Abstract: Methods, devices and kits for the physical separation of plankton into its component parts utilizing phototactic behavior are described. The methods utilize positive phototactic behavior and negative contrast orientation of the zooplankton for maximal in situ separation of phytoplankton and zooplankton for use in further studies and evaluation of separation efficiency. The devices provide effective conditions for use in the separation of plankton into component parts.

Abstract: A containment system for use by a user and an assistant to be thrown by the user onto a fugitive disposed between the user and the assistant. The containment system includes: a net having a perimeter and a center; a first weight disposed at the perimeter; a second weight disposed at the perimeter; a primary weight connected to the net a user one-way cord lock; and a user cord disposed through the user one-way cord lock and associated with the perimeter. The user one-way cord lock enables one-way movement of the user cord therethrough when pulled upon so as to constrict the net at the perimeter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an underwater harvesting system (1) for harvesting zooplankton or mesoplagic fishes, comprising an underwater vehicle (2) for being lowered into the sea and towed behind a surface vessel (3), comprising a housing (21) provided with an inlet (22) through which zooplankton-containing-fluid may flow; a hose (4) mounted on the underwater vehicle and in fluid communication with the inlet, the hose being adapted to secure and fluidly connect the underwater vehicle to the surface vessel; and pumping means for drawing in a zooplankton-containing-fluid through the inlet in the underwater vehicle and for pumping the zooplankton-containing-fluid through the hose to the surface vessel. The invention further relates to a method for harvesting zooplankton or other marine organisms.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gel-spun fiber comprising a polyolefin polymer forming a fiber body, wherein a stabilizer is present inside the fiber body, characterized in that the amount of said stabilizer is between 0.001 and 10 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the amount of the polyolefin polymer forming said fiber body and wherein said stabilizer is carbon black.

Abstract: Winter fish traps and methods of using the same are disclosed. A method of trapping fish is provided that includes locating a substantially immobile group of fish in a body of water, providing a semi-rigid water-permeable trap having a bottom opening, lowering the trap opening over the group of fish onto a bottom surface of the body of water to trap the group of fish, remotely operating a semi-rigid door to cover the trap opening while the fish trap is resting on the bottom surface, and retrieving the fish trap from the body of water.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gel-spun fiber comprising a polyolefin polymer forming a fiber body, wherein a stabilizer is present inside the fiber body, characterized in that the amount of said stabilizer is between 0.05 and 10 parts by weight based on 100 parts by weight of the amount of the polyolefin polymer forming said fiber body.

Abstract: Watercraft automation and aquatic data are utilized for aquatic efforts. In one aspect, an anchor point is obtained and a watercraft position maintenance routine is actuated to control the watercraft to maintain association with the anchor point. In another aspect, prior aquatic effort data is obtained in association with an anchor point. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data is generated in association with an anchor point. In still another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized for prediction generation. In yet another aspect, current aquatic effort data and prior aquatic effort data are utilized to obtain another anchor point for a watercraft.

Abstract: There is provided a net comprising a plurality of attack-resistant cords joined in a net mesh, wherein each attack-resistant cord comprises one or more hard metal wires running at least partially along its length and one or more high tenacity yarns having a tenacity of at least 1.5N/tex.

Abstract: A net holster holds fishing nets outside a boat and out of the way of anglers inside the boat. The net holster of the present invention has over 100 adjustable positions to keep the net out of the way. The net holster can keep a net in place outside the boat of speeds of at least 30 miles per hour. The net holster of the present invention is designed to hold most nets. A universal clamp and a tie down clamp enable the net holster to fasten to a variety of marine vessels with very little effort.

Abstract: A telescopic wading staff with a full size, integral fishnet is disclosed. The preferred embodiment includes a retractable, extensible pole that can be moved between a first, fully compacted (retracted) configuration for transport or storage and second, fully extended configuration for wading, especially when traversing a stream or riverbed for fly-fishing. Other embodiments include a hook extension from the lower staff end for retrieving tangled lines, lures and the like.

Abstract: A combination fishing net and weight scale with length measuring ruler. The weight scale components are incorporated at a distal end of the handle of the fishing net opposite the end incorporating the net basket. A fish may be retained in the net basket and the distal end of the handle is held up to allow the major portion of the handle and the fishing net basket to extend downward under gravity. The weight of the fish is shown on an indicator positioned in the end (movable) component of the handle that shows through an aligned aperture on the main (fixed) handle component. An internally fixed spring extends between the movable component and the fixed component of the handle. Alternately, a solid state electronic scale may be used in the same position. A length measuring device may be positioned along the length of the handle.

Abstract: A telescopic wading staff with a full size, integral fishnet is disclosed. The preferred embodiment includes a retractable, extensible pole that can be moved between a first, fully compacted (retracted) configuration for transport or storage and second, fully extended configuration for wading, especially when traversing a stream or riverbed for fly-fishing. Other embodiments include a hook extension from the lower staff end for retrieving tangled lines, lures and the like.

Abstract: A device that assists in the holding and releasing of a cast net when thrown for fishing is herein disclosed. The device replaces the traditional practice of holding the edge of a casting net in a fisherman's mouth while throwing. The device is made of a section of synthetic cord wherein each end of the cord is attached to the outward leg of a clip mechanism, thus forming a loop configuration. The loop is then placed around the fisherman's neck with the clip mechanism hanging in a downward configuration. The cast net is then prepared to throw but instead of placing the edge of the net in the mouth, it is secured within the jaws of the clip. The net is then cast and as the net travels away from the fisherman, it pulls away from the clip resulting in a perfect cast.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aquaculture net (30) comprising wires (32, 34, 36) of lighter weight or smaller diameter towards the bottom of the net. The advantage is an aquaculture net with a prolonged life time.

Abstract: A fish keeping system includes a bucket for storing a floating net assembly. The bucket may include a cushioned seat on a lid portion thereof to provide a seat for a user. The floating net assembly may be removed from the bucket and allowed to float in water. The floating net assembly may include a float ring on a top portion and a weighted lower ring to allow the net assembly to become elongated when disposed in water, such as a lake. A drawstring may be included at the lower end of the net assembly for easy removal of fish kept in the net. The net assembly may allow a fisherman to keep their catch in a more natural environment, without any physical restraint attached to the fish.

Abstract: A casting net is provided that allows for easy use. The casting net includes a tail portion and a mouth portion that are connected by a mesh lattice netting. The tail portion is of a smaller diameter than the mouth portion, and the tail portion is substantially closed allowing only a torque line assembly to pass through. The mouth portion is of a substantially larger diameter than the tail portion, so as to provide a larger area for capturing targeted species. A plurality of weights are affixed along the circumference of the mouth portion for providing weight so as to sink the casting net assembly. Along the circumference of the mesh lattice, and in close proximity to the mouth portion, a reinforcing means is affixed so as to provide structural support to the mouth portion and thereby maintaining an open position of the mouth portion as the casting net falls through the water.

Abstract: A fishing net is described incorporating an electronic weighing device to weigh a fish whilst the fish is still in the net. The fishing net comprises a handle connected to a frame and a water permeable bag coupled to the frame. An electronic weight measuring device measures the weight of a fish or any other marine creature in the water permeable bag. The weighing action requires the user to lift the fishing net out of the water keeping the fishing net in a substantially horizontal position and read the weight from the display.

Abstract: A combination fishing net and weight scale device with optional length measuring ruler. The device includes a weight measuring scale incorporated into the handle of the fishing net at a point less exposed to water during standard use of the net. The weight scale components are incorporated at a distal end of the handle opposite the end incorporating the net basket. To use the weight scale the fish is retained in the net basket and the distal end of the handle is held up to allow the major portion of the handle and the fishing net basket to extend under gravity below the point of hanging support. In this manner, the weight of the fish within the fishing net basket is shown on an indicator positioned in the end (movable) component of the handle that shows through an aligned aperture on the main (fixed) handle component. The movable end component of the handle moves telescopically with respect to the fixed handle component.

Abstract: One embodiment of a castable fish catching net device operable by one person for capturing aquatic animals from any body of water without the need for the operator to enter the water. Includes a purse type seine supported by a generally triangular frame which is heavier than the surrounding water thus providing a sinking force. A handle is attached to the apex of the triangular frame extending in towards the center of the frame. A casting and retrieval cord is attachable to the most center end of the handle. Buoyant means is provided to orient the fish catching net device in a substantially vertical attitude relative to the surface of the body of water as it descends into the water. The purse shaped net has membranes that generate a buoyant-force as the fish catching net device is dragged through the water thus providing the operator with the ability to control the depth of deployment by varying the speed of forward travel through the water.

Abstract: Disclosed are films, tapes, and melt-spun fibers prepared from a composition comprising (a) at least one polyester polymer and (b) from about 1 to 30 weight % of at least one ethylene copolymer such as ethylene/vinyl acetate dipolymers, ethylene/vinyl acetate terpolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate dipolymers, ethylene/alkyl (meth)acrylate terpolymers, functionalized ethylene copolymers, ethylene/acid copolymers, and salts thereof. The films, tapes and fibers exhibit improved tensile properties such as tensile strength and elongation at break compared to non-modified polyester compositions. Also disclosed are textiles and articles prepared from the fibers described.

Abstract: An improved tool for cleaning debris from swimming pools is provided. The tool generally comprises a frame, a net covering the mouth portion of the frame, and a modular handle/net assembly which engages the proximal “Y” portion of the frame and a multi-buttoned pole retaining clip. In certain embodiments, the handle/net has a modular design where a top stem assembly engages a bottom stem assembly which, when in this joined configuration, encloses a double-buttoned retaining clip and a portion of a frame support bar which extends from the frame. The top stem assembly and bottom stem assembly are designed to receive a locking tubular sleeve which cooperates coaxially with the outside circular rear body portion of the joined top stem assembly and bottom stem assembly and is secured in place using the double-bottomed retaining clip.

Abstract: The present invention relates to device and method for guiding or herding aquatic animals, where a light source is used to herd and direct the animals into an enclosure. Light source (9), operational with physical barrier or enclosure (2) is used to project light (3) in waters forming visible shapes in the scattering of the light through the waters. The light source can be remotely controlled based on the movement or the location of the animal (4). The animals react to the scattered light as a physical barrier or an animal and can be directed or lured into the enclosure (2).

Abstract: A method for configuring a shellfish dredge is described. In an embodiment of the invention, a bag on a shellfish dredge has a front side and a back side and is attached to a tow. The front side of the bag has a pair of end peaks, one or more central peaks and an open area for catching shellfish. The end peaks are attached to the tow and the central peaks are attached to vertical chains connected to the tow. The bag is of a depth to catch and contain shellfish.

Abstract: A method for producing a fishing net is disclosed. Some sections and the other sections of the net are respectively formed of threads different in dyeing property, and then the net is dyed.

Abstract: A fish net and a method of netting a fish are provided. The fish net includes a pair of elongate members. A first of the elongate members includes a handle portion, a net assembly, and a body extending therebetween. The net assembly includes a frame including a mating surface, and a net coupled to the frame. A second of the elongate members includes a handle portion, a net assembly, and a body extending therebetween. The net assembly includes a frame including a mating surface, and a net coupled to the frame. The first and second elongate members are pivotally coupled together such that the net assemblies are moveable from a closed position wherein a first of the net assemblies is positioned in contact against the second of the net assemblies, to an open position wherein the two net assemblies are positioned a distance apart.

Abstract: A fishing sinker for use in fishing is disclosed to include a first weight member and a second weight member detachably fastened together, each weight member having a plastic shell and a metal block embedded in the plastic shell to prevent rust. Further, each weight member has a junction surface for bonding and a longitudinal groove that receives the fishing line of a fishing pole or one cord member of a fishing net when the two weight members are fastened together.

Abstract: A fish net, comprising a frame, and a net, attached to the frame, and including a length measuring scale disposed on the net, configured to allow a user to determine a size of a fish held in the net by visually comparing the fish with the length measuring scale. In one embodiment the length markings include a zero point near the bottom of the net, with two coordinated scales sharing the zero point and extending in opposing directions therefrom, such that a user may visually determine the length of the fish by aligning the fish with the length scale, and adding the numeral designations which are aligned with opposing ends of the fish.

Abstract: The Snake Fence (1), especially for catching snakes. The netting is attached to elastic or non-elastic cord (2) which is wrapped around a tree, tree limb, or any natural or manmade surface. (3) The cord is attached to the netting and the netting is overlapped. (4) It is the single, double, or multiple layering of netting that catches the snakes and holds the snakes. The snakes cannot extricate themselves from the netting. The netting is proportional in size to the snake being caught; the elastic or non-elastic cord is proportional in size to the tree, tree limb, or any natural or manmade surface.

Abstract: A fish catching system for includes a fishing pole and a fishing net to receive a fish landed by a user of the fishing pole. A support assembly engages and extends between the fishing net and the fishing pole. The support assembly supports the fishing pole above the fishing net to support the fishing pole when the fishing net and fishing pole are being held by the user.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sampling device for capturing samples from a fluid environment. The invention has particular application to the capture of phytoplankton samples from bodies of water. The invention is adapted to allow a sampling net to be easily manipulated by a user. Means of minimising and/or eliminating potential contamination of any collected samples are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a knot for linking two lines, ropes or similar, such as a float line or a ballast line and a mounting yarn having at least one netting connected thereto. The invention is characterised in that it comprises the following steps consisting in: forming a loop with the first line, said loop comprising two strands which are connected at the tip of the first loop and which separate from one another at the base of the first loop; bending the upper part of the first loop downwards and placing the lower parts of the strands between the upper parts of the strands that are connected at the tip, such as to form a second loop; forming a third loop with the lower parts of the strands under the second loop; introducing the third loop into the second loop; and separating the end of the third loop from the lower parts of the strands, such as to form the knot.

Abstract: By attaching a radio or acoustic sound transmitters, or combinations thereof, to the float line of nets recovery of gill nets will become much easier, and timely. This could save millions of fish and other marine life, as well as the economic value of lost nets, which can cost thousands of dollars a piece.

Abstract: An electroshock wand for safely and humanely stunning and capturing aquatic creatures is provided. The electroshock wand has a body, an anode member, and a cathode member. The anode and cathode members are attached at or near the electroshock end of the body, with the anode and cathode members being axially spaced from one another. The anode and cathode members create an intense and localized electrical field between one another that momentarily stuns a target organism. The target organism, once stunned may then be collected. This device offers a nonlethal method of capturing invasive species and removing them from specific environments.

Abstract: A portable illuminated, transparent or translucent tubular device is provided. The light source is a flexible, extended-in-length light source mounted in the tubular device, with a housing associated with the tubular device. The housing encloses batteries, and in some instances circuitry, for powering the light source. In a preferred embodiment, the tubular device is a handle for a fish or crab net, with the light source extending around the loop of the net.

Abstract: A fish net and a method of netting a fish are provided. The fish net includes a pair of elongate members. A first of the elongate members includes a handle portion, a net assembly, and a body extending therebetween. The net assembly includes a frame including a mating surface, and a net coupled to the frame. A second of the elongate members includes a handle portion, a net assembly, and a body extending therebetween. The net assembly includes a frame including a mating surface, and a net coupled to the frame. The first and second elongate members are pivotally coupled together such that the net assemblies are moveable from a closed position wherein a first of the net assemblies is positioned in contact against the second of the net assemblies, to an open position wherein the two net assemblies are positioned a distance apart.

Abstract: A fishing rod/net-lasso(s) apparatus combination used as a single product. An angler can fish, net or lasso a caught fish and lift it from any place for fishing, in the summer, winter, or any other season. It is comprised of: a fishing rod with fishing devices; a net-lasso(s) or other device, every net having attached to it a heavy weight; an extra line that connects, on one side, to a soft net or lasso(s) and on the other side to an extra spinning mechanism or another extra line keeper on a fishing rod; a net-lasso together with its keeper/holder, that has a track inside it, the track is slide-joined to a fishing rod and can slide over and around a fishing rod, a fishing line, a kill-devil, a bobber or other fishing line device to the mouth of a caught fish.

Abstract: A motor-driven mechanical netting device includes a net assembly, a slide assembly, a bracket, and a mount. The slide assembly is structured to support the net assembly and includes a guide bar. The bracket is structured to support the net assembly, the slide assembly, and a motor. The mount is structured to support the bracket.

Abstract: A screening device includes a screen and frame, and is useful in permitting fishermen to detect conditions of the water to be fished for optimum bait and lure selection. The screening device allows a fisherman to collect aquatic insects rising through the water to be fished, thus alerting the fisherman as to the food being seen and eaten by the fish, and identify what depth the insects are in the water. With this knowledge, the fisherman can select the proper lure or fly to catch the fish present in the tested waters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nets, preferably for fishing, webbed onto a discharging device, a discharging system and a method for manufacture of such nets and discharging systems. The net, the system and the method make possible to determine the opening of the net's meshes by way of a mounting-line and a netting-device coupled with the mounting-line, which permits the mounting of longer nets onto shorter net ropes. The mounting line is attached to the mesh-cell or mounting mesh-cell of the net to maintain a fixed opening size of the meshes, during discharge and operation of the net.

Abstract: A Fish Handling System For Big Game Tube Fishing is a single unit comprised of both a landing net and raised tabletop/inch incremented measuring board supported by a platform mounted atop two pontoons. Landing net access is obtained by lifting the hinged table/measuring board. The fish handling system has an adjustable multipurpose handle, when drawn taut it acts as the handle, when loosened it is used to attach the fish handling system to the float tube's D-rings using quick release clamps of preference. Thus providing a stable workstation and hands free landing net within comfortable reach of the float tube fisherman.

Abstract: An automatic locking landing net yoke includes a channeled ramp feature such that, when the handle is drawn through the yoke and the yoke slides over a spring button, the ramp forces or cams the button downwardly and into the handle. Toward the lowermost portion of the ramp is a hole such that, as the hole in the yoke slides over the spring button, the force of the button extends it upwardly through the hole. The spring button is never pushed completely into the handle because the backside of the yoke hole prevents the yoke from being extended to the point that the yoke slides off the handle. The yoke is also configured such that the yoke allows use with hoop and handle shapes of various configurations and is molded of a material that does not create any oxidation or corrosion between the handle and yoke, thus providing smooth operation between the two elements.

Abstract: A fishing device has a substantially rigid lower member, a lee attached to the lower member, and a net having a lower end attached to the lower member and an upper end vertically spaced from it, the net being slidable over the lee so that when fish hits the net the net slides over the lee and forms a bag in which fish is caught.

Abstract: A snag-free and stress-free fish catcher includes a supporting frame, a fish pocket, having a fish cavity, supported by the supporting frame, and a tension resting bed, having a tension surface, supported within the fish cavity, wherein the tension surface of the tension resting bed has a predetermined tension larger than a weight of the fish. Therefore, when the fish is captured within the fish cavity of the fish pocket, the fish lies on the tension surface of the tension resting bed in a flatten manner.

Abstract: A fish grading device is provided including a framework of substantially rigid elongate members pivotably interconnected to form a plurality of loops, wherein each the loop is formed from a plurality of the substantially rigid elongate members and defines an aperture not exceeding predetermined dimensions.

Abstract: The buoy has small and large cylindrical sections contiguous with each other and having a common central axis. A hole extends along the common central axis, for receiving a mooring rope. The small section has dimensions to fitly engage into a cavity in the bottom of the large section, such that two buoys are stackable onto each other. In another aspect, the small section has grooves on its outside surface and the large section has notches in its rim. The grooves and the notches are advantageous for lodging a mooring rope and consequently for allowing the stacking of buoys that have their mooring ropes still attached to them.

Abstract: A fish farming net having conductive wires integrated into the filaments of the net. The conductive wires are arranged in circuits, each of said circuits defining a field connected to an electronic apparatus that monitors a certain electrical parameter of the field. The wires of each circuit are arranged in a pattern whereby the wires are close enough together that a hole large enough for fish to escape will necessarily break one of the wires. In the event the circuit is broken, the monitoring apparatus detects a change in the electrical parameter being monitored and signals an appropriate alarm.

Abstract: An improved fishing net (10) has a handle (12). One end of the handle is looped and provides a mouth for fish net (14). The net has two sections (14A, 14B). A first net section (14A) has its mouth end attached to the net handle. The section then tapers toward its lower, also open, end which is encircled by an elastic band (16). The second net section (14B) comprises a pocket whose upper, mouth end is attached to the elastic band. This lower, bottom end of the pocket is closed so fish landed in the net cannot escape from it. The pocket is elongated and of a relatively small diameter so a fish caught in the lower end of the net cannot move about too much. This allows a fisherman to readily grasp the fish by encircling his hand about the pocket and gently squeezing the fish.

Abstract: A retractable fishing net includes a handle, a retraction mechanism, a net support band and a netting. The handle has a grip end and a net end. The retraction mechanism is slidably mounted on the handle, the retraction mechanism being movable between the grip end and the net end. The net support band has a first band end and a second band end, the first band end and the second band end each being mounted to the retraction mechanism, the net support band thereby having a hoop shape. The net support band is mounted relative to the handle and the retraction mechanism in a manner so as to provide the net support band with a spring quality, the spring quality of the net support band acting to bias the retraction mechanism toward the net end of the handle. The netting is mounted on the net support band.

Abstract: The present invention uses the Jig Fishing System™ to achieve a more effective and enjoyable way of ice fishing. By practicing the disclosed invention, the skilled practitioner will now enjoy quick set-up, enhanced monitoring, and more effective, safer, warmer, dryer and more social ice fishing. The advantages of using the present invention include: easy set-up, storage and transportability of the ice fishing devices; easier and more effective fish detection monitoring, including fish detection monitoring from a distance; warmer, dryer, safer and more social ice fishing; and the ability to have reliable fish strike monitoring and signaling during the day, night or inclement weather.