Abstract:
An apparatus for releasing a fish into deep water, comprising a central member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, a spiral member attached to the central member, the spiral member being spaced away from the central member and having a free end, a plurality of swivels, wherein one of the swivels can be connected the upper end portion of the central member and another of said swivels can be connected to the lower end portion of the central member, and a weight connected to the lower swivel. The device can further provide a weight on the central member that overcomes buoyancy of the fish.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    Priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/915,228, filed 12 Dec. 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/980,435, filed 16 Apr. 2014, each of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed. 
         [0002]    Incorporated herein by reference is U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/915,228, filed 12 Dec. 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/980,435, filed 16 Apr. 2014, priority of each of which is hereby claimed. 
     
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
       [0003]    Not applicable 
       REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
       [0004]    Not applicable 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0005]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0006]    The present invention relates to a method and a device for releasing fish into the water at a desired water depth. More particularly, the present invention relates to an improved release device designed to counter the effects of barotrauma by more effectively and safely returning a caught fish back to the depth at which it was hooked. 
         [0007]    2. General Background of the Invention 
         [0008]    The present invention is intended to provide a means of which to release illegal, undersized or unwanted fish in a manner which will increase their chances of survival. National Marine Fisheries and other organizations, such as Florida Sea Grant, have been searching for means to accomplish this for several years and there are some devices on the market currently. There has been at least one event in which organizations have tested devices and encouraged ideas to come forward. There does not appear to be a device that uses the physics that this present device relies on to make the release. 
         [0009]    There are several devices currently available, including several possibly relevant patents that have issued that are directed generally to releasing fish back into the water. The existing devices fall primarily into two groups. The patented ones tend to be complex and expensive. There are also a number of devices in a second group that are very simple and more of homemade types. The present invention falls in between the two groups. The complex group may not likely be affordable enough for all anglers and also may be subject to difficulty in use and possible malfunction. The simple group for the most part is very cheap, but most fail to have some method of keeping the fish secure while returning it to the water. Also, most of the available devices are fairly obvious and probably would not be advantageous or profitable to manufacture. Some of the current designs are intended for use where the actual fishing occurs on the bottom and will only release fish upon impact with the ocean bottom. In the Gulf of Mexico and some other areas, fish may be suspended around oil rigs and the ocean bottom is not an option for release as it may be several thousand feet deep. 
         [0010]    The following US patents and Publications are incorporated herein by reference: 
         [0011]    U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,648,399; 4,481,666; 4,905,402; 5,628,139; 7,140,146; 7,874,094; 7,874,096; 8,201,358; and U.S. Pat. D534,237; US Publication Document No.: 2013/0048487. 
         [0012]    The following other references are incorporated herein by reference: 
         [0013]    PCT Publication Nos.: WO 2001/00018, WO1998/07312; Foreign Publication No.: JP2003/102337; Publications: Shelton Fish Descender Webpage (http://www.sheltonproducts.com/SFD.html); SeaQualizer Webpage (http://www.seaqualizer.com/Standard-Striper-SeaQualizer-20-40-70 ft-STPRSQL-20-40-70.htm); Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Rockfish Conservation and Deepwater Release (http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=fishingSportFishingInfo.rockfishconservation); Hoggy, Best Seller: Tarpon Lures (http://www.hogylures.com/best-tarpon-lures); Google Image Search for “bait keeper screw lock”; www.ifish.net forum, China Tiger (no meat just pics), (See page 8). 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0014]    The present invention includes a device for releasing fish into water, comprising a central member that can have an upper end portion and a lower end portion, each said end portion having an eyelet, a spiral member circling around the central member, the spiral member being spaced away from the central member and having a free end. The device has a plurality of swivels, wherein a swivel can be connected to each of the eyelets. A weight can be connected to the swivel located at the lower end portion. 
         [0015]    In one embodiment the central member can be straight or linear. 
         [0016]    In one embodiment, the central member and the spiral member can be about the same length. 
         [0017]    In one embodiment, one fish can be attached to the spiral member. 
         [0018]    In one embodiment, multiple fish can be attached to the spiral member. 
         [0019]    In one embodiment, the central member and the spiral member are made of rigid wire. 
         [0020]    In one embodiment, a fishing line can be connected to the swivel of the upper end portion. 
         [0021]    In one embodiment, the swivels can allow the spiral member to spin on an axis. 
         [0022]    In one embodiment, the central member, the spiral member and the eyelets can be formed from one continuous piece of wire. 
         [0023]    In one embodiment, the spiral member can be held in place by the central member. 
         [0024]    In one embodiment, the spiral member can circle several times around the length of the central member. 
         [0025]    In one embodiment, the weight can be of different sizes. 
         [0026]    In one embodiment, the present invention further comprises baited hooks that can be attached to the upper end portion and the lower end portion. 
         [0027]    In one embodiment, the apparatus of the invention comprises a single thread/rod forming both a spiral member and a central member. 
         [0028]    In one embodiment, the apparatus of the invention comprises a separate spiral member that can be attached to a separate central member. 
         [0029]    In one embodiment, a plurality of spiral members can be attached to the central member. 
         [0030]    In one embodiment, the spiral member can be removably attached to the central member. 
         [0031]    In one embodiment, a plurality of fish can be attached to the spiral member. 
         [0032]    In one embodiment, the central member can further comprise an internal channel for threading a line through the length of the central member. 
         [0033]    The present invention includes an apparatus for releasing a fish into deep water. The apparatus provides a central member having an upper end portion and a lower end portion, each end portion having an eyelet, a spiral member can be attached to the central member, and the spiral member can be spaced away from the central member and can have a free end. The apparatus further provides upper and lower swivels, wherein each swivel can be connected to a said eyelet, and a weight can be connected to the lower swivel. 
         [0034]    The present invention includes a device for releasing a fish having a buoyancy into deep water. The device of the present invention provides a central member that can have an upper end portion and a lower end portion, a spiral member that can be connected to the central member at the upper end portion of the central member and circling around the central member, the spiral member being spaced away from the central member and having a free end. The device can further provide a plurality of swivels, wherein one of the swivels can be connected the upper end portion of the central member and another of said swivels can be connected to the lower end portion of the central member. The device can further provide a weight on the central member that overcomes buoyancy of the fish. 
         [0035]    In one embodiment, the line can be attached to the swivels. 
         [0036]    In one embodiment, the present invention further comprises a plurality of beads, wherein one of the beads can be placed on the line at the upper end portion and another of the beads can be placed at the lower end portion. 
         [0037]    In one embodiment, the spiral member can be attached to the central member by a gusset. 
         [0038]    In one embodiment, the spiral member can be attached to the central member by encapsulation in some liquefied metal or plastic. 
         [0039]    In one embodiment, the spiral member can be attached to the central member by a collar. 
         [0040]    In one embodiment, the collar can be a moving collar. 
         [0041]    The present invention includes a method for releasing a fish having a buoyancy into deep water, comprising the steps of utilizing the fish releasing device by threading the free end of the spiral member through the jaw of a fish, lowering the device and the fish into the water to a desired depth, pulling up on the device thereby causing the device to spin on an axis and release the fish at the desired depth. 
         [0042]    In one embodiment, the spiral member is threaded through the gills of the fish. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0043]    For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
           [0044]      FIG. 1  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0045]      FIG. 2  is a top view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0046]      FIG. 3  is a top perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with a weight attached to the center member; 
           [0047]      FIG. 4  is a side view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with a fish attached to the spiral member and a weight attached to the center member; 
           [0048]      FIG. 5  is a side perspective view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with multiple fish attached to the spiral member and a weight attached to the center member; 
           [0049]      FIG. 6  is a side view of a first alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate means of attaching a spiral member to a center member; 
           [0050]      FIG. 7  is a top view of a first alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0051]      FIG. 8  is a top sectional view of the center member of a first alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0052]      FIG. 9  is a side sectional view of the center member of a first alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0053]      FIG. 10  is a side exploded view of the center member and spiral member of a first alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 6 ; 
           [0054]      FIG. 11  is a side view of a second alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate means of attaching a spiral member to a center member; 
           [0055]      FIG. 12  is a top view of a second alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0056]      FIG. 13  is a top sectional view of the center member of a second alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0057]      FIG. 14  is a side sectional view of the center member of a second alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0058]      FIG. 15  is a side exploded view of the center member and spiral member of a second alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0059]      FIG. 16  is a side view of a third alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate means of attaching the spiral member to the center member; 
           [0060]      FIG. 17  is a top view of a third alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0061]      FIG. 18  is a top sectional view of the center member of a third alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0062]      FIG. 19  is a side sectional view of the center member of a third alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0063]      FIG. 20  is a side exploded view of the center member and spiral member of a third alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 16 ; 
           [0064]      FIG. 21  is a side view of a fourth alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate means of attaching a spiral member to a center member; 
           [0065]      FIG. 22  is a top view of a fourth alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 21 ; 
           [0066]      FIG. 23  is a side view of a fifth alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing multiple spiral members; 
           [0067]      FIG. 24  is a side view of a sixth alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention attached to fishing lines on both end and with multiple fish attached to the spiral member; 
           [0068]      FIG. 25  is a side view of a seventh alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention with multiple fish attached to the spiral member; 
           [0069]      FIG. 26  is a side view of an eighth alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing an alternate means of attaching a spiral member to a center member; 
           [0070]      FIG. 27  is a side view of a ninth alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a line threaded through the center member, beads, and a first swivel attached to a weight and a second swivel attached to a line; 
           [0071]      FIG. 28  is a detailed view of a ninth alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention showing a line threaded through the center member, a bead, and a swivel attached to a fishing line; 
           [0072]      FIG. 29  is a side view of a tenth alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention including a gusset; 
           [0073]      FIG. 30  is a top view of a tenth alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 29 ; 
           [0074]      FIG. 31  is a side view of an eleventh alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
           [0075]      FIG. 32  is a top view of an eleventh alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 31 ; 
           [0076]      FIG. 33  is a side view of a twelfth alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention including a collar; 
           [0077]      FIG. 34  is a top view of a twelfth alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 33 ; and 
           [0078]      FIG. 35  is a top view of a twelfth alternate embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 33 . 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0079]    The apparatus of the present invention is seen in  FIGS. 1-35  and can include a center member  11  with an eye, eyelet or hole  12 ,  13  on each end. The center member  11  can connect between a fishing line  14  on top portion  20  and a weight  15  on bottom portion  21 . Member  11  can be linear or straight. Fishing line  14  can attach to eyelet or hole  12  on member  11 . Weight  15  can be used to descend device  10  and a buoyant, injured fish  16 . 
         [0080]    Around the center member  11  can be a spiral member  17  that preferably twists around the central member  11 . Spiral member  17  has free end  41  and an end joined to center member  11 . A single thread/rod can form both spiral member  17  and center member  11  (see  FIGS. 1-5 ). Alternatively, spiral member  17  can be attached/supported on center member  11  by a number of different ways, as seen in at least  FIGS. 6-21 ,  29 - 35 . 
         [0081]    Spiral member  17  free end  41  can be threaded through the bottom jaw  35  of one or more fish  16  to secure the fish to device  10 . Preferably, spiral member  17  can be inserted from the lower exterior of the fish&#39;s mouth and exit through the fish&#39;s mouth to orient the fish facing downward on descent (see  FIGS. 4 ,  5  and  24 ). Spiral member  17  can also be fed through the fish&#39;s gills and out of the mouth with the same result. Other attachments of fish  16  to spiral member  17  could be used. 
         [0082]    Swivels  18  can be used at each end  20 ,  21  of device  10  and which allow the entire member sections, including the spiral member  17  and the center member  11 , to spin on axis  19  (see  FIG. 1 ). Fishing line  14  can be attached to swivel  18  located on the upper end portion  20  and weight  15  can be attached to swivel  18  located on the lower end portion  21 . 
         [0083]    Device  10  with one or more fish  16  attached can be used to return the fish to a desired depth by a mark on the fishing line  14 , line counter, or just an estimation. As the device  10  with fish  16  attached is going down or lowered into the water, the spiral wire  17  holds the fish at top portion  20  of device  10  as the fish is still buoyant from barotrauma. When the desired depth is reached and the line  14  is reeled upward, the device  10  will spin on axis  19  and allow the fish  16  to simply slide off downward and off of free end  41 . Member sections  11 ,  17  can spin on axis  19  when ascending to the water surface. Member sections  11 ,  17  generally do not spin when descending to the desired depth. 
         [0084]    For all embodiments, the single thread/rod can be made of a wire. The wire of the apparatus is preferably made of stainless wire, carbon steel, monel, polymer, or fiberglass reinforced polymer. For example, 316 stainless can preferably be used as it is the most cost effective and sensible material at present. 
         [0085]    For all embodiments, the length of device  10  can be preferably 6 inches to 3 feet (15.24 cm to 91.44 cm). More preferably, the length can be 1 feet to 2 feet (30.48 cm to 60.96 cm). Most preferably, the length of device  10  can be 6 to 18 inches (15.24 cm to 45.72 cm). The length of device  10  can be for example 6 inches (15.24 cm). For example, in California and other areas, anglers commonly release rockfish which are often less than 1 lb. (0.45 kg), making it desirable to have device  10  be about 6″ (15.24 cm) in total length. 
         [0086]    For all embodiments, the width of the center member and spiral member of the apparatus can be preferably 3/32 inch to ½ inch (0.24 cm to 1.27 cm). Most preferably, the width can be ⅛ inch to 5/16 inch (0.32 cm to 0.8 cm). To mitigate the harm to fish when attaching fish to the spiral member  17 , it is preferable to use a single thread/rod with a smaller width. 
         [0087]    For all embodiments, the number of turns of the spiral member  17  around the center member  11  of the apparatus can be preferably 1 to 10. More preferably, the number of turns of the spiral member  17  around the center member  11  of the apparatus can be 1 to 5. Most preferably, the number of turns of the spiral member  17  around the center member  11  of the apparatus can be 2 to 4. The number of turns can be for example 3. 
         [0088]    For all embodiments, the radius of the spiral member  17  from the center member  11  of the apparatus can be preferably ⅜″ to 1½″ (0.95 cm to 3.81 cm). More preferably, the radius of the spiral member  17  from the center member  11  of the apparatus can be ½″ to 1¼″ (1.27 cm to 3.18 cm). Most preferably, the radius of the spiral member  17  from the center member  11  of the apparatus can be ⅝″ to 1″ (1.59 cm to 2.54 cm). The radius of the spiral member  17  from the center member can be for example ¾″ (1.91 cm). 
         [0089]    For all embodiments, the apparatus can preferably accommodate at least one fish weighing less than 1 pound to 500 lbs (0.45 kg to 226.8 kg). More preferably, the apparatus can accommodate fish weighing 2 to 50 pounds (0.91 kg to 22.7 kg). Most preferably, the apparatus can accommodate fish weighing 3 to 25 pounds (1.36 kg to 11.4 kg). 
         [0090]    For all embodiments, the apparatus preferably can accommodate a plurality of fish weighing less than 1 pound to 500 lbs (0.45 kg to 226.8 kg) combined. More preferably, the apparatus can accommodate a plurality of fish weighing 5 to 100 pounds (2.27 kg to 45.36 kg) combined. Most preferably, the apparatus can accommodate a plurality of fish weighing 10 to 50 (4.54 kg to 22.7 kg) combined. The larger the fish, the more weight required to descend the fish to the desired depth. 
         [0091]    For all embodiments, the device can be injection molded or manufactured with other materials or by other processes. 
       Single Construction 
       [0092]    In one embodiment as seen in  FIGS. 1-5  and  25 , device  10  of the invention comprises a single thread/rod forming both a spiral member  17  and a center member  11 . The length of this embodiment can be, for example, 12 inches (30.48 cm). Alternatively, the length can be, for example, 18 inches (45.72 cm). The most preferred width of the single thread/rod of the apparatus of this embodiment is the apparatus is ⅛ inch (0.32 cm). Eyes  12 ,  13  are also made of the single thread/rod wire, as seen in  FIGS. 1-5  and  25 . 
       Joined Construction 
       [0093]    In one embodiment, the apparatus of the invention comprises a separate spiral member  17  that can be attached to a separate central member  11 . In this embodiment, the spiral member  17  can be preferably a twisted spiral wire. The twisted spiral wire of the apparatus can be preferably made of stainless wire. In this embodiment, the center member  11  can be preferably of a shape allowing rotation along an axis  19 . Center member  11  can have eyes  12 ,  13  made into the rod, as seen for example in  FIGS. 21 ,  23 . The center member  11  preferably comprises a heavy rod center to add strength to the apparatus for accommodating larger fish or for multiple fish  16 . The apparatus of this embodiment is preferably capable of releasing possibly tens of fish on each descent. The center member is preferably made of stainless steel. The heavy rod is preferably made of stainless steel. 
         [0094]    In this embodiment, the length can be preferably 1 foot to 4 feet (30.48 cm to 121.92 cm). More preferably, the length of this embodiment can be less than 2 feet (60.96 cm). Most preferably, the length of this embodiment can be about 15 inches to 20 inches (38.1 cm to 50.8 cm). In one alternative, the length of the apparatus of this embodiment can be for example 20 inches (50.8 cm). In another alternative, the length of the apparatus of this embodiment can be for example 36 inches (91.44 cm). The length is based on fish size and ease of storage. 
         [0095]    In this embodiment, the width of the spiral member  17  of the apparatus is preferably 3/32 inch to ¼ inch (0.24 cm to 0.64 cm). More preferably, the width of the spiral member  17  is 18 inch to ¼ inch. Most preferably, the width of the spiral member  17  can be for example ⅛ inch (0.32 cm). Most preferably, the width of the spiral member  17  of the apparatus can be ⅛ inch to 3/16 inch (0.48 cm) for larger fish. 
         [0096]    In this embodiment, the width of the center member  11  of the apparatus is preferably 3/16 inch to ½ inch (0.48 cm to 1.27 cm). More preferably, the width of the center member  11  of the apparatus is 3/16 inch to 5/16 inch (0.48 cm to 0.8 cm). A preferred width of the center member  11  of the apparatus of this embodiment is 5/16 inch (0.8 cm). Alternatively, a preferred width of the center member  11  can be 3/16 inch (0.48). 
       Various Attachments of the Spiral Member to the Center Member 
       [0097]    In one embodiment, a plurality of separate spiral members  17  can be attached to central member  11 . More preferably, two twisted spiral members  17  can be attached to the central member  11  as seen in  FIG. 23 . In this embodiment, each spiral member of the apparatus is preferably a twisted spiral wire. Each twisted spiral wire of the apparatus is preferably made of stainless wire. Preferably, the multiple spiral members  17  can allow for multiple releases with more fish. In one embodiment, the length of the apparatus of this embodiment is 20 inches (50.8 cm). In one embodiment, the length of the apparatus of this embodiment is most preferably 36 inches (91.44 cm). 
         [0098]      FIGS. 6-21 ,  29 - 35  show alternate ways of attaching member  17  to center member  11 . 
         [0099]    In  FIGS. 6-10 , spiral member  17  can be inserted in opening  26  in center member  11  and secured to center member  11  with screws  23  that are inserted into holes  24 ,  25  in center member. 
         [0100]    In  FIGS. 11-15 , spiral member  17  can be inserted in opening  27  in center member  11  and secured to center member  11  by a weld or welding. Spiral member  17  can be welded to center member  11  at weld/attachment points  32 , as seen in  FIGS. 14 ,  15 . 
         [0101]    In  FIGS. 16-20 , spiral member  17  can be inserted in opening  28  in center member  11  and secured to center member  11  by welding or with a sleeve. Spiral member  17  can be welded to center member  11  at attachment point  33  where spiral member  17  contacts the inner surface of center member  11 , as seen in  FIG. 20 . 
         [0102]    Spiral member  17  can also be attached/supported on center member  11  by the following ways as seen in at least  FIGS. 29-35 , including but not limited to the following: 
         [0103]    1. A gusset  36  can be used to support the intersection of central member  11  and spiral member  17 , as seen in  FIGS. 29 ,  30 . A stainless or other metal gusset  36  can be welded in place or possibly a plastic, composite or other material brace can be put near the intersection to give additional support by being fitted and snapped in. Use of a gusset  36  may also help to prevent a fish from getting pinched into the tapering intersection. 
         [0104]    2. The entire intersection of central  11  and spiral  17  members can be encapsulated in some liquefied metal or plastic  37  and allowed to harden in order to support that area, as seen in  FIGS. 31 ,  32 . This can provide additional support if long term durability is an issue. 
         [0105]    3. A collar  38  can be used to support or construct the central  11  and spiral  17  member intersection, as seen in  FIGS. 33-35 . Set screws  39  can be used. A collar  38  can be made and fitted at the intersection for additional support. It can be made from stainless or other material and can include holes  40  bored for the central member  11  and spiral member  17  with set screws  39  to hold in place. Spiral member  17  can be secured in a straight or possibly an angled bore. The device can be constructed in three (3) pieces using such a collar. 
         [0106]    4. A moving collar supporting spiral member  17  can be used. The same or similar collar  38  described above can be fitted and allowed or rotated to move up and down both members  11 ,  17 . It can serve to preserve the integrity of the device  10  but may add a complexity that may not be of benefit in the execution of fish release. Unless constructed perfectly this addition would likely hang up without some slack or curve in the bore for the spiral member. It can be made of Teflon or similar material to allow free motion. The necessary bore would likely be costly to manufacture if possible at all. 
       Hollow Center Member 
       [0107]    In one embodiment, center member  11  can have a hole  34  bored completely through the main member center  11 , as seen in  FIGS. 27 and 28 . A fishing line  31  can be attached to top swivel  18  and threaded through center member  11  hole  34 , and then the same fishing line  31  can be attached to bottom swivel  18 . Beads  30  can be placed on fishing line  31  at each end of the center member  11  (see for example  FIG. 28 ) and can be used for spacing and chafe protection. Hole  34  replaces the need for eyes  12  and  13 . Boring hole  34  or buying tubing as opposed to having a solid rod is significantly more expensive and possibly cost prohibitive, however, it does provide the user with more options that may work better with various fishing gear. It does still have the same function and result as the other embodiments of this invention. 
       Advantages 
       [0108]    This device has several advantages over other attempts made to accomplish the same task. 
         [0109]    1. The present invention can return more than one fish  16  at a time with little chance of malfunction and could be built longer, if desired, to hold possibly any number of fish. This would be more suitable for commercial fishing interests. Deepwater fish are often caught several at a time. 
         [0110]    2. The spiraled wire  17  of the present invention is an advantage as it is captured or held in place by the center wire member  11  as so not to bend or snag anything. This wire  17  going around the center member  11  several times over the length of the device  10  is a preferred embodiment of the design. 
         [0111]    3. The present invention securely holds a fish  16  for return without complex mechanisms and will release fish at any depth. Some other devices only release upon hitting bottom which may be much deeper than the depth of catch. This is the case when fishing near oil rigs where depth can be thousands of feet. Still others have set depths based on pressure, which again may not correspond with catch depth. 
         [0112]    4. The present invention can accommodate different sinker weight sizes as some fish will be more buoyant than others. 
         [0113]    5. The present invention can be made of larger and stronger wire in order to accommodate larger fish. Deepwater fish can range from ounces to over 500 lbs. (226.8 kg). 
         [0114]    6. The present invention can be connected to a fishing line with baited hooks above or below whereby the angler could release fish and also catch fish on the same drop with a minimum chance of malfunction. This may be more suitable for commercial fishing interests. 
         [0115]    7. The present invention is simple and durable enough to be affordable and practical, thereby making its use more likely by all anglers. 
         [0116]    8. The device is more streamlined as opposed to bulky and descends very quickly. 
         [0117]    9. The device holds fish with mouth forward and aerates gills, aids in swimming motion and rejuvenating the fish. 
         [0118]    10. The device handles fish with greater trauma very effectively. At the surface they want to float while the device wants to sink thereby aiding the ability of the device to hold them. As the fish descend, compress and become less buoyant, separation is made much easier as it was designed to be. 
         [0119]    11. Once the device is set in motion upward, natural release occurs and has little chance of malfunction. 
         [0120]    12. The figures demonstrate the necessity of the encircling wire being “captured” around the center member. It allows it to hold weight and resist over stress while at the same time being flexible enough as so not to hinder release. It is essentially floating around the center member. It also does not need to be a uniform spiral and can be bent and reshaped very easily if damaged. 
         [0121]    13. The device could be made more complex, possibly with replaceable parts, but simple and inexpensive will probably be the best option. So far, testing has been perfect, as well as sending cameras down to show the function. 
         [0122]    One very important fact to consider as any release devices are put to use is the notion that you are sending potential food back down to other fishes and at any point the whole device and fishes for release could very easily be eaten whole or thrashed and destroyed by any number of species. 
       PARTS LIST 
       [0123]    The following is a list of parts and materials suitable for use in the present invention: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Parts Number 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                 10 
                 fish release apparatus 
               
               
                 11 
                 center member 
               
               
                 12 
                 eye/eyelet/hole 
               
               
                 13 
                 eye/eyelet/hole 
               
               
                 14 
                 fishing line 
               
               
                 15 
                 weight 
               
               
                 16 
                 fish 
               
               
                 17 
                 spiral member 
               
               
                 18 
                 swivels 
               
               
                 19 
                 axis 
               
               
                 20 
                 top portion 
               
               
                 21 
                 bottom portion 
               
               
                 22 
                 turns 
               
               
                 23 
                 screw 
               
               
                 24 
                 hole 
               
               
                 25 
                 hole 
               
               
                 26 
                 opening 
               
               
                 27 
                 opening 
               
               
                 28 
                 opening 
               
               
                 29 
                 welded joint 
               
               
                 30 
                 bead 
               
               
                 31 
                 line 
               
               
                 32 
                 attachment point 
               
               
                 33 
                 attachment point 
               
               
                 34 
                 hole 
               
               
                 35 
                 jaw 
               
               
                 36 
                 gusset 
               
               
                 37 
                 liquified metal or plastic 
               
               
                 38 
                 collar 
               
               
                 39 
                 screw 
               
               
                 40 
                 hole 
               
               
                 41 
                 free end 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0124]    All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. 
         [0125]    The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.