Method and apparatus for long line and recreational bait fishing

Abstract

Method and apparatus for long line fishing and for recreational bait fishing are disclosed. The method attaches bait to a line at a material distance from an attached and preferred circle hook. Separation of hook and bait on a line is sufficient to prevent the hook from entering a fish's mouth simultaneously with the bait. The method and apparatus are equally applicable to the branch line used in the commercial longline fishery and the line used in the recreational fishery. Line and bait attachment devices are described that allows a bait to slide on the fishing line, detach from the bait or be fixed thereon. A fish is hooked by striking bait affixed to the line at a distance from a hook. A fish's forward speed or an angler jerking the rod causes the line to be drawn through the fish's mouth and continues to pull the externally located hook until it engages with the outside of the jaw. The direction of hook-set is diametrically opposite traditional bait fishing methods. A circle hook's mechanical efficiency is improved by this method such that a recreational angler can strike a fish with the rod in traditional fashion. Separation of bait and hook by a material distance prevents a fish from swallowing a hook and promotes the survival of released fish. Additionally a line, rigged in accordance with the method, promotes the exclusion of sea turtles, sea birds and sharks from a longline catch.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.