Patent ID: 6560916
Filing Date: 2003-05-13
Classification: A01K

Abstract:
A fishing hook apparatus, comprising:a resilient shaft comprising a shank segment which is substantially rectilinear and having a shank segment proximal end and a shank segment distal end and comprising a hook segment which is substantially rectilinear and having a hook segment connected end joined to the shank segment distal end, said hook segment being extendable from said shank segment at an acute angle relative to said shank segment generally back toward said shank segment proximal end and outwardly from said shank segment and terminating in a hook point; a line engaging structure at said shank segment proximal end for receiving and engaging a strand of fishing line; wherein said shank segment and said hook segment are interconnected by a hook segment pivot means at the shank segment distal end and at the hook segment connected end, a hook segment locking segment extending from said hook segment connected end beyond said hook segment pivot means and pivotable into a position parallel with and adjacent to said shank segment; and a sliding annular member slidingly fitting around said shank segment with a sufficient clearance to receive said hook segment locking segment in addition to said shank segment, and slidingly fitting around said shank segment with sufficient clearance to receive said hook segment in addition to said shank segment; wherein said hook segment locking segment is pivotable to a position adjacent to said shank segment such that said sliding annular member can be slid along said shank segment until said sliding annular member encircles said hook segment locking segment, thereby retaining said hook segment locking segment in its position adjacent to said shank segment and said hook segment is oriented in an angled, deployed fish engaging position; and wherein said sliding annular member can be slid proximally along said shank segment to release said locking segment, and then said hook segment can be pivoted to a position in which said hook segment is pointed distally to release the fish with minimal damage to the fish, and said hook segment can be pivoted to a position in which said hook segment is pointed proximally, whereupon said sliding annular member can be slid such that said sliding annular member is positioned around said hook segment for safe storage, preventing said hook point from pivoting away from said shank.