Patent ID: 7805879
Filing Date: 2010-10-05
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
1. A device for promoting safety and accuracy while baiting a fish hook with a pellet-like bait having an exterior surface and given dimensions, the hook including a longitudinally extending shank having a given transverse dimension, and a tip spaced laterally from the shank for receiving the bait, the device comprising: a block having a top end and a bottom end, a top face, and a front face extending in a longitudinal direction between the top face and the bottom end; a grip on the block for enabling the block to be held during a baiting operation; a well having an opening at the top face and extending into the block, the well having a limited dimension corresponding generally to at least a portion of prescribed dimensions of the bait such that the bait will be received selectively for temporary retention in the well while exposed at the opening; a slot in the block, the slot having an open end at the top face of the block, a length extending in a longitudinal direction along the front face, a transverse width corresponding to the transverse dimension of the shank of the hook, and a lateral depth establishing a lateral terminal boundary of the slot; the well and the terminal boundary of the slot being placed in a common longitudinal plane and being spaced apart along the top face by a lateral distance such that upon placement of the bait in the well, and the shank of the hook within the slot, with the tip of the hook confronting the top face of the block and the shank engaged with the terminal boundary of the slot, the tip will be aligned with and guided toward the well as the shank is drawn along the slot in a baiting direction to engage the tip with the bait in the well; the slot terminating at a terminal end spaced longitudinally from the top face; and a shield extending in lateral and transverse directions from the block, between the grip and the terminal end of the slot, for shielding the grip from a tip of any misdirected hook during a baiting operation, the shield including a shield portion sloping in a direction extending longitudinally away from the top face and laterally away from the terminal end of the slot so as to facilitate drawing of the shank of the hook along the slot during a baiting operation.