Fishing line float and spool device

A fishing line float and spool device is provided having a rounded, buoyant structure, and an arraignment that allows a length of fishing line to be independently supported from the water surface. The device comprises a first and second side having a perimeter flange and an inset channel therebetween for supporting the fishing line about the perimeter of the device. A plurality of notches is disposed through the flanges of each of the float sides. The fishing line attaches around the float and is extended therefrom, whereby the notches allow the line to be tied off such that when the line is struck by a fish the float flips over for notification purposes. The center of the float includes an aperture therethrough for assisting the user when tying off the fishing line, while also providing a support for an external hand crank reel or a lighted pole.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to angling equipment and bottom fishing. More specifically, the present invention pertains to a baited line flotation device that supports a suspended, vertical fishing line from the water surface for snaring catfish and other bottom-dwelling fish.

Most anglers attempting to snare catfish and other bottom-dwelling fish utilize a rod and reel, whereby the angler tends an extended line that is positioned along the bottom of the water using a line weight. Attending to the rod and reel requires vigilance, whereby the angler generally remains outside and in the elements while casting and observing the deployed fishing line. This process can be an enjoyable recreational activity for some, but for others the process can be tiresome and inefficient, particularly for anglers attempting to catch as many fish as possible in a given outing.

The present invention provides a flotation device for bottom fishing, wherein a suspended, vertical fishing line is supported along the water surface and a weighted bait is positioned along the floor of the body of water. The device allows fisherman and anglers to position several independent fishing line floats along the surface of a body of water, wherein the floats can be left unattended and monitored from afar for strikes on the individual lines.

The present invention introduces several key features that facilitate “hands-off” fishing, allowing the fisherman to monitor several different lines at once while not remaining in the immediate location of each deployed line. The floats include a structure that allows for ready deployment of a given length of fishing line, while the arrangement of its connection with the float makes the float flip over from one side to another if the fish strikes the line, providing a readily visible signal to a fisherman that a line has been struck that requires attention.

The use of floats over a rod and reel has other advantages aside from allowing a more hands-off approach. When a line is struck by a larger fish, reeling the fish in can be a physical experience and one that requires skill and endurance to complete. The present invention contemplates a float structure that supports a given length of fishing line, whereupon a strike on the end of the line, the float resists being pulled under water and creates significant resistance on the one end of the line. The fish, upon being struck by the hook, will attempt to flee. The counteraction of the float against any diving motion or motion along the surface of the water will quickly tire the fish to the point of exhaustion. After the fish is exhausted, the fisherman can more readily draw the fish towards the surface for retrieval. This process makes the buoyancy of the float act as the resistive force against the fish, as opposed to physical force required when using a rod and reel.

The overall goal is to provide an angler with an improved method of fishing using an advanced floatation device, while also allowing the angler to engage in other activities without being consumed by an attention to a cast fishing line from a rod and reel. For those fishermen who desire several deployed lines for maximizing the chance of a strike, the present invention provides a deployable fishing means. For those individuals who enjoy recreational fishing activities and other water sports, the present invention provides a means of fishing that allows the angler to engage in other water sports or activities near the water simultaneously and without requiring a single-minded approach to the fishing activity.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Devices have been disclosed in the prior art that relate to bottom fishing and fishing devices. These include devices that have been patented and published in patent application publications, and generally relate to fishing floats and illuminated floats. No devices are disclosed sharing all elements of the present invention. The following is a list of devices deemed most relevant to the present disclosure, which are herein described for the purposes of highlighting and differentiating the unique aspects of the present invention, and further highlighting the drawbacks existing in the prior art.

One such device, U.S. Pat. No. 5,852,894 to Shannon, discloses a flip float having a first and second half and a structure that is meant to flip over when an attached fishing line is struck by a fish. The device comprises a buoyant body having a central tube extending through the body along opposite sides thereof. A weight within the tube shifts from one end thereof to the other, contacting stops at the ends of the tube. The weight is attached to a fishing line, wherein upon a fish striking the line, the weight is transferred from one end of the tube to the other and the device flips over to notify a distance fisherman of the strike. While the Shannon device discloses a flipping float having two sides such that a fisherman can see a struck line from afar, the structure and operation of the Shannon device diverges significantly from the present invention.

Other devices relate to illuminated fishing floats that provide a fisherman with visual location of the fishing line when deployed. Devices of this type include U.S. Pat. No. 4,010,567 to MacMillan, U.S. Pat. No. 4,291,484 to Young, and U.S. Pat. No. 2,738,609 to Reed. These devices disclose novel fishing flotation devices having an illumination means, but fail to disclose a fishing float that rotates over itself upon its attached fishing line being struck by a fish. The present invention provides a new and novel fishing line deployment means, float, light support, and strike notification means, where a fisherman can examine the status of the fishing line from afar.

The present invention provides a new and novel fishing lure float for bottom fishing with an extended lure and weight to keep the lure just above the floor of the body of water. The float provides a spool structure having a series of notches that allow the lure's position to be controlled and the float to flip over upon being struck by a fish. The goal is to provide a float that can tend to a line independently of a user, whereby a plurality of fishing lures can be deployed over a body of water and observed from a distance. It is submitted that the present invention is substantially diverges in design elements from the prior art and consequently it is clear that there is a need in the art for an improvement to existing fishing float devices. In this regard the instant invention substantially fulfills these needs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known types of fishing floats now present in the prior art, the present invention provides a new fishing float and spool device that can be utilized for providing convenience for the user when deploying a fishing lure along the bottom of a body of water and utilizing the float to tend to the fishing line, whereby upon a strike the float flips over to provide notification for the user.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved fishing float device that has all of the advantages of the prior art and none of the disadvantages.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a fishing float device that provides an angler with a means to deploy a weighted fishing line in the water without physically handling the line, whereby the float supports the line and further provides a means to notification for the user when the line is struck by a fish.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fishing float that acts as a spool of fishing line, wherefrom a length of line can be extended and supported at a given extended length within the water by way of specifically designed notch locations along the float perimeter that support the line when deployed.

Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a fishing float device that can accept an upstanding light pole for supporting a light from the water's surface, whereby the lighted float can provide a fisherman with the location of several other fishing float locations positioned around the lighted float.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fishing float device that includes a first and second side, whereby the fisherman can determine if a line is struck by viewing which side of the float is upright when deployed.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a fishing float device that doubles as a fishing line spool, whereby a hand crank reel can be inserted into the float center and utilized to rotate the spool when deploying or retrieving an extended fishing line.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference is made herein to the attached drawings. Like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to depict like or similar elements of the fishing float device. For the purposes of presenting a brief and clear description of the present invention, the preferred embodiment will be discussed as used for supporting an extended and weighted fishing lure from the water's surface, acting as a fishing line spool, and a notification means for a fisherman that displays a strike on the line by the orientation of the fishing float on the water's surface. The figures are intended for representative purposes only and should not be considered to be limiting in any respect.

Referring now toFIG. 1, there is shown a perspective view of the fishing float11of the present invention. The device comprises a rounded flotation structure having a first side12and a second side17and an inset channel19. A pair of flanges20extend from the perimeter of the rounded float along both sides of the device and bound the inset channel19, whereby a length of fishing line18may be positioned therein and wound around the perimeter of the float such that the device acts as a fishing line spool. Through the center of the device is an aperture13that extends through the thickness of the float. Extensions14from the center aperture provide a means for positioning an object therethrough for rotating the assembly to deploy or retrieve fishing line18by winding the same therearound.

The first side12of the device, designated “Side A”, provides a set of four notches15equidistantly positioned about its perimeter flange20such that the fishing line18can be slid thereinto when tying off the line. Between two of the notches15is a set of line position notches21that are utilized as the last notch through which the fishing line18is fed through before entering into the water. These position notches21provide a labeled means of notification for the angler or fisherman of the status of the fishing line bate. If the fishing line has been struck at one position, the fisherman can retract the line and re-bait the line. After re-baiting, the line18can be positioned into a subsequent position notch21and deployed into the water. The weight30draws the line taught in the water while the float buoyancy maintains the position notch21above the water. Switching between position notches21provides a reminder for the fisherman as to the status of the line and how many times the line has been baited.

Referring now toFIG. 2, there is shown a top view of present fishing float device, wherein the second side17, designated “Side B” is visualized. This side17of the device includes two notches16that disposed across from one another along the rounded perimeter of the float. Preferably, these notches16are 180 degrees apart and protrude through the flange of the float second side17to provide a means of securing the fishing line18when deploying the baited line in the water.

The fishing float acts as a flotation device, however it also doubles as a fishing line spool. The fishing line18secures within the interior of the device and is routed through a drilled aperture40from its center13towards its perimeter channel19. The line18is supported by a pin or knot at the interior end of the line18, which is drawn into the aperture flange14as the line is tensioned through the drilled aperture extending from the center aperture to the perimeter channel19. Once in the channel, the line18is wound around the perimeter of the device11within the channel19interior such that the line can be stored and readily deployed without entanglements.

Referring now toFIG. 3, there is shown a view demonstrating the preferred method of deploying a fishing line from the float such that the float orientation is reactive to a strike on the end of the line. Ideally, the device is deployed with its second side17facing downward and its first side facing upwards. The fishing line is fed through the notches of the device such that when the lure is tugged sufficiently, the float flips over such that its first side is then faced downward and its second side17is directed upwards. This provides a fisherman with a means of notification that a line has been struck by a fish and that his or her attention is needed. This further allows the fisherman to deploy the float in an area and monitor its status from a distance. Once the line is struck, the fish will attempt to flee, flipping over the float and tiring itself as the buoyancy of the float creates resistance on the fishing line during the movement. Shortly after being snared, the fish becomes tired and ceases its attempts to flee, facilitating retrieval of the fish with minimal physical input or exertion.

As shown inFIG. 3, when deploying the float, a length of fishing line18is withdrawn from the float channel in a similar manner as a fishing line spool. When bottom fishing, the line is baited, weighted, and extended such that the bait rests a few feet above the floor of the body of water. The user then grasps the line18, positions the line into one of the float first side notches15. The user then creates a loop50and feeds the loop50through the float center13from the float first side12. The loop50is then spread apart and positioned through opposing notches16in the float second side. In this position, a tug on the line will act to flip the float body while deployed.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, after the line18is positioned within the channel the float can be flipped over and the line can be placed into one of the three position notches21along the float first side12. The float can then be placed on the water101surface for supporting the weighted lure a few feet above the floor of the body of water. When the lure is tugged81sufficiently and struck by a fish, the tension in the line18places a lifting moment80on the float. The line within half of the channel is drawn toward the float center, lifting the one half from its resting position on the water surface and effectively flipping over the device. The positioning of the various notches along the first12and second17side allow for the tension in the line to create the flipping moment required to change the float orientation. Ideally the different sides of the float are colored differently such that a fisherman can visualize a “flipped” float from a distance and inspect the line.

Referring now toFIG. 6, there is shown a view of the present float device11being supported by an external hand crank reel200. The reel200comprises a structure that secures through the center13of the float11to allow the user to rotate210the float11when retrieving or deploying the fishing line18. The reel220comprises a first hand crank201that rotatably connects to a reel main body202. A support arm203extends from the main body202and allows the user to grasp and maintain the position of the main body202while rotating the hand crank201. Extending from an opposite side of the main body is an extension arm211that supports a fishing line guide rail204positioned over the float channel19. The guide rail204is a U-shaped support having an open upper portion205that accepts and guides the fishing line18as it leaves the float spool channel19, positioning it away from the channel19.

When retrieving a fishing lure, the reel200is utilized as a means to cleanly draw the weight and hook from the water and wind the line around the perimeter channel19. The user may utilize the reel200as a means to draw in a snared fish; however this will be limited by the construction of the buoyant float device11. The float11is preferably comprised of a lightweight, buoyant material such as closed cell foam. In order to operate as an active fish retrieving device, the float11may also be comprised of higher strength material such as a hollow plastic or wood material. It is not desired to limit the float to a given material, but rather to disclose a functional float and fishing line spool that may have the capacity to actively reel in a snared fish if so desired in its construction.

When reeling in the line18, the reel200functions as a means to wind the line18around the perimeter channel of the float without requiring the user to manually rotate the float11or pull on the line18. The reel includes an insert member206that extends into the float center aperture13and into the aperture flanges14. The insert206is an extension of the hand crank201that is rotatably positioned within the reel main body202. When retrieving the fishing line18, the user rotates210the hand crank201, which in turn rotates210the float in one direction or another. The line18is fed through the guide204and drawn around the float perimeter and within its channel19. Flanges on the reel insert member206are positioned within the aperture flanges14to prevent slipping along the reel/float aperture interface.

Referring now toFIG. 7, there is shown a view of the present invention in an alternate configuration, whereby an external light post300is positioned through the float center aperture for the purposes of illuminating a given area and notifying a fisherman of the location of the given float in low light environments. When deploying several floats in a given area, a fisherman or angler may wish to highlight the area for further reference, particularly when fishing in low light or at night. The light post300comprises an elongated body303having a lighted first end305and a distal second end305adapted to be positioned within the water. The first end305includes an illumination means, such as a light bulb and power supply, along with a widened flange302that prevents the float11from riding too high along the post body303and positioning the light301too close to the water surface. The float11maintains the buoyancy of the device, while the fishing line18can be extended from the float11and tied off90within an aperture304in the post along its distal second end305. When the light post300is deployed with the float11, the device is utilized primarily as a signal means as opposed to an active fishing line. The light source is preferably a solar light that can recharge itself during the daylight hours, but also contemplated is a battery powered light source that includes a replaceable battery power supply.

Fishing for catfish with a rod and reel requires that the fisherman sit in the elements waiting with pole in hand while friends and family may be enjoying themselves elsewhere. Trout lines limit a user to one location, and are time consuming to run. Jug lines take up a lot of room on your boat and are easily tangled. The present invention pertains to a fishing float that is designed to maintaining an active fishing line from the water surface, while also providing a spool structure to support the line within a perimeter channel and a structure that readily changes orientation upon a fish strike on the line. The device is designed to support weighted bait along the bottom of a body of water while the angler or fisherman can leave the area and monitor the device from a distance. When deploying the device, a user places the reel through the float and allows the falling weight within the water to unwind the line from the float spool. When retrieving the line, the user utilizes the hand crank reel to draw the line over the float channel such that the float acts as a fishing line spool. Finally, when deploying several floats at night, the float can support a lighted pole for declaring the position of the deployed floats for a user to retrieve in low light.