Abstract:
Systems directed to the art of setting a hook in a fish mouth. The systems have a sleeve substantially housing a plunger assembly and a biasing member, and an activation member assembly with a rotatable finger. The biasing member applies force between the plunger assembly engages and the activation member assembly when the system is engaged. A fish hook is attached via fishing lines to both the activation member assembly and the plunger assembly. Pulling the hook releases the plunger assembly from the activation member assembly and pulls the line attached to the plunger assembly, setting the hook in the fish&#39;s mouth.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims the benefit of co-pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/043,582, filed 29 Aug. 2014, and entitled “Fish Hook System,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    Fishing is an activity predicated on patience and timing. When a fish snatches the bait offered on an unassuming hook or takes a bite of an attractive lure, the angler must be ready to set the fishing hook in the mouth of the fish to ensure the capture of the water faring beast, or else embrace the fate of being the losing party in another epic fishing saga. Setting a hook is generally accomplished by pulling back on the fishing rod in a quick jerking motion. If poorly timed, either too early or too late, the fish may escape as the hook has either not yet entered the fish&#39;s mouth or the fish has already taken the bait and swam away. Accordingly, anglers would benefit from a device capable of more consistently setting a hook in a fish&#39;s mouth at a more advantageous time. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The present invention relates to a hook setting device configured to set a hook in a fish&#39;s mouth with more consistency and with a greater rate of success. The present invention comprises an activation member assembly which, when triggered by a fish, will release a plunger assembly retained under pressure by a spring. The plunger assembly is attached to the fish hook via a line and when the plunger assembly is released it moves in a direction away from the fish and the hook is set in the fish&#39;s mouth. 
         [0004]    An embodiment of a fish hook system according the present invention may include a sleeve extending between a sleeve proximal end portion and a sleeve distal end portion. A trigger lever may extend from and include a free end and a pivot end, the pivot end being pivotally coupled to the sleeve distal end portion. The trigger lever is preferably movable between a first position and a second position. A biasing member is included and preferably disposed within the sleeve. The biasing member may be a spring, such as an extension spring or a compression spring. A first line extends out of the sleeve distal end portion, the first line including and extending between a first line proximal end and first line distal end. The first line proximal end is preferably coupled to the biasing member and the first line distal end may be disposed outside of the sleeve, such as to be coupled to a fishing hook. A catch is also preferably affixed to the first line, wherein the catch engages at least the trigger lever in the first position, after the first line has been drawn out of the sleeve distal end portion against a biasing force of the biasing member. The catch may be a ball secured (e.g. adhered, welded, swaged) to the first line or a knot formed in the first line, for example. The catch can then maintain the device in a loaded or untriggered state until it is released. The catch releases from the trigger lever when the trigger lever is at a rotational position between the first position and the second position and at the second position. When the catch releases from the trigger lever, the biasing member causes the first line to be drawn at least partially into the sleeve. 
         [0005]    According to yet another aspect of an embodiment of a fish hook system according to the present invention, such system may further include a second line extending between and including a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the second line may be coupled to the trigger lever between the trigger lever pivot end and the trigger lever free end and the distal end of the second line may be coupled to the first line, such as at the first line distal end. A third line may extend between and include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the third line may be coupled to the distal end of the second line. In such embodiment, the hook may be coupled to the first line by being attached to the distal end of the third line. The trigger lever may thus be moved from the first position towards the second position by a force applied to the third line in a direction away from the distal end of the sleeve. 
         [0006]    Another embodiment of a fish hook system according to the present invention may include a sleeve extending between a sleeve proximal end portion and a sleeve distal end portion. The sleeve distal end portion preferably includes a slot. A biasing member is included and preferably disposed within the sleeve. The biasing member may be a spring, such as an extension spring or a compression spring. A first line extends out of the sleeve distal end portion, the first line including and extending between a first line proximal end and first line distal end. The first line has a diameter that is preferably less than the width of the slot. The first line proximal end is preferably coupled to the biasing member and the first line distal end may be disposed outside of the sleeve, such as to be coupled to a fishing hook. A catch is also preferably affixed to the first line, wherein the catch is engageable with at least edges of the slot, after the first line has been drawn out of the sleeve distal end portion against a biasing force of the biasing member. The catch may be a ball secured (e.g. adhered, welded, swaged) to the first line or a knot formed in the first line, for example. The catch can then maintain the device in a loaded or untriggered state until it is released. The catch releases from the slot when the first line approaches a position that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the sleeve, and when the catch releases from the slot, the biasing member causes the first line to be drawn at least partially into the sleeve. 
         [0007]    According to another aspect of an embodiment of a fish hook system according to the present invention, where the biasing member is an extension spring, it may be a double loop over center extension spring having a proximal loop and a distal loop. The first line may be secured directly the distal loop. The proximal loop may be coupled to the sleeve proximal end portion, such as by a pin extending through the sleeve and through the proximal loop. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0008]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a hook setting device according to the present invention. 
           [0009]      FIG. 2  is a cut-away view along line  2 - 2  of the device of  FIG. 1 . 
           [0010]      FIG. 3  is an exploded view of the hook setting device of  FIG. 1 .  FIG. 4A  is close-up partial cut-away view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0011]      FIG. 4B  is a close-up partial cut-away view of the device shown in  FIG. 1 . 
           [0012]      FIGS. 5A and 5B  are views of the device of  FIG. 1  in a first state. 
           [0013]      FIGS. 6A and 6B  are views of the device of  FIG. 1  in a second state. 
           [0014]      FIGS. 7A and 7B  are views of the device of  FIG. 1  in a third state. 
           [0015]      FIGS. 8A and 8B  are views of the device of  FIG. 1  in a fourth state. 
           [0016]      FIGS. 9A-9C  are views of the device of  FIG. 1  in a fifth state. 
           [0017]      FIG. 10A  is a first partial cut-away view of a second embodiment of a hook setting device according to the present invention. 
           [0018]      FIG. 10B  is a second partial cut-away view of the second embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a hook setting device according to the present invention. 
           [0020]      FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view along line  12 - 12  of the device in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0021]      FIG. 13  is an exploded view of the hook setting device shown in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0022]      FIGS. 14A-14C  are partial cross-sectional views of the hook setting device shown in  FIG. 11 . 
           [0023]      FIGS. 15A and 15B  are views of the hook setting device of  FIG. 11  in a first state. 
           [0024]      FIGS. 16A and 16B  are views of the hook setting device of  FIG. 11  in a second state. 
           [0025]      FIGS. 17A and 17B  are views of the hook setting device of  FIG. 11  in a third state. 
           [0026]      FIG. 18  is a side view of the hook setting device of  FIG. 11  held in a user&#39;s hands. 
           [0027]      FIG. 19A  is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a hook setting device according to the present invention. 
           [0028]      FIG. 19B  is a cut-away view along line  19 B- 19 B of the device in  FIG. 19A . 
           [0029]      FIG. 20A  is a perspective view of a fifth embodiment of a hook setting device according to the present invention. 
           [0030]      FIG. 20B  is a cut-away view along line  20 B- 20 B of the device in  FIG. 20A . 
           [0031]      FIG. 21A  is a first perspective view of a third embodiment of a trigger rig according to the present invention. 
           [0032]      FIG. 21B  is a second perspective view of the embodiment of  FIG. 21A . 
           [0033]      FIG. 22  is an exploded view of a sixth embodiment of a fish hook system according to the present invention. 
           [0034]      FIG. 23A  is a perspective view of a seventh embodiment of a fish hook system according to the present invention. 
           [0035]      FIG. 23B  is a close-up perspective view of a portion of the embodiment of  FIG. 23A . 
           [0036]      FIGS. 24A-D  are cross-sectional views taken along line  24 A- 24 A of  FIG. 23A . 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0037]    Although the disclosure hereof is detailed and exact to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, the physical embodiments herein disclosed merely exemplify the invention which may be embodied in other specific structures. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims. 
         [0038]    A first embodiment  100  of a hook setting device is shown in  FIG. 1 . The hook setting device  100  comprises a sleeve  110 , a plunger assembly  130  (see  FIG. 2 ), an activation member assembly  180 , and a biasing member  240  (see also  FIG. 2 ). 
         [0039]    The sleeve  110  preferably comprises a tubular pipe  112  with a plurality of sleeve apertures  120 . The pipe  112  has a pipe first end portion  114  and a pipe second end portion  116  opposite the pipe first end portion  114 . The sleeve apertures  120  decrease the overall weight of the pipe  112  and allow fluid that may have entered the hook setting device  100  when submerged to exit upon activation of the hook setting device  100 . The sleeve apertures  120  also allow air that may be trapped within the hook setting device  100  when submerged, potentially making the hook setting device  100  buoyant, to exit the hook setting device  100 . The sleeve apertures  120  may take any shape including, but not limited to, circles and/or slots. 
         [0040]    Turning now to  FIGS. 2 and 3  in which the hook setting device  100  is shown in greater detail.  FIG. 2  is a cut-away view of the hook setting device  100  according to the present invention and illustrates the otherwise interrelationships of the sleeve  110 , the plunger assembly  130 , and the activation member assembly  180 .  FIG. 3  illustrates an exploded view of the hook setting device  100  to better illustrate the specific elements of the hook setting device  100 . 
         [0041]    The partial cut-away view of the sleeve  110  in  FIG. 3  illustrates pipe internal threads  118  extending inward from both the pipe first end portion  114  and the pipe second end portion  116 . 
         [0042]    The activation member assembly  180  comprises a base  182 , a finger  200 , a knuckle  214 , a pocket  220  defining a pocket surface  222 , and a stopper  230 . The base  182  comprises base external threads  184 , a base collar  186  having an inwardly facing surface  188  and an outwardly facing surface  190 , a base bore  192  defining a base bore surface  194  (see  FIG. 5B ), and a cantilever  196 . The base external threads  184  interface with the pipe internal threads  118  of the pipe second end portion  116 . 
         [0043]    The finger  200  preferably comprises a finger proximal end portion  202 , a finger medial portion  206 , and a finger distal end portion  208 . The finger proximal end portion  202  is rotatably attached to the base  182  at the knuckle  214 . The stopper  230  is rotatably attached to the finger medial portion  206  and may extend into the base bore  192  and positioned alongside the cantilever  196 . The finger  200  extends from the finger medial portion  206  to the finger distal end portion  208  forming a finger lever  210 . The finger lever  210  preferably comprises a plurality of holes  212 . 
         [0044]    The plunger assembly  130  as shown here preferably comprises a rod  132 , a fitting  150 , and an arm  160 . The rod  132  has a rod first end portion  134  with a rod first end portion collar  136  and a rod second end portion  138  with a rod second end portion collar  140 . The rod second end portion collar  140  has a rod second end portion collar first surface  142  and a rod second end portion collar second surface  144 . The arm  160  comprises an arm proximal end portion  162  and an arm distal end portion  164 . The arm proximal end portion  162  is pivotally attached to the rod second end portion  138 . Shown here, the arm proximal end portion  162  is pivotally affixed to the rod second end portion collar second surface  144  by pin  146 . The arm distal end portion  164  terminates in an offset bulb  166 . The offset bulb  166  comprises a catch surface  168  and a bulb aperture  170  extending through the offset bulb  166 . 
         [0045]    The fitting  150  comprises a fitting collar  152  with a collar through-hole  154 , fitting external threads  156  and a fitting bore  158 . The rod  132  is positioned through the fitting bore  158  and the fitting external threads  156  interface with the pipe internal threads  118  of the pipe first end portion  114 . 
         [0046]    Additionally or alternatively, a dampener  172 , shown here as a coil spring, may be included between the fitting  150  and the rod second end portion collar first surface  142 . 
         [0047]      FIG. 4A  shows the hook setting device  100  in an engaged state with the offset bulb  166  of the arm  160  within the pocket  220  of the activation member assembly  180 . In the engaged state, the offset bulb  166  of the arm  160  is positioned within the pocket  220  and the stopper  230  is between the arm  160  and the base bore surface  194 . 
         [0048]    To place the hook setting device  100  into the engaged state, the finger lever  210  is rotated away from the sleeve  110 , thus removing the stopper  230  from the base bore  192  (see  FIG. 7B ). Preferably, the periphery  204  of the finger proximal end portion  202  is shaped to provide an interference between the finger proximal end portion  202  and the outwardly facing surface  190  of the base collar  186 , thus limiting rotation of the finger  200  past a predetermined angle and preferably before the stopper  230  travels completely beyond the cantilever  196 . 
         [0049]    The bulb  166  of the arm  160  may then be passed through the base bore  192  and into the pocket  220 . The biasing member  240  is compressed during this transition as it is located between the base  182  and the rod second end portion collar second surface  144 , thus inducing a compression spring force opposing the movement of the rod second end portion collar  140  towards the second end portion  116  of the pipe  112 . In order to retain the bulb  166  within the pocket  220 , the finger lever  210  is rotated back towards the sleeve  110  and the stopper  230  guides the arm  160  into a position in which the catch surface  168  of the bulb  166  abuts the pocket surface  222 . Thus, the stopper  230  forces the arm  160  to interface the pocket surface  222  and the catch surface  168  to prevent the arm  160  from movement encouraged by the compressed biasing member  240 . 
         [0050]      FIG. 4B  further illustrates the knuckle  214  and the cantilever as viewed from above the orientation of the hook setting device  100  in  FIG. 4A . 
         [0051]      FIGS. 5A-9B  illustrate the operation of the hook setting device  100  according to the present invention.  FIGS. 5A and 5B  show the hook setting device  100  in the engaged position as described earlier with respect to  FIGS. 4A and 4B . It can be seen that the offset bulb  166  is positioned within the pocket  220  and the stopper  230  is between the arm  160  and the base bore surface  194 . 
         [0052]    As shown in  FIG. 5A , a first fishing line  10  extends from a fishing pole  40  to the pipe first end portion  114 , on which the first fishing line  10  is secured through the collar through-hole  154 . A first trigger rig  400  includes a second fishing line, or leader,  20  and a third fishing line, or leader  30 . The second fishing line, or leader,  20  has a length L 2  between the selected lever hole  212  and a connection point  402  of the second fishing line  20  and the third fishing line  30 . The third fishing line, or leader,  30  has a length L 3  and is secured to the bulb aperture  170  and is tied in with the second fishing line  20 , or lure  50 , in a manner known to one skilled in the art, at the connection point  402 . It should be noted that the first fishing line  10  may be attached to a BEAVER DAM TIP-UP® or any other fishing device (or even a relatively stationary device, such as a tree limb, deck railing, or buoy), and the hook  50  may be of any type including, but not limited to, an EAGLE CLAW® hook and NORTHLAND FISHING TACKLE® jigging lures. 
         [0053]    It is preferred that the third fishing line  30  have a minimum length L 3  that is longer than the sum of the length L 2  of the second fishing line  20  and the largest finger lever distance D traveled by the finger lever  210  (see  FIG. 8A ) at the moment of activation of the hook setting device  100 . The second line  20  and the third line  30  may include any suitable material, including monofilament, fused lines, braided lines, etc., but a preferred second line  20  and third line  30  comprise braided stainless steel cable of a predetermined diameter, such as about 3/64 or 1/16 of an inch. An exemplary cable  20 , 30  is a stainless steel 7×7 wire rope of such dimensions. 
         [0054]    It is also preferred that the third fishing line  30  have a maximum length L 3  that is less than the sum of the length of the largest finger lever distance D traveled by the finger lever (see  FIG. 8A ) at the moment of activation of the hook setting device  100 , the second fishing line length L 2 , and the distance L (see  FIG. 2 ) between the fitting  150  and the rod second end portion collar first surface  142  when the hook setting device  100  is in the engaged state. More preferably, the length L 3  may be adjusted and fixed to any length between the indicated minimum and maximum lengths. The closer the length L 3  is to the minimum, the quicker the hook set time, namely the time from the trigger rig  400  being tripped, the bulb  166  being released from the pocket  220  and hook  50  being jerked upwardly by the third line  30 . 
         [0055]    In  FIGS. 6A and 6B , a fish  60  approaches and bites the hook  50 . The second fishing line  20  is pulled tight as the finger lever  210  rotates about the knuckle  214 . The plurality of lever holes  212  allow an angler to set the amount of force needed for a fish  60  to release the plunger assembly  130 . If less force is preferred, the angler may attach the second fishing line  20  in one of the plurality of lever holes  212  farther away from the knuckle  214 . If more force is preferred, the angler may attach the second fishing line  20  in one of the plurality of lever holes  212  closer to the knuckle  214 . 
         [0056]    Looking now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , the fish  60  has rotated the finger lever  210  farther thus pulling the stopper  230  out of the base bore  192  and allowing the offset bulb  166  to exit the pocket  220 . 
         [0057]    In  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the offset bulb  166  is completely out of the pocket  220  and the spring force induced by the compressed biasing member  240  is released, pulling the third fishing line  30  tight and setting the hook  50  in the fish  60 . 
         [0058]    As shown in  FIGS. 9A-9C , the rod  132  travels through the sleeve  110  until the rod second end portion collar first surface  142  makes contact with the fitting  150  or dampener  172 . In the embodiment shown, a dampener  172  is employed as alternatively described above with respect to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , allowing the rod  132  to be brought to a stop in a more controlled fashion. 
         [0059]    It is further contemplated by the present invention that the hook setting device  100  may comprise different sizes for various size fish  60 . 
         [0060]      FIGS. 10A and 10B  illustrate a second embodiment  1000  of the hook setting device. It should be noted that like part numbers represent like parts among the various embodiments. As shown here, the arm distal end portion  164  abuts the cantilever  196  and the offset bulb catch surface  168  is in contact with the pocket surface  222 . The finger proximal end portion periphery  204  has a lobe-like profile  1002  with a flat spot  1004 . According to this embodiment, when a fish  60  (as shown in  FIG. 6A ) triggers the hook setting device  1000 , the finger  200  rotates relative to the arm offset bulb  166 , and due to the lobe-like profile  1002  of the proximal end portion periphery  204 , the flat spot  1004  will rotate to a position substantially alongside the offset bulb  166 , thus releasing the arm  160 . As the arm  160  would not necessarily need to pivot out of the pocket  220  according to this embodiment, the rod  132  and the arm  160  may be formed from one piece of material. 
         [0061]    A third embodiment  3000  of the hook setting device is shown in  FIGS. 11-18 . First looking to  FIGS. 11-13 , it can be seen that the third embodiment  3000  is similar to the first embodiment  100  of the hook setting device in that the third embodiment  3000  comprises a sleeve  3110 , a plunger assembly  3130  (see  FIG. 12 ), an activation member assembly  3180 , and a biasing member  3240  (see also  FIG. 12 ). 
         [0062]    The sleeve  3110  preferably comprises a tubular pipe  3112  with a plurality of sleeve apertures  3120 . The pipe  3112  has a pipe first end portion  3114  and a pipe second end portion  3116  opposite the pipe first end portion  3114 . The pipe first end portion  3114  is preferably closed by a cap  3150 . The cap  3150  may be received within the pipe first end portion  3114 , and secured thereto with a cap pin  3151 . The cap  3150  further preferably includes a through-hole  3154 , adapted to receive a first fishing line  10  or other support line or structure. The pipe second end portion  3116  has internal threads  3118 . The sleeve apertures  3120  may take any shape including, but not limited to, circles and/or slots. 
         [0063]    The plunger assembly  3130  comprises a puck  3132  with a biasing surface  3133  and a catch (such as a knot in the line  30  or a ball  3262  with a ball diameter BD). The puck  3132  resides within the sleeve  3110  and is configured to translate along the tubular pipe  3112 . A third fishing line  30  is affixed to the puck  3132  on one end (such as with a loop  31  extending around a puck pin  3135  secured to the puck  3132 ) and extends out of the second end portion  3116  of the sleeve  3110 . The ball  3262  acts as a catch and is secured to the third fishing line  30  at a predetermined distance PB from the biasing surface  3133 . The ball  3262  may be secured to the line by any suitable means, such as adhesive, welding, etc., but the ball  3262  is preferably a stainless steel ball that is swaged onto the line  30 . The distance PB between the puck  3132  and the ball  3262  determines the amount of potential energy stored in the biasing member  3240  when in the engaged position (as will be explained in further detail below). A preferred biasing member  3240  comprises a compression spring having a free length, an outside diameter, a wire gauge or thickness, and a predetermined number of coils. A preferred nominal spring free length is about two to about four inches, and more preferably about three inches. A preferred spring outside diameter is about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, with about 0.50 inches being more preferred. A preferred wire gauge or thickness is between about 22 AWG (0.0253 inches) and about 14 AWG (0.0641 inches), with about 17 AWG (about 0.046 inches) being most preferred. A preferred predetermined number of spring coils is about 10 to about 25, with about nineteen being more preferred. 
         [0064]    A second trigger rig  400 ′ is shown in  FIG. 11 . Like the first rig  400 , the second rig embodiment  400 ′ includes a second line  20  and a third line  30 . In this rig  400 ′, however, there is located a trigger set mechanism  410  between the sleeve  3110  and the hook  50 . The trigger set mechanism  410  is configured to allow a user of the device  3000  to activate the biasing member  3240 . Whereas, a trigger set mechanism (including the rod  132 ) of the first embodiment  100  extended proximally from the device  100 , towards a support structure or fishing rod  40 , the set mechanism  410  of the present embodiment  400 ′ is arranged distally from the device  3000 . The trigger set mechanism  400 ′ includes a pull-loop  32  located between the ball  3262  and the connection point  402  to the second fishing line  20 . The pull-loop  32  may be integrally formed with the third line  30 , such as the third line  30  being bent back upon itself and secured with a crimp collar  404 . The crimp collar  404 , or other modification or attachment to the third line  30  is preferably located at a distance along the third line  30  that is greater than the distance PB between the puck biasing surface  3133  and the ball  3262  as to not interfere with the hook setting action, which is described in more detail below. 
         [0065]    The activation member assembly  3180  comprises a base  3182  and a finger  3200 . The base  3182  preferably comprises base external threads  3184 , a base collar  3186  having an inwardly facing surface  3188  and an outwardly facing surface  3190 , a base bore  3192  defining a base bore surface  3194  (see  FIG. 15B ), and a base slot  3198  (see  FIGS. 14B and 14C ) extending across the base collar  3186  and from the outwardly facing surface  3190  substantially to the inwardly facing surface  3188 . The base slot  3198  has a base slot first surface  3250  opposing a base slot second surface  3252  across and defining a base slot width W. 
         [0066]    Additionally or alternatively, as shown in  FIG. 14C , a seat  3260  is set inward from and located at the intersection of the outwardly facing surface  3190  and at or near the center of the base slot first surface  3250 . 
         [0067]    The finger  3200  preferably comprises a finger proximal end portion  3202 , a finger medial portion  3206 , and a finger distal end portion  3208 . The finger proximal end portion  3202  and the finger medial portion  3206  preferably have a thickness T that is smaller in dimension than the base slot width W. 
         [0068]    The finger proximal end portion  3202  is rotatably attached to the base  3182  within the base slot  3198  at a pivot point defined by a pivot pin  3214 . 
         [0069]    The finger medial portion  3206  has a medial portion first surface  3280  opposite a medial portion second surface  3252 . A notch  3284  in the finger medial portion  3206  extends from the medial portion first surface  3280  toward the medial portion second surface  3252 . 
         [0070]    A finger lever  3210  extends from the finger medial portion  3206  through the finger distal end portion  3208 . The finger lever  3210  preferably comprises a plurality of holes  3212  formed at different distances from the pivot point  3214 . The second line  20  is secured to the lever  3210  in at least one of the holes  3212 , such as being tied directly therein or by using a snap  406 , or other attachment device, such as a swivel or leader. 
         [0071]    Looking at FIGS.  12  and  14 A- 14 C, the device  3000  is shown in an engaged position. In the engaged position, the biasing member  3240  is compressed between the puck  3132  and the base  3182 . The biasing member  3240  is retained in the compressed state by the placement of the ball  3262  within the notch  3284  and against the base collar  3186 . As discussed above, the distance PB between the puck biasing surface  3133  and the ball  3262  will determine the amount of potential energy stored in the biasing member  3240  when in the engaged position. For example, the greater the distance PB between the puck biasing surface  3133  and the ball  3262 , the less a given biasing member  3240  will compress and therefore a lower amount of potential energy will be stored in the compressed biasing member  3240 . 
         [0072]    As depicted here, it is contemplated that a section of the notch  3284  extends through the medial portion second surface  3282  to form a cut-out  3286  through a part of the finger medial portion  3206  that is substantially within the base slot  3198  when the finger  3200  is positioned in an engaged position. The cut-out  3286  has a terminus  3288  (see  FIG. 13 ) preferably configured to extend beyond the base collar outwardly facing surface  3190  for a distance less than the ball diameter BD when the finger  3200  is positioned in an engaged position, or not at all. A preferred ball diameter BD may be, for example, about 3/16 of an inch. 
         [0073]    Turning now to  FIGS. 15A-17B , the operation of the hook setting device  3000  is illustrated. Similar to the first embodiment  100 ,  FIG. 15A  shows the first, second, and third fishing lines  10 , 20 , 30  connected in a similar manner and configured to be sized within similar length parameters. 
         [0074]    In  FIGS. 15A and 15B , the hook setting device  3000  is shown in the engaged position as described above with respect to FIGS.  12  and  14 A- 14 C. When the fish  60  approaches and bites the hook  50  as illustrated in  FIGS. 16A and 16B , the second fishing line  20  is pulled tight and the finger lever  3210  rotates about the pivot point  3214 . Rotation of the finger lever  3210  away from base slot  3198  moves the finger medial portion  3206  relative to the ball  3262  until the finger medial portion  3206  is no longer in contact with the ball  3262  and thus releasing the ball  3262  from the notch  3284  and into the cut-out  3286 . 
         [0075]    As the biasing member  3240  releases the stored energy as shown in  FIGS. 17A and 17B  and forces the puck  3132  (not shown) in the direction away from the base  3182 . The movement of the puck  3132  and the force of the biasing member  3240  sets the hook  50  in the fish  60 . 
         [0076]    The plurality of lever holes  3212  allow an angler to set the amount of force needed for a fish  60  to release the plunger assembly  3130 . If less force is preferred, the angler may attach the second fishing line  20  in one of the plurality of lever holes  3212  closer to the finger distal end portion  3208 . If more force is preferred, the angler may attach the second fishing line  20  to one of the plurality of lever holes  3212  closer to the finger medial portion  3206 . 
         [0077]      FIG. 18  shows a user  70  pulling the pull-loop  32  in a direction away from the base  3182  to set the activation member assembly  3180  into the engaged position. It is preferable to the position the device as shown here during the setting procedure. As the ball  3262  (hidden) is being pulled towards the base outwardly facing surface  3190  the ball  3262  (hidden) will contact the finger  3200  and the finger  3200  will rotate away from the base outwardly facing surface  3190 . Continued pulling by the user  70  will place the ball  3262  (hidden) beyond the base outwardly facing surface  3190  allowing gravity to assist the finger  3200  back towards the base outwardly facing surface  3190 . The ball  3262  (hidden) will then be positioned between the finger notch  3284  and the base outwardly facing surface  3190 , effectively blocking the path of the ball  3262  (hidden) back into the sleeve  3110 . 
         [0078]      FIGS. 19A and 19B  illustrate a fourth embodiment  4000  of the hook setting device. The hook setting device  4000  comprises a sleeve  4110 , a plunger assembly  4130 , an activation member assembly  4180 , and a biasing member  4240 . 
         [0079]    The sleeve  4110  comprises a tubular pipe  4112  having a first end portion  4114  and a second end portion  4116  with at least one passage  4120  extending between the first end portion  4114  and the second end portion  4116 . 
         [0080]    The plunger assembly  4130  comprises a puck  4132 , an arm  4160  extending downward toward the activation member assembly  4180 , and at least one handle  4290  protruding outward from the puck  4132  and extending through the at least one passage  4120 . The distal end portion  4164  of the arm  4160  has a ball  4262 . 
         [0081]    The activation member assembly  4180  is similar to the activation member assembly  3180  of the third embodiment hook setting device  3000  as it comprises a base  4182  with a base slot  4198  in which a finger  4200  with a notch  4284  in a medial portion  4206  is rotatable in and out of the base slot  4198  about a pivot point  4214 . 
         [0082]    The device  4000  is engaged by pulling or pushing the at least one handle  4290  of the puck  4132  toward the sleeve second end portion  4116  and/or pulling the loop  32  of the third fishing line  30  away from the base  4182 , and positioning the ball  4262  between the notch  4284  and the base  4182 . 
         [0083]    The device  4000  disengages in a similar manner to the third embodiment  3000  whereby when the second fishing line  20  is pulled, the finger  4200  rotates about the pivot point  4214  and out of the base slot  4198 , thus releasing the ball  4262  and the potential energy of the biasing member  4240  to pull the third fishing line  30  in an upward direction. 
         [0084]      FIGS. 20A and 20B  illustrate a fifth embodiment  5000  of the hook setting device. The hook setting device  5000  comprises a sleeve  5110 , a plunger assembly  5130 , an activation member assembly  5180 , and a biasing member  5240 . 
         [0085]    The sleeve  5110  is similar to that of the sleeve  4110  of the fourth embodiment  4000  and comprises a passage  5120  extending between a first end portion  5114  and a second end portion  5116  of a tubular pipe  5112 . 
         [0086]    The plunger assembly  5130  shares many commonalities with the plunger assembly  4130  of the fourth embodiment  4000  and comprises a puck  5132 , an arm  5160  extending downward toward the activation member assembly  5180 , and at least one handle  5290  protruding outward from the puck  5132  and extending through the at least one passage  5120 . The distal end portion  5164  of the arm  5160 , however, has an offset bulb  5166 . 
         [0087]    The activation member assembly  5180  comprises a base  5182  with a base slot  5198  in which a finger  5200  with a notch  5284  in a medial portion  5206  is rotatable in and out of the base slot  5198  about a pivot point  5214 . The medial portion  5206  has a lobe  5292  which projects into the notch  5284  from the side closest to the finger distal end portion  5208  and in the direction of the finger proximal end portion  5202 . 
         [0088]    The device  5000  is engaged by pulling or pushing the at least one handle  5290  of the puck  5132  toward the sleeve second end portion  5116 , and/or pulling the loop  32  of the third fishing line  30  away from the base  5182 , and engaging the offset bulb  5166  with the lobe  5292  of the medial portion  5206 . 
         [0089]    The device  5000  disengages when the second fishing line  20  is pulled and the finger  5200  rotates about the pivot point  5214  and out of the base slot  5198 . The offset bulb  5166  is released from its engagement with the lobe  5292  and the potential energy of the biasing member  5240  is released, pulling the third fishing line  30  in an upward direction. 
         [0090]    A sixth embodiment  6000  of a fish hook system according to the present invention is shown in  FIG. 22 , where like reference numerals refer to identical or similar structure as described in connection with previous embodiments. This embodiment  6000  is substantially similar to the third embodiment  3000 , but for the biasing arrangement. In this arrangement, the biasing member  6240  is stretched or extended to a trigger set state, rather than being compressed. The biasing member  6240  is preferably a double loop over center tension spring extending between and including a looped proximal end  6242  and a looped distal end  6244  having a free length, an outside diameter, a wire gauge or thickness, and a predetermined number of coils. A preferred nominal spring free length is about two to about four inches, and more preferably about 2.125 inches. A preferred spring outside diameter is about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, with about 0.40 inches being more preferred. A preferred wire gauge or thickness is between about 22 AWG (0.0253 inches) and about 14 AWG (0.0641 inches), with about 18 AWG (about 0.041 inches) being most preferred. A preferred predetermined number of spring coils is about 30 to about 60, with about 51 being more preferred. 
         [0091]    A preferred biasing member  6240  comprises a double loop over center extension spring having a free length (including loops), an outside diameter, a wire gauge or thickness, and a predetermined number of coils. A preferred nominal spring free length is about two to about four inches, and more preferably about 2.1 inches. A preferred spring outside diameter is about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, with about 0.40 inches being more preferred. A preferred wire gauge or thickness is between about 22 AWG (0.0253 inches) and about 14 AWG (0.0641 inches), with about 18 to about 17 AWG (about 0.042 inches) being most preferred. A preferred predetermined number of spring coils is about 30 to about 70, with about 50 or 51 being more preferred. 
         [0092]    The proximal end  6242  of the biasing member  6240  may be secured closer to the pipe first end portion  6114  than the second end portion  6116 , such as by being looped over the cap pin  6151 . The distal end  6244  of the biasing member  620  is generally longitudinally translatable within the pipe  6112  between at least a set or loaded position, further from the first end portion  6114  and a fired position, closer to the first end portion  6114 . The loop  31  of the third line  30  may be secured directly to the biasing member  6240 , such as at the looped distal end  6244 , to secure the ball  6262  at a preferred distance SB therefrom. Though not shown particularly, it is to be understood that this embodiment  6000  could be used with or include any trigger rig (e.g.,  400 ,  400 ′,  400 ″) described herein. The operation of this embodiment, from an external perception, is substantially similar to the operation of the third embodiment  3000 . One additional feature of this embodiment  6000  is that once the device has been triggered (and a fish is hooked), causing the biasing member  6240  to draw the third line  30  into the pipe  6112 , the third line  30  may be drawn out of the pipe  6112  for a distance that may be greater than the length L 2  of the second line  20  (not shown) of the trigger rig (e.g.  400 ,  400 ′,  400 ″). Such available play in the third line  30  may be advantageous to a fisherman by allowing the hooked fish to wear itself out and lessen its fight. 
         [0093]    Another embodiment  7000  of a fish hook system according to the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 23A-24D , where like reference numerals refer to identical or similar structure as described in connection with previous embodiments. This embodiment  7000  offers the post-firing (i.e. after a fish is hooked) ability for the third line  30  to be drawn out of the pipe  7112  against a biasing force of the biasing member  7240 . Additionally, this embodiment does not employ a second line  20 , as is used in other embodiments disclosed herein. Rather, the trigger rig  7500  used in this embodiment includes a second end cap  7580 , which may be secured to the second end portion  7116  of the pipe  7112 . The cap  7580  preferably has an aperture  7192  formed therethrough, in communication with an interior cavity of the pipe  7112 . The aperture  7192  may generally be aligned axially with a longitudinal axis  7112   a  of the pipe  7112 . Extending radially from the aperture  7192  is a trigger slot  7582 . The trigger slot  7582  extends from the aperture  7192  to a terminal end  7584 , which is preferably formed in the cap  7580 , but may alternatively be formed in the pipe  7112 . Optionally, one or more dimples  7586  are formed along the slot  7582 , the dimples  7586  being preferably centered on the slot  7582 . The one or more dimples  7586  may be formed with a radius that approximates the radius of the ball  7262 . 
         [0094]    To use this embodiment  7000 , the third line  30  is pulled in a first longitudinal direction  71 , against the bias force of the biasing member  7240 , as can be seen in  FIG. 24A . A force to pull the third line  30  may be applied to any portion of the line  30 , such as a loop  32  formed therein. A fourth line  35  may be coupled to the third line  30 , such as by being tied or otherwise secured to the loop  32 , or through the use of a snap, swivel, leader, etc. A hook (not shown, but previously  50 ) is attached to the distal end of the fourth line  35 . The third line  30  is pulled in the first direction  71  for a distance to withdraw the ball  7262  through the aperture  7192 . After the ball  7262  has been drawn through the aperture  7192 , the third line  30  may be moved in a second direction  72 , which is preferably a radial direction with respect to the pipe  7112 , as shown in  FIG. 24B . This radial movement will draw the line  30  into the trigger slot  7582  and allow the ball  7262  to be positioned on the outside of the cap  7580  and at a position along the slot  7582 , such as at an indexed location defined by one of the dimples  7586 . 
         [0095]      FIGS. 24C-D  depict the triggering action of the system  7000 . A downward force applied to the third line  30  will cause the line  30  to move in a third direction  73  (which is substantially opposite the second direction  72 ) to coaxially realign with the pipe  7112 . The movement in the third direction  73  will bring the ball  7262  into axial alignment with the aperture  7192 , allowing the bias force of the biasing member  7240  to draw the third line  30  towards the pipe first end  7114  in a fourth direction  74 , as shown in  FIG. 24D . Accordingly, a hook (e.g., hook  50 ) secured to the fourth line  35  will be forced toward the pipe  7112 . 
         [0096]    A preferred biasing member  7240  comprises a double loop over center extension spring having a free length (including loops), an outside diameter, a wire gauge or thickness, and a predetermined number of coils. A preferred nominal spring free length is about three to about six inches, and more preferably about 4.5 inches. A preferred spring outside diameter is about 0.25 inches to about 0.75 inches, with about 0.5 (or 0.47) inches being more preferred. A preferred wire gauge or thickness is between about 22 AWG (0.0253 inches) and about 14 AWG (0.0641 inches), with about 18 to about 17 AWG (about 0.042 inches) being most preferred. A preferred predetermined number of spring coils is about 50 to about 120, with about 90 or 92 being more preferred. Alternatively, the biasing member  7240  may be a compression spring and puck arrangement, similar or identical to that described previously in connection with the third embodiment  3000 . 
         [0097]    The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described. For instance, in connection with the seventh embodiment  7000 , the lines discussed (third line  30  and fourth line  35 ) are referred to by indexed numerals, it is understood that the particular embodiment does not include a second line  20 , as described in connection with previous embodiments. Accordingly, the indexed numerical references should not be interpreted as requiring a particular number of lines, but only as identifiers. While the preferred embodiment has been described, the details may be changed without departing from the invention, which is defined by the claims.