Abstract: A fishing tackle box includes a rigid housing provided with a cutting board top wall from which depend, a pair of laterally spaced apart storage sub units each equipped with a plurality of horizontally displaceable drawers. Variation in the height of the numerous drawers permits accommodating the myriad sizes of fishing tackle while partitions in any of the drawers assures isolation of the specific tackle items. A single lock element on each sub unit is shiftable to a drawer overlying position to maintain closed drawers in place. Live bait or fish catch is retained within a waterproof receptacle removably positioned beneath the housing top wall intermediate the two storage sub units and is accessible through a pivotal door in the top wall. A fixed tape measure as well as an adjacent extensible measuring tape are included in the top wall as are flexible VELCRO straps operable to securely attach elongated fishing gear to the housing.

Abstract: A container which is suitable for retaining lobsters and similar catches in a live condition comprises a container body and a lid which can be secured in place to close the container body, both the body and lid being of synthetic polymeric material(s). The lid has one or more sealed chambers in it which are of sufficient total capacity to render the lidded container buoyant when full. Thus the catch of lobsters or the like may be retained in a live condition and secure against escape while the container is floated, for example alongside a fishing boat or fish quay.

Abstract: A portable cooler for use with fish bait, as well as food and beverage, includes a housing having an insulated bottom, side walls, and a pivotal top hinged to one of the side walls. There is a support positioned within the housing with the support having side walls and a bottom. There is a space for ice defined between a plurality of the housing side walls and a plurality of the support side walls. There are a plurality of drawers movable in the support and accessible from outside of one of the housing side walls. Each drawer includes a front, side walls, and a bottom, at least one of the drawers having a grate supported on the side walls above the drawer bottom, the space beneath the grate and above the drawer bottom providing a container for ice to cool articles positioned on the grate, but to keep the articles spaced from the ice positioned beneath the grate.

Abstract: A live bait container including a container body with air vents for keeping live baits; a cover covered on the container body by a screw joint, the cover having a bait outlet and a bait inlet spaced on the periphery, a bait passage way connected between the bait outlet and the bait inlet at an outer side, a plurality of raised portions raised from the inside wall opposite to the bait passage way, and a spiral track spirally extending downwards from said bait outlet for guiding live baits from the container body to the bait passage way; a locating board mounted on the cover, having a peripheral flange covered over the bait passage way, and a plurality of holes through the peripheral flange; and a rotary cap covered on the locating board, having an inside recess forced into engagement with one raised portion of the cover, and a through hole through the periphery; wherein the rotary cap can be turned between the operative position in which the through hole of the rotary cap is aligned with one through hole of th

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting a live fish bucket alongside a fishing boat for movement in a generally vertical plane alongside the boat from a lowered position in which a fish bucket mounted thereon is submerged in water and a stowed, out-of-the-water position adjacent the gunwale. A mounting block is mounted on the gunwale for swingably mounting an elongate frame bar which mounts a live fish bucket and includes a latch for detachably locking the swingable frame bar in the stowed position. The swingable frame bar is of such construction as to keep the bucket from striking the side wall of the boat as the bucket swings between the lowered and stowed positions.

Abstract: A fish catch chest comprising a boat-shaped hull capable of floating upon a top surface of a body of water. A receptacle has an open top with a compartment therein and is integral with the boat-shaped hull. The compartment will hold fish caught by a skin diver in the body of water. A lid is for closing the open top of the receptacle and sealing the compartment.

Abstract: A selectively floatable minnow bucket, including at least one wall, a gate, a plurality of openings and at least one floatation mechanism, the wall and gate defining a hollow cavity for maintaining live bait, the openings allowing the flow of water in and out of the bucket in order to maintain a fresh water supply to the live bait, and the floatation mechanism including at least one wall, a hollow channel, and plugs or stopcocks, into which substances of various densities such as water, air, or sand are introduced to affect the buoyancy of the minnow bucket.

Abstract: A container is arranged to maintain worms, such as night crawlers and the like, within an enclosure, the enclosure having a insulated cooling medium to maintain the bait at a desired temperature, thereby preserving the bait prior to use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a carriage that slidingly supports a bait container between a pair of elongate sidewalls. The carriage embraces a slide frame and a mounting apparatus for mounting the slide frame to the side of a boat. The slide frame has a pair of elongate, spaced apart sidewalls that slidingly receive a bait container therebetween. The sidewalls are joined at the tops and bottoms thereof by respective top and bottom wall support rings. The top ring is attached to the mounting apparatus that is used to attach the present invention to the side of a boat. The mounting apparatus includes a rotation plate that is attached to the top ring and is selectively rotatable thereto so as to selectively position the sidewalls at a preferred angular position relative to the boat gunwale.

Abstract: A container for storing live bait. The device includes a rectangular container having a dividing assembly extending across an interior thereof to separate the interior into two compartments. The dividing assembly includes a removable screen which permits fluid communication between the compartments while simultaneously separating disparate live bait contained within the compartments.

Abstract: A fish stringer apparatus, in combination with a fish stringer cord, has a substantially semi-hemispheric leg. There is a first end and a second end on the substantially semi-hemispheric leg. A hinge mechanism is attached to the first end. The hinge mechanism has a hinge base and there is a first stop and a second stop on the hinge base. There is a latch bar that has a hinge end and a latch end. The latch bar is hingedly connected to the hinge mechanism at the hinge end of the latch bar. A latch mechanism attached to the second end of the semi-hemispheric leg. The latch bar is releasingly placed in the latch mechanism. The latch bar abuts the second stop causing the latch end of the latch bar to stop below the entrance to the latch mechanism. This causes the latch bar to be bent above the entrance to the latch mechanism in order to springingly bias the latch end of the latch bar down into the latch mechanism by way of the entrance.

Abstract: A worm cooler apparatus includes a removable and replaceable bottom lid assembly which includes a first connector and which includes an interior chamber adapted for receiving a quantity of coolant material. A tubular container assembly includes a second connector, is adapted for connection with the first connector, and includes a third connector. A removable and replaceable top lid assembly includes a fourth connector which is adapted for connection with the third connector. Preferably, the first connector is a first threaded portion and the second connector is a second threaded portion complementary to the first threaded portion. Also, the third connector is a third threaded portion, and the fourth connector is a fourth threaded portion complementary to the third threaded portion. The quantity of coolant material is in a form of a sealed coolant assembly which contains ethylene-glycol-based coolant. An insulation jacket assembly encompasses an outer portion of the container assembly.

Abstract: This invention relates to fishing gear in the form of a minnow caddy. The minnow caddy has a main caddy body which is opaque (black) and forms a hiding place for a minnow or like bait fish into which the bait fish will swim when the minnow caddy is placed in a bait receptacle. The main caddy body having an entrance end and an exit end is carried by a control handle which permits the positioning of the main caddy body within the bait receptacle. At the exit end of the main caddy body there is an exit opening in which there is positioned a hooking aperture body having a monoleaf spring gate with opposed monoleaf springs.

Abstract: A live bait storage system for keeping bait for long periods of time without maintenance includes a portable, trolling bait container which has one side hydrodynamically contoured to permit the container to be readily trolled through the water in a predictable and controlled course. The portable bait container is adapted for use in conjunction with a long-term bait keeping station which is uniquely designed to permit bait to be transferred between the station and the container without manual handling and without injuring the fragile bait species. A rimless pour spout is provided for this purpose. The bait station is adapted to be suspended in a pre-selected support zone in a body of water for providing the bait species with proper temperature conditions and aeration and for supplying natural food supplies to the bait while stored.

Abstract: A bait container flow regulator is provided for use in a bait container system for transporting live bait to a fishing site. The bait container system includes a water containment vessel for carrying water and a quantity of bait fish. The water containment vessel has a closed bottom, an open (or closable) top, a side wall portion, a water inlet for delivering a flow of water to the water containment vessel and one or more water outlets. The bait container flow regulator includes a water inlet conduit that is mountable to the water inlet and sized to extend to a water discharge location in the water containment vessel. A water regulating outlet is mounted on the water inlet conduit for positioning at the water discharge location. A discharge cap is mounted on the water inlet conduit for limiting the flow of water through the water regulating outlet.

Abstract: The invention discloses a live bait dispenser for receiving and retaining a plurality of live baits, such as crickets and comprising devices to allow dispensing of the live bait one at a time, while preventing escape of the live bait from the dispensing area.

Abstract: This invention relates to a portable ice fishing device for use by ice fisherman. The invention includes a bucket for holding a plurality of stackable and/or removable trays. The trays may contain a plurality of dividers to separate various types of fishing gear. In addition, the trays may include compartments having lids for holding live bait, or open portions for carrying fishing related gear of increased size. At least one open portion has a bracket for holding an "LED" view screen of an electronic fish locating device. The invention has a cover which provides to an ice fisherman the ability to use the device as a seat/chair during ice fishing. The invention also includes an apron which may be affixed to the exterior of the device by a strap. The apron has an upper lip and a pocket for attaching ice fishing rods, ice ladles, fillet knives, and/or pliers to the exterior of the device, thereby providing for convenient access of these items to an individual.

Abstract: A twist free fish stringer having a removeable end stop. A flexible length of cording includes a crimp coupled threading needle, a crimp coupled swivel assembly and one or more bored stop sleeves. A flanged end stop includes a spacer portion and through bore and is slidably retained along the cord to a selected stop sleeve via a hairpin clip which is tethered to the end stop. Alternative end stops and belt or wader mounted stringer retainers are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for applying bait oil to a fishing lure. The apparatus includes a flexible pouch assembly having an interior compartment formed therein. An absorbent applicator lines the compartment and is secured therein to the pouch assembly for holding bait oil. A flexible closure is attached to the pouch assembly for selectively covering and uncovering the compartment. A fishing lure is introduced into the compartment and the exterior surface of the pouch assembly is squeezed to press the applicator against the lure and apply bait oil to the lure. A method for applying bait oil to a fishing lure, utilizing the above apparatus, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A container is arranged with a central core support, with the core support having radially displaced vanes fixedly mounted relative to a central spine, wherein each vane fixedly mounts a floor and array of divider walls. The core support is mounted between front and rear walls, with the rear wall hingedly mounting a lid over each array of divider walls.

Abstract: A fishing creel which has individual compartments for fish which can be seen through see-through netting is disclosed. Each compartment has a one-way door for easy insertion of the fish. The compartments at the other end are blocked by a sliding panel, or alternatively by an end flap, which can be easily removed to allow access to the fish. The creel can be carried through the use of a shoulder strap or through use of belt loops.

Abstract: A lantern float is arranged to attract fish, insects, and the like to enhance success of a fishing procedure. The organization includes a perimeter buoyant ring mounting a light transmissive support therewithin, with the support having a support ring to include a lantern positioned thereon. The invention may further be afforded with a reflective inverted cone mounted above the lantern utilizing various anchor structure associated with the ring support. A replacement illumination ring is provided in lieu of the lantern.

Abstract: A storage container for fish. The container has at least one receiving slot for accepting fish and an insert is provided with a mouth and a flange that corresponds in shape to the slot. The insert includes a rearwardly and downwardly projecting tongue, which projects from the rear side of the flange and into the interior chamber, thereby providing a passageway to the interior chamber for the fish deposited into the slot.

Abstract: A fish bait container or the like including a bucket having a cavity for holding a quantity of water or the like and a quantity of fish bait, such as minnows, shrimp, or the like, dispersed in the water; a lid movable between a first position covering the mouth of the bucket and a second position positioned away from the mouth of the bucket; and an arm fixedly joined to the lid for movement with the lid and for substantially separating the fish bait from the water when the lid is moved from the first position to the second position. The bucket is preferably molded out of Styrofoam.RTM. or the like. The lid and arm are preferably molded out of plastic as a one-piece, integral unit which is pivotally attached to the bucket.

Abstract: A container for fish and other things and a receiving device for use with containers or with receptacles for fish; and other things. A separation device for use in a container for fish and other things such as food, drinks, cans, bottles, bait, sandwiches, etc; a container with such a separation device; the separation device in one aspect having two or more spaces or compartments and the container having two or more openings corresponding to the separation device's spaces.

Abstract: A device to cover live wells or other holding containers to retain fish and other aquatic animals. The cover has a plurality of flexible, resilient strap-like web members spaced apart in parallel and connected at at least two ends to a border. The cover may be attachable to the side of the container of a live well by various fastening means, such as hook and loop material, adhesive tape or hooks. One embodiment of the live well cover is provided with tubular members filled with foam so that it can float flush with the water in the live well, thereby requiring no attachment means to the live well whatsoever. This device prevents fish from escaping from a live well, yet allows them to be readily retrievable for weighing and cleaning.

Abstract: A transportable load supporting structure such as a fish stringer having an essentially vertical carrier arm provided with attachment structure and a receiver arm, preferably having a blunted receiver end, and which is upwardly canted with respect to, crossing, and being partially twisted about said carrier arm at an openable junction area. A depending load-supporting receiver loop integrally connects said arms. A load such a fish is received by said receiver arm and descends under the force of gravity toward and opens said junction area, twisting about said junction area, to descend onto said receiver loop to be supported thereby at essentially the bottom thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting water and channelling it into a boat livewell circulation system comprising a housing which comprises a scoop, an intake channel, and a pressure valve, which housing is secured to a mounting which comprises an intake port and a connection to connect the apparatus to a boat livewell circulation system, which apparatus is operable when the boat is running or idle.

Abstract: A bait bag and drainage system for storing and transporting live bait on a vessel includes a bag having a bottom, a top and one or more sides defining a fluid carrying chamber, an attachment system for attaching the bag to the vessel, a drainage system for controllably draining fluid from the bag, and the drainage system including an anti-clog system therein for preventing the drainage system from becoming substantially clogged with bait fish or other matter in the bag such that the bag overflows and bait is lost.

Abstract: This invention relates to a fishing bait bucket holding apparatus and method of use, especially in a boat. The apparatus comprises a bracket, for mounting to e.g. a boat, straps to embrace the girth of the bucket and thereby stabilize the bucket against lateral movement with respect to the bracket, and a bucket top holding rod mounted to the bracket and vertically biased to exert a downward force on the top of the bucket or bucket lid. Methods of use of the holding apparatus are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention in its simplest form comprises a hinged cover for a fish receiving receptacle and the cover has a passage passing through the cover into which a frame containing a resiliently biased auxiliary door is secured. The bias urges the door against a stop which holds the door in the closed position so that the door may be opened in the inward direction by overcoming the biasing force. The stop is movable so that when the stop is disengaged from the door the bias will serve to hold the door in the open outward position.

Abstract: A fishing device includes a portable fish bucket and two tripods attached on opposite sides of the bucket. Each of the tripods has two front legs pivotally connected by a first sleeve to a tube for holding a single fishing pole by its handle portion. Each of the tripods is secured by two different subcombinations to the bucket. The first subcombination includes a second sleeve slipped over an upper end of the tube and fastened by an elastic cord to a handle of the bucket. The second subcombination includes a leakproof nut and bolt arrangement connected through a lower end of the tube near to a bottom edge of the bucket. This nut and bolt arrangement allows the tube to be pivotally inclined at a selected angle from a vertical axis of the bucket. Thus, this device allows a fisher to have two unattended steady fishing pole lines in the water at the same time.

Abstract: There is provided by the present invention a bait bucket for holding bait in multiple compartments, the bait bucket comprising a first bait holding compartment including support means to removably receive and support a second bait compartment.

Abstract: A fishhook baiting device for baiting a fishhook with stink bait, dough bait, or cheese bait. The device comprises a dispenser head assembly having a hook chamber, a reservoir body forming a bait chamber for containing a quantity of bait, the bait chamber being in fluid communication with the hook chamber, and a plunger assembly for compressing the bait from the bait chamber into the hook chamber and extruding the bait through the hook chamber. A hook is placed inside the hook chamber and the hook chamber is closed. The bait is compressed into the hook chamber and onto the hook. Then hook chamber is opened and the baited hook is extruded from the hook chamber. The extruded bait is cut from the bait remaining in the device after the desired amount of bait has been extruded. The plunger assembly may have a flange that extends into the bait and embeds in the bait for pulling the cohesive bait remaining in the hook chamber back into the bait chamber, thereby clearing the hook chamber for the next hook.

Abstract: "Cricket gun" can be used by fishermen to dispense live insects such as crickets. The cricket gun includes a bait container for holding a limited supply of crickets with a bait dispensing head attached to the funnel end of the cage. On the opposite end of the cage is a spring loaded handle, by compressing this handle a cricket is allowed to enter and be entrapped in the dispenser head chamber. The cricket may be discharged by pulling back on the release trigger. When the release trigger is pulled back the carriage is pulled forward allowing the cricket to fall out the bottom of the dispenser head. When the trigger is released the spring loaded carriage is pulled back into position. The cricket gun allows a fisherman to discharge one insect at a time or keep one in reserve in the isolated chamber for later use.

Abstract: A compact, easy to store, portable fish cleaner device capable of removably attaching to the outside surface of the gunwale of a boat. The device includes a v-shaped trough member capable of holding a fish for cutting over the water along the outside surface of the boat. The trough member comprises two angled surfaces pivotally attached along one edge. The ends of the trough member are open and a drain gap is created between the angled surfaces so that fish entails and other waste material may be easily washed into the water. A plurality of support members are attached to the gunwale and support the trough member in place over the water. Support member attachment means are used to removably attach each support member to the outside surface of the gunwale. Hook and loop connectors are provided between the trough member and the support members to adjustably attach them together.

Abstract: A boat utility platform has a pair of adjustable mounting clamps for hanging the platform from the gunwale of a boat. Each clamp includes an upper end which hooks over the gunwale and has an outermost tip for clamping abutment against the outside surface of the gunwale, and a lower end, the latter of which includes a rationally biased pivotally mounted jaw member for clamping abutment against the inside surface of the gunwale. The upper end of each clamp includes a hooking segment that follows the path of a substantially semi-elliptical arc, then tails to the outermost tip.

Abstract: A disposable bait box with pre-moistened bedding formed of a single sheet bait box blank (20) having front wall panel (24), side panels (21), back panel (22) and four bottom panels (26), so as to form an escape proof container. Closure panel (38), seal panel (43) and closure lid (32) are provided to provide an escape proof upper cover. Bedding (11) is pre-moistened with non-chlorinated water and contained within plastic bag (12) from which it can be deposited into bait box (10) in order to prepare bait box (10) for immediate use with earthworms (13). Ventilation holes (23) are provided in side walls (21) and back panel (22). Bait box blank (20) is formed of biodegradable material and coated on the side which forms the interior surfaces with a biodegradable moisture barrier.

Abstract: A bait handling tool and a method for its use, the bait handling tool resembling a medicine dropper with a squeeze bulb, an elongate body, and a bowl of stiff or hard material at the end of the body opposite the squeeze bulb, defining a generally hemispherical socket for picking up an individual salmon egg or similar piece of bait from the jar and holding it by suction provided by the squeeze bulb while the egg or other piece of bait is placed on the point of a hook for use as bait. A jar holder for holding a jar of salmon eggs or other small individual pieces of fish bait protects a glass jar and includes a clip for fastening the jar holder to a belt or a pocket of a user, and also includes a loop for carrying the bait handling tool. The jar holder may also include a bracket defining small holes for attachment of spare hooks or swivels for convenient use.

Abstract: A collapsible, insulated storage container includes a front wall and a rear wall, each wall having a lower edge, an upper edge and two side edges. The lower edges and a portion of the side edges adjacent the lower edges are secured and sealed together to provide a pouch. The remaining portions of the side and upper edges are separably connected by a zipper for opening and closing the container. A closable drain is provided in the pouch. A flange extending from the upper edge of the rear wall is equipped with grommets to receive rotatable fasteners secured to a support structure. Straps also may be provided to secure the container to the support structure.

Abstract: A confinement and dispensing method and apparatus of the type for use with live fishing bait including a storage chamber and a containment and hooking chamber wherein the containment and hooking chamber comprise a hooking station and a slot extending longitudinally along the hooking station.

Abstract: A combination minnow and fish preserving container having a first section for containing water and minnows and a second section for containing water and a refrigerant, such as ice, and caught fish. The sections are separated by a thin wall cold conducting partition. The container is formed of insulated structural foam and has a substantially airtight lid portion defining when inverted molds for freezing suitably shaped blocks of ice. The container in use will maintain water and minnows at a temperature below 40.degree. F. whereby minnows in the first section are subjected to a substantial slowing of metabolism and are able to survive for a period of two weeks due to the insulating effeciency arrangement of the cold conducting partition and the substantially airtight closure. When transported to a fishing location, the catch is positioned in the second section where they are suitably refrigerated to maintain freshness for a desirable length of time.

Abstract: A live well for fish, bait well and ice chest attachment for a boat has an elongated container having a bait container formed therein and having a separate insulated ice chest formed therein. The elongated container has a cross-section of the approximate cross-section of a fishing boat and has a plurality of straps fixedly attached to each end of the elongated container. A hook bracket is attached to the other end of each of said plurality of straps and shaped to hook over each side of a boat gunnel. Each of the plurality of straps has a loop on one end and is located in an opening on one end portion of the container and a rigid rod inside the container extends through each loop. A pair of separate handles can be attached to the gunnel hooks for handling the boat attachment.

Abstract: An apparatus including an elongate extensible and collapsible cylindrical housing, with a rigid annular ring mounted at an upper end of the housing and a rigid cylinder mounted at a lower end of the housing, with a ring including a plurality of handles, with the handles diametrically aligned relative to one another, including aligned recesses to position a fishing rod therewithin. The lower cylindrical housing includes a trap door positioned within the lower end of the housing to permit closing of the door upon directing of a fish therethrough and collapsing of the door subsequent to securing the fish within the elongate cylindrical housing.

Abstract: A container for fish and a fish receiving device for use with containers or with receptacles for fish. In one embodiment a container is an insulating container for receiving and maintaining fish in a fresh condition, the container having exteriopr walls and one wall or top movably connected to one of the other walls for opening the container and a fish receiving device mounted to one of the walls or to the top, the fish receiving device including a flexible member such as, but not limited to, a piece of fabric into and through which a fish can be inserted into the container. A fish receiving device which in one embodiment includes a frame member to which is mounted a flexible member such as, but not limited to, a piece of fabric into and through which a fish can be inserted.

Abstract: A combination fish stringer and retainer is adapted for attachment to a fisherman's belt for accommodating fishing activities such as wade fishing, inflatable tube fishing and fishing while scuba diving. The fish stringer and retainer combination includes a retainer bracket having a pair of laterally spaced arms which define a guide slot for receiving a spear point attached to a flexible stringer cord. The latch arms have projecting shoulder portions which restrict the entrance to the guide slot. Upon insertion of the spear shaft, the latch arms deflect, thereby permitting it to pass. The spear shaft can be released with one hand by simultaneously pulling upwardly on the shaft while pushing downwardly on the deflectable latch arms. The retainer bracket includes a spring clip which can be attached to a fisherman's belt, whereby the stringer and catch will trail along behind the fisherman as the fisherman moves from place to place.

Abstract: A cooling device is provided for aerated water recycled to live wells for fish. A separate ice chest is provided with a cooling coil through which water from a separate live well may be circulated to be cooled and then aerated when the cooled water is returned to the live well. The life of fish in the live well is prolonged by the combined cooling and aeration. A protective baffle supports the cooling coil against a wall of the ice chest to secure the coil from a central part of the ice chest which may be used for a storage area to cool beverage cans and the like. The protective baffle is designed to provide circulation of ice water to the coil while blocking off the coil from the central storage area.

Abstract: A container for use with live or fresh crawfish comprising an expansive support member carrying a plurality of sockets. Each socket having a continuous sidewall conforming generally to the shape of each crawfish, the sockets being spaced apart so that multiple crawfish can be stored within the dimensions of the horizontal member, separate from one another. Each socket includes a front end portion of gradually increasing width, a tail end portion, and a transverse trough that connects the tail portions of adjacent sockets sized so that the thumb and forefinger of a user can grip the tail of a stored crawfish by entering the trough.

Abstract: A floating bait bucket of durable construction with a catamaran external hull which is perforated to allow for the flow of water therethrough. To the catamaran section is secured an intermediate element having secured thereto an upper outer element. Between the last two elements is a foamed in place layer of closed cell polyurethane foam which serves not only to provide a positive floatation mechanism but also to insulate a refreshment container which is formed in the upper element.

Abstract: The invention discloses a live bait dispenser for receiving and retaining a plurality of crickers or other like fish bait and comprising devices to allow for the transfer of said bait to a container from which they cannot return and also a means by which the operator may hook said bait and remove it from the device without allowing other baits to escape.