Abstract:
The present invention includes an array of fish-shaped reflective elements, or fish decoys, which may be formed with an adhesive backing which facilitates the attachment of the reflective elements to the underside, or hull, of a vessel, such as a fishing vessel. The fish-shaped reflective elements may be configured on the hull in a pattern corresponding to the natural schooling of the prey for the fish being sought. The reflective elements may vary in size depending on the fish species being mimicked.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    The present invention relates generally to marine vessels, and more particularly to vessels used for fishing. The present invention is useful for attracting fish to a vessel in order to facilitate more successful angling. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Fishing is simply the activity of trying to catch fish. Fish are normally caught in the wild and the techniques for catching them include hand gathering, spearing, netting, trapping, and angling. In addition to providing food, modern fishing is also a recreational pastime. Indeed, fishing is a favorite pastime that appeals to the relaxed coastal angler as well as to the more serious fisherman in pursuit of the largest of gamefish. 
         [0003]    Coastal epipelagic fish are among the most abundant in the world. They can be broadly divided into small forage fish and the larger predator fish which feed on them. Forage fish most often filter feed on plankton and are relatively small, usually less than 10 centimeters long. They often remain in schools and some species may migrate large distances between spawning grounds and feeding grounds. Small pelagic fish, such as herring, sardines, and anchovy are usually forage fish that are hunted by larger pelagic fish and other predators. 
         [0004]    In general, predatory and forage fish share the same physical features which include large mouths, smooth bodies, and deeply forked tails. Many use vision to locate plankton or smaller fish upon which to feed. Both predators and their smaller prey fish are usually shaded with a variety of silvery colors. For instance, anchovies are small, green fish with blue reflections due to a silver longitudinal stripe that runs from the base of the caudal fin. They typically range from one to sixteen inches in adult length, and the body shape is variable, with more slender fish in northern populations. 
         [0005]    Epipelagic fish have hard protective scales on their skin for protection, and many species of fish have silvery color scales which reflect light. In some cases, this reflection serves as a camouflage, while in other cases the reflection allows predators to view them more easily. In either case, fish are often drawn to reflective objects in order to seek the safety of a school, or the abundant food source a school might provide. 
         [0006]    It is also known that epipelagic fish are fascinated with floating objects. They aggregate in considerable numbers around objects such as drifting flotsam, rafts, jellyfish and floating seaweed. The objects appear to provide an anomaly in the otherwise open sea and can offer some protection for juvenile fish from predators. For instance, coastal juvenile fish may use drifting seaweed, commonly known as kelp patties, for the shelter and the food that is available from invertebrates and other fish associated with it. In fact, the availability of drifting seaweed or jellyfish can result in significant increases in the survival rates of some juvenile species. Also, epipelagic fish can also feed on squid, crab and jelly fish, and as result, often congregate near collections of such prey. 
         [0007]    Fish species that travel large distances, such as tuna, can be captured by tracking these fish in large fishing vessels. A simple alternative is to utilize the fascination these fish have with floating objects. When fishermen use such objects, they are called fish aggregating devices (FADs). FADs are anchored rafts or objects of any type, floating on the surface or just below it. Fishermen often set up floating FADs, assembled from all sorts of debris, around tropical islands, to attract fish. 
         [0008]    Despite the tendency of epipelagic fish to gather around FADs, and the natural tendency of these same fish to be attracted to other fish having reflective scales, it is often difficult to manage a single FAD, or to set out a sufficient number of FADs to develop a significant fish population beneath them. Moreover, since many FADs are floating freely in the oceans currents, it is often difficult to track their whereabouts over time. 
         [0009]    In light of the above, it would be advantageous to provide anglers with a fish aggregating device which would facilitate the aggregation of prey fish in order to attract specific target fish. It would be further advantageous to provide anglers with a versatile fish aggregating device that would be easy to deploy and not require any appreciable maintenance or tracking. It would be further advantageous to provide a fish aggregation device to attract predator fish, such as tuna, billfish, and shark. It would also be advantageous to provide a fish aggregation device which is easy to use, easy to maintain, and comparatively cost effective. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention includes an array of fish-shaped reflective elements, or fish decoys, which may be formed with an adhesive backing which facilitates the attachment of the reflective elements to the underside, or hull, of a vessel, such as a fishing vessel. The fish-shaped reflective elements may be configured on the hull in a pattern corresponding to the natural schooling of the prey for the fish being sought. For instance, when seeking fish which prey upon sardines, the fish-shaped reflective elements may be shaped like forage fish, such as sardines, and the reflective elements may be positioned on the hull in a configuration resembling a sardine school, or bait ball. 
         [0011]    The reflective elements may vary in size depending on the fish species being mimicked. For instance, when seeking predator fish which preys on sardines, the reflective elements may be sized to correspond to typical sardine, such as 4 to 6 inches. Alternatively, when seeking predator fish which prey on larger fish, such as mackerel or tuna, the reflective elements may be sized to correspond to a typical mackerel, such as 8 to 16 inches in length, or a typical albacore tuna, such as 24 to 36 inches in length. In an alternative embodiment, reflective elements may also resemble squid, crab or jelly fish, allowing the angler to more specifically target different fish species. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
         [0012]    The nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art after considering the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals designate like parts throughout, and wherein: 
           [0013]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a typical fishing vessel having a hull with a portion below the waterline, having a propeller and rudder, and equipped with the fishing decoy of the present invention; 
           [0014]      FIG. 2  is a bottom view of the typical fishing vessel of  FIG. 1 , showing the hull portion below the waterline, having a propeller and rudder, and equipped with the fishing decoy of the present invention that are configured in two primary groupings simulating schooling fish traveling in a clockwise circular fashion, and a random fishing decoy apart from the simulated schools; 
           [0015]      FIG. 3  is a plan view of an exemplary fishing decoy showing the generalized shape of the decoy to resemble a prey fish, and having a body with tail fins, and may include a dorsal or pectoral fins depending on the prey fish being mimicked; 
           [0016]      FIG. 4A  is a cross-sectional view of the exemplary fishing decoy of  FIG. 3 , showing various layers including a base having a reflective surface, and an adhesive layer covered with a removable backing; 
           [0017]      FIG. 4B  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary fishing decoy of  FIG. 3 , and includes a base having a reflective surface, and an adhesive layer covered with a removable backing and may also include reflective particles, an adhesive layer on the base layer and covered by a removable peel-off covering, and a clear sealing layer on the base layer opposite the adhesive layer to provide a barrier to the harmful sea environment; 
           [0018]      FIG. 5  is an article of manufacture of the exemplary fishing decoys of the present invention showing a backing sheet having a number of fishing decoys positioned adjacent each other to maximize the number of fishing decoys on the sheet, and with the fishing decoys formed with a variety of shapes to resemble the varieties of the fish being mimicked in the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a typical fishing vessel having a hull with a portion below the waterline, having a propeller and rudder, and equipped with the fishing decoy of the present invention including jelly fish and squid in patterns replicating the natural congregation of the jelly fish and squid as they appear in nature; 
           [0020]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the typical fishing vessel of  FIG. 6 , showing the hull portion below the waterline, having a propeller and rudder, and equipped with the fishing decoy of the present invention that resemble jelly fish configured in two primary groupings simulating jelly fish in a group, and a random positioning of the jelly fish apart from the simulated schools; 
           [0021]      FIG. 8  is bottom view of the typical fishing vessel of  FIG. 6 , showing the hull portion below the waterline, having a propeller and rudder, and equipped with the fishing decoy of the present invention that resemble squid configured in two primary groupings simulating squid in a group, and a random positioning of the squid apart from the simulated schools; and 
           [0022]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the typical fishing vessel of  FIG. 6 , showing the hull portion below the waterline, having a propeller and rudder, and equipped with the fishing decoy of the present invention that resemble crab configured in two primary groupings simulating crab in a group, and a random positioning of the crab apart from the grouping. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0023]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a side view of a typical fishing vessel  100  having a hull  102  with a portion  104  below the waterline  106  is shown. Vessel  100  includes, for example, a propeller  108  and rudder  110 , and is equipped with the fishing decoy of the present invention as shown in decoy schools  120  and  122 . From this view, the positioning of decoy schools  120  and  122  can be appreciated as covering a significant portion of the hull portion  104  below the waterline  106 . 
         [0024]    Referring to  FIG. 2 , a bottom view of the typical fishing vessel  100  of  FIG. 1  is shown with the hull portion  104  below the waterline  106 . The fishing decoy  120  and  122  of the present invention are configured in two primary groupings simulating schooling fish traveling in a clockwise circular fashion, and a random fishing decoy apart from the simulated schools. More specifically, school  120  appears as a single circular pattern of fish decoys. Alternatively, school  122  appears as a series of concentric patterns of decoys from the largest circular school  122  of decoys having multiple fish decoys  124  and  126 , to concentric circular rows  123  and  127  depicting a larger school of fish. In addition to organized schools of decoys  120  and  122 , random fish decoys can be positioned about submerged hull surface  104 , such as fish decoy  125 . 
         [0025]    While schools  120  and  122 , and singular fish decoy  125  have been shown and discussed in conjunction with the present invention, it is to be appreciated that the particular patterns shown in  FIGS. 1 and 2  are merely exemplary of a preferred embodiment of the invention, and are in no way considered to limit the scope of the invention, or otherwise limit the deployment of the present invention. 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a plan view of an exemplary fishing decoy  126  is shown which provides the generalized shape of the decoy to resemble a prey fish. For example, decoy  126  is formed to have a body  128  with tail fins  130 , and may include a dorsal fin  134  or pectoral fins  132  depending on the prey fish being mimicked. Also, decoy  126  may include a mouth  136  and an eye  138 , From this figure, it is to be appreciated that there are many physical features which may be included in the fishing decoy  126  of the present invention. Depending on the size of the decoy, finer features, such as eyes, mouth, and pectoral fins may be omitted, such as when the decoy resembles a smaller prey fish, such as a sardine or anchovy. Moreover, as the size of the fish decoy  126  decreases, the need to accurately reflect the features of the decoy diminish as the predatory fish would be drawn to the general reflective shape rather than the specific details of the decoy  126 . 
         [0027]    Referring to  FIG. 4A , a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fishing decoy  126  of  FIG. 3  is shown. From this cross-sectional view, the various layers of the decoy  126  are shown. Decoy  126  includes a base layer  140  which in a preferred embodiment is reflective, such as reflective silver, on surface  141 . An adhesive layer  144  is adjacent to base layer  140  and may be covered by a removable peel-off covering layer  146  which may be easily removed by pulling covering layer  146  in direction  148 . 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 4B , a cross-sectional view of an exemplary fishing decoy  126 A of  FIG. 3  is shown. From this cross-sectional view, the various layers of the decoy  126 A are shown. Decoy  126 A includes a base layer  140  which in a preferred embodiment is reflective, and may also include reflective particles  142 . An adhesive layer  144  is adjacent to base layer  140  and may be covered by a removable peel-off covering layer  146  which may be easily removed by puffing covering layer  146  in direction  148 . A clear sealing layer  150  may be provided on the base layer  140  opposite the adhesive layer  144  to provide a barrier to the harmful sea environment and to provide a longer period of reflectivity. 
         [0029]    As shown in  FIGS. 4A and 4B , fishing decoy  126  may incorporate multiple layers  140 ,  144  and  150  to accomplish the present invention. However, it is to be appreciated that the present invention may also be achieved using fewer layers, such as a reflective layer  140  and an adhesive layer  144 . Moreover, the present invention may include simply a fish decoy having a reflective layer  140  which is attached to hull  102  using a separate adhesive. Also, reflective particles  142  may be separately applied to the surface of a base  140  to provide the benefits of a reflective surface  141  in combination with the reflective particles  142 . Overall, the present invention is not limited to specific sizes, varieties, colors, or reflectivity of the fish decoys  126  of the present invention 
         [0030]    In a preferred embodiment, the reflective layer is made from Mylar, which exhibits longevity in a harsh marine environment. It is to be appreciated that the particular materials from which the fish decoys  126  are made is not considered a limitation of the present invention. Indeed, any material known in the art and capable of use in a water environment and capable of being adhered to a submerged hull surface will suffice for the present invention. Examples of such materials are the seawater resistant Oracal® 351 series of metalized polyester film decals and the Oracal® 352 series of white and transparent polyester film decals. Both of these products are tested in seawater conditions that meet the DIN 50021 standard. For testing, the decals were adhered to aluminum and submerged in seawater. After 100 hours at 23 degrees C., the decals did not show any variations in look or performance. These products have a shelf life and a service life of two (2) years. 
         [0031]    It is also to be appreciated that while the present invention as described herein includes the placement of multiple fish decoys  126  in the formation of fish schools is merely exemplary, the fish decoys  126  of the present invention may be arranged in virtually any position on hull  102 . For instance, fish decoys  126  may be arranged in a schooling circular pattern, as shown, or in a common direction. 
         [0032]    The silver reflectivity of the fish decoys  126  of the present invention is sufficient to attract similar fish to form a live school adjacent the hull surface  104 . Also, the fish decoys  126  resemble the natural prey of the predator fish and are sufficient to attract the predator fish seeking to feed on the bait fish decoy. Most importantly, the presence of fish decoys  126  on hull  104  serves as a FAD being that the decoys are beneath a floating vessel  100 , and the decoys resemble either schooling fish or prey fish for feeding predators. Whichever the case, the presence of the fish decoys  126  serve to increase the fish beneath a fishing vessel, and results in an increase in fish caught by the anglers on the boat. 
         [0033]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an article of manufacture of the exemplary fishing decoys  126  of the present invention is shown and generally designated  200 . Article  200  includes a backing sheet  202  having a number of fishing decoys  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218 , for example. These fishing decoys are positioned adjacent each other to maximize the number of fishing decoys on the sheet  202 , and with the fishing decoys formed with a variety of shapes to resemble the varieties of fish being mimicked in the present invention. For instance, fishing decoys  204 ,  206 ,  208 ,  210 ,  212 ,  214 ,  216 ,  218  are each shown to have a different size, shape and position. Moreover, a variety of colors or reflectivity could be incorporated, such as the reflective surface of decoy  212 , the particle reflectivity of decoy  214 , and the stripe reflectivity of decoy  218 . Also, various physical features may be shown, such as the dorsal fin, pectoral fin, mouth, and eyes, as in decoy  216 . 
         [0034]    Application of the fishing decoys of the present invention to an exemplary hull surface  104  would include, in a preferred embodiment, cleaning the hull surface to remove fouling and peeling or flaking bottom paint, and re-painting the hull surface if desired. Next, the fishing decoys of the present invention are removed from backing sheet  202  and arranged on the hull surface  104  in the desired pattern. Once adhered, the boat  100  is ready for fishing. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 6 , a side view of a typical fishing vessel generally designated  300  is shown having a hull  102  with a portion below the waterline  106 , having a propeller  108  and rudder  110 , and equipped with the fishing decoy of the present invention including jelly fish  310  and squid  320  in patterns replicating the natural congregation of the jelly fish  310  and squid  320  as they appear in nature. 
         [0036]      FIG. 7  is a bottom view of the typical fishing vessel  300  of  FIG. 6 , showing the hull portion  102  below the waterline, having a propeller  108  and rudder  110 , and equipped with the fishing decoy of the present invention that resemble jelly fish  312 ,  314 ,  316  configured in a primary grouping simulating jelly fish in a group, and a random positioning of the jelly fish  318  apart from the simulated schools  312 ,  314 ,  316 . It is to be appreciated that a variety of patterns and configurations may be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0037]      FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the typical fishing vessel  300  of  FIG. 6 , showing the hull portion  102  below the waterline, having a propeller  108  and rudder  110 , and equipped with the fishing decoy of the present invention that resemble squid  322 ,  324 ,  326  configured in a primary grouping simulating squid in a group, and a random positioning of the squid  328  apart from the simulated schools  322 ,  324 ,  326 . It is to be appreciated that a variety of patterns and configurations may be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention. and 
         [0038]      FIG. 9  is a bottom view of the typical fishing vessel  300  of  FIG. 6 , showing the hull portion  102  below the waterline, having a propeller  108  and rudder  110 , and equipped with the fishing decoy of the present invention that resemble crab  330 ,  332 , and  334  configured in a primary grouping simulating crab in a group, and a random positioning of the crab  338  apart from the simulated schools  330 ,  332 , and  334 . It is to be appreciated that a variety of patterns and configurations may be implemented without departing from the spirit of the present invention. 
         [0039]    While there have been shown what are presently considered to be preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications can be made herein without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.