation device such that the same may float in water.

Abstract: A receptacle for receiving, counting and temporarily storing game, such as fish, has an opening or passageway into the interior of the receptacle. The opening or passageway is normally covered by a closure member or door which is selectively slidable between a normally closed position and an open position. Each time the door or closure member is substantially open, a counter will be indexed to indicate that a piece of game has been placed in the receptacle.

Abstract: A live insect habitat that also serves as a retail receptacle for point of sale display of the insects. In particular, the invention comprises a cricket habitat and point of sale display receptacle for the sale of live crickets primarily for fishing bait and pet food purposes. The habitat/receptacle includes a housing having side walls with a sight window formed therein for purposes of permitting viewing of the inside of the housing and insect habitat from the outside. A habitat insert is located inside the housing and includes a multiple-sided member that partitions the interior space of the housing into discrete subspaces connected by passages giving the crickets ample room in which to crawl about. The housing and the habitat insert can be made of a moisture absorbent material in order to reduce the moisture content of the cricket environment. An item of cricket food is located in the housing whereby the retail habitat/receptacle has a prolonged shelf life while maintaining healthy live crickets.

Abstract: A submersible bait apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus may include a submersible transparent container that holds live fishing bait. A light assembly may be coupled to the container. The light assembly may include one or more cordless, electrically powered light sources that provide a user selectable illumination color.

Abstract: A floating fish holding container that rides in the water partially submerged with perforated sides and a top including a flexible net material spanning the container top with a closeable opening to the net. The floating live fish container is made of sufficiently strong plastic material to withstand shark attacks directed at the catch inside the container. The device also has perforated side walls to permit the flow of water into the container.

Abstract: A fish cooler device 10 comprising an insulated fish cooler lid 20 that provides a means for ease of deposition of fish, a funnel shaped fish receiver 30 for dropping fish through an aperture 22 and a trap door 40 into a thermally insulated container 24. The fish cooler device 10 may also feature an ice chest or cooler with two lids, an upper lid 26 and the fish cooler lid 20; and a fish remover tray 90 that provides for the fish to be easily removed from the ice/ice water without having to handle a single fish, and a funnel shaped fish receiver 30.

Abstract: The invention is a fish transport sack specifically designed to transport larger fish such as salmon or steelhead by wading or pedestrian fisherman. The salmon is a large fish approximately 10 to 30 pounds in weight and lengths sometimes exceeding 30 inches. A fish of this size is cumbersome to carry by hand in the traditional method with a stringer, particularly when long distances need to be traversed across rugged terrain such as steep hills and fallen trees. The dangling of the fish on the stringer causes considerable strain on the fisherman's hands, wrist, arms, and shoulders. The discomfort is compounded when several large fish need to be carried simultaneously. The fish sack carrier (10) is of an oblong fish-like shape in order to position the fish in a vertical position with its head downward. This position reduces strain on the fisherman by evenly distributing the weight on their back and shoulder.

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 device for transportation and selective release of live bait organisms is disclosed. The device has a ventilated body providing a plurality of ventilation openings, a lid having a lid base adapted to interfit with the ventilated body and tapering to an opening defined opposite the base. The opening is wide enough to allow only a single bait organism to pass. The lid has a trap door sprung in a normally closed position to cover the opening. A base is adapted to interfit with the ventilated body and provide at least one tackle storage compartment.

Abstract: The invention is a fishing cooler that has wheels and a handle. The fishing cooler also features a plurality of cup holders, an externally removable and attachable rod holder, and a tackle box that can be attached either internally or externally. The fishing cooler has two internal compartments. The first compartment is for storing bait, and is smaller than the second compartment, which is for storing caught fish. Water can pass between each compartment, and a drain plug enables evacuation of all water inside of the cooler. Integrated on top of the cooler is a measuring line for such uses as measuring caught fish. The handle is hingedly connected at one side of the cooler, and extends when in use to enable the end user to pull the cooler behind he or she. The cooler may also include a drain cup and aerator that can be attached to either of the two drain plug holes. A portable light may be attached to the cooler.

Abstract: A fishing tackle box for holding artificial lures and live bait. A tubular main housing has a plurality of compartments at one end selectively closed by a rotatable lid for storing artificial lures. A plurality of cavities located at the opposite end of the housing is closed by hingedly mounted covers for holding live bait.

Abstract: A device for holding a bucket of frozen chum is fabricated primarily out of flexible plastic material that is integrally formed with a toroidal sleeve there around. The toroidal sleeve has a plastic foam floatation element housed therein, so that a frozen bucket of chum that is installed and contained in a cylindrical component of the device is maintained at a right distance below the surface of a body of water in which the device has been deployed. A plurality of holes are provided in components of the device, so that chum matter can pass there through as the frozen chum melts and exits the device into the surrounding body of water to attract fish. The device is also provided with a drawstring that cooperates with an upper edge of the cylindrical containing component to captivate the frozen bucket of chum therein.

Abstract: A floating apparatus for supporting fishing accessories includes a base member having a plurality of apertures. The apparatus further has a mechanism for floating the base member and a tether line including a plurality of spring clamps having opposed end portions removably connectable to the base member and a user respectively. The floating mechanism includes a first plurality of floats and a second plurality of floats provided with a conduit formed therein respectively. The second plurality of floats are juxtaposed between the first plurality of floats respectively and spaced radially about the base member. The floating mechanism further includes a resilient cord passing through the first and second plurality of floats via the respective conduits thereof. The floating mechanism further includes a plurality of fastening members having opposed end portions for securing the cord about the perimeter of the base member.

Abstract: A live bait container includes a flexible, cylindrically shaped fabric mesh body having a side wall, a top wall, a bottom wall, and an interior storage space. A bottom hoop is positioned near the bottom wall. A first access port in one of the walls communicates with the interior storage space. The container also includes a fabric mesh pouch positioned on an outer surface of the side wall.

Abstract: An insect storage, maintenance, dusting, and distribution device that dispenses living insects to caged animals. A Tower compartment is connected to a separate Dusting Chamber compartment with apertures on both compartments that may be aligned by rotating the Tower above the Dusting Chamber to form a passage for insects. The insects can move from the Tower to the Dusting Chamber which coats the insects with a nutritional dust. The insects are then allowed to move from the Dusting Chamber through a Feeder Tube into the animal(s)' habitat for their consumption by the animal.

Abstract: A clip and rope combination is disclosed for holding a fish. The clip is shaped to securely hold the fish by gripping the lip of the fish. The rope is coupled to the clip such that any force exerted on the rope increases the gripping power of the clip.

Abstract: A live fish container has a top with two flexible flaps that co-operate to define a closable opening for the container. A float element is located near the top and a removable seat and a handle are also included. The seat is connected to the container by a hinge mechanism.

Abstract: A collapsible live bait container constructed of a vinyl coated fabric mesh. The mesh is sewn over one or more flexibly resilient stays. A foam flotation member or buoyant stays can be secured to the enclosure walls. Resealing access ports are defined with strips of hook and loop fasteners, zippers or a fabric sleeve and drawstring. Several storage compartments can be provided with permanent or detachable walls or pockets.

Abstract: A minnow bucket that includes a bucket base and an automatic dispensing device positioned inside the bucket base that when raised on a vertical axis in relation to the bucket base dispenses at least one minnow. The minnow bucket may also include a lid that is connected with the bucket base. The automatic dispensing device may comprise a minnow tray that is connected with a minnow tray handle. The handle is used by an angler to cause the automatic dispensing device to dispense minnows.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a bait sack using a netting material comprises a filling collar having a tubular configuration and an inside surface for directing bait into the netting material. A forming sleeve has a tubular configuration and is disposed coaxially about the filling collar. A netting material is disposed between the filling collar and the forming sleeve. The filling collar and the forming sleeve are movable relative to each other to form a bait sack with the netting material.

Abstract: A chum delivery container, or chumpot, which includes a base and a surrounding wall surface. The base and the surrounding wall surface define an open interior chamber and an open upper surface. The surrounding wall surface includes a plurality of perforations permitting release of the chum. An anchoring fixture is disposed at the base of the open interior chamber. A rope line for lowering the chum delivery container to an underlying surface is connected to the anchoring fixture. The open upper surface of the containment member can be sealed or unsealed and the rope line penetrates through the seal. A portion of the seal can be of a curvilinear shape and the seal can include locking tabs to facilitate removal of the seal from the container. The container includes a weighting material disposed at the base, and the container can be made of a luminescent material.

Abstract: A live insect container including a plurality of side walls and a bottom wall molded as a unitary structure, to form a hollow base, and having a common, peripheral, upper edge lying in a plane spaced-apart above the bottom wall, a first lid having a lower edge for fastenable sealing contact with the common, peripheral, upper edge of the base and including an upwardly oriented wall having a plurality of adjacent slots formed therethrough for allowing air currents to pass into and out of the container, a second lid formed in the first lid and pivotally openable upward therefrom to form, with the base and the first lid a fully enclosed container, a handle formed in the second lid, convertible from a first, carrying position, to a second, stored position, the second position out of conflict with the second lid during opening of the second lid, at least one hollow tube of terminal length for removable insertion through a one of the lids into the interior of the container, the tube first terminal end extending outs

Abstract: A fishing bait apparatus for providing a hands-free method of separating minnows according to size. The fishing bait apparatus includes a container having side, upper and lower walls, and also having an open top; and also includes a lid assembly including a lid member being hingedly attached to the container and also including lid support members for supporting the lid member in an open position; and further includes a handle assembly including a handle being pivotally attached to the container; and also includes bait storage members being disposed in the container and upon the upper wall.

Abstract: The Bait Buddy is a portable lightweight device with several separated compartments. The Bait Buddy is used to store bait for fisherman while outdoors, an example of bait would be night crawlers, dillies, bee moth, mealworms, salmon eggs, power bait, chicken livers and etc. The Bait Buddy is intended but not limited to carrying bait for just fisherman. Hunters could carry different types of animal urine and several different animal scents.

Abstract: A floating crab holder having an underwater mesh enclosure and an above water access aperture for depositing crabs. The invention includes an easily operable door, which can be opened to insert a caught crab and closed to prevent the escape of a catch of crabs. The mesh enclosure is sufficiently rigid to retain its shape, while on a hard surface, so the invention can be set on a hard surface or floated while in use.

Abstract: A livewell tank for use on a boat is provided having a bottom and a sidewall section forming an interior compartment. A top is coupled with the sidewall section and extends inwardly to cover the interior compartment about the periphery of the sidewall section. An overflow drain is located proximate the top of the tank and a baffle inhibiting turbulent flow is positioned between the overflow drain and the bottom of the tank.