Patent Publication Number: US-11044897-B2

Title: Fishing lure trolling spreader bar

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. non-provisional application Ser. No. 15/969,448 filed May 2, 2018, which claims the benefit of priority of U.S. provisional application No. 62/522,182 filed Jun. 20, 2017, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to fishing lures, and more particularly to spreader bars used to separate a plurality of fishing lures while trolling. 
     Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fishing lure having an elongated central body having at least one adjustable keel, wherein the elongated central body is connected or otherwise attached to at least one spreader bar which in turn is connected or otherwise attached to a plurality of bait lures which trail behind the elongated central body in the water behind a fishing vessel. 
     Other embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fishing lure having an elongated central body having at least one adjustable keel and a rotatable base plate, wherein the elongated central body is connected or otherwise attached to at least one spreader bar which in turn is connected or otherwise attached to a plurality of bait lures which trail behind the elongated central body in the water behind a fishing vessel. 
     Other embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fishing lure having an elongated central body having at least one adjustable keel which is adjustable to one of a plurality of defined positions, wherein the elongated central body is connected or otherwise attached to at least one spreader bar which in turn is connected or otherwise attached to a plurality of bait lures which trail behind the elongated central body in the water behind a fishing vessel. 
     Other embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fishing lure having an elongated central body having at least one adjustable keel and a rotatable base plate which is adjustable to one of a plurality of defined positions, wherein the elongated central body is connected or otherwise attached to at least one spreader bar which in turn is connected or otherwise attached to a plurality of bait lures which trail behind the elongated central body in the water behind a fishing vessel. 
     Other embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fishing lure having an elongated central body having at least one adjustable keel which is adjustable along a substantially continuous groove, wherein the elongated central body is connected or otherwise attached to at least one spreader bar which in turn is connected or otherwise attached to a plurality of bait lures which trail behind the elongated central body in the water behind a fishing vessel. 
     Other embodiments disclosed herein relate to a fishing lure having an elongated central body having at least one adjustable keel and a rotatable base plate which is adjustable along a substantially continuous groove, wherein the elongated central body is connected or otherwise attached to at least one spreader bar which in turn is connected or otherwise attached to a plurality of bait lures which trail behind the elongated central body in the water behind a fishing vessel. 
     When trolling, a plurality of lures may be extended behind the trolling vessel. Lures being trolled behind a boat track an essentially straight path behind the point from which they are pulled (e.g., a rod tip or outrigger release). This limits the total width of water that may be covered by the fisherman&#39;s lures, which in turn limits the number of fish that see and therefore may strike the lures. Lures that run very wide from the boat run in so-called “clean water”, which is water that is essentially undisturbed by the boat&#39;s engine turbulence/bubble trail and wake. Clean water provides better visibility of the lures as well as a more natural setting to the predator fish who do most their feeding in natural clean water. 
     Previously, the only means available to widen the path of trolled spreader bar lures were outriggers attached to the boat, planer boards and out-rovers. 
     Outriggers are costly and are limited in their extension length from the sides of the trolling vessel. Similarly, planer boards have been utilized. 
     Planer boards are not attached directly to the lure for ease of use. Instead the fishing line is attached to the planer board by a release clip and then to a lure tracking well behind the planar board. Planer boards are also limited as they are typically used in calm bay-like conditions and do not function well in rough ocean-like conditions. 
     Out-rover devices use a combination of a keel and a rudder which causes them to be large and bulky, which inhibits them from imitating natural bait (e.g., fish and/or squid) well, which in turn limits their effectiveness in catching fish. 
     Thus, there is a need for improved systems and methods for trolling that increase the spread width, and thereby the number of lures that may be pulled behind a trolling vessel while fishing. By increasing the spread width of the lures a vessel will expose the lures to a greater number of fish and therefore more opportunities for fish to see and strike the lures. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein are various, non-limiting embodiments of a fishing lure comprising an elongated central body having at least one adjustable keel, at least one spreader bar, and a plurality of bait lures. 
     In one aspect of embodiments described herein, a trolling spreader bar includes an elongated central body, a spreader bar that extends laterally outwardly from the central body, and a keel that extends from a ventral surface of the elongated central body at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the central body. The trolling spreader is configured such that the central body is guided laterally outwardly from the direction of travel of the trolling spreader bar while trolling. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the keel angle is adjustable relative to the longitudinal axis of the central body. The central body may also include a second keel extending from a dorsal surface of the central body. 
     A lateral fin may also be provided to extend outwardly from the central body. The lateral fin may be adjustable about a lateral axis of the central body to control a depth at which the trolling spreader bar may travel when trolling. 
     In certain embodiments, a lateral fin described herein provides a planing lift to prevent a lure from diving beneath the water (i.e., subsurface) and remaining there for a duration of time without resurfacing. 
     In other embodiments, a lateral fin described herein may cause a lure to dive subsurface. 
     In yet other embodiments, a lateral fin described herein may be adjustable to permit a user to set the angle of the lateral fin such that it will prevent subsurface diving or that it will facilitate or cause subsurface diving, as desired by the user based on water conditions and target species. 
     In some embodiments, the spreader bar also includes a first rod and a second rod that extend laterally from the central body. A first bait lure may be attached to an end of the first rod and the second rod. The first rod and the second rod may be configured to have an aft sweep. 
     In other preferred embodiments, a plurality of bait lures are interconnected to the first bait lure by a line extending between an aft end of a preceding bait lure and a front end of a succeeding bait lure. At least an outboard one of the first bait lure further comprises a counterweight. The counterweight may be carried within a body of the first bait lure. The plurality of bait lures may also include a plurality of hooks adapted to receive a live bait. 
     In other aspects of embodiments described herein, a trolling spreader bar is provided with an elongated central body, and a keel attached to a ventral surface of the elongated central body. A spreader bar extends laterally outward from a left side and a right side of the central body. A first bait lure is attached to a first end and a second end of the spreader bar. 
     In some embodiments, a counterweight is attached to at least an outboard end of the spreader bar, relative to a direction of travel of the spreader bar in a body of water. The counterweight may be the first bait lure. The counterweight may also be carried within a body of the first bait lure. 
     In preferred embodiments, the keel angle is adjustably attached relative to the longitudinal axis of the body. A second keel may also extend from a dorsal surface of the central body. In other embodiments, a lateral fin extends outwardly from the central body. The lateral fin is preferably adjustable about a lateral axis of the central body to control a depth at which the trolling spreader bar may travel when trolling in the body of water. 
     In yet other aspects of embodiments described herein, the plurality of bait lures interconnected to the first bait lure by a line extending between an aft end of a preceding bait lure and a front end of a succeeding bait lure. 
     These and other features, aspects and advantages of embodiments described herein will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description, examples and claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a wide tracker fishing lure spreader bar. 
         FIG. 2  is a schematic view of a plurality of the wide tracker fishing lure spreader bar shown in use in a trolling array. 
         FIGS. 3A-3C  show a top plan view of an embodiment of the fishing lure spreader bar. 
         FIG. 4  is a front elevation view of the fishing lure spreader bar  10  in use, shown with a waterline  30  shown in dashed lines. 
         FIG. 5A  is a bottom view of a rotatable base having a plurality of grooves or notches, the rotatable base being provided on an elongated body. 
         FIG. 5B  is a bottom view of a rotatable base plate having a plurality of grooves or notches, the rotatable base plate being secured to the elongated body wherein screws are inserted for securing said rotatable base plate to an elongated central body with screws. 
         FIG. 5C  is a view of a rotatable base plate having a plurality of grooves or notches. 
         FIG. 5D  is a bottom view of an elongate body comprising a pair of threaded holes and configured to receive a rotatable base plate. 
         FIG. 6A  is a bottom view of a rotatable base having a pair of substantially continuous grooves or notches, the rotatable base being provided on an elongated body. 
         FIG. 6B  is a bottom view of a rotatable base having a pair of substantially continuous grooves or notches wherein screws are inserted for securing said rotatable base plate to an elongated central body, the rotatable base plate being secured to the elongated body with screws. 
         FIG. 6C  is a view of a rotatable base having a pair of substantially continuous grooves or notches. 
         FIG. 7A  is a bottom view of a rotatable base having a substantially continuous groove or notch, the rotatable base being provided on an elongated body. 
         FIG. 7B  is a bottom view of a rotatable base having a substantially continuous groove or notch wherein screws are inserted for securing said rotatable base plate to an elongated central body, the rotatable base plate being secured to the elongated body with screws. 
         FIG. 7C  is a view of a rotatable base having a substantially continuous groove or notch. 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom plan view of a fishing lure illustrating an adjustable keel. 
         FIGS. 9A-9D  show a top plan view of an embodiment of the fishing lure spreader bar comprising teaser baits or “birds” as described herein. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments described herein. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of embodiments described herein, the scope of which should be understood with reference to the claims. 
     Broadly, embodiments described herein provide a system, method and apparatus for trolling that improves the spread, and thereby the number of lures that may be pulled behind a trolling vessel while fishing. By attaching an angled keel  14  or rudder directly to a lure/spreader bar, one is able to easily set lines behind the boat at varying angles and distances which greatly increase the width of a full trolling lure spread. 
     As seen in reference to  FIG. 1 , a spreader bar  10  according to aspects of an exemplary embodiment is shown. The spreader bar  10  includes an elongated central body  12 , or hub and a spreader bar  10  or rod  18 ,  20  that extends laterally from the central body  12 , or hub. The central body  12  may be in the form of a fish bait. The central body  12  has a keel  14  that extends from the central body  12  at an angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the central body  12 . 
     The keel  14  is angled such that the central body  12  is guided laterally outwardly from the direction of travel of the fishing vessel  32  while trolling. The keel  14  angle may be adjustable relative to the body. The keel  14  may extend from a dorsal or ventral surface of the central body  12  or through the body. The central body  12  may also be configured with a lateral fin  15  to improve longitudinal stability and provide planing lift. Additionally, the lateral fin  15  may be adjustable to control the depth at which the lure assembly may travel when trolling. 
     As seen in reference to  FIG. 2 , a trolling configuration for a fishing vessel  32  according to aspects of an exemplary embodiment is illustrated. The trolling vessel  32  may be configured with a plurality of outriggers  34  extending laterally from the starboard and port sides of the vessel  32 . With an exemplary spreader bar  10 , the fishing lines  16  extend in a straight path from the stern of the vessel  32  and its direction of travel. The spreader bar  10  is configured with a plurality of lures  26  disposed in a spaced apart relation to replicate the schooling habits of a bait fish. The lures  26  are configured with one or more hooks so as to catch a game fish that may strike the lure  26 . The lures  26  may also include a hooked natural bait, such as a squid, a crustacean, a baitfish, and the like. 
     In certain embodiments, a plurality of fishing lines  16  each carrying the aforementioned spreader bar  10  and lures  26  may be extended from the stern of the vessel  32 . This enhances the ability of the trolling vessel  32  to replicate a large school of bait fish and thereby provide better opportunities to attract and catch a game fish. When employing a spreader bar  10  lure assembly, the lures  26  carried by the spreader bar  10  are urged outwardly by the keel  14  as the trolling vessel  32  pulls the spreader bar  10  through the water. 
     The spreader bar  10  has a first rod  18  and a second rod  20  that extend laterally from the central body  12  and may have a rearward sweep. A bait lure  26  may be operatively attached to ends of the first rod  18  and second rod  20 . In addition, a plurality of bait lures  26  may be interconnected by a line  28  extending between an aft end of a preceding bait lure  26  and a front end of a succeeding or following bait lure  26  so as to replicate a school of fish bait, such as bait fish, mollusks, worms, squid, crustaceans, and the like. 
     In operation the angle keel  14  directs the lure/spreader bar  10  to one side or the other of the trolling vessel. Depending on the trolling velocity and weight of the spreader bar  10  and associated lures, the water pressure exerted on the angled keel  14  may cause the lure to become un-level and unstable as it is drawn through the water. Accordingly, a counterweight  24  may be provided to act against this pressure and keeps the lure level while tracking through or across the top of the water. The counterweight  24  may be operatively coupled to the first end or the second end of the spreader bar  10 . Preferably the counterweight  24  is carried within the body of a bait lure  26  attached to the first and second ends of the spreader bar  10 . In a preferred embodiment, the counterweight  24  is carried on the outward end of the arm  18 ,  20  relative to the lure assembly&#39;s  10  direction of travel so as to counteract the pressure applied to the angled keel  14 . The body of the lead inboard lure  26  facilitates leveling as it planes on the water surface. The trailing lure bodies  26  serve to drag the rig and prevent “walking” or flipping of the rig in the water. 
     In use, a fisherman would attach an angled keel  14  lure/spreader bar  10  to his fishing line  16 . The fisherman may then, while the vessel  32  is moving forward, let the lure assembly  10  out behind the vessel  32 . When tension is applied to the fishing line  16  the angled keel  14  would direct the lure assembly off of its normally straight path to a new position laterally to the side of the vessel&#39;s  32  path of travel, thereby solving the problem of only having lures  26  dragging directly behind the pulling point on the vessel  32 . He would instead have lures  26  tracking well out to each side of the vessel  32  running in clean water giving him a wider spread of fish bait for more game fish to see and strike. 
     In certain embodiments, the angled keel  14 , stabilizing counter weight and corresponding lifting bait can be applied to surface trolling lures  26  such as spreader bars. By attaching an angled keel  14  directly to the lure/spreader bar  10  one is able to easily set lines behind the vessel at varying angles K and lateral separation P, which greatly increase the width of the full trolling lure spread. 
     Rotatable Base Plate 
     In an aspect, a rotatable base plate described herein is circular or essentially circular to permit rotation about a central axis. 
     In another aspect, the elongated central body comprises two threaded holes to accommodate screws for securing the rotatable base plate to the elongated central body in an essentially locked position or state for setting the adjustable keel at a desired angle. 
     In certain embodiments, a rotatable base plate described herein comprises a plurality of pairs of grooves or notches. 
     In an aspect, embodiments described herein do not comprise a screw or screws at a central point of the rotatable base plate. In another aspect, embodiments of rotatable base plates described herein do not rotate about a screw centrally located relative to the body of the rotatable base plate. In preferred embodiments, the screws securing the rotatable base plate to the elongated body are located near or toward the outer edge or perimeter or circumference of the rotatable base plate. 
     In an aspect, embodiments described herein do not comprise intersecting grooves on the rotatable base plate or elsewhere for purposes of adjusting the keel. Embodiments described herein do not comprise an “X” shaped groove or channel. 
     In a further aspect, embodiments described herein do not comprise any grooves or channels which intersect with, or are overlaid on, the center of the rotatable base plate. 
     In reference to  FIGS. 5A and 5B , an exemplary rotatable base plate  40  comprises a plurality of pairs of grooves or notches  41  through which screws  42  extend into the elongated central body to secure the rotatable base plate to the elongated central body  12 . In an aspect, when the screws are loosened, the rotatable base plate may be freely rotated about a central axis such that the screws  42  may be tightened for setting the adjustable keel  14  at a desired position or angle. 
     By way of illustration, pairs of corresponding grooves or notches are depicted as  41   a ,  41   b ,  41   c  and  41   d . By further way of illustration, a configuration is depicted wherein the keel  14  is positioned by securing the rotatable base plate  40  with screws  42  in a pair of grooves or notches  41   b.    
     Thus, as the rotatable base plate  40  is rotated and secured into different positions, e.g.  41   a ,  41   b , etc., the keel  14  is adjusted to a new position/angle. 
     In an aspect, the grooves or notches  41  of the rotatable base plate  40  are not threaded. In another aspect, consecutive grooves or notches  41  of the rotatable base plate are connected by a sliding groove (or sliding notch)  43  through which a loosened screw  42  may travel between consecutive grooves or notches  41 . In an aspect, the sliding grooves/notches  43  are not threaded. In yet a further aspect, the grooves or notches  41  are essentially the same size as the major diameter of the screws  42  inserted therein or of the shanks of the screws  42  inserted therein. 
     In certain embodiments, the grooves or notches  41  are, at the outer surface of the rotatable base plate  40 , tapered or otherwise beveled to accommodate the heads of the screws  42  inserted therein, i.e. such that the screws  42  are countersunk or essentially countersunk into the rotatable base plate  40  when tightened, the outer surface of the rotatable base plate  40  being the surface having the keel  14  affixed thereto. 
       FIG. 5C  depicts an embodiment of the rotatable base plate  40  which is not secured to the elongated body  12 . 
       FIG. 5D  depicts the elongated body  12  when the rotatable base plate  40  is not secured thereto. The elongated body  12  has an area  45  in which the rotatable base plate is positioned or otherwise placed. The elongated body  12  comprises threaded holes  44  in such area in which the screws  42  may be tightened to secure the rotatable base plate  40  thereto. 
     In reference to  FIGS. 6A-6C , certain embodiments of a rotatable base plate  40  described herein comprise a pair of trench-like grooves  50 . In an aspect, when the screws  42  are loosened and the rotatable base plate  40  is rotated, the screws  42  travel through the trench-like grooves  50  to adjust the keel  14  to a desired angle at which point the screws  42  may be tightened to set the desired keel angle. 
     In certain embodiments, the trench-like grooves  50  are of a thickness equal to or essentially equal to the major diameter of a screw  42  to be inserted therein, or equal to or essentially equal to the diameter of the shank of a screw  42  to be inserted therein. 
     In certain embodiments, the trench-like grooves  50  are, at the outer surface of the rotatable base plate  40 , tapered or otherwise beveled to accommodate the heads of the screws  42  inserted therein, i.e. such that the screws  42  are countersunk or essentially countersunk into the rotatable base plate  40  when tightened. 
     In embodiments comprising trench-like grooves  50  instead of discrete grooves or notches  41 , the screws  42  may be secured at any position along the trench-like grooves  50 , permitting many more angles/positions for the keel  14  to be adjusted to. 
     In reference to  FIGS. 7A-7C , certain embodiments of a rotatable base plate described herein comprise a single trench-like groove  60 . In an aspect, when the screws  42  are loosened and the rotatable base plate  40  is rotated, the screws  42  travel through the trench-like groove  60  to adjust the keel  14  to a desired angle at which point the screws  42  may be tightened to set the desired keel angle. 
     In certain embodiments, the trench-like groove  60  is of a thickness equal to or essentially equal to the major diameter of a screw  42  to be inserted therein, or equal to or essentially equal to the diameter of the shank of a screw  42  to be inserted therein. 
     In certain embodiments, the trench-like groove  60  is, at the outer surface of the rotatable base plate  40 , tapered or otherwise beveled to accommodate the heads of the screws  42  inserted therein, i.e. such that the screws  42  are countersunk or essentially countersunk into the rotatable base plate  40  when tightened. 
     In embodiments comprising a trench-like groove  60  instead of discrete grooves or notches  41 , the screws  42  may be secured at any position along the trench-like grooves  50 , permitting many more angles/positions for the keel  14  to be adjusted to. 
     In certain embodiments, an adjustable keel  14  described herein is fixed to a rotatable base plate  40 . In a preferred embodiment, an adjustable keel  14  and a rotatable base plate  40  described herein are provided together as a single, molded or machined component. 
     Referring to  FIG. 9A , the spreader bar described herein may comprise one or more teaser baits  90  (also referred to as “birds”) with wings  91  that extend from the body of teaser bait  90 . 
     In an aspect, a teaser bait  90  provides an alternative means of counter-weighting and planing lift and may be used in combination with or in place of a counterweight  24 . In a preferred embodiment, the teaser bait(s)  90  is/are composed of a dense plastic material. In an aspect, however, any material may be used to mold or otherwise manufacture the teaser bait(s)  90 . 
     In an aspect, the teaser bait(s)  90  weigh(s) about 0.5 ounces to about 2.0 ounces, preferably about 0.75 ounces to about 1.5 ounces, more preferably about 1.0 ounce. 
     It has been found that, when using a configuration as depicted in  FIG. 9A , wherein the teaser baits  90  are used as substitutes for counterweighting and lift bait, the teaser bait on the inboard rod provides sufficient lift such that when it is combined with the bodyweight of the dense plastic teaser bait on the outboard rod acting as a counterweight, the lure is able to perform desirably in most sea conditions such that target species are attracted and that the lure does not walk or otherwise behave in an undesirable manner. 
     In an aspect, one or more of the lures  26  preferably comprises a hook  100 . In certain preferred embodiments, each lure  26  comprises a hook. 
     By way of illustration and for simplicity,  FIG. 9B  depicts an embodiment comprising a hook  100  on each lure  26 . This embodiment is not intended to be limiting. In some embodiments, the teaser bait(s)  90  may comprise a hook  100 . In other embodiments, the teaser bait(s) do(es) not comprise a hook. 
       FIG. 9C  depicts an embodiment comprising a hook only on the rear-most lure in an alternative preferred embodiment. 
     In an aspect, a hook may be affixed to any location on a lure. 
       FIG. 9D  depicts an embodiment in which a hook is affixed to a lure at a point which is distal relative to the lure which it trails. 
     In some embodiments, a hook may trail directly behind a lure, as depicted in  FIG. 9D . In other embodiments, a hook may extend downwardly from any point on the underside of a lure. 
     By way of illustration and for simplicity,  FIG. 3B  similarly depicts an embodiment comprising a hook  100  on each lure  26 . This embodiment is not intended to be limiting. 
       FIG. 3C  depicts an embodiment comprising a hook only on the rear-most lure in an alternative preferred embodiment. 
     In preferred embodiments, the rotatable base plate does not need to be lifted off of the elongated central body when adjusting the keel angle. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the adjustable keel is not secured to the rotatable base plate using a screw. 
     In a preferred embodiment, a screw is not inserted through or into the center of the rotatable base plate. 
     In a preferred embodiment, the keel  14  is affixed securely to the rotatable base plate  40  and any adjustment or repositioning of the keel is performed by adjusting or repositioning the rotatable base plate  40  by loosening the screws  42  and rotating the rotatable base plate  40  to a new position by securing the screws  42  at a different position  41 . 
     It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerous modifications and variations of the described examples and embodiments are possible in light of the above teachings of the disclosure. The disclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes of illustration only. 
     Other alternate embodiments may include some or all of the features disclosed herein. Therefore, it is the intent to cover all such modifications and alternate embodiments as may come within the true scope of this invention, which is to be given the full breadth thereof. Additionally, the disclosure of a range of values is a disclosure of every numerical value within that range, including the end points. 
     A person of ordinary skill in the art would understand and appreciate that a keel adjusted to a position of 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated central body would result in the “strongest” keel angle. That is, an angle of 45 degrees causes the lure to be pushed the furthest distance laterally outwardly from the fishing vessel. 
     In an aspect, the rotatable base plate may be rotated to set the adjustable keel at any desired angle. 
     In certain embodiments, a rotatable base plate may be rotated such that the adjustable keel is set at an angle of 45 or 40 or 35 or 30 or 27.5 or 25 or 22.5 or 20 or 15 or 10 or 5 degrees to the left or to the right, relative to the longitudinal axis of the elongated central body, or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated central body. 
     It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the claims. 
     The features of the trolling spreader bar described herein have been found to act in concert to achieve a surprisingly stable, self-righting, and level trolling means, which is unexpectedly effective in attracting target species in the water. 
     A skilled artisan would understand through use of embodiments described herein that use of the ventral keel keeps the angled area of the keel below the surface of the water even during the planing action achieved under typical trolling speeds. 
     Additionally, the skilled artisan would appreciate that counterweighting causes the outboard end of the spreader bar to be held down on the surface of the water as pressure from the keel tries to roll it over, creating critical stability—i.e., the counter weight also pulls down the outboard arm of the spreader bar. 
     Moreover, the first bait on the inboard end of the spreader bar has a firm body with a float in its body causing it to act as a planing mechanism to lift the end as the keel tries to drive it under water, creating critical stability. 
     Meanwhile, the plurality of bait lures causes a steady and even aft ward pressure on the entire spreader bar therefor keeping it running uniformly in a forward direction and not twisting. 
     The angled lateral fins mounted to the elongated central body cause the main hub area (i.e., the elongated central body) to be lifted during forward motion in rough seas, while the aft sweep causes the spread bar system to be more stable in preventing “walking” or “flipping”. 
     Embodiments described herein have been found to achieve superior results as compared to embodiments which comprise rudders or rudder systems. A keel allows an entire object to be pushed laterally, whereas a rudder system results in steering with limited ability for sideways movement. The adjustable keel of embodiments described herein therefore permits a skilled artisan to compensate for water conditions and adjust location of the trolling spreader bar in the water to attract different target species and accommodate for marine conditions. 
     In an aspect, embodiments described herein have been found to obviate the need for outriggers, which are expensive and complicated, especially for novice or recreational fisherman. The typical novice fisherman likely does not own or have access to an outrigger. Thus, embodiments described herein solve an unmet need in the marketplace for more cost-efficient and accessible means of trolling. 
     As used in the following Examples, the term “stability” should be understood as denoting the lure behavior as it skips across the surface of the water under forward movement and momentum. 
     A skilled artisan would understand that the terms “walking”, “crabbing”, and “tumbling” denote undesirably unstable lures which skip across the water&#39;s surface significantly. In particular, these terms denote a process wherein forward motion and wave activity cause the ends of the rod or bar to lift slightly off the water in an alternating pattern, which can continue and become exaggerated or excessive. While some walking may be acceptable for effective fishing, excessive or continued walking is undesirable as it will render a lure unfishable and fail to attract target species negated by the activity. 
     A skilled artisan would understand that the term “self-righting” or similar terms denotes a lures ability to return to the surface and resume normal function after disappearing subsurface due to, for example, rough waters. In the Examples that follow, the lures tested were forced to flip to determine their ability to self-right. 
     The following examples serve to illustrate certain aspects of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the disclosure. 
     EXAMPLES 
     Example 1 
     A lure having the following configuration was tested at a forward speed of 7 knots:
         (1) elongated central body with keel   (2) spreader bar   (3) counterweight (tight to rod)   (4) lift bait (tight to rod)   (5) plurality of baits on the center line   (6) plurality of baits on the outward line   (7) plurality of baits on the inward line   (8) lateral wings/fins on the elongated central body       

     A lateral movement of 12 degrees was observed, measured outwardly from the normal straight-back line of travel. 
     It was also observed that the spreader bar experienced a 1-degree inboard lean relative to the surface of the water. 
     The lure of Example 1 was observed to be very stable and was capable of righting itself 
     Example 2 
     A lure having the following configuration was tested at a forward speed of 7 knots:
         (1) elongated central body with keel   (2) spreader bar   (3) counterweight (tight to rod)   (5) plurality of baits on the center line   (6) plurality of baits on the outward line   (7) plurality of baits on the inward line   (8) lateral wings/fins on the elongated central body       

     A lateral movement of 11 degrees was observed, measured outwardly from the normal straight-back line of travel. 
     It was also observed that the spreader bar experienced a 2-degree inboard lean relative to the surface of the water. 
     The lure of Example 2 was observed to be very stable and was capable of righting itself 
     Example 3 
     A lure having the following configuration was tested at a forward speed of 7 knots:
         (1) elongated central body with keel   (2) spreader bar   (3) counterweight (tight to rod)   (4) lift bait (tight to rod)   (5) plurality of baits on the center line   (6) plurality of baits on the outward line   (7) plurality of baits on the inward line       

     A lateral movement of 12 degrees was observed, measured outwardly from the normal straight-back line of travel. 
     It was also observed that the spreader bar experienced a 1-degree inboard lean relative to the surface of the water. 
     The lure of Example 3 was observed to be was capable of righting itself. 
     However, the lure of Example 3 was observed to be unstable. The elongated central body and plurality of baits dived subsurface approximately every 10 to 15 seconds and would resurface 1 to 2 seconds thereafter. The absence of (8) lateral wings/fins on the elongated central body thus affected stability and overall utility of the lure. 
     Example 4 
     A lure having the following configuration was tested at a forward speed of 7 knots:
         (1) elongated central body with keel   (2) spreader bar   (5) plurality of baits on the center line   (6) plurality of baits on the outward line   (7) plurality of baits on the inward line   (8) lateral wings/fins on the elongated central body       

     A lateral movement of 8.5 degrees was observed, measured outwardly from the normal straight-back line of travel. 
     It was also observed that the spreader bar experienced a substantial 10-degree inboard lean relative to the surface of the water. 
     The lure of Example 4 was observed to be was capable of righting itself. 
     However, walking was observed in the lure of Example 4, and the inboard rod and plurality of boats were driven under the surface of the water. 
     Example 5 
     A lure having the following configuration was tested at a forward speed of 7 knots:
         (1) elongated central body with keel   (2) spreader bar   (3) counterweight (tight to rod)   (5) plurality of baits on the center line   (8) lateral wings/fins on the elongated central body       

     A lateral movement of 9 degrees was observed for 10 seconds followed by erratic behavior, after which the lure returned to 0 degrees, measured outwardly from the normal straight-back line of travel. 
     It was also observed that the spreader bar experienced a 5-degree inboard lean relative to the surface of the water. 
     The lure of Example 5 was observed to be unstable and incapable of righting itself. Erratic walking was observed, followed by flipping to subsurface in under 60 seconds. 
     Example 6 
     A lure having the following configuration was tested at a forward speed of 7 knots:
         (1) elongated central body with keel   (2) spreader bar   (3) counterweight (tight to rod)   (8) lateral wings/fins on the elongated central body       

     A lateral movement of 6 degrees was observed, measured outwardly from the normal straight-back line of travel for 10 seconds, followed by erratic behavior and then a return to 0 degrees. 
     The lure&#39;s behavior was too erratic to measure any inboard lean. 
     Erratic movement was observed, including lunging forward airborne. 
     The lure of Example 6 was observed to be unstable and incapable of righting itself. 
     Example 7 
     A lure having the following configuration was tested at a forward speed of 7 knots: 
     (1) elongated central body with keel 
     (5) plurality of baits on the center line 
     (8) lateral wings/fins on the elongated central body 
     A lateral movement of 0 degrees was observed, measured outwardly from the normal straight-back line of travel and thus there was no inboard lean to measure. 
     The central body of the lure erratically flipped for the duration of the test. 
     The lure of Example 7 was observed to be unstable and incapable of righting itself. 
     Example 8 
     A lure having the following configuration was tested at a forward speed of 7 knots:
         (1) elongated central body with keel   (2) spreader bar   (5) plurality of baits on the center line   (8) lateral wings/fins on the elongated central body       

     A lateral movement of 6 degrees was observed, measured outwardly from the normal straight-back line of travel for 3 seconds, followed by erratic behavior and then a return to 0 degrees. 
     Any inboard lean was not measurable. 
     The lure started sideward motion upon deployment to the water and flipped after 3 seconds, flailing continuously thereafter. 
     The lure of Example 8 was observed to be unstable and incapable of righting itself. 
     Example 9 
     A lure having the following configuration was tested at a forward speed of 7 knots:
         (1) elongated central body with keel   (2) spreader bar   (8) lateral wings/fins on the elongated central body       

     A lateral movement of 3 degrees was observed, measured outwardly from the normal straight-back line of travel for 3 seconds, followed by erratic behavior and then a return to 0 degrees. 
     Any inboard lean was not measurable. 
     The lure flipped almost immediately upon deployment and continued to flip erratically. 
     The lure of Example 9 was observed to be unstable and incapable of righting itself. 
     Example 10 
     A lure having the following configuration was tested at a forward speed of 7 knots:
         (1) elongated central body with keel   (8) lateral wings/fins on the elongated central body       

     A lateral movement of 0 degrees was observed, measured outwardly from the normal straight-back line of travel. Thus, no inboard lean was measured. 
     The lure of Example 10 was observed to flail and submerge repeatedly.