Abstract: An apparatus for harvesting crayfish and similar crustaceans from ponds utilizing a hollow tube placed in the pond and provided with openings sized to allow crayfish to enter the hollow tube where they are pushed through the tube by the action of a plug being moved through the tube.

Abstract: A method and device for harvesting brine shrimp eggs, wherein the method comprises the steps of positioning a concentrating funnel slightly below the layer of brine shrimp eggs at the surface level of a body of salt water; moving the concentrating funnel forward with respect to the eggs to collect a portion of the layer and pumping the slurry mixture of eggs and salt water to a porous receiving container which passes the salt water and retains the collected brine shrimp eggs. A device for implementing this method includes a platform and attached channeling structure with a receiving end and a smaller, rearward feeding end. This channeling structure includes a height adjustment mechanism for selectively raising and lowering a forward leading edge of the channeling device to a depth just below the egg layer. Plumbing hardware is provided to transport the egg and salt water slurry to a container for receiving the eggs.

Abstract: A long line for use in long-line fishing, comprising a main line with detachably attached branch lines, each carrying a respective hook. The branch lines are attached to the main line via globular bodies, which are affixed to said main line and formed by rings having a spherical outer surface. Each branch line is connected to a claw-shaped body, which via a snap-in action is arranged to be brought in releasable engagement with one of the globular bodies on the main line, when the claw-shaped body is displaced along the main line with its claws gripping about said line.

Abstract: A solids transfer apparatus has at least one closed tank provided with a suction opening and a discharge opening, a suction valve communicated with the suction opening, a discharge valve communicated with the discharge opening, a pressure reducer for introducing solids into the closed tank and a supply device for discharging solids in fluid out of the closed tank whereby solids can be transferred. A removing device constituted by a water supply and a solids removing valve may be provided so that solids in the suction valve are removed before the suction valve is closed.

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: A multipurpose flat bottom boat for harvesting crawfish. The boat includes a deck on each end with an open-spaced hull between the decks. The boat is propelled by rotatable wheels engaging the bottom of a body of water which may have a propelling units on their ends and are mounted on telescopically extensible members. The units may be mounted on one or both ends of the boat. The boat is equipped with supports on each side for supporting a seine on each side thereof. Oppositely disposed trays are fitted above the open spaced hull and crawfish receiving containers are placed in the open-spaced hull. The crawfish are caught by dropping the seines into the body of water on each side of the boat. The seines moved along the bottom for a distance and then are lifted from the water and the crawfish are dumped into the trays which have been moved to a position with half of the tray disposed over the water. The crawfish are washed, then sorted according to size and dropped into the containers.

Abstract: A movable vehicle supported by a plurality by a pair of front and rear wheels or tracks, upon which a structural frame is set upon, the vehicle driven by a fuel engine which would in turn power a hydraulic pump for steering, lifting and rotating and other purposes on the vehicle. The vehicle would include primary collection system along its leading edge, which would include a means such as gas and water eductor lines for educting fluid into the pond at a point ahead of the on moving vehicle, so that the crawfish which may be hiding or settled at the bottom of the pond would tend to be disturbed and float to a level within the water in the pond, and urged into the forward moving trapping device by the relative movement of pond water to the vehicle combined with the urging of pressurized water and air floor toward the forward opening of the harvesting device.

Abstract: The invention concerns a procedure for undermining underwater terrain (S) thus creating an upward rising current (Tj) able to lift items lying on the terrain (S) or half-buried in it, in order to collect them in a recovery net. The invention also covers devices to be used for harrowing and cleaning shell-fish beds or for dredge-fishing shell-fish.

Abstract: A device for capturing hooks for use in conjunction with longline hauling and stowage apparatus includes a hook elevating ramp, an engagement plate, and a brush. The hook elevating ramp elevates the hook to the location of the guide track by which the hook is to be captured for storage, while the engagement plate rotates the hook to ensure its engagement on the guide track. The brush serves to stabilize the hook immediately prior to and during hook rotation.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus for entrapping game farm birds having an enclosure with a screened closed end and a moveable gate at the open end. The gate is carried by a platform which is moveable between the open end and the closed end. When the platform is brought to the open end, the gate is tipped to the open position by contact of a protrusion from the gate with an abutment fixed to the enclosure. When the platform is moved away from the open end the gate is released and closes behind the birds. Upon reaching the closed end the protrusion from the gate contacts a second abutment to lock the gate in the closed position to restrain the birds for removal.

Abstract: The apparatus relates to a jet pump or apparatus which displaces a main fluid by a pressurized driving liquid. The apparatus has a duct to receive the main fluid, and a driving liquid manifold cooperating with the duct to receive the pressurized driving liquid. First and second sets of inwardly facing jet nozzles are disposed adjacent a transverse plane of the duct and penetrate the duct side walll to pass the driving liquid into the duct at a mixing portion of the duct having a constant cross-sectional area. The first and second sets of jet nozzles are inclined at angles to the duct axis so that the first nozzles are inclined at a greater angle than the second nozzles. Efficiency of the pump is improved by admitting pressurized gas into the duct and providing the pump with a diverging outlet portion to act as diffuser.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a system of containerized handling of fish onboard an ocean-going vessel. Fish are stored in closely stacking containers within the hold of the fishing vessel and are cyclically removed from within the hold to working positions on the deck of the vessel, where they are charged with fish and ice and returned to storage positions, by the cooperative use of an in-hold travelling hoist adapted to move a selected plurality of containers to and from chosen position within the hold compartment without disturbing other containers and an above-deck conveying system operable to convey the plurality of containers between a position inside the hold compartment directly below the hatchway through the deck overlying the hold compartment and a selected working position on the deck.

Abstract: Described are apparatus and methods for harvesting crawfish from relatively shallow water such as flooded rice fields. Among the principles utilized are the following:creating a forwardly moving zone of turbulence in the water to draw the crawfish from the floor of the submerged field upwardly in the water from when they can be captured by means of suitable apparatus;establishing in the water a forwardly moving water-permeable zone in which the crawfish are readily captured for transport to a storage area, and forcing water away from behind such zone to create a rearward flow of water into the zone to assist in continuously directing additional crawfish into the zone;employing a plurality of underwater jet streams to "tickle" the crawfish located alongside the path being traveled by the crawfish harvester--i.e.

Abstract: A winch includes a spindle plate having a plurality of pins fixed thereon, the pins forming the core of a winch and the line of the trap is wound on the pins. An ejector plate is axially slidable for ejecting the wound line from the pins into the water. The space surrounded by the pins forms a basket in which the buoy is put in the winding-in step, this securing the line to the pins for the winding. The ejection step is produced by a slidable ejection shaft carrying the ejection plate, and driven by a motor. An advancing shaft is carried by and within the ejection shaft, and at the final movement of the ejection shaft, the advancing shaft ejects the buoy clear of the line coil. The advancing shaft is moved relative to the ejection shaft, by a cam carried by the ejection shaft and engaging a fixed trip unit.

Abstract: A mousetrap having a housing with an entrance compartment, a one-way tunnel connected to the upper part of the entrance compartment and a storage compartment. The entrance compartment has a resettable balance or ramp that tips over when the animal walks over it towards a bait that is positioned at a suitable location beyond the tipping point. Once tipped, the balance portion leading to the entrance is elevated beyond the entrance opening leaving only one available path for the animal, the one-way tunnel. A latch member holds the balance in that position until it is released by the animal after it goes through a second one-way door inside the tunnel. From the tunnel, the animal can only go to the storage compartment.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for harvesting soft shell crayfish wherein a predetermined pulsating electrical field is established in front of a moving conveyor assembly having a pulse rate which allows the tail of the crayfish to contract in synchronization with the pulse rate causing the crayfish, in most cases, to move toward and be captured by a moving trawl assembly having a conveyor assembly which transports the crayfish to an area to be sorted and stored for shipping.

Abstract: An article transfer pumping system combining the effects of a jet pump and an air lift pump to minimize article damage while increasing lift capability and overall system efficiency. Air lift pump placement adjacent the pump inlet aerates the rising column of water with articles such as fish, even large salmon, being raised by the jet pump, whereas jet pump placement adjacent the discharge end of the conduit increases pump efficiency.

Abstract: Method for retrieving lobsters or similar objects from the floor of a lobster pound or other shallow water body are described. An upward flow of water is established in a flexible conduit or passageway of size sufficient to accommodate the objects to be lifted. This is accomplished by a low pressure air lift particularly suited for non-traumatic handling of lobsters. Objects to be lifted are drawn into the upward flow as the flexible conduit is moved over the bottom. As objects rise to the surface they are guided or diverted by a transfer guide chamber or coupling onto a conveyor which carries the objects onto a deck or support platform floating above the water surface. The transfer chamber and conveyor shed water away from the lobsters or other objects. The transfer guide chamber, conveyor and a pivotable boom for supporting the flexible conduit in an "S" configuration are attached to a deck or support platform floating above the surface.

Abstract: An elongate hollow body of frusto conical tubular formation having a plurality of internal prongs resiliently projecting obliquely into the hollow of the body obliquely away from the larger body end, and a closure on the smaller body end, the body being constituted of longitudinal sections swingable relative to each other for opening the body to remove an occupant.

Abstract: Deep sea trolling apparatus and method employing a multi-jig array capable of being towed by a relatively small vessel. The array comprises a pair of running lines, spacing bars detachably connected to the running lines at spaced locations and adapted to maintain separation of the lines and stability of the array in the water, and jig-carrying branch lines detachably connected to the running lines in the spaces between the spacing bars. Both the spacing bars and branch lines are removable from the running lines as the latter are hauled aboard for removal of the catch. The method further contemplates setting a second array utilizing spacing bars and branch lines removed from a first array as the latter is hauled aboard. Paravanes can be used to shear the arrays beneath the surface of the sea and outwardly of the wake of the vessel.

Abstract: Apparatus for stowing longline for resetting while hauling the longline, in which the hooks are successively captured by a cooperating entry brush and opposing guide track surface so as to be advanced in controlled succession along the track by a hauler engaging the longlines ground line and preferably comprising a V-groove, power-driven sheave. Opposing transverse rollers angled to line advancement at the discharge side of the sheave feed the ground line to stowage, while the captured hooks are drawn by their gangions into successively nested positions on an associated section of guide track ready for inspection, replacement and/or subsequent orderly release during resetting of the longline.

Abstract: A fishing net includes a photoconductive cable comprising a plurality of optical fibers having light-emitting portions, wherein said light-emitting portions are divided into a first group adapted to emit light having favorable influence upon fish and a second group adapted to emit light having an adverse influence upon fish. The direction of light emanating from said first group of light-emitting portions is counter to that of light emanating from said second group of light-emitting portions. Fish travel into the net influenced by the light of the first group and are discouraged from leaving by the light of the second group.

Abstract: A marine life harvesting method and apparatus in which a vessel (10) has a marine life capturing device (12) consisting of telescopic booms (14, 16, 18) to which are attached a mesh or net (20). The capturing device (12) has an inlet orifice (74) and an outlet orifice (76) the outlet orifice communicating with a marine life harvesting device, which may be a passage (42) through the hull (40) of the vessel, marine life entering the inlet orifice as the vessel travels across the body of water, and being diverted by the capturing device (12) to flow from the outlet orifice (76). A conveyor (48) may be provided to remove marine life from the passage (42) to a processing station (52) and retractable grilles (44, 46) may be provided to control the flow of material through the passage.

Abstract: An assembly on an apparatus for hauling in and winding up a fishing line with attached snells and hooks, comprising a hook aligner, a hook guide and a driven drum with hook magazines provided on one of the drum flanges. The hook guide comprises a hook holder which is slidably disposed on a rail or the like and which, by overcoming a counterforce from, e.g.

Abstract: An oceanic fishing system on a ship having a main propulsion system and an auxiliary bow thrustor providing forward as well as lateral thrust. The ship was a stern working deck with a net deploying and retrieving drum disposed on the working deck and positioned to transfer a purse-seine net over the stern of the ship. Overhead booms attach and selectively move a free and of the purse-seine net relative to the stern. A brailing crane is disposed on the stern working deck with an extensible arm over the stern to brail fish from the net. And on-board fish handling system receives fish from the brailing crane and transports them for processing and on-board storage.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for retrieving lobsters or similar objects from the floor of a lobster pound or other shallow water body are described. An upward flow of water is established in a flexible conduit or passageway of size sufficient to accommodate the objects to be lifted. This is accomplished by a low pressure air lift particularly suited for non-traumatic handling of lobsters. Objects to be lifted are drawn into the upward flow as the flexible conduit is moved over the bottom. As objects rise to the surface they are guided or diverted by a transfer guide chamber or coupling onto a conveyor which carries the objects onto a deck or support platform floating above the water surface. The transfer chamber and conveyor shed water away from the lobsters or other objects. The transfer guide chamber, conveyor and a pivotable boom for supporting the flexible conduit in an "S" configuration are attached to a deck or support platform floating above the surface.

Abstract: Vacuum pneumatic conveying apparatus and method are utilized to transfer food products, such as fish, from a boat to a processing factory directly or via a tender vessel. Fish products such as salmon, are withdrawn from a fishing boat through an intake nozzle of a pneumatic vacuum system and entrained in an air flow, upwardly through inlet or receiving conduits of a vacuum, pneumatic, conveying system, and on through a product separator of an in line assembly of an upper product separator and a lower liquid separator. Salmon continue on flying out of the product separator and commence their downwardly momentum and gravity induced travel through discharge conduits, encompassing essentially non flowing air maintained under continuing vacuum.

Abstract: An apparatus for detaching fishes from fish-hooks on a fishing line during hauling of the line comprises a guiding means (1) disposed below the fishing line (2) and having a guiding edge (10) forming an acute angle with the line (2) in the hauling direction thereof and causing arriving fish-hooks (8) to slide along the guiding edge when passing the apparatus, and a detachment means (11) ccoperating with the guiding means (1) for detaching fishes hanging on the hooks (8) when arriving at the guiding means (1).

Abstract: A trotline guide comprising a substantially planar body having a recess in the upper edge including a circular portion and a slot for receiving and slidably accommodating a trotline together with a clamp on one side of the body for clamping the body to a hull of a fishing vessel so as to extend outwardly from the hull side wall perpendicular thereto in a substantially vertical plane with a spacing device on the one side of the body for engagement with the hull side wall to orient the body in the vertical plane.

Abstract: This invention comprises an arm that projects outwardly from the boat and has trotline holding means thereon which can hold the trotline external of the boat, and below the boat's gunwale, thereby preventing the hook-carrying line from entering the boat, or passing over, or under the boat. Consequently, the cause of most hookings, is eliminated. This makes trotline fishing safer, easier, more fish productive, and more enjoyable.

Abstract: A trap includes an outer shell having an entrance at one end and a removable end plate at the other end. The outer shell has a number of holes for the passage of water inside the outer shell. An inner shell that also has water passage holes and that preferably is on the order of one half the length of the outer shell, is pivotally supported in the outer shell adjacent the entrance of the outer shell. The inner shell is pivotally supported about its center axis and has defined as part thereof a ramp that is weighted so that the ramp assumes the proper position to extend upwardly from the entrance.

Abstract: A crab pot handling apparatus comprising a sorting bin means for receiving, holding and disposing of the contents of a crab pot, and a crab pot launcher for holding and launching a crab pot. The crab pot handling apparatus is pivotally mounted on the gunwale near the side of a crab harvesting vessel. The crab pot launcher is comprised of a first planar launching deck with crab pot engaging means thereon. The sorting bin is pivotally positioned adjacent the crab pot launcher. The sorting bin means is comprised of a structural frame with sorting surface and fencing means along portions of the periphery of the sorting surface and is rotatable into juxtaposed position over the aforementioned crab pot launcher for baiting and launching pots whenever no sorting function is required.

Abstract: A fishing line being drawn around a pulley has spaced hooks hanging downwardly. The hooks are drawn through a chute where they engage a brush which acts to orient all hooks in the same direction as the pulley directs the line away from the chute which pulls the hooks upwardly through the brush while also moving along the chute. The oriented hooks are caused to engage over a fixed bar from which they can slide onto a hook-holding flange on a container in which the line leaving the pulley is being coiled.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises, rotating in a common sheath, a catching screw having a lattice-work helix and extended by a lifting screw whose helix is solid, the two helices are rotated by a single shaft. A deflector is provided at the junction point of the helices to facilitate the free passage of the fish from the lattice-work portion of the helix to the solid portion.

Abstract: A larval table for the collection of the early life stages of fish; i.e., eggs, larvae and juveniles as well as invertebrate macrozooplankton is disclosed. The larval table assembly includes a head or water delivery module, two or more screen separation modules, and a collection box module and concentration receptacle. The larval table is utilized in the collection of specimens where it is desired to recover the specimens alive. This is accomplished by reducing the flow velocity of the specimen carrying liquid which flows through the larval table. In addition, the collection box module and concentration receptacle eliminate the need for manual removal of the specimens from the larval table. The modular arrangement of the larval table allows modification of the table to accommodate varying flow rates of liquid to be sampled by adding additional screen separation modules, as needed.

Abstract: A fish pump is described for pumping live fish in water from one location to another. The pump is designed specifically for pumping live fish without injuring the fish. Of special significance is the pump rotor. It includes symmetrical helical-spiral passages that lead from a single open axial intake to peripheral open outlets at an enlarged rotor discharge end. The passages are open only at the intake and outlets and are smoothly curved to prevent damage to the fish. The passages and all other areas through which the fish pass are of cross-sectional dimension that is at least equal to one half the length of the longest fish to be pumped. Furthermore, the pitch of the helical-spiral passageways varies from the rotor opening to the outlet to influence the pumping efficiency without endangering the fish. The rotor, when in operation, produces a vortex at its intake end that tends to align the fish with the axis of rotation of the pump rotor.

Abstract: A comb-like gate structure having a plurality of resiliently bendable tines is affixed adjacent a constricted opening at the inner end of an inwardly convergent entry tunnel to prevent escape of crabs once they have entered the trap enclosure through such opening. The trap is of the type in which the entry tunnel is formed by netting stretched between a large entranceway in a side of the enclosure and the constricted opening formed by a rigid hoop that is disposed interiorally of the enclosure and is spaced above the bottom, and below the top, of the enclosure and is oriented so as to open generally upwardly, in facing relation to the top of the enclosure. The gate structure is attached to that segment of the hoop which secures the top portion of the tunnel netting and the tines of the gate structure are oriented to project generally horizontally across and somewhat above the opening formed by the hoop.

Abstract: A stern fishing system utilizing a power block and purse seine net which is launched and retrieved from the stern of a fishing boat. When the net has been pursed, it may contain fish such as tuna, as well as a number of porpoises. For ecology reasons, the porpoise should be released unharmed. Such release is accomplished by driving the fishing boat forward so as to cause the edge of the net most aft of the fishing boat to be temporarily submerged permitting the trapped porpoise to leap from the confines of the net and back into the open sea.

Abstract: A trap for rats and the like rodents formed of a sheet metal, covered box having an opening in one wall and a steep ramp located within the box and extending from the bottom of the opening to a point just below the cover of the box. A vertically arranged sheet metal channel surrounds the ramp to form a ramp containing chamber located within the box, which isolates the ramp from the remainder of the box interior. Bait is suspended within the box near the upper end of the ramp to entice the rodent into climbing up the ramp and reaching for the bait, thereby causing the rodent to fall into and to be trapped within the box interior.

Abstract: This invention obtains samples of fish life in the larvae and egg stage and shortly thereafter, plankton and similar marine life. By taking samples before and after water has passed through cooling facilities of electric generating plants along a river, some of the effects of the power plant on the environment can be determined. The outstanding feature of this invention is that it collects the samples without passing the marine life through pumps in which much of it is killed or injured. Samples are collected in partially submerged equipment into which the water flows by gravity, and the water is discharged by pumps after the samples have been removed.

Abstract: An elongated slatted box having oppositely disposed ends, one of which is open and the other closed. A pair of internal frames, one mounted in said open end and the other spaced longitudinally therefrom, both the frames having flexible splines fastened thereto to converge inwardly to define concentric, spaced apart and progressively constricted passageways into respectively contiguous compartments of the slatted box. The size of the interior opening of the first and outer constricted passageway limits the size of all the fish entering the trap as to largeness, and the size and spacing of the interior opening of the second and inner constricted passageway relative to the first constriced constricted passageway restricts the fish entering therethrough to catfish only and of a desired size only.

Abstract: A fishing apparatus comprises a floating platform and a transfer conveyor mounted at a forward end of the platform. The transfer conveyor extends downwardly and forwardly through a channel formed in the bow of the platform. The barge includes forwardly converging side portions which terminate at this channel. Forwardly extending and laterally spaced support arms are pivotably connected to the platform for up and down swinging movement. Laterally spaced pontoons are secured to forward ends of the support arms. A series of contiguously arranged side nets and floor nets form a forwardly open scoop extending from the pontoons into the mouth of the transfer conveyor for capturing and conducting fish upwardly into the transfer conveyor. Mechanism is connected to the pontoons for selectively varying the ballast thereof to raise and lower the scoop.

Abstract: A receptacle in which an insect attracting substance is placed, the receptacle including a top surface having a fly trap appendage for trapping insects therewithin. A yieldable arm arrangement supports a swatter above the top surface of the receptacle enabling the user to swat insects by manually depressing the uppermost arm. A tray like member is moveably mounted within the receptacle for periodic emptying of the receptacle and the resupplying of an insect attractor.

Abstract: A plankton harvester includes a surface float adapted to be secured to face tidal flow with an open subsurface cylinder secured to the flat and with the fore/aft axis parallel to the axis of said cylinder. A rotatable conical net structure is coaxial with the cylinder with the apex thereof at the mouth of the cylinder and the cone base engaging the opposite end to force fluid passing through the cylinder to pass through the net and deposit solids from the fluid on the surface of the net. Vanes in the conical structure rotates the cone at a rate dependent upon flow. Powered suction means adjacent to a linear surface segment of the net removes solids from the net surface. A storage chamber associated with the float is flow coupled to the suction means to store solids removed from the net surface.

Abstract: An automatic fishing rod capable of swinging up and down under hydraulic pressure, and which provides for automatic unhooking of a caught fish. If the fish fails to be readily released from the hook, the rod is caused to oscillate until it is freed therefrom. The movement of the rod is effected at a controlled speed so as not to damage the caught fish.

Abstract: A fishing machine mounted on the side rail of a boat for automatically catching and boating fish. A rigid bracket is attached to the boat. The bracket has a base plate pivotally mounted thereon. A stator of a rotary actuator is attached to the base plate with its rotor supporting a hollow elongated fishing pole extending away from the boat to a fishing position over the water adjacent the outer deck periphery of the boat. A self-reciprocating hydraulic cylinder is attached between the bracket and the base plate to provide horizontal oscillational movement to the fishing pole. A fishing line with a fish catching lure at one end positioned below the surface of the water passes through the hollow fishing pole and its other end is attached to the control for the rotary actuator. Whn the weight of a fish is transmitted via the line to the rotary actuator control, the actuator rotor rotates in a manner to elevate the pole tip to a position over the deck of the boat.

Abstract: Vehicle adapted for being towed along undersea floor area where desired mineral aggregates, such as manganese nodules, are dispersed on ocean bottom carries horizontally fenestrated sweeps and hydraulic transition chamber utilizing towed motion and hydraulic suction for acquiring, concentrating and transmitting desired aggregates to conduit for upward transport.

Abstract: An automatic fishing pole consisting of a boom attached via a double swivel to a boat rail which rotatably carries a hollow fishing rod member on an outboard end thereof. A fish line with a suitable lure drops from the end of the rod member into the water and extends through the hollow rod member to a spring-loaded hydraulic linkage whereby upon hooking a fish the resultant line tension will rotate the hydraulic linkage, applying hydraulic pressure to a rotary actuator which is coupled to the rod member rotating the rod toward the boat and pulling the fish out of the water. At a pre-determined angle orientation of the rod, a spring-loaded pause valve is partially closed slowing the rotation of the rod and swinging the fish inboard toward the deck of the boat, whereby upon the completion of its rotative arc, the fish is deposited on the deck and returns to its original position.

Abstract: An intake guidance valve for connection to an intake opening of a fish pump having a frusto-concial shield open at its small end and at its base. A conical deflector is mounted on and axially of the shield in a plurality of vanes which extend at an end beyond the base of the shield and at their other ends towards but short of the apex of the deflector so as to provide a plurality of upwardly tapering guidance passages. An annular flange projects radially from the base of the deflector so that water and fish are drawn radially into the guidance passages.