Fish Retrieval device

A fish retrieval device for retrieving a fish hooked on a fishing line, said device comprising:

• (1) gripping means for gripping said fish, said gripping means comprising at least two opposing gripping members and resilient means for urging said gripping members together, said gripping members having a cocked position such that said gripping members form an opening to receive said fish and a released position such that said resilient means urges said gripping members together to grip said fish, said gripping means further comprising release means for releasing said gripping members from said cocked position, said release means being responsive to contact with said fish, each gripping member having a proximate end having at least one prong to grip said fish, and a distal end, said gripping members being pivotally connected at a point between said ends;
• said release means consisting essentially of said gripping members having one or more notches near said pivot point, a stop, and a trigger, said notches being aligned to receive said stop when said gripping members are in said cocked position, said trigger being connected to said stop and positioned in proximity to said opening when said gripping members are in said cocked position, said trigger being responsive to said fish such that said trigger urges against said stop upon contact with said fish to force said stop from said notches thereby allowing said resilient means to close said prongs about said fish;
• (2) guiding means connected to said gripping means for guiding said device along said fishing line, said guide means comprising a guide member having open ends and an inner channel through which said fishing line passes, said guide member being connected to said gripping means to maintain a substantially right angle relative to said opening, said guide member having a slotted opening which extends from end to end to provide access to said channel such that a length of said fishing line is insertable through said slot into said channel, said guide member having obstruction means for obstructing a taut, straight fishing line from passing through said slot and thereby leaving said channel;
• (3) retrieval means operatively connected to said gripping means for retrieving said device and said fish, said retrieval means comprising a line connected to said distal end of a gripping member and passing through said distal end of an opposing member such that tension on said line pulls said distal ends together.