Patent Publication Number: US-2013247447-A1

Title: Detachable Sinker With Water Soluble Attachment

Description:
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/269,641, which was filed Nov. 12, 2008, and which is fully incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to detachable sinkers for use with fishing line. More specifically, the invention relates to a disposable sinker having a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material attachable to fishing line. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     The distance that a fisherman can achieve when casting line is conventionally increased by adding weight to the baited end of the line. This weight, commonly called a sinker, may be composed of any dense material, such as lead, and may be attached to the line in any of various ways. One way is by tying the sinker to the baited end using a separate leader. Another way is by attaching the sinker directly to the main line some distance behind the bait, for example, by threading the main line through a loop in the sinker and tying it off, or by compressing a specially formed sinker (known as split shot) directly onto the line. Another way to add weight to the baited end is by forming a fishing lure with integral weight, as is commonly done for spoons, spinners, and other fishing devices designed for deep water or bottom fishing. 
     While the added weight may improve casting distance, problems may arise after the bait hits the water. One problem is that the weight drags the bait to the bottom. This may not be desirable for certain techniques such as fly fishing, which are used to catch fish that feed near the surface. Another problem is that the weight can interfere with the action of a lure, or cause the line to become tangled during retrieval. Another problem is that dragging too much weight through the water can frighten the fish or otherwise discourage them from biting. But perhaps the biggest problem with loading up on weight is that it greatly increases the chance of snagging the line on the bottom during retrieval. This leaves the fisherman with the frustrating chore of having to cut the line and rig up a new baiting system, not to mention the loss of another hook, line, and sinker. 
     Fishing and the capture of fish and other water dwelling wildlife would be greatly improved by a sinker that can be added to the baited end of a fishing line and jettisoned after casting. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention provides a detachable sinker that automatically detaches from fishing line after immersion in water. A detachable sinker according to the invention includes a weight attachable to a fishing line, and a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material connected to the weight for attaching the weight to the fishing line. In one embodiment, the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material comprises a dissolvable product that when dry, possesses sufficient tensile strength to withstand the load of the weight during casting, and when wet, rapidly dissolves to release the weight from the fishing line. The detachable sinker may include a fastening component acting as a strengthening interface between the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material and the fishing line, and may further include a wildlife attractant that is suspended by, held by or held within the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material or a non-disintegrating material. The wildlife attractant may dissolve after immersion and after being rapidly released from the fishing line by the disintegrating material and thus diffuse throughout the water to attract fish to the casting site. In another embodiment, some or all of the wildlife attractant may be left affixed to the line by the non-disintegrating material. 
     Many embodiments of the invention are presented. The rapidly disintegrating water soluble material may form a loop for attaching the weight to the fishing line. The loop may pass through a hole formed in the weight, or it may wrap one or more times around the weight. The fastening component may join ends of the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material into the loop. The detachable sinker may further include an attachment means for coupling the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material to the fishing line. The attachment means may further include an elongated clamp of compressible material, where the clamp has sufficient length to compress both the fishing line and a length of the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. Alternatively, the attachment means may include a portion of the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material combined with a mass of moldable adhesive, or the attachment means may include a perforated sinker attachment for threading the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material therethrough. 
     In another embodiment, the weight of the sinker may be a dissolvable weight. The dissolvable weight may be formed or molded from a melange of wet and dry ingredients, and the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material may be connected to the weight by partially sinking it into the melange prior to curing the weight. The dissolvable weight may include a wildlife attractant as an ingredient. 
     In another embodiment, a detachable sinker according to the invention may include indicia indicating a weight value, a release time, or a depth rating for the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. The release time or depth rating may indicate the approximate time or depth at which the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material releases the weight from the fishing line, and if so equipped, releases the wildlife attractant into the water. 
     In another embodiment, a detachable sinker according to the invention includes a plurality of circular weights concentrically arranged, each weight having a center hole, a clamping means disposed through the center holes, and a rapidly disintegrating water soluble tab clamped between the circular weights by the clamping means, the tab defining a hole on an unclamped portion of the tab for attaching the weights to the fishing line. 
     In another embodiment, a detachable sinker according to the invention includes a sack of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material, weight loaded within the sack, and an attachment means for coupling the sack to the fishing line. A wildlife attractant may be contained within the sack. 
     In another embodiment, the invention provides a sinker assembly that includes a detachable sinker, a fixed sinker, and an attachment means having a first portion for attaching the assembly to a fishing line, a second portion for attaching the detachable sinker to the assembly, and a third portion for attaching the fixed sinker to the assembly. One or both of the detachable sinker and the fixed sinker may be dissolvable weights and may include a wildlife attractant. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the invention, and be protected by the accompanying claims. Component parts shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and may be exaggerated to better illustrate the important features of the invention. In the drawings, like reference numerals designate like parts throughout the different views, wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention held by a rapidly disintegrating water soluble tab. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of one embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a cylindrical weight held by a rapidly disintegrating water soluble ring. 
         FIG. 3  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a rapidly disintegrating water soluble bag for holding weight. 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a bar weight wrapped by a rapidly disintegrating water soluble strip. 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a rectangular weight wrapped by an adhesive strip of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. 
         FIG. 6  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a rapidly disintegrating water soluble bag enclosed by a staple with eyelet. 
         FIG. 7  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a rapidly disintegrating water soluble ring passing through a hole formed in a rectangular weight. 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a rapidly disintegrating water soluble tab clamped between rounded, riveted weights. 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a rapidly disintegrating water soluble tab clamped to a rectangular weight. 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a rapidly disintegrating water soluble bag affixed with a wildlife attractant. 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of an embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a rapidly disintegrating water soluble tab fixed to a dissolvable wildlife attractant that acts as a weight. 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view of another embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a rapidly disintegrating water soluble tab fixed to a dissolvable wildlife attractant that acts as a weight. 
         FIG. 13  shows rear (A), side (B), top (C), and front (D) views of a means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 14  shows rear (A), side (B), top (C), and front (D) views of another means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 15  shows rear (A), side (B), top (C), and front (D) views of a removable means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 16  is a side view of another removable means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of the removable attaching means of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 18  is an end view of the removable attaching means of  FIG. 16 . 
         FIG. 19  is an illustration of the removable attaching means of  FIG. 16  attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 20  is an illustration of the removable attaching means of  FIG. 15  attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 21  is a perspective view of another removable means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 22  is an illustration of the removable attaching means of  FIG. 21  attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 23  is a conceptual drawing of another removable means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 24  is a side view of another embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a rapidly disintegrating water soluble loop fixed to a dissolvable weight containing a wildlife attractant. 
         FIG. 25  is an illustration of the removable attaching means of  FIG. 23  in an open position attaching the detachable sinker of  FIG. 24  to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 26  is an illustration of the removable attaching means of  FIG. 23  in a closed position attaching the detachable sinker of  FIG. 24  to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 27  is a top view of another removable means according to the invention, shown in an open position, for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 28  is a top view of the removable attaching means of  FIG. 27 , shown in a closed position, for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 29  is a side view of the removable attaching means of  FIG. 27 . 
         FIG. 30  is an illustration of the removable attaching means of  FIG. 27  in a closed position attaching the detachable sinker of  FIG. 24  to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 31  shows rear (A), side (B), top (C), and front (D) views of one embodiment of a means according to the invention for attaching both a detachable weight and a fixed weight to a length of fishing line. 
         FIG. 32  shows a top view of the attachment means of  FIG. 31  with the fixed weight attached. 
         FIG. 33  shows a top view of an embodiment of a sinker assembly according to the invention that includes an attachment means, a detachable weight, and a fixed weight, each weight either non-dissolvable or dissolvable and capable of incorporating a wildlife attractant. 
         FIG. 34  shows a top view of an embodiment of a detachable sinker according to the invention having a flap of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material and a mass of moldable adhesive serving as a means (shown in an open position) for attaching the sinker to fishing line. 
         FIG. 35  shows a top view of the embodiment of  FIG. 34  with the attachment means shown in a closed position. 
         FIG. 36  shows a side view of the embodiment of  FIG. 34 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following disclosure presents various exemplary embodiments of the invention for providing a detachable sinker with a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material used to effect attachment. The sinker allows a fisherman to benefit from additional weight to achieve superior distance when casting, and improves the precision of bait delivery without burdening the fisherman with the additional weight dragging on the line during retrieval. The invention also improves the presentation of bait after entering the water and during retrieval, and can leave a trail of wildlife attractant in the wake of fishing line being retrieved, or can leave a patch of wildlife attractant resting on the bottom near the fisherman&#39;s casting area. 
       FIG. 1  illustrates one embodiment of a detachable sinker  10  according to the invention. Sinker  10  includes a volume or mass of material  11  acting as a weight, and a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material  13  for attaching the weight to a fishing line. Sinker  10  may also include a fastening component  15  that acts as a strengthening interface between the fishing line and the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material  13 . 
     Weight  11  may be any material of sufficient density to assist a fisherman in casting out the fishing line. Weight  11  may be formed as a single mass, or may be a group of smaller masses collected together. Examples of material that may compose weight  11  include any one or any combination of the following: iron, steel, cast iron, lead, stone, concrete, ceramic, or other dense metals or refractory type materials. These materials are offered as examples only, and not by way of limitation. In a preferred embodiment, steel is used as the material of choice for a number of reasons, including cost, ease of fabrication, dissolution in water by rusting, and environmental compatibility. 
     Rapidly disintegrating water soluble material  13  may be composed of any material that when dry, possesses sufficient tensile strength to withstand the load of weight  11  during casting, and when wet, can rapidly release weight  11  from the fishing line shortly after contacting water. In one embodiment, sinker  10  may have a ten-second release time, which means that at ten seconds (plus or minus some tolerance) after immersion in water, material  13  dissolves such that it loses its tensile properties. Loss of tensile properties means that an amount of material  13  (such as a ½ inch wide strip) used on sinker  10  for retaining a specific weight  11  (e.g. one-ounce) is no longer able to support the specific weight against the pull of gravity under water. In another embodiment, a sinker  10  may have a one-second release time, meaning that an amount of material  13  used on sinker  10  loses its ability to support a specific weight against the pull of gravity under water in about one second. Release times other than one and ten seconds are possible within the scope of the invention. Examples of tolerances are tolerances on the order of 5 seconds, or 1 second, or a fraction of a second. 
     The release time of a sinker according to the invention is a predetermined value that may be determined, for example, based on empirical data and experimentation. The predetermined release time may indicate an approximate time lapse after the sinker is immersed in water after which the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material dissolves sufficiently to release the weight from the fishing line or to allow the weight to detach therefrom. The release time of the sinker may also be expressed in terms of a range, i.e. a time period. For example, the time period may have a duration anywhere between about one second and about 120 seconds. 
     According to the invention, release time may also be expressed in terms of water depth. That is, a sinker may have a depth rating that indicates an approximate depth at which the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material dissolves in water sufficiently to release the weight from the fishing line after the sinker sinks from a surface of the water by force of gravity. In one embodiment, the detachable sinker may have a depth rating of about one foot. In another embodiment, the detachable sinker may have a depth rating expressed in terms of a range, where the range may lie anywhere between about one foot and about 1000 feet. Also, the detachable sinker may have more than one release time or depth rating. For example, the sinker may have a first rating for use in fresh water, and a second rating for use in salt water. 
     A sinker according to the invention, or any embodiment of such a sinker herein disclosed, may include readable indicia printed, stamped, molded or otherwise formed on the sinker that corresponds to a weight value, a release time value, a release time range, a depth rating, or a depth range. The indicia may also include multiple indices corresponding to both salt water and fresh water ratings for depth or release time. 
     In one embodiment, material  13  may be composed of a paper-like material such as Dissolvo®. Other paper and paper-like products are also suitable for this purpose, such as materials used to temporarily block or dam pipes, and materials used in the formation of packaging labels that very easily dissolve in water. Material  13  may be formed as a bag, a strap, or another configuration suitable for attaching to or containing weight  11 . Material  13  may be folded any number of times to achieve a desired tensile strength, or a desired release time. By making slight adjustments in the number of folds, or in the formulation or configuration of material  13 , a sinker according to the invention can be adjusted to descend to a specific depth, or to a depth range, before releasing the attached fishing device or bait to assume its natural buoyancy and underwater mobility. Different depth ratings may be advantageous for certain types of fishing or in presenting certain types of bait. 
     Fastening component  15  may be provided to facilitate attachment of weight  11  to material  13 . In one embodiment, fastening component  15  may be a ring or grommet, made of metal, paper, plastic, or rubber material. Preferably, fastening component  15  is composed of a biodegradable material. Fastening component  10  may also be formed from the same material as material  13 , with a greater thickness or density to improve the strength of attachment. 
     As shown in  FIG. 1 , weight  11  may define a hole or slot  17  formed through its mass. Rapidly disintegrating water soluble material  13  may be formed into a foldable or bendable strip, and passed through hole  17 . Doubling the strip of material  13  in this fashion provides for greater tensile strength. The ends  14  of material  13  may then be joined together using component  15  and coupled to weight  11  as shown. The ends  14  may be attached together by gluing, stapling or other fastening or adhesive means. Alternatively, fastening component  15  may also function as the fastening means to connect ends  14 . Weight  11  may then be attached to a fishing line by threading the line through fastening component  15  and tying it off, for example, using a fisherman&#39;s knot. 
     In operation, within a few seconds or less after immersing sinker  10  in water, material  13  disintegrates, thereby releasing weight  11  from the fishing line. Individual components of sinker  10  would then deteriorate in the water in an environmentally friendly manner. A weight  11  made from iron would eventually rust away and release environmentally harmless iron oxide into the water. Rapidly disintegrating water soluble material  13  would quickly dissolve and release into the water its environmentally harmless constituents such as cellulose, silica, and paper fiber. Fastening component  15  would either dissolve, or be drawn out of the water with the fishing line, depending on the hydrophilic properties of its material. 
     In one exemplary embodiment, length A may be about 1 inch, width B may be about ¾ inches, and thickness C may be between about ¼ and about ⅜ inches. When sinker  10  is formed from steel, these dimensions produce a weight  11  weighing about one ounce. The dimensions may be scaled, as necessary, to achieve a desired weight. 
     Many other embodiments of a sinker according to the invention are possible. In each of the following embodiments, the materials of construction of the various components may be similar to materials disclosed in the embodiment of  FIG. 1 . 
       FIG. 2  shows another embodiment of a sinker according to the invention. Sinker  20  includes a cylindrical weight  21 , which has a hole  27  drilled through its center along a longitudinal axis, as shown. Rapidly disintegrating water soluble material  23  may be formed into one or more loops that pass through hole  27 . A fishing line  28  may be attached directly to material  23 . This embodiment does not use a separate fastening component. Weight  21  may be conveniently cut from metal pipe stock at any of various lengths to achieve a desired weight. Weight  21  may also be cut from bar stock and drilled to form hole  27 . 
       FIG. 3  illustrates another embodiment of a sinker according to the invention. In this embodiment, sinker  30  may generally resemble a tea bag. A weight or group of weights  31  may be contained within a bag  33  that is formed from a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. Bag  33  may be enclosed at one end  34  by stapling, grommeting, adhesive, or other means. A hole  37  may be formed in the closed end  34  for threading of fishing line. A grommet  35  may be used to strengthen hole  37  or securely close the end  34 . In sinker  30 , different weights for weight  31  may be achieved by loading different amounts of small weights (such as metal shot) into bag  33  prior to closing the bag. 
       FIG. 4  illustrates another embodiment of a sinker according to the invention. In this embodiment, sinker  40  may be formed from a bar weight  41  that may be generally cylindrical or rectangular and wrapped one or more times with a continuous strip  43  of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. The ends of strip  43  may be joined together at a location  44 , thereby forming a loop through which a fishing line  48  may be threaded and attached, as shown. Weight  41  may be conveniently cut from metal rod or bar stock at any of various lengths to achieve a desired weight. 
       FIG. 5  shows another embodiment of a sinker according to the invention. Here, sinker  50  includes a generally rectangular weight  51  and a strip  53  of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. Strip  53  may be glued or pinned to weight  51  along opposing sides  56  and  58  of weight  51 . In one embodiment, strip  53  may be an adhesive strip. Tabs  59  may be formed at the ends of strip  53  and attached together above the top of weight  51  by stapling or gluing or grommeting. A perforation or hole  57  may be formed in tabs  59 , through which fishing line may be threaded and tied off. A grommet  55  may be used to reinforce the hole  57 , and to join together two ends of strip  53 . 
       FIG. 6  shows another embodiment of a sinker according to the invention that may resemble a small bag. Sinker  60  may include a weight or group of small weights  61  that are enclosed within a sack  63  formed from rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. The top  64  of sack  63  may be pinched together to enclose its contents. A staple  65  having an eyelet  69  may be affixed to the top  64 . The staple  65  pinches the top  64  of sack  63  to keep the sack closed and to prevent weight  61  from falling out. Eyelet  69  provides a convenient location for attaching a fishing line to the sinker. 
       FIG. 7  shows another embodiment of a sinker according to the invention designed for ease of manufacture. Sinker  70  may consist of only two pieces: a weight  71  and a loop  73  of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. Weight  71  may be formed from rectangular bar stock to any desired length, and may include a hole  75  formed through weight  71 , for example, by stamping, punching, or drilling. To form loop  73 , the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material may be formed first as a strip, one end of which may then be passed through hole  75 , and then joined to an opposite end by stapling, compression, glue, or other adhesive to complete the loop. A fishing line may then be tied to loop  73 . 
       FIG. 8  shows an embodiment of a sinker according to the invention designed for ease of manufacture using weight materials that may be obtained off the shelf from a hardware store. Sinker  80  includes a plurality of circular weights  81  and rapidly disintegrating water soluble tab  83  that is clamped between the weights. Weights  82  may be flat washers made of carbon steel, plated steel, or another metal, metal alloy, or dense material. These weights or washers may be stacked to achieve a desired total weight for the sinker. Flat washers are a preferred material in this embodiment for many reasons. Flat washers are available in a wide selection of weights and sizes, and may be easily combined and joined together. In addition, the center hole of each flat washer provides a means for attaching at least one washer on either side of tab  83 , and clamping tab  83  between the washers, as shown. Clamping the tab in this manner may be achieved using fasteners such as a bolt and nut, or by using a pin or rivet  88 . In this configuration, tab  83  must allow the bolt, pin, or rivet  88  to pass through the center holes of the flat washers to properly clamp the tab securely in place. This may be achieved by inserting tab  83  only part way between the washers so that no part of the tab interferes with the center holes, or tab  83  may be shaped to allow passage of rivet  88 , for example, by forming an open area or hole (not shown) in tab  83  that may be aligned with the center holes of washers  81 . Tab  83  may also include an eyelet or hole  87  on an unclamped portion of the tab for attaching sinker  80  to a fishing line. 
       FIG. 9  shows an embodiment of a sinker according to the invention capable of providing heavier weights than some of the sinkers previously described. Sinker  90  may be formed from a rectangular weight  91 , one or more clamping brackets  98 , and a rapidly disintegrating water soluble tab  93  clamped between weight  91  and brackets  98 . Holes  96  may be formed in brackets  98  and aligned with cooperating holes or studs formed in weight  91  to provide a means for clamping weight  91  and tab  93  between clamping brackets  98 , using fastening hardware or equivalent. Preferably, tab  93  is folded in half so that it may be clamped to weight  91  at both the front and rear sides of the weight, as shown. This provides about twice as much clamping area across the tab as may be provided, for example, in the embodiment of sinker  80 . And, as in the embodiments of sinkers  10  and  50 , doubling the tab of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material provides greater tensile strength. The additional clamping area combined with the double tab allows the tab to suspend a greater amount of weight for the sinker. A hole  97  may be formed through both halves of the doubled tab  93 , as shown, for attaching a fishing line or leader. 
     In any of the foregoing embodiments, a sinker according to the invention may be scaled up or down, depending on the application. For example, the embodiments of sinkers  10 ,  20 ,  40 ,  50 ,  70 , and  90  may be most suitable for scaling up for lake or deep-sea fishing, while the embodiments of sinkers  30 ,  60 , and  80  may be most easily miniaturized for pond, stream, or fly fishing. In the latter case, the sinker may be attached to a lure or fly by impaling the bag or sack portion of the sinker directly onto the fish hook. 
       FIG. 10  shows an embodiment of a sinker according to the invention that includes an additional component for attracting fish or other wildlife. A bag-type sinker  100  may be generally similar to sinker  30 , and may include a weight  101  enclosed within a bag  103  made from a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. An optional fastening component  105  (such as a grommet) may be attached a closed end of the bag  103  as in embodiments previously described. A scent or attractant  106  may be collected in a dense, concentrated form and suspended on, attached to, or held within the rapidly disintegrating water soluble bag  103 . Scent  106  may be any natural or artificial wildlife attractant or scent, such as fish attractant manufactured by Scientific Bass Products, Inc. 
     Upon immersion of bag  103  into water, the bag rapidly dissolves, releasing both the weight  101  and the scent  106 . In another embodiment, the scent may be commingled with the weight, for example, by mixing metal particles or metal shot into the scent material. The mixture may then be attached to, suspended on, or contained within a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. In any embodiment using the attractant, the sinker may be configured to release the mixture at a certain release time or depth. 
       FIGS. 11 and 12  illustrate exemplary embodiments of sinkers according to the invention that incorporate dissolvable weights. The dissolvable weights may be composed at least partially from fish attractant. The embodiments  110  and  120  vary in terms of size and shape, but for the most part function identically. Variations in size and shape will, to some degree, affect on the dynamics of the sinker during both casting and sinking. But because the sinker weights are molded, many different aesthetic or ornamental designs are possible. For example, a sinker weight according to the invention may be molded into the shape a bomb, a grenade, a fruit, a fish, a lobster, a bird, or any other animal, object, or symbol. 
     Each of these sinkers may include two main parts: a dissolvable weight  111  or  121 , and a rapidly disintegrating water soluble tab  113  or  123 . The dissolvable weight  111  or  121  may be formed from a mixture of wet and dry ingredients and molded into a desired size and shape. Prior to drying or curing, the tab  113  or  123  may be partially inserted within, or sunk into the mixture. Alternatively, the tab may be placed into a mold and the mixture may then be poured or collected around the tab. Once the dissolvable weight is sufficiently cured, the tab becomes cemented in place to provide a means for attaching the weight to a fishing line. A hole  117  or  127  may be formed near one end of the tab for this purpose. The opposite end of the tab (not shown) may be bent an angle or divided into multiple segments to improve its strength of connection within the cured weight. 
     A mixture suitable for use in creating a dissolvable weight according to the invention may be a melange of base ingredients such as water, acids, bases, salts, oils, emulsifiers, plasticizers, thickeners, and additives such as scents, colorings, and organic bait or fish foods. When freshly mixed, the melange should have a thick, moldable consistency, like a damp mixture of grout or plaster. When dry and cured, the mixture forms a densely packed, cohesive but somewhat crumbly solid. When the cured mixture is immersed in water, it dissolves partly or completely and effervesces, releasing the additives to diffuse throughout the water. 
     One example of a dissolvable weight mixture according to the invention may be formed from the following dry and wet ingredients and in the stated general proportions: 
     Dry Ingredients: 1 cup baking soda, ½ cup citric acid, ½ cup corn starch, ⅓ cup sea salt, 1 tablespoon shrimp meal. 
     Wet Ingredients: 1½ tablespoons vegetable oil, 1 tablespoon fish oil, ¾ tablespoons water, ¼ teaspoon borax, 1 to 2 drops of red food color. 
     To properly form the melange, the first three dry ingredients may be sieved to achieve a smooth, homogeneous blend. The salt and shrimp meal may then be added to the other dry ingredients and thoroughly mixed in. The wet ingredients may be combined in a separate container and mixed or shaken vigorously for about half a minute. The wet ingredients may then be gradually added to the dry ingredients while continuously mixing the two together to inhibit chemical reactions. When the wet and dry ingredients form a homogeneous mass, the mixture is ready to be poured or pressed into a mold to form a dissolvable weight. The rapidly disintegrating water soluble material should be placed into the mold at this time. The molded weight may then be left to cure, for example, by slowly drying in ambient conditions for a period between about two and about ten days, or by baking for a period of between about two and about six hours at temperature between about 150 and about 200 degrees F. 
     The above recipe is presented as an example only, and does not limit the invention in any way. Generally, the melange should contain a base and an acid in a proportion that produces a fizzing effect that forcibly distributes the additives throughout the water. For example, a dissolvable weight composed primarily of a base such as baking soda or other soluble carbonate, sesquicarbonate, or bicarbonate, and an acid such as citric acid or other organic acid, will upon immersion react with water and dissolve, producing carbon dioxide gas and releasing its interior contents. In a baking soda and citric acid mixture, the ratio of soda to acid should be kept at around 2:1. However, many other mixtures for dissolvable weights according to the invention are possible, using more, fewer, or additional ingredients. Colorings other than red may be used, or colorings may be omitted and one of various other visual attractants added, such as shiny fish scales. Epsom salts may be substituted for sea salt or salt may be omitted entirely. Wildlife attractants such as dried blood, fish scents, fish pheromones, fish meal, insects, dry bait, powdered grains, and other organic materials may be added to the melange, so that when it dissolves, fish or other wildlife may be attracted to the general area where the fisherman casts his line. Even without wildlife attractant added to the dissolvable weight, the invention provides an environmentally friendly advantage, in that the dissolvable weight may be composed entirely of biodegradable ingredients that quickly become diluted throughout, or disappear from the water. 
     The present invention also provides novel means for attaching a detachable sinker with water soluble attachment to a fishing line. Several examples of attachment means are disclosed in the following paragraphs. Generally, these attachment means include a fastening component that provides a strengthening interface between the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material and the fishing line. 
       FIG. 13  shows rear (A), side (B), top (C), and front (D) views of a means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. Attachment means  130  may be described as a modified split shot, composed of a clamp portion  131  that is coupled to a sinker attachment portion  132 . These portions may be formed from a single piece of material, for example, from a metal such as lead, or from an alloy of iron or lead. The material should possess sufficient softness or malleability to allow the wedge-shaped opening  133  of clamp portion  131  to be pinched shut by pliers or by the force of human fingers to compress a fishing line for attachment thereto. Sinker attachment portion  132  may be perforated by a hole  134  formed in the sinker attachment portion to facilitate attachment of a detachable sinker according to the invention. In one embodiment, hole  134  may have a rectangular shape sized to accept a strip of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. The strip may be threaded through hole  134  during the process of manufacturing the detachable sinker, so that attachment means  130  becomes an integral part of a detachable sinker assembly. 
     In one embodiment, an attachment means  130  may have an overall length of about ½ in. to about 1.0 in. The diameter of the clamp portion  131  may be between about 3/16 in. and about 5/16 in. The sinker attachment portion  132  may have a length of between about 5/16 in. and about 11/16 in., with a diameter of about ⅛ in. to about ¼ in. The opening of hole  134  may have a length of about 50% to about 75% of the length sinker attachment portion  132 , and may have a width of about 50% to about 75% of the diameter of sinker attachment portion  132 . The wedge-shaped opening  133  may be formed by partially splitting the clamp portion about halfway through. In another embodiment, sinker attachment portion  132  may have a length about twice the diameter of clamp portion  131 . All of the foregoing dimensions are approximations only, and may be scaled up or down depending on intended use. 
       FIG. 14  shows rear (A), side (B), top (C), and front (D) views of another means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. Attachment means  140  may be described as split bar, or as an elongated split shot, and may be composed of a single piece of metal such as an iron or lead alloy. Attachment means  140  includes a rounded portion  141  and an elongated clamping portion  142 . The elongated clamping portion may extend from approximately the midpoint  145  of a hemisphere defined by the rounded portion  141 , to the narrow end  146  of the elongated clamping portion. The elongated clamping portion may be divided into first and second halves separated by a wedge-shaped split or opening  143 . The overall dimensions of attachment means  140  are similar to those of attachment means  130 . In one embodiment, the length of the elongated clamping portion  142  is at least twice the diameter of the rounded portion. 
     The length of elongated clamping portion  142  should be made sufficient to accommodate and tightly compress both a fishing line and length of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material that is affixed to sinker weight according to the invention. In use, a fishing line may first be inserted into opening  143  and positioned at or near the midpoint  145 . Then, a tab or other segment of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material may be inserted into the opening  143 . The two halves of the elongated clamping portion  142  may then be compressed together, thereby connecting the sinker to the fishing line. The order in which the line and tab are placed within the opening may be reversed. The line and tab may also be compressed one on top of the other. 
       FIG. 15  shows rear (A), side (B), top (C), and front (D) views of a removable attachment means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. Removable attachment means  150  includes a rounded portion  151 , an elongated clamping portion  152 , and an opening mechanism  157 . Removable attachment means  150  may be machined, formed, or molded from materials similar to those of attachment means  130  or  140 . The dimensions of the rounded and elongated clamping portions  151  and  152  are similar to those of  141  and  142 . 
     The opening mechanism  157  may comprise opposing hinges  158   a  and  158   b  configured to reopen legs  159   a  and  159   b  of the elongated clamping portion  152  when the elongated clamping portion is in a closed or compressed condition. Hinge  158   a  may be coupled to leg  159   a  such that rotation of hinge  158   a  about a fulcrum X causes leg  159   a  to rotate about the fulcrum in the same direction as hinge  158   a , and vice versa. Similarly, hinge  158   b  may be coupled to leg  159   b  such that rotation of hinge  158   b  about the fulcrum X causes leg  159   b  to rotate about the fulcrum in the same direction as hinge  158   b , and vice versa. Thus, when hinges  158   a  and  158   b  are pinched or compressed together, legs  159   a  and  159   b  rotate in opposite directions to reopen the elongated clamping portion  152 , and to allow for removal of the removable attachment means from fishing line. Compression of legs  159   a  and  159   b , for example, against a fishing line and rapidly disintegrating water soluble tab, causes hinges  158   a  and  158   b  to rotate in opposite directions to reset the hinges. The size and construction of the opening mechanism  157  may be designed to allow reopening of the removable attachment means by compressing the hinges with pliers, human fingers, or between a fisherman&#39;s teeth. 
       FIG. 16  shows a side view of another embodiment of a removable means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. Removable attachment means  160  includes a metal weight  161  (e.g. lead or iron-based) having a hollow core and a longitudinal slit  162  cut along the entire length of the weight and penetrating to the hollow core. The hollow interior of the weight is filled with a pliable material  163 , which may be a foam rubber or other synthetic elastomer. This basic design is commonly referred to as a rubber-core sinker. This type of sinker may be removably attached to a fishing line by inserting a length of the fishing line into the slit and forcing it to a position inside the weight and away from the slit where it can be held tightly in place by pressure of the pliable material  161  against the inner wall of the weight. The fishing line can be later removed by pulling action. 
       FIGS. 17 and 18  illustrate how the configuration of removable attachment means  160  departs from conventional rubber-core design.  FIG. 17  shows a top view of removable attachment means  160 .  FIG. 18  shows an end view of the removable attachment means  160 . A perforated sinker attachment portion  164 , which may be formed as a ring or loop  164 , extends from the side of removable attachment means  160  that is opposite the slit  162 . A perforation or hole  165  defined by the ring  164  provides a coupling location for a tab or loop of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. In one embodiment, the tab or loop may be threaded through hole  165  during the process of manufacturing a detachable sinker, to make removable attachment means  160  an integral part of a detachable sinker assembly according to the invention. 
       FIG. 19  illustrates a removable attaching means  160  attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. A loop of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material  193  passes through ring  194 , coupling the dissolvable weight  191  of the detachable sinker to the removable attaching means  160 . Fishing line  198  may then be removably attached to means  160  as previously described. The removable attachment means  160 , rapidly disintegrating water soluble material  193 , and dissolvable weight  191  make up a detachable sinker assembly  190  according to the invention. These components may be assembled by threading material  193  through ring  194 , then partially sinking material  193  into the melange of dissolvable weight  191  prior to curing. In this particular example, dissolvable weight  191  has an indicia  195  molded or printed on an outer surface to indicate a release time. The indicia “20 S” may correspond to an approximate release time of twenty seconds. 
       FIG. 20  illustrates an assemblage  200 , wherein a removable attaching means attaches a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. In this scenario, the elongated removable attaching means  150  is used to clamp both the fishing line  208  and a tab or loop  203  of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. Loop  203  is a fixed component of the detachable sinker  201 , which is made as a dissolvable weight, with or without a fish attractant, according to any of the methods previously described. One advantage of this arrangement is that the removable attachment means and dissolvable sinker components may be manufactured and packaged separately. In this particular example, detachable sinker  201  has an indicia  205  marked on an outer surface of the weight to indicate a depth rating. The indicia “50 F” may correspond to an approximate depth of fifty feet to which the sinker will sink in fresh water under force of gravity before being released by disintegration of loop  23 . 
     Another advantage is that the removable attachment means  150  is reusable, that is, it may be attached and removed many times. When a fisherman prepares an assemblage  200  and casts the line into the water, the rapidly disintegrating water soluble tab will release the dissolvable weight. When the fisherman reels the line back in, only the removable attachment means will remain attached to the line. The removable attachment means may then be removed from the line by pinching its hinges, and then used again to attach a new sinker. 
     Another advantage of using any of the attachment means according to the invention (such as  130 ,  140 , and  150 ) is that they allow the fisherman to deploy two different weights for a single cast—the first weight being the combined weight of the detachable sinker and the attachment means, and the second weight being only the weight of the attachment means. Moreover, the fisherman may achieve this advantage using a singular assembly such as  190  or  200 . Using these assemblies, a fisherman can enjoy the benefits of a greater casting distance provided by the detachable sinker, and after the sinker detaches, advantageously maintain a lesser weight on the end of the line to achieve a desired depth for the bait, or to achieve a desired resistance when reeling in, or both. 
       FIG. 21  shows another removable means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. Fastener assembly  210  includes a fastening ring  211 , a fastening loop  212 , and a fastening ball  213 . Fastening ring  211  may be composed of a pliable or slightly pliable material such as plastic or metal. Fastening ring  211  may be generally circular and sized to any diameter, but will typically have a diameter of about ⅜ in. to about ⅝ in., and a thickness of about ¼ in. to about ⅜ in. Fastening loop  212  may be composed of a plastic strip or fishing line, and may have a length of about 1.0 in. to about 2.0 in. Fastening ball  213  may be composed of a solid or semi-solid plastic ball and may have a diameter of about 3/16 in. All of these dimensions are approximations only, and may scaled up or down for a particular application. 
     A center hole  214  is formed through fastening ring  211  to allow passage of fishing line therethrough. A fastening channel  215  is formed in the ring, and extends from the outer rim of the ring to the center hole  214 . Fastening channel  215  allows for passage of fishing line to the center hole  214  so that the fastener assembly may be attached thereto without having to thread the fishing line through the center hole. To maintain the fishing line within the center hole, a recess  216  is formed along one side of fastening channel  215 , as shown, so that the fastening ball  213  may be inserted by force of friction through fastening channel  215  until it locks within recess  216 . The width of fastening channel  215  may be sized slightly smaller than the diameter of the fastening ball  213 , so that the pliable walls of fastening channel  215  must be forced slightly apart to pass the fastening ball to the recess. The spherical portion of recess  216  may be sized at approximately the same diameter as fastening ball  213  to snugly accommodate it. When fastening ball  213  is in the locked position within the recess, it blocks the fastening channel  215  to prevent the fishing line from exiting the fastener assembly through the fastening channel. The fastening ball  213  may be connected to the fastening ring by the fastening loop  212 . The fastening loop may terminate at a location  217  on the outer diameter of the fastening ring, as shown. 
       FIG. 22  illustrates the removable attaching means  210  attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. To properly make this connection, a fisherman may first pass the fishing line  228  through fastening channel  215 . The fastening loop  212  may then be passed through a rapidly disintegrating water soluble tab  223  that is fixed to the weight  221  of a detachable sinker, and the fastening ball  213  may then be locked into the recess. In this particular example, weight  221  has indices  225  stamped or printed on an outer surface to indicate a weight value, a release time, and depth rating. The indicia “1 OZ” may correspond to a weight value of one ounce, the indicia “20 S” may correspond to a release time of twenty seconds, and the indicia “50 F” may correspond to a depth rating of fifty feet. These indicia may apply to fresh water or salt water or both. In another embodiment, two sets of indicia may be provided, one indicating fresh water ratings and the other indicating salt water ratings. 
       FIG. 23  shows another removable means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. The embodiment shown is a removable clip  230 . Removable clip  230  may be formed from a single piece of pliable plastic or metal, and may compose two legs  231  and  232  connected at a vertex  233 . Between the two legs vertex  233  defines an eyelet  234  through which a fishing line may be threaded or passed. The ends  235  and  236  of legs  231  and  232  may be serrated or configured with interlocking teeth, generally as shown, so that the ends of the legs may be pressed together into a locked position by interlocking the teeth or serrations. To unlock the legs of clip  230 , the two legs may be slid apart transversely in opposite directions until the teeth disengage. The overall length of removable clip  230  may be in the range of about 1.0 to about 2.0 in. 
       FIGS. 24-26  illustrate how the removable attachment means  230  may be used to connect a detachable sinker to fishing line. Detachable sinker  240  includes a weight portion  241  and a rapidly disintegrating water soluble loop of material  243 . Weight portion  241  may be a dissolvable sinker according to the invention that contains a wildlife attractant.  FIG. 25  illustrates a fishing line  258  threaded through the eyelet of a removable clip  230 . Loop  243  is shown positioned within clip  230  with the two legs of the clip  230  disengaged and resting in an open position.  FIG. 26  shows clip  230  in a closed position, with the two legs fully engaged and enclosed around tab  243 , so that the detachable sinker  240  is suspended from the fishing line. 
       FIGS. 27-29  show another removable means according to the invention for attaching a detachable sinker according to the invention to a length of fishing line. The removable means is a metal or plastic locking clip  270 , shown in an open position in  FIG. 27 . Locking clip  270  includes a rectangular ring  271  and a rotatable bar  272  that may be rotated with respect to the rectangular ring about a pivot point  273 . Rotatable bar  272  may terminate in a pin at the pivot point, the pin being held securely within a bearing hole in the rectangular ring. A locking ball  274  may be formed at the opposite end of the rotating bar, and sized for snug insertion within a locking hole  275  formed in the rectangular ring. The overall length of clip  270  may be about 1.0 in. to about 1.5 in., with other dimensions of the locking clip being generally proportional to the overall length as shown.  FIG. 28  shows a top view of clip  270  in a closed position.  FIG. 29  shows a side view of clip  270  in a closed position. 
       FIG. 30  illustrates the clip  270  in a closed position attaching the detachable sinker  240  to a length of fishing line. The detachable sinker  240  may be connected to the clip by coupling tab  243  to the clip in an open position, then locking the connection by closing the clip. The fishing line  308  may be threaded through clip  270  when closed, or passed through clip  270  when open. 
       FIG. 31  illustrates rear (A), side (B), top (C), and front (D) views of one embodiment of a means  310  according to the invention for attaching both a detachable weight and a fixed weight to a length of fishing line. Attachment means  310  may be composed of a non-disintegrating material suitable for suspending, holding, or otherwise fixing the detachable and fixed weights. In one embodiment, attachment means  310  may be composed of a compressible metal such as lead. In another embodiment, the detachable weight may be attached to the attachment means  310  by a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material, and the fixed weight may be formed or molded around a portion of the attachment means. One or both of the detachable and fixed weights may be wholly or partially dissolvable, and may also include a wildlife attractant. Generally, the dimensions of an attachment means  310  may be on the order of those disclosed for attachment means  130 ,  140 , and  150 . 
     Attachment means  310  illustrates one example of a component according to the invention that provides means for attaching both the detachable sinker and the fixed sinker to a length of fishing line. In the embodiment shown, attachment means  310  includes a clamp portion  311 , a base portion  312 , and an intermediate portion  313  connected between the clamp portion and the base portion. A hole or slot  314  may be formed in the base portion  312  to allow the detachable sinker to be tied to the attachment means. For example, a rapidly disintegrating water soluble strip may be threaded through the hole  314  for this purpose. 
     The intermediate portion  313  may be a cylindrical (or rectangular) length having a diameter (or width) that is less than that of the clamp portion  311  or less than that of the base portion  312 . The intermediate portion provides a convenient area for locating the fixed sinker. The attachment means  310  may also include means  319  for retaining the fixed sinker. Retention means  319  may be an outer edge or outer edges of the base and clamp portions, as shown, to prevent the fixed sinker from sliding off the intermediate portion  313 . In another embodiment, retention means  319  may be a flange located on the intermediate portion, the flange having a diameter or width slightly larger than that of the intermediate portion. The flange may be well suited for retaining a weight formed or molded around the intermediate portion, for example, using a melange of materials as previously described. 
     Clamp portion  311  may exist in an unclamped, open position, or in a clamped, closed position. In the open position shown, clamp  311  defines a wedge-shaped opening  315 . To attach the attachment means  310  to a length of fishing line, a fisherman may pass a portion of the fishing line into the wedge-shaped opening  315 , then squeeze the clamp portion to its closed position by compressing the fishing line between the walls of the wedge. 
       FIG. 32  shows a top view of the attachment means  310  with a fixed weight  321  connected to the attachment means. Fixed weight  321  may be any mass of material, such as metal, ceramic, concrete, or moldable material. Fixed weight  321  may be formed for installation on or to the intermediate portion  313  of the attachment means  310 . The materials and dimensions of fixed weight  321  may be selected to add a desired weight to attachment means  310  so that the fixed weight will not easily detach from the attachment means during casting and retrieval. The fixed weight  321  may be dissolvable or non-dissolvable. 
     In one embodiment, fixed weight  321  may be a dissolvable weight that incorporates a wildlife attractant. In this case, fixed weight  321  may be formed or molded, for example, using a method similar to those previously described with respect to dissolvable weights  111  and  121 . That is, the fixed weight  321  may be composed from a melange of wet and dry ingredients, and may include additives such as fish food, fish scales, colorings, etc. The melange may be formed or molded around intermediate portion  313 , and later dried or cured. 
     The exemplary attachment means  310  illustrates one embodiment of a device that may be used as part of a sinker assembly  330  according to the invention. Generally, such an assembly possesses a first portion (e.g. clamp portion  311 ) for attaching the assembly to a fishing line, a second portion (e.g. base portion  312 ) for attaching a detachable sinker to the assembly, and a third portion (e.g. intermediate portion  313 ) for attaching a fixed sinker to the assembly. 
       FIG. 33  shows a top view of an embodiment of a sinker assembly  330  according to the invention that includes an attachment means  310 , a fixed weight  321 , and a detachable weight  332 . Either or both of the weights  321  and  332  may be non-dissolvable or dissolvable and capable of supporting, suspending, containing, holding, or otherwise including a wildlife attractant. In one embodiment, fixed weight  321  may be retainably attached to an intermediate portion of attachment means  310 , detachable weight  332  may be attached to a base portion of the attachment means  310  by a strip or loop of rapidly disintegrating water soluble material  333 , and the attachment means  310  may attach the entire assembly to a length of fishing line  338  by clamping or another attachment technique. Thus, after casting and within seconds after sinker assembly becomes immersed in water, detachable weight  332  is released from the assembly by disintegration of the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material  333 , and sinks to the bottom. During retrieval, fixed weight  321  remains attached to the fishing line as long as it resists dissolving. Using this sinker assembly, a fisherman may advantageously deploy two different weights for a single cast, one for optimal casting distance and another for optimal retrieval. 
     In another embodiment, a sinker assembly  330  provides a fisherman with the ability to release wildlife attractant at one or both of the casting site and the line of retrieval. For example, a wildlife attractant may be included with a detachable weight  332  that is composed at least partially of a dissolvable material, so that the wildlife attractant may dissolve after immersion and after being rapidly released from the fishing line by the rapidly disintegrating water soluble material. The wildlife attractant will thereafter diffuse throughout the water as it sinks to the bottom, and possibly after it reaches the bottom, to attract fish to the casting site. A wildlife attractant may also be affixed to the line by inclusion on or within the fixed weight  321 . Fixed weight  321  may be at least partially composed of a dissolvable material, so that during retrieval, wildlife attractant diffuses through the water along the line of retrieval from the casting site back to the fisherman. 
       FIGS. 34-36  illustrate an embodiment  340  of a detachable sinker according to the invention that is designed for easy manufacture and easy use. Sinker  340  provides a non-toxic, environmentally friendly product that will completely dissolve in water in a short period of time. Sinker  340  incorporates both a rapid release feature for detaching a sinker from fishing line, and a targeted release of fish attractant in an around the casting site. In addition, sinker  340  provides easy attachment mechanics that allow a fisherman to quickly fix the sinker by hand to the fishing line at any location above the hook, and may also provide an aerodynamic shape for improved flight through air and retrieval through water. 
       FIG. 34  shows a top view of sinker  340  in an open state. Sinker  340  includes a dissolvable weight or block  341 , and a rapidly disintegrating water soluble material  343  attached to the dissolvable weight  341 . In a preferred embodiment, weight  341  may be composed of a moldable melange of ingredients that includes one or more wildlife attractants, as disclosed above. When cured, dissolvable weight  341  forms a solid mass that preferably features one or more aerodynamically designed surfaces to minimize resistance when the weight is drawn through a fluid such as water or air. For example, in the embodiment shown, dissolvable weight  341  is formed as a column with an oval or elliptical cross section. Other shapes are possible, and may include at least one tapered or rounded surface for promoting laminar flow along the boundary. Various sizes of weight  341  are also possible, such as 1 oz, 2 oz, 3 oz, etc. 
     A rapidly disintegrating water soluble strip of material  343  may be fixed to weight  341  to allow sinker  340  to assume one of two states: an open state and a closed state. In the open state, a fixed portion  344  of material  343  adheres to an intermediate portion of dissolvable weight  341 , and the remaining portion, flap  346 , of material  343  remains free or unattached from dissolvable weight  341 . The fixed portion  344  of material  343  may adhere to the intermediate portion of dissolvable weight  341 , for example, by dissolvable glue or other biodegradable, non-toxic adhesive. 
     A fisherman may attach sinker  340  to fishing line by first manipulating sinker  340  into the open state, i.e., by moving or peeling flap  346  away from dissolvable weight  341 . The fisherman may then slip a portion of fishing line  348  into a groove  345  formed in one end of dissolvable weight  341 , as indicated in the drawing. With the fishing line  348  lying within groove  345 , the flap  346  may be drawn tightly against the surface of dissolvable weight  341  to cover groove  345 . Flap  346  may then be bonded to dissolvable weight  341  by pressure to achieve the closed state of sinker  340  shown in  FIG. 35 . 
     In one embodiment, an end  347  of flap  346  may comprise a soft glue strip, or may include a ball of glue or other moldable adhesive mass  349 . Dissolvable weight  341  may have a channel or hole  350  formed into its surface to accommodate the moldable adhesive mass  349 . The dimensions of dissolvable weight  341 , flap  346 , moldable adhesive mass  349  and channel  350  should be selected so that when flap  346  is stretched slightly along the surface of dissolvable weight  341 , moldable adhesive ball  349  may be hand-pressed within channel  350  and thereby retain flap  346  firmly in place. In this manner, the rapidly disintegrating water soluble strip  343 , the moldable adhesive mass  349 , and/or the channel  350  provide an attachment means for fixing the detachable sinker to the fishing line. 
     The moldable adhesive mass  349  may be formed from a soft, rubber-like or plastic-like material such as that used to attach credit cards to paper, and may be made of the same adhesive used to attach the rapidly disintegrating water soluble strip  343  to the intermediate portion of dissolvable weight  341 . Strip  343  may have a width sufficient to cover all or a portion of the height of dissolvable weight  341 , as shown in the side view of sinker  340  in  FIG. 36 . 
     As in previously described embodiments, when sinker  340  is cast into a body of water, flap  346  rapidly disintegrates, releasing dissolvable weight  341  from fishing line  348 . Weight  341  may then sink toward the bottom of the body of water, dissolving as it sinks, to release wildlife attractant in the vicinity of the casting site. 
     Many advantages may be realized for fishermen and others having similar interests by using a detachable sinker according to the invention. These advantages include: (1) the ability to cast line further from shores, piers, wharfs, jetties, boats, etc., to reach more fertile fishing areas; (2) the ability to cast lightweight bait more precisely; (3) relief from the burden of weight tied to a fishing line after the baited end of the fishing line enters the water; (4) allowing greater freedom of movement for bait (both live and non-live) during presentation to aquatic wildlife; (5) improving the dynamic action of bait, particularly spinners, that require uninhibited travel through water for optimal presentation to aquatic wildlife; (6) providing materials of construction that are environmentally friendly; (7) the ability to automatically release a variety of fish or wildlife attractants when the sinker enters the water to improve the chances of catching fish; (8) the ability to sink bait to a desired depth before releasing weight to allow the bait to assume its natural buoyancy and mobility; (9) the ability to deploy two different weights for a single cast, one for optimal casting distance and another for optimal retrieval; and (10) reducing the probability of snagging the fishing line on the bottom of the body of water. The latter advantage improves the chances of successfully retrieving fishing devices and baits that are cast out, thus saving time otherwise lost rebaiting and untangling the line. Moreover, fewer snags means that the fisherman can spend more time with his hook in the water, thereby increasing the odds of catching a fish. 
     Exemplary embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in an illustrative style. Accordingly, the terminology employed throughout should be read in an exemplary rather than a limiting manner. Although minor modifications to the teachings herein will occur to those well versed in the art, it shall be understood that what is intended to be circumscribed within the scope of the patent warranted hereon are all such embodiments that reasonably fall within the scope of the advancement to the art hereby contributed, and that that scope shall not be restricted, except in light of the appended claims and their equivalents.