Fishing Lure and Methods of Making and Using Same

A fishing lure is disclosed herein comprising an elongated body having a density of about 5 to 7 g/cm3, the fishing lure containing 85% to 90% by weight zinc, 8% to 12% by weight aluminum, and no more than 5% by weight lead. In some cases, the lure contains no more than 3% by weight lead. Corresponding systems and methods also are disclosed.

BACKGROUND

This disclosure relates generally to the fishing industry, and more particularly to fishing lures.

In the fishing industry, almost all lures, jigs and sinkers are made of lead. When these fishing tools get lost in the oceans and lakes, they deteriorate over time and create toxins in our fisheries.

It would be useful to develop a fishing lure that would not be toxic to the ocean or lake if it were to remain there.

SUMMARY

One embodiment described herein is a fishing lure comprising an elongated body having a density of about 5 to 7 g/cm3, the fishing lure containing 85% to 90% by weight zinc, 8% to 12% by weight aluminum, and no more than 3% by weight lead. In some cases the lure contains no more than 2% by weight lead, or no more than 1% by weight lead.

Another embodiment described herein is a fishing system, comprising a lure with an elongated body having a first end and a second end, the lure having a density of 5 to 7 gm/cm3, or 5.5 to 6.5 gm/cm3, and containing 85% to 90% by weight zinc, 8% to 12% by weight aluminum, and no more than 5% by weight lead, a hook component attached to the lure, and an elongated segment of a fishing line including a first end attached to the first end of the lure, and a second end attached to a fishing rod and reel.

Yet another embodiment is a method of fishing, comprising providing a lure with an elongated body having a first end and a second end, the lure having a density of 5 to 7 gm/cm3and containing 85% to 90% by weight zinc, 8% to 12% by weight aluminum, and no more than 5% by weight lead, attaching a hook component to the lure, attaching fishing line to the first end of the lure, and moving the apparatus through the water to allow fish to chase the lure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fisheries are becoming more polluted and toxic largely due to lead sinkers and lures being lost at the bottom of a lake or ocean, eventually deteriorating into our waterways and fisheries. Traditionally, lead has been the metal of choice for sinkers and lures due to the low cost of lead, the low melting point for ease of casting, the plentiful supply, and its density. However, a number of states, including Minnesota, Oregon, Washington, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, and Massachusetts, have legislation in place that prohibits the use of certain types of lead fishing tackle and/or ammunition, because these products are poisonous and fatal to waterfowl, fish, and other aquatic animals. Additionally, the presence of lead in fish can lead to health problems in humans who consume the fish.

The appearance and sound of a lure can impact the success in using the lure to attract fish. Large fish that feed on small fish typically locate their prey based upon shape, movement, sound, vibration, color, color contrast, smell, etc. Thus, a lure that has a shape, movement, sound, vibration, and/or color similar to that of real fish is likely to be effective in attracting large fish.

In order to overcome the toxicity of lead fishing lures left in the ocean, the embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a substantially lead-free fishing lure manufactured out of the zinc-aluminum alloy, such as ZA-12. ZA-12 has a density of approximately 6 g/cm3and contains approximately 88 wt % zinc, about 11 wt % aluminum, trace metals of tin, copper, magnesium, iron, and cadmium, and less than 1 wt % lead. According to the literature, ZA-12 is a zinc aluminum alloy comprised of 11.5% aluminum, 1.2% copper, and trace amounts of copper, iron, magnesium, lead, cadmium, and tin, with the remainder being zinc. ZA-12 is more expensive than lead, but it is still cost-effective, readily available, and its castability is acceptable for production in a graphite permanent mold process. The lure has a lead content of 0 wt % to 5 wt %, or 0.05 wt % to 3 wt Vo, or 0.1 wt % to 2 wt Vo, or 0.1 wt % to 1 wt %.

Lead has a density of about 9 gm/cm3and ZA-12 has a density of about 6 gm/cm3, whereas other metals such as aluminum alone, are too light in comparison to the density of water. The substantially lead-free fishing lures described herein range in weight from about 30 grams to about 500 grams, or about 40 grams to about 400 grams, or about 50 to about 300 grams, and have a density of about 5 to 7 g/cm3. The lures range in length from about 70 mm to 300 mm, or about 100 mm to 280 mm, or about 120 mm to 260 mm. The lures range in width from about 5 mm to about 50 mm, or about 8 mm to about 35 mm, or about 10 mm to about 25 mm. The lures range in thickness from about 5 mm to 30 mm, or about 6 mm to about 26 mm, or about 8 mm to 22 mm. In embodiments, each lure may have about a 2 mm to 3 mm centered hole drilled through the body from the top to bottom on the head end to accommodate an 8 mm to 13 mm, or about 10 mm to 12 mm diameter first stainless-steel jump ring that is welded closed, with another 8 to 12 mm, or about 9 to 11 mm diameter solid (closed or split) second stainless-steel ring attached to the first ring. The second ring is configured to accommodate a hook component, such as an assist hook. The first end of the fishing line is attached to the 8 to 12 mm, or about 9 to 11 mm second ring, and the second end of the fishing line is attached to a reel of a fishing rod. In most cases, the fishing rod of choice is a jigging, spinning and/or slow-pitch fishing rod, which may be a parabolic in design. In embodiments, the fishing line includes a leader portion directly attached to the hook component. This system, including the fishing rod, fishing reel, fishing line, lure, hook component, is used to catch fish. In some cases in this application, the term “jig” refers to a type of lure that is dropped vertically into a body of water. In some cases in this application, the terms “lure” and “jig” are used interchangeably.

The dimensions of the lure can be proportional and representative of a sand eel ballyhoo and/or mackerel. The movement of the lure is based on a combination of geometry and hydrodynamics using elongated linear lines, flat planes, and radiuses on the edges and sides. The lure has rounded edges to reduce the resistance of the lure moving through the water. The shape of the lure allows it to rapidly move and dart side to side in the water, fluttering as it falls, to simulate a wounded fleeing baitfish.

The combined precise balance, weight distribution, and unique top-coated finish imitate the movements of a wounded fleeing baitfish. Baitfish are usually found in great quantities together and have a bright silvery iridescent color. This color combined with their quick movements and the reflection of sunlight creates a brilliant flashing effect in the water, which attracts predatory and pelagic gamefish.

The lure optionally includes one or more protective outer surface layers, such as a powder coating of a polymeric material such as a thermoplastic or thermoset material. The powder coating may be colored, either with a single color, or with a multi-color configuration. In some cases the powder coating comprises a UV-curable material. In many cases, the powder coating contains metallic particles of aluminum or another suitable metal. In some embodiments, a glow powder is included the powder coating. As a non-limiting example, a 50 micron non-encapsulated photoluminescent glow powder can be used in the powder coating. Other suitable coatings includes non-lead-containing metal coatings, including but not limited to a nickel-plated coating and/or a chrome-plated coating. The coating is selected to provide favorable corrosion resistance, wear resistance, and/or UV durability. The protective outer surface(s) optionally can be representative of, and consistent with, the color and flash of the baitfish. The ZA-12 alloy can benefit from a protective coating to help to prevent chipping, scratching and oxidation. The outer coating also can be configured to enhance the brilliance of the lure and help attract fish to the lure. In most cases, the protective outer surface is as smooth as possible so that the outer surface does not impede the hydrodynamics of the lure. The protective outer surface is sufficiently thin that it generally does not affect the weight of the lure.

In embodiments, the powder coating is an environmentally-friendly polymer powder resin that is sprayed onto a substrate that is electrostatically charged and then baked in an oven until fully cured and hardened. This type of coating is much more durable than traditional paints. The powder coating typically has a thickness in the range of 0.04 mm to 3 mm. In embodiments, the powder coating has a thickness in the range of about 2 mils (0.0508 mm) to about 4 mils (0.1016 mm), or about 2 mils (0.0508 mm) to about 3 mils (0.0762 mm) when dry. In some cases, the surface of the lure is roughened by abrasive blasting, such as sandblasting or the like, for etching a profile for better adhesion before the coating is applied. In embodiments, the powder coating is a thermoset material, such as a polyester or an epoxy-polyester hybrid material. In embodiments, the polyester is a tri glycidyl isocyanurate. In embodiments, the polyester is based on a hydroxyl alkyl amide hardener. In some cases, the powder coating is applied as an electrostatic spray onto a cold substrate, which is then cured for about 10 minutes at a temperature of about 375 Deg. F to 400 Deg. F.

Nickel plating is a process of electrolytically depositing a thin layer of nickel onto a substrate or a copper plated substrate. Nickel is very wear and corrosion-resistant, and it has a high brilliance that has a yellowish hue in the finish. In embodiments, the thickness of the nickel plating is about 3 microns to about 200 microns, or about 4 microns to about 170 microns, or about 5 microns to about 130 microns.

Chrome plating is the process of electroplating a thin layer of chromium onto a substrate. This process involves copper as a base, nickel, and then chromium. Chrome plating is also very wear and corrosion resistant, and it has a high brilliance that has a blueish hue in the finish. The thickness of the chrome plating is about 3 microns to about 200 microns, or about 4 microns to about 170 microns, or about 5 microns to about 130 microns.

The metal coating, such as nickel, chrome, or an alloy containing nickel and/or chrome, can be a metal oxide layer formed by an electrolytic process.

In some cases, the coating is a powder coating. In other cases, the coating is a metal coating. In some cases, the coating is multi-layer and includes in an inner metal coating, such as nickel and/or chrome, and an outer powder coating.

Generally, lead-containing lures are attractive due to their weight which helps the lure sink fast. Most substantially lead-free lures are lighter in weight, due to their slightly lighter density, making lead-free lures sink more slowly than a lead lure would, an undesirable effect for this application. However, the embodiments disclosed herein can be configured to sink as fast as a conventional lead lure. ZA-12 is not as dense as lead, but the rounded edges, the shape, and the balance and weight distribution of the lure help reduce water resistance allowing the lure to sink at a faster speed.

In one embodiment, the full length of the lure is about 175 mm. Based on length measurements, the center point between the first end and the second end of the lure is about 87 mm from either end. The weight center point, i.e., the weight balance point, is slightly ahead of the length center point, towards the first end of the lure where the hook component attaches. The weight balance point is about 76 mm from the first end, and 99 mm away from the second end. In embodiments, the balance point of the lure based on weight is located about 40% to 47%, or about 41% to 45% of the length of the lure from the first terminal end. In the embodiments shown in the photos, the weight balance point is located at about 42% to about 44% of the length of the lure from the first terminal end where the hook component attaches, and about 56% to about 58% from the second terminal end of the lure. In other embodiments, the hook component is not located at an end of the lure, but is instead located between about 10% and about 90%, or about 20% and about 80% of the distance from the head to the tail of the lure. In some cases, as is illustrated inFIG.7C, the hook component, shown as24′, includes artificial hair33, which is attractive to certain types of fish. In embodiments, the lure has a weight in the range of about 2 ounces to about 16 ounces, or about 4 ounces to about 12 ounces, or about 5 ounces to about 9 ounces.

The harmonics of a lead-containing fishing lure and a lead-free fishing lure differ. A lead-containing fishing lure makes a lower pitched sound when it hits the ocean bottom due to the softness of the metal, whereas a lead-free fishing lure, such as a lure comprising ZA-12, makes a higher pitched sound. The harmonics created by the lead-free fishing lure are an enticing curiosity factor, which could attract fish.

Fishing equipment is abundant and a few different fishing methods are used, such as trolling, casting, bottom fishing, and using bait. However, some of the embodiments disclosed herein are designed to be specifically used for vertical jigging, and/or slow-pitch vertical jigging. When using specific jigging equipment, such as the jigs disclosed herein, and applying appropriate jigging methods, the combination of all these elements makes the disclosed embodiments move through the water column very quickly on their descent to the bottom and with their ascent up the water column, the vertical technique is used to work the jig.FIG.8, which is described below, shows the flow pattern of one embodiment of a lure when used for vertical jigging. In some embodiments, the lure is a casting lure.

FIG.8is a drawing illustrating the flow pattern of the first embodiment of the fishing lure10. The flow pattern illustrates how the lure moves through a water column after it is dropped vertically. The lure is released and bailed from the fishing reel and makes its descent to the ocean floor. With vertical or slow-pitch jigging, as soon as contact is made with the ocean floor, the lure is reeled up in small incremental movements where, if a parabolic fishing rod is used, the parabolic design of the rod helps with the lure's erratic movement. The lure comes up headfirst until it is in the first desired stop position. After jigging the rod up and down vertically, a quick darting action happens in which the lure darts tail first down to the side at approximately a 45-degree angle before coming to almost a neutral horizontal position where at this point an erratic flutter happens. Then the heavier head end of the lure takes over and then the lure descends head first very quickly back down to the ocean floor. This process of working the jig is repeated at different depths of the water column. This darting action is also representative of how a squid moves through the water, which is also another very sought-after baitfish for predators. The erratic fluttering, darting and rapid movements of this lure are likewise representative of a wounded fleeing baitfish.

FIG.1shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of a fishing lure10from the forward end. The head portion14of the solid body12is shown. A first ring20is shown protruding out of the nose or head portion14. A second ring21is attached to the first ring20. In embodiments, the second ring21is attached to the first ring20by welding the first ring20closed around the second ring21, or welding the second ring21around the first ring20. In some embodiments, only a single ring20is used. While two solid rings are shown inFIG.1, one or both of the rings can be split rings. The solid body12is extending away from the head portion14towards the tail portion16of the solid body12. The first ring20can be an attachment point for fishing line. The rings20and21optionally also can be used as an attachment point for a hook component24, such as an assist hook or another suitable hook. In the embodiment shown inFIG.1, the hook component24is an assist hook that includes a hook-shaped portion27, and a coupling portion25that couples the hook-shaped portion27to the first ring20. The coupling portion27can be made from a variety of materials, such as metal wire, or a synthetic cord or rope. Non-limiting examples of synthetic materials that can be used to make the coupling portion25include an aramid fiber such as Kevlar®, a polyethylene fiber such as Spectra®, which is an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene made by Honeywell, or Dyneema®, which is an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene made by DSM. The coupling portion25can be looped through the second ring21, or through the first ring20. A protective sleeve29optionally covers the connection between the coupling portion25and the adjacent part of the hook-shaped portion27.

FIG.2shows a perspective view of the first embodiment of the lure10from the rearward end. The tail portion16of the solid body12is shown. The solid body12is extending away from the tail towards the nose portion14of the solid body12.

FIG.3Ashows a photo of the top view of the lure10. The solid body12narrows to symmetrical rounded points on the head portion14and tail portion16. A second ring21is attached to the first ring20. The hook component24can optionally be attached to the second ring21.

FIG.3Bshows a sketch of a top view of the first embodiment. The bottom view looks the same as the top view. The width of the curved solid body12is shown at 1 inch increments from the head end to the tail end. As can be seen in the figure, the width tapers from the middle toward each end. The widest part of the lure is located about 3 inches from the terminal end of the head portion and this width is about 0.75 inches for a lure that has a length of about 6.8 inches. The numbers above and beside the lure are widths. Numbers below the lure indicates the length in inches from the head terminal end of the left side of the drawing. The length center is at 3.40 inches. The lure has a weight of 5 ounces.

FIG.4Ashows a photo of a side view of the lure10. The solid oblong body12narrows to symmetrical rounded points on the head portion14and tail portion16of the solid body12. The first ring20is shown protruding out of the head portion14. The second ring21is attached to the first ring20. The hook component24is attached to the second ring21.FIG.4Bshows a sketch of a side view of the first embodiment. As can be seen in the figure, the width tapers from the middle toward each end. The thickest part of the lure is about 3 inches from the terminal end of the head portion, and this thickness is about 0.5 inches for a lure that has a length of about 6.8 inches. Thicknesses in inches are provided at various points along the length of the lure. Numbers above and beside the lure are thicknesses. Numbers below the lure indicate the length in inches from the head terminal end on the left side of the drawing.

FIG.5shows a cross-sectional view of the lure10in the direction of width. The solid metal body12is encased by a coating22. The coating may be a powder coating, a nickel-plated coating, a chrome-plated coating, or another suitable coating that prevents deterioration of the lure10when it is exposed to salt water and/or fresh water and/or UV light for a prolonged period of time. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the coating has a thickness in the range of about 0.5 mm to about 3 mm.FIG.6shows a cross-sectional view taken of lure10in the direction of length.

FIG.7Ashows the first embodiment of the fishing lure10connected to a fishing line26and fishing pole28that includes a reel31. A hook component24is optionally attached to the lure10.FIG.7Bshows a photo of the head portion14of the lure10. The head portion14has a small hole18drilled through the body12to house a first ring20. A second ring21is attached to the first ring20. A hook component24is shown here attached to the second ring21. The fishing line26is attached to the first ring20and to a fishing reel31. In some cases, the portion of the fishing line26that is attached to the first ring20is a leader material made monofilament and/or fluorocarbon which in turn is attached to a braid or other type of fishing line.

FIG.9shows a top view of a second embodiment of a fishing lure110. The second embodiment is a lure without a coating. The head portion114of the solid body112is shown. A small hole118is drilled through the head portion114of the metal body112. A first ring120is shown protruding out of the head portion114, going through the hole118. A second ring121is attached to the first ring120. A hook component124is optionally attached to the second ring121.

FIG.10shows a side view of the second embodiment110. The solid oblong body112narrows to rounded points on the head portion114and tail portion116of the solid body112. An aperture118is formed through the head portion114of the oblong body112. A first ring120goes through the aperture118. A second ring121is attached to the first ring120. A hook component124is optionally attached to the second ring121.

FIG.11schematically shows a sectional view of the second embodiment110in the width direction showing the solid metal body112.FIG.12schematically shows a sectional view of the second embodiment110in the length direction.

Various types of rings can be used in conjunction with the lure. One alternative embodiment is shown inFIG.13. In this configuration, an assist hook224includes a split ring221attached to a coupling portion225of the assist hook224. The split ring221is configured to be attached to a ring that is connected to a lure. In other embodiments (not shown) the first ring20,120, which is directly connected to the lure, is a split ring. In most cases, rings20,120,21,121and221are formed from a metal, such as stainless steel.

FIG.14Ashows a top view of a third embodiment of a lure, designated as310, that is similar to the first embodiment but is smaller. This embodiment has a head portion318and a tail portion316.FIG.14Bshows a side view,FIG.14Cshows a front end view, andFIG.14Dshows a rear end view of the third embodiment.

FIG.15shows a top view of a fourth embodiment of a lure, designated as410, that is similar to the first embodiment except that this embodiment has an aperture418,418′ at each of the two opposite longitudinal ends. One optional use of the second aperture would be to support a second hook.

FIG.16shows a top view of the fifth embodiment of a lure, designated as510, that is similar to the first embodiment except that it has several small holes534,535,536in the center of the lure510toward the tail end. The holes534,535,536,537create air bubbles when the lure510is used. In the version shownFIG.16, on a lure that is 7 inches long, the holes534,535,536and537can be positioned 4, 4⅓, 4⅔ and 5 inches from the front terminal end of the lure.

Example 1—Decibel Test

A 5-ounce uncoated lure having the relative dimensions of the first embodiment was made from an alloy that contained about 87.3 wt % zinc, 11.5 wt % aluminum, 1.2 wt % copper, and trace amounts of copper, iron, magnesium, lead, cadmium, and tin. A sound test was run using this zinc alloy lure in comparison to a lead lure that had a weight of 8 ounces and was about 60% as long as the zinc alloy lure. Each lure was held in a vertical directions and dropped from a height of about 4 inches (measured from the lower end of the lure) onto a tile floor. Decibel readings were taken using a Tadeto s1720 sound level meter. In the first test, the zinc alloy lure had a decibel reading of 110.3 dBA and the lead lure had a decibel reading of 75.7 dBA. In the second test, the zinc alloy lure had a decibel reading of 86.8 dBA and the lead lure had a reading of 75.3 dBA. In the third test, the zinc alloy lure had a reading of 87.2 dBA and the lead lure had a reading of 77.9 dBA. The zinc alloy lure had a higher pitch sound than the lead lure. The qualitative pitch of the zinc alloy lure was a “clang” while the pitch of the lead lure was a “thud.” A loud and high pitched (higher frequency) sound is alluring to fish and thus the zinc alloy lure is more appealing to fish than a lead lure when the lure lands on the ocean floor.

A number of alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art, which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.