Abstract: A fish stringer 10 is provided including a stringing needle 12 and a cord 20 coupled to the needle. A stop 22 is slidably coupled on the cord to rest adjacent a clip 26. The clip 26 is coupled to the cord 20 and can be selectively fastened and released to permit fish to be coupled onto and released from the cord.

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: A fish holder including a handle having a lower jaw extending transversely therefrom. A trigger is pivotally positioned inside of the handle and includes an upper jaw that extends transversely to the trigger and overlies the lower jaw arm. A biasing spring internally engages the trigger and the handle to maintain the jaw in an open position. When the handle and the trigger are grasped by a hand and squeezed, the jaw will close.

Abstract: A swarm lure package formed of a plurality of individual swarm lure units. The units are elongated tubes and are filled with swarm attracting material. A common end pack material closes the ends of each of the individual swarm lure units to form a single integral package. The end pack material permits removal of individual ones of the units while maintaining the remaining units in an integral package.

Abstract: A water circulation and aerating device for live bait containers comprises a housing removably installed in existing bait containers which has apertures in the lower portion to prevent live bait from passing therethrough while allowing passage of water into the housing when the water level within the bait container rises. An intake conduit extends through the upper portion of the housing and has one end extending into the water in the bait container and a hose at the other end extending remote from the housing and a distance beneath the surface of the body of water being fished. An exterior pump at the remote end of the intake hose pumps cool water from beneath the surface of the body of water into the bait container. A venturi tube on the intake conduit mixes air into the water being pumped into the bait container. An interior pump within the housing becomes operative upon the water entering the housing reaching a predetermined level to pump the water back into the body of water being fished.

Abstract: A fish catch store for boats comprises an open-topped bag (40) that is hung from a frame (48) and allows water to enter through its sides. The frame (48) extends (50) from a mount spigot (52) entrant a mount socket (20) through the top of the boat gunwhale (14). As a matter of choice, the spigot (52) can be mounted in the socket (20) with the bag (40) hanging outside or inside the boat.

Abstract: A bait container in the form of a foamed plastic chest and lid is disclosed. A solar cell assembly is positioned on the lid; conductors extend to the lid to metal foil contact strips on the nether side of the lid. A pair of matching metal strips for contact purposes is located on the upper peripheral lip of the chest. The metal contacts connect with conductors to a motor and the motor connects with a pump to remove pump from the chest, to pump the water through a feedline and into a header to be sprayed into the chest.

Abstract: A bait container is made from acryloitrile butadiene styrene, known as ABS, plastic tubing and ABS plastic sheets, the latter preferably being white. Cut circular white ends are adhesively secured in place at the ends of the cut tubing, during the assembly of this bait container. A panel of the cut tubing is cut away to create an entry for the bait. The panel is pivoted back into place to contain the bait. A latching of a handle, secured to the panel, keeps the panel in place. In other portions of the hollow cylindrical body, formed by the closed end cut tube, closely spaced radial slots are formed to controllably release the bait, while keeping many forms of marine life from entering into the interior of this bait container. A stainless steel rod or wire extends throughout the bait container and beyond, terminating in hooks, which are adapted to receive holders positioning this bait container within a crustacean trap.

Abstract: A floating fish basket for use by divers and spear fishermen has a frame removably secured to a flotation ring. A coaxial wire mesh bag is suspended from the frame within the flotation ring for containing fish and other sea animals. The frame and mesh bag have aligned openings which may be selectively closed by a pivotal door mounted by a hinge on the frame. A chain extends between the bottom of the bag and the door and is operative upon opening the door to partially axially collapse the mesh bag to enable an individual to have access to bottom portions of the bag. The chain may be adjusted in length to shorten the axial extent of the bag for use in shallow water. A socket on the frame is provided for mounting a staff of a diving flag. The flotation ring may be captured between upper and lower frame members secured by threaded fasteners or alternatively secured by frictional engagement within a frame recess or held in place by VELCRO fastening straps.

Abstract: A device to attract fish is provided and consists of a bucket held within a net suspended downwardly from a float into a body of water. The bucket holds frozen fish chum so that open top of the bucket is at right distance below water line allowing pieces of defrosted fish chum to be dispensed from the bucket and float on the water to attract the fish.

Abstract: A floating fish holding container has flexible open mesh fabric side, top and bottom walls surrounding a chamber for accommodating fish in water. A top ring having buoyant material attached to the top of the side wall floats the container in a body of water. A bottom ring attached to the bottom of the side wall maintains the cylindrical shape of the container in the water. The top wall has an opening into the chamber that is biased to an open position with elastic cords. A draw string is used to close the opening. A releasable locking device on the draw string holds the top wall in the closed position. When the locking device is released the elastic cords automatically open the opening. A plurality of strings mounted on the side walls are used to adjust the length of the side wall to allow the container to float in shallow water without contacting the bottom or weeds in the body of water.

Abstract: A game bag for a scuba diver is provided having a flexible tubular envelope with an open end or mouth and a closed end. The mouth is coupled to the diver's weight belt at his hip while the remainder of the envelope wraps around behind his seat and adjacent leg between his legs where it is again couple to his weight belt at his front abdomen. The legs serve as a doorway into the receiver portion of the bag. Game is pushed into the mouth of the bag with one hand, between the legs which are opened to allow passage, and into the receiver portion where it is retained by the closure of the legs on the bag. A separate latch on the mouth of the bag may be used to close the mouth although it is not required to retain the game in the receiver portion.

Abstract: A storage container adapted for storing live bait such as worms and for convenient carrying by the user includes a container with slit-like openings to provide proper bait aeration and a closure panel for opening and closing the container to provide easy access to the interior thereof. A moisture storage device in the form of a frozen moisture containing sponge which distributes cool moisture to the contents of the storage container as the sponge thaws releasing its moisture.

Abstract: A buoyant container or basket which permits wading fishermen to spend extended time in the water with all of their gear ready at hand in a manner which also prevents interference with the wading fisherman's freedom of movement. The buoyant container or basket is constructed as a hollow tubular frame defining a continuous loop filled with buoyant material. A porous container body or basket in which fishing gear can be housed depends from the frame. Hooks on the frame hold a flexible net cover or bungee cords over the articles contained in the basket to prevent loss, and rod holders are provided for extra rods.

Abstract: In a buoyant fish and live bait container a pair of downwardly open box-like sections are hingedly connected in end abutting relation. Flexible fabric screen or netting material defining an upwardly open box-like receptacle is secured at its upper edge portions to the respective half sections. The receptacle is transversely divided to form bait and catch holding chambers with access thereto through openings in each half section and the receptacle bottom wall of the respective chamber.

Abstract: A pop-up bait server and a kit and a method for making the same. The Pop-Up Bait Server for convenient delivery of live bait kept in water contained therein, includes an outer container having an inside; an inner container fitting at least partially inside said outer container, the inner container having an inner wall and an adjoining bottom in which define an interior of the inner container; and a latch mechanism for a releasably restraining the inner container inside the outer container such that the interior is at least partially under water when the inner container is restrained in the outer container by the latch mechanism and the outer container contains an amount of water sufficient to at least partially submerge the interior within the outer container, wherein the interior can contain live bait which resides in water within the interior when the inner container is restrained by the latch mechanism inside the outer container.

Abstract: This invention is a container in which bait may be contained, and which may be inverted so as to allow bait and water to enter a portion of the container which is then separated by a porous means from the remainder of the container, so that when the container is returned to its upright position belt is separated into a portion of the container for easy removal from the container.

Abstract: A fish basket is set forth wherein the fish basket is immersible in water during a fishing procedure. The fish basket includes an elongate basket with an outwardly tapering lower portion and an inwardly tapering upper portion to effect a constricted entrance to enable fish to be positioned within the lower portion of the basket to enable such fish to swim thereabout without access to the upper portion of the basket. The fish basket further includes an outer flotation rim removably mounted relative to the fish basket with a circumferential series of illumination members for attracting fish during periods of diminished light, such as in the evening hours.

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 access structure, fabricated of a length of cylinder, having a flange provided at its bottom end, and a hinge door connected therewith, is provided for sliding insertion through an aperture located within the lid or cover of any compartment, such as an insulated box, other storage structure, or an ice chest; and a counterbalance spring holds the door to the bottom of the cylinder normally in a closed condition, but that under the weight of any fish or other aquatic animal deposited thereon, will open to allow deposition of such into the compartment for temporary storage.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus is set forth including a bucket-like container formed with a pivotal handle attached to diametrically opposed sides thereof. The container includes a threadedly securable lid to secure contents within the bucket wherein the lid is reversibly positionable on the bucket to provide a cushion seat for use by an individual. The bucket further contains an upwardly depending conduit integrally formed to a side wall of the bucket to accept a pole therewithin. Furthermore when the bucket is unattended, side mounted legs are pivoted from a first position to a second downward position wherein they depend forwardly and downwardly from the bucket to secure the bucket against tipping in the event of a fish strike. The interior of the bucket is provided with a series of hooks for securement of fish thereon.

Abstract: A fish stringer and bracket assembly wherein the stringer has a loop on the end upon which a first fish may be mounted and the stringer also has one or more enlarged diameter portions such that the enlarged diameter portion of the stringer can be received in a bracket which will not allow the enlarged portion to pass through so as to lock the stringer to a boat or other device. The one end of the stringer has a pointed metal spike attached which makes easy to pass the stringer through the gills of a fish. The bracket may be attached to a boat or other device with the screws or, alternatively, may be attached to the boat with a peel-off double-sided adhesive or other form of an adhesive. The stringer may be quickly and easily removed from the bracket when in use.

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: A water delivery system for delivering water of optimum ph, oxygen content and/or temperature from a water body into a holding tank or live well for containing fish or other marine life, which system includes a water pick-up cone attached to a hose which is carried by a reel, wherein the pick-up cone is lowered to an ideal water depth or stratum and water is pumped to the holding tank or live well. In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, a submersible pump is provided in the pick-up cone for pumping the water into the holding tank or live well and in a second preferred embodiment, a pump is located at the dry end of the water transfer hose to achieve the pumping function.

Abstract: Rotatable worm bait box, comprising a one piece molded rectangular water-tight box which has a single aperture with no permanent lids. The worms will be kept on top of the dirt by a simple 90.degree. one-handed rotation. A single, removable, air-ventilated lid is provided for shipping, if desired.

Abstract: A container for water to maintain fish within the container in a live condition. The container is of water impermeable construction, and includes a drain valve adjacent the bottom, and water inlet and outlet openings positioned in the side walls of the container. The container is adapted to be placed within a receptacle, which can be provided in the hull of a boat, the receptacle having corresponding water inlet and outlet openings positioned opposite the respective openings in the container so that water that enters the receptacle through the water inlet flows into the container, and excess water flows through the water outlet, so that fresh water is circulated through the container. The container can be removed for transporting the fish, or it can be used for weighing the fish after the water has been drained therefrom through the drain valve.

Abstract: A cricket dispensing nozzle having a generally annular open end for communicating with the source of crickets. Four (4) resilient prongs emerge from the annular member and converge towards a dispensing opening in a continuous manner. Spaces between the four prongs permit insertion of a hook, both through that space and through the space below so that the hook may be passed through the cricket twice and the cricket removed from the nozzle without otherwise damaging the cricket.

Abstract: A worm container includes an insulated pail covered with a mesh lid and filled with mulch. An elongated cylindrical mesh barrier with a bore therethrough is centrally disposed within the pail and contains a capped receptacle disposed within its bore adapted to contain a substance which facilitates the condensation of air. Water produced during the condensation process is then absorbed by the mulch through the mesh barrier to provide a suitable climate for supporting the life of the worms.

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: The present disclosure is directed to a floating bait bucket and more particularly includes a surrounding ring formed of a foamed plastic material of closed cell construction providing buoyancy. The ring encircles a central deck. The deck supports a rectangular compartment lined with foamed plastic material which serves as a insulated storage chamber. It has a hinged lid which fastens with a latch. On top of that, another storage compartment is provided to receive fishing tackle. On top of that, a hinged lid closes over the fishing tackle to assure that the fishing tackle is secured therein. The device also supports a bait bucket having a lid and perforated sides to contain bait therein with water flow to assure that the bait is kept alive.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to apparatus for replenishing the supply of fresh water to a bait well or bucket of a waterborne vessel, and more particularly to a housing removably connectable to a bracket on the exterior of the transom of a motor-powered fishing boat, said housing having a depending ram water pickup extending generally below the bottom surface of the craft, said pickup enclosing an aperture in the housing for conveying a forced flow of water from the exterior of said housing to the bait well or bait bucket of the boat while the boat is moving across the water. A small "silent-type" electric water pump is associated with the housing for selectively supplying the live bait well with a supply of fresh water from the body of water being fished from while the boat is at rest.

Abstract: Method and composition for an insecticide comprising a hydrated hydrogel capsule containing an insecticidally effective amount of at least one nematode capable of infecting an insect host, which capsule has sufficient hydration to maintain the viability and infectivity of said nematode. Also disclosed are methods for providing said insecticidal compositions.

Abstract: An improved livewell apparatus and method of operation thereof for use in recreational fishing boats and like watercraft wherein water from the livewell is withdrawn, conveyed through a heat exchange conduit in an auxiliary ice chest or other heat exchange arrangement, and returned to the livewell tank through an aeration spray head. The water in the livewell tank is cooled in this manner to a temperature sufficiently reduced from the natural aquatic habitat of captured gamefish to induce a state of slowed metabolism of the gamefish and, in turn, to prolong their captive life in comparison with conventional livewells.

Abstract: A movable fish net buoy top, having the framework of a buoy top in association with a grid port which can be drawn up by 105 degrees, and pushed down by 75 degrees, so structured that as the top is laid on the surface of water the grid port on either side thereof will, owing to water buoyancy, be pushed up in bearing against a mortise joint catch furnished on top of the strut. When the buoy top is taken off the water surface, a mortise joint catch furnished at the bottom of the strut is deflected by 90 degrees, so as to prevent the grid port from moving downward toward either side due to gravitation, thereby preventing it from opening. To pour out the catch entrapped in the fish net, the mortise joint on top of the buoy top is turned to a setting in parallel with the surface level of the framework, and reverse the framework of the buoy top, so as to bring the grid port to open downwards along either side, so that the catch can be poured out, conveniently and effectively.

Abstract: Method and composition for an insecticide comprising a hydrated hydrogel capsule containing an insecticidally effective amount of at least one nematode capable of infecting an insect host, which capsule has sufficient hydration to maintain the viability and infectivity of said nematode. Also disclosed are methods for providing said insecticidal compositions.

Abstract: The apparatus is a refrigerated bait box having a main body portion including a bottom wall, and front, back and first and second side walls, defining a principle interior chamber with an open top end. A main lid is hinged relative to the top edge of the back wall for pivotal movement between opened and closed positions. A recessed channel is provided along the top edge of the container portion for housing and supporting a webbed basket which occupies only a portion of the container space, with the interior of the space between the bottom of the basket and the floor portion of the container portion serving to house ice in the cubed form for allowing maintenance of the bait contained in the basket to remain cold yet the basket allowing any moisture from the bait to fall into the lower ice containing portion. There is further included a foot activated means for moving the top lid for "hands free" opening and closing.

Abstract: A tackle box has superposed interlinked trays which are stacked inside of the box when it is closed and which are moved into a staggered opened out configuration by cantilever linkages when the box is opened. The trays are made of a clear plastic material capable of transmitting light by edge lighting. The uppermost and lowermost trays have central compartments receiving respective self-contained flashlight-type light fittings each with a light bulb received in a socket formed in the base wall of the respective tray. When activated, the respective light bulbs light the respective trays be edge lighting. The light fittings have plunger-type switches projecting upwardly for actuation by the tackle box lid and the intermediate tray respectively so that the lighting system is automatically actuated when the box is opened. The switches can be permanently positioned in an off condition for daylight use. The light fittings may be removed for independent use as flashlights.

Abstract: A self-contained aerated live bait bucket having a base extension below the bottom of the bucket which together with a base plate at the lower end of the base extension forms a cavity in which is mounted a battery, an electrical motor and an air pump energized by the battery through a switch which is also mounted in the cavity. Air is supplied from the air pump to the water in the bucket by way of a check valve through an aperture in the bottom of the bucket.

Abstract: A transportable liner for use in a live well is disclosed, for transporting the catch, such as fish from the live well. The liner is substantially made of a flexible, porous material forming a plurality of adjoining sides and bottom which form an open topped porous enclosure therebetween. A draw string is disposed along the upper portion of the adjoining sides, in a manner to draw the sides together when the draw string is pulled, to enclose the catch within the liner. Releasable retaining apparatus, such as suction cups, hook and eye fasteners or magnets are used to releasably secure the liner to the live well. Weights, or weighted cord, may be secured to the liner in proximity to the bottom of the liner to resist bouyancy of the liner within the live well, when in the presence of an aqueous fluid.

Abstract: Keepnets allowing safer and easier release of fish retained therein with reduced danger of damage to the fish comprise a tubular net (1) open at one end (2) and closed at the other (3), the net having a rigid mouth-ring (5), a terminal ring at the closed end and a plurality of intermediate support rings (4) spaced along its length between the mouth-ring and the terminal ring. One of the intermediate rings (10) is of substantially rigid construction as opposed to the relative flexibility of the remaining intermediate rings (4). The rigid ring (10) is used as a secondary mouth when releasing the fish to reduce the length of net over which they have to be tumbled and thus the risk of damage to them. Various designs of net using this principle are described.

Abstract: A live well for keeping fish and bait alive includes compartmented hull that may be attached to the gunwale of a boat through swing arms which enable the hull to be positioned in the boat or to the side of the boat where it may be either in or out of the water. The hull contains ports which enable water to flow into the hull and to circulate through its compartments, thus sustaining fish and bait in those compartments. At each port is a valve for closing the port, and this enables water to be trapped in the compartments when the hull is out of the water. The valves are controlled from the exterior of the hull. Moreover, the hull may be detached from its swing arms, so that it and the fish or bait in it may be easily carried from one place to another.

Abstract: Method and composition for an insecticide comprising a hydrated hydrogel capsule containing an insecticidally effective amount of at least one nematode capable of infecting an insect host, which capsule has sufficient hydration to maintain the viability and infectivity of said nematode. Also disclosed are methods for providing said insecticidal compositions.

Abstract: A floating fish receptacle for retaining caught fish in a live condition under water includes a molded foam, generally cylindrical housing member which includes as part thereof in unitary construction a floatation collar outwardly extending from the outside diameter surface and a pair of baffle members inwardly extending from the inside surface. The baffle members are arranged in an axially (vertically) separated relationship and are radially spaced 180.degree. apart so as to create a zig zag slide action for fish which are dropped through the top opening of the housing. As the fish enters, it strikes one downwardly and inwardly inclined surface of one baffle member and then is transferred to the corresponding surface of the other baffle member and then on through to a mesh bag which is suspended therebelow for retention of the fish. The top opening of the housing is above the water level while the opposite and lower opening of the housing member is below the water level.

Abstract: A bait container is provided in the form of an upwardly opening bucket including a hollow domed cover removably stationarily engagingly supported from and closing the upper end of the bucket. A pivoted bail-type handle is supported from the bucket and swingable between an upstanding position disposed over the upper portion of the domed cover and a generally horizontal position disposed to one side of the cover. The cover is readily removable from the upper end of the bucket when the handle is in the horizontal position and the handle and domed cover include coacting structure for releasably latching the handle in the upstanding position. The handle, when in the upstanding position, serves to latch the cover to the bucket against removal therefrom. One side portion of the domed cover includes an access opening formed therein provided with an openable closure therefor and the interior of the domed cover includes a flotation ring supported therefrom and extending about the access opening.

Abstract: A money operated apparatus for vending aquatic fishing bait and water in which the bait is maintained is located in a carrousel having ring-shaped compartmentized tanks. Money operable motor means is provided for moving a compartment to an indexed position beneath an unlocked sliding window for removal of the viewed bait. Further, a tap is provided for removing in a timed controlled manner some of the water supply of the apparatus for use in the purchaser's minnow bucket.

Abstract: An evaporation cooled worm carrier consisting of a plastic container divided into substantially equal halves that are hinged, connected and latched in a closed position in combination with ventilation evaporation slots in the container and a separate removable moisture-absorbent bait pouch into which bait is inserted so that bait pouch can be dipped into water for maintaining the bait alive and cool without the use of dirt or bedding for extended periods of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container assembly for receiving fishing minnows and the like. The assembly comprises an outer bucket, a removeable lid for sealing the bucket, a handle for carrying the bucket and a strainer basket for fitting inside the bucket. The strainer basket has a pair of handle portions which are detachable from one another and which can be moved to an out of the way position for gaining access into the basket.

Abstract: A device for containing live aquatic animals, e.g., lobsters, fish, etc., after they have been caught comprises a open mesh bag clamped or tied to a tubular member behind its entrance opening. A flexible flap is cantilevered to the tubular member and structured so that its free end extends fully across the exit end of the tubular member. When an animal is caught, it is shoved into the tubular member flexing the flap and passing into the attached bag whereupon the flap snaps back over the exit end to prevent escape of the contained animal. The bag may have closeable end or side openings for removing animals therefrom and/or flexible, transparent panels to permit the contents of the bag to be viewed.

Abstract: A fishing device having a ground inserted post for supporting a fishing rod holder is disclosed where the fishing rod holder is made of an integrally molded plastic and includes in combination a bait box and cutting board where the cutting board forms the bottom of the bait box. There are triangular supports to brace the bait box and cutting board and a slot for a bait knife.

Abstract: The apparatus and technique enable a fisherman to store a batch of fish bait morsels on his body in such a way that when he needs one, he can isolate it from the batch and pluck it out of storage on the hook of his line, or between the thumb and one finger of his free hand. According to the technique, a support is formed on his body opposite the front thereof, and a device is pivotally mounted on the support which is adaptable to form an open-ended container for the morsels. The device is swingable between a first position in which the morsels are retained in the container against discharge through the end opening of the same by gravity, and a second position in which one or more morsels tend to discharge through the end opening of the container by gravity. In addition, a recess is formed on the device into which a morsel or morsels can discharge from the end opening of the container when the container is swung between the first and second positions thereof, respectively.