Patent Publication Number: US-2013239457-A1

Title: Lures with bait saving hook

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention generally relates to fishing, and more particularly, to a lure equipped with a fish hook that includes a resilient bait guard that is uniquely shaped and attached to a shank in manner that facilitates manufacturing and resists dislodgement. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Prior art bait saver hooks, such as the hooks in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,713,908 and 5,009,026, comprise a conventional fishing hook with an attached resilient wire strand known as a basket. The prior art basket includes free ends that are attached to the shank of the hook near the eyelet by either wrapping the wire ends around the shank or by applying a bead of solder. Between the free ends, the strand includes generally parallel shank portions, a bite portion and a u-shaped tip-engaging portion. Such hooks have proven effective in preventing bait from flying off a hook. 
     Problems with prior art bait saver hooks relate to aligning and securing the bait saving wire to the hook. In prior art hooks, the free ends of the wire are clamped to the shank of the hook. Often, during manufacturing, the free ends are misaligned, which means the entire wire is misaligned. Additionally, with repeated aggressive use, the free ends tend to dislodge from the attachment that secures the wire to the hook, rendering the wire useless. Wrapped wire tends to loosen over time. Solder is fragile and has a tendency to crack and delaminate. Consequently, the free ends and shank often separate from solder. 
     Various alternative techniques were evaluated to more securely attach the free ends to the shank. These techniques include bonding, brazing and texturing. Bonding involves the application of glue to the shank and free ends. The process is tedious, increases manufacturing times and cost, and rarely provides a strong durable bond. Brazing involves soldering the free ends to the shank using hard solder with a high melting point. However, that process is even more tedious, significantly increases manufacturing times and cost, and often results in delamination or cracking of the brazed solder. Additionally, it was too difficult to ensure proper alignment during the brazing process, because the molten solder concealed the wire ends and facilitated shifting. Texturing involves deforming, e.g. roughening, the ends of the wire to increase the coefficient of friction between the wire ends. However, this process shows little to no improvement over the prior art, and does not address deficiencies with prior art attachments or proper alignment. All of the evaluated techniques were deemed problematic. 
     Concomitantly, prior art lures, jigs and rigs (collectively, lures) are equipped with conventional hooks, which are used solely to catch a fish. The movement, color and shape of the lure are supposed to resemble prey. A liquid attractant may be applied to the lure to further entice a fish. Many lures include fluid dynamic features that affect the movement of the lure through water. Thus, the lure attempts to mimic prey in an attempt to attract a fish. In many cases, the mimicry is tenuous at best, more appealing to the angler than the fish. 
     Typically, lures are used without and in lieu of natural bait. The hooks of lures are often exposed, clearly visible and unnatural, and susceptible to hooking debris. If natural bait is hooked on a lure, the natural bait tends to become dislodged during casting, especially during repeated casting. Without natural bait, the visible unnatural hook may actually alarm fish. 
     The invention is directed to overcoming one or more of the problems as set forth above. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     To solve one or more of the problems set forth above, in an exemplary implementation of the invention, lures equipped with bait saving hooks are provided. The bait saving fish hook features a bait saving wire strand. The fish hook has an eyelet, a shank extending from the eyelet to a bend, and the bend leading to a sharp tip. The bait saving wire strand includes a pair of hook-shaped attachment portions. Each attachment portion is configured to engage the eyelet of the fish hook and extend along at least a portion of the shank of the hook. Each of a pair of diverging legs extends from one of the pair of hook-shaped attachment portions. Each of a pair of bends extends from one of the pair of diverging legs. A tip engagement portion joins the pair of bends. In a preferred embodiment, the tip engagement portion includes a u-shaped tip. The bait saving wire is flexible. The tip engagement portion of the bait saving wire strand is positionable by urging the tip engagement portion against the tip of the hook between the tip of the hook and the shank of the hook, and the tip engagement portion is releasable to a position adjacent the tip but not between the tip of the hook and the shank of the hook. 
     The pair of hook-shaped attachment portions includes a pair of free ends, a pair of eyelet bends, and a pair of shank portions. Each of the pair of free ends extends to one of the pair of eyelet bends. Each of the pair of shank portions extends to one of the pair of eyelet bend. Each of the pair of eyelet bends joins one of the pair of free ends to one of the pair of shank portions. Each of the pair of eyelet bends provides approximately a 180° bend and engages a portion of the eyelet. Each eyelet bend has a radius of curvature that is not less than, a preferably equal to or only slightly larger than, a radius of the portion of the eyelet engaged by the eyelet bend. Each of the pair of shank portions is substantially parallel to the shank of the hook. Each of the pair of free ends is substantially parallel to the shank of the hook. Each of the pair of shank portions extend to one of the pair of diverging legs. The pair of shank portions joins the pair of diverging legs to the pair of eyelet bends. 
     An exemplary bait saving hook assembly according to principles of the invention is also provided. The fish hook includes an eyelet, a shank extending from the eyelet to a bend, which leads to a sharp tip. The bait saving wire strand includes a pair of hook-shaped attachment portions. Each attachment portion engages the eyelet of the fish hook and extends along at least a portion of the shank of the hook. Each attachment portion includes two segments parallel to the shank of the hook. Each of a pair of diverging legs extends from one of the pair of hook-shaped attachment portions. Each of the pair of bends extends from one of the pair of diverging legs. A u-shaped tip engagement portion joins the pair of bends. 
     The bait saving wire is flexible. The tip engagement portion of the bait saving wire strand is positionable by urging the tip engagement portion against the tip of the hook between the tip of the hook and the shank of the hook. The tip engagement portion is releasable to a position adjacent the tip but not between the tip of the hook and the shank of the hook. 
     The pair of hook-shaped attachment portions includes a pair of free ends, a pair of eyelet bends, and a pair of shank portions. Each of the pair of free ends extends to one of the pair of eyelet bends. Each of the pair of shank portions extends to one of the pair of eyelet bend. Each of the pair of eyelet bends joins one of the pair of free ends to one of the pair of shank portions. Each of the pair of eyelet bends provides approximately a 180° bend and engages a portion of the eyelet. Each eyelet bend has a radius of curvature that is not less than, a preferably equal to or only slightly larger than, a radius of the portion of the eyelet engaged by the eyelet bend. Each of the pair of shank portions is substantially parallel to the shank of the hook. Each of the pair of free ends is substantially parallel to the shank of the hook. Each of the pair of shank portions extend to one of the pair of diverging legs. The pair of shank portions joins the pair of diverging legs to the pair of eyelet bends. 
     A collar clamps, to the shank of the fish hook, the segments of the pair of hook-shaped attachment portions that are parallel to the shank of the fish hook. The collar includes a band rolled into a sleeve having an inner diameter sized to securely clamp the segments of the pair of hook-shaped attachment portions that are parallel to the shank of the fish hook against the shank of the fish hook. The band includes a first free end and a second free end. The first free end abuts the second free end without overlap between the first free end and the second free end. The first free end and the second free end include interdigitating teeth. Thus, for example, the first free may have a first tooth portion and a first recess portion and the second free end may have a second tooth portion and a second recess portion, wherein the first tooth portion engages the second recess portion, and the second tooth portion engages the first recess portion. 
     Faced with the persistent problem and dissatisfaction with the aforementioned attachments, the inventor conceived an innovative bait saving wire strand, i.e., basket, and corresponding attachment collar. The innovative wire strand requires different tooling from that used to produce the prior art wire strand. However, the innovative wire does not add any additional steps to the manufacturing process. No additional materials are required. The only added cost involved the non-recurring up-front cost to modify tooling configured to produce the prior art wire strands. If the tooling was created from scratch, the innovative wire would incur no appreciable additional cost at all. Once the tooling was created, the innovative wire did not appreciably increase the time required to produce the wire. Advantageously, the redesigned wire solves the persistent problem by assuring proper alignment and securement, during manufacturing, each and every time, and even after repeated and aggressive use. 
     The innovative attachment collar positively secures four segments of the wire strand to the shank of the hook in a manner that ensures proper alignment. The attachment collar is uniquely configured to resist misalignment and ineffective clamping. While the attachment collar is an added part, it replaces windings and solder in the prior art, that were tedious, time consuming, and only marginally effective for securing the wire strand to the shank. 
     The bait saving hook may be integrated with a lure or separately attached to a lure body. As an example, a jig head may be cast on a portion of the shank and wire strand of a bait saving hook adjacent to the eyelet. In this embodiment, the eyelet is exposed, extending from the head. As another example, the bait saving hook may be attached to plug-type lures. As another example, the bait saving hook may be attached to spinnerbait. As another example, the bait saving hook may be attached to crankbait. As another example, one or more bait saving hooks may be attached to an umbrella-style rig. The bait saving hook may be used with any lure that accommodates a hook. 
     By providing a bait saving hook on a lure, natural bait may be retained on the hook, even after repeated casting and prolonged trolling. Emissions (e.g., scents, oils, and particles) from the natural bait as the lure is drawn through water will help to attract a fish. Additionally, if the natural bait is a natural prey, it will greatly enhance the appeal to a fish. The appearance of the natural bait in the water, especially the way light reflects from the body of the bait, will entice fish. Furthermore, movement of the lure will be imparted to the hooked natural bait. Thus, even if the natural bait is no longer alive, it will appear to stop, go, flutter, dive, rise, wiggle, and change direction, in a manner consistent with the lure. In sum, a lure equipped with a bait saving hook in accordance with principles of the invention provides a vehicle for imparting movement to a natural bait, which, in conjunction with the scent emitting properties, appearance and light reflecting properties of the natural bait, greatly enhances the attractiveness of the lure to fish. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The foregoing and other aspects, objects, features and advantages of the invention will become better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings, where: 
         FIG. 1  is a profile view of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 2  is a magnified view of an attachment portion of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 3  is a first perspective view of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a second perspective view of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 5  is a first magnified perspective view of an eyelet portion of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 6  is a second magnified perspective view of an eyelet portion of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 7  is a rear magnified view of a portion of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of an exemplary collar for an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 9  is a front view of an exemplary collar for an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 10  is a plan view of a band for forming an exemplary collar for an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of an alternative exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is a magnified side view of an attachment portion of the alternative exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 13  is a magnified side view of the attachment portion opposite that shown in  FIG. 12  for the alternative exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 14  is a perspective view of the alternative exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 15  is a magnified side view of an attachment collar portion of the alternative exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 16  is a profile view of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention with bait retained thereon; and 
         FIG. 17  is a profile view of an exemplary jig with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 18  is a perspective view of an exemplary jig with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 19  is a front view of an exemplary jig with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 20  is a perspective view of an exemplary jig with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 21  is a profile view of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 22  is a perspective view of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 23  is a perspective view of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 24  is a profile view of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 25  is a perspective view of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 26  is a perspective view of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 27  is a perspective view of an exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 28  is a front view of an exemplary spinner bait with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 29  is a profile view of an exemplary spinner bait with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 30  is a perspective view of an exemplary spinner bait with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 31  is a front view of an exemplary lure with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 32  is a profile view of an exemplary lure with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 33  is a perspective view of an exemplary lure with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 34  is a perspective view of an exemplary lure with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 35  is a front view of an exemplary lure with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 36  is a profile view of an exemplary lure with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 37  is a perspective view of an exemplary lure with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 38  is a perspective view of an exemplary lure with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 39  is a plan view of an exemplary rig with a plurality of improved bait saving hooks according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 40  is a profile view of an exemplary rig with a plurality of improved bait saving hooks according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 41  is a perspective view of an exemplary rig with a plurality of improved bait saving hooks according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 42  is a profile view of a portion of an exemplary rig with an improved bait saving hook with an unhooked bait according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 43  is a plan view of an exemplary lure with a bib and an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 44  is a profile view of an exemplary lure with a bib and improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 45  is a perspective view of an exemplary lure with a bib and improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 46  is a perspective view of an exemplary lure with a bib and improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 47  is a profile view of an exemplary jig with a bib and an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 48  is a perspective view of an exemplary jig with a bib and an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 49  is a perspective view of an exemplary jig with a bib and an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 50  is a profile view of an exemplary jig with a bib with a circle hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 51  is a profile view of an exemplary lure with a bib with a circle hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 52  is a profile view of an exemplary spinner bait with a circle hook according to principles of the invention; and 
         FIG. 53  is a profile view of an exemplary portion of a rig with a circle hook according to principles of the invention. 
     
    
    
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the figures are not intended to be drawn to any particular scale; nor are the figures intended to illustrate every embodiment of the invention. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments depicted in the figures or the particular components, shapes, configurations, relative sizes, ornamental aspects or proportions shown in the figures. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , a profile view of an exemplary improved bait saving hook  100  according to principles of the invention is provided. The bait saving hook  100  is an assembly comprising a fishing hook  105  and a bait saving basket  110  attached to the shank  130  of the fishing hook. The hook  105  is a generally J-shaped structure constructed of an elongated wire, typically comprised of high-carbon steel, steel alloyed with Vanadium, or stainless steel, depending on application. The hook may be covered with some form of corrosion-resistant surface coating. An eyelet  125  is provided at one end of the hook  105  for attaching a fishing line (not shown) thereto. The opposite end of the hook  105  is provided with a sharpened tip  145  having a protruding barb  150  projecting backwards from the tip  145 . As is well known, the barb  150  secures a fish from unhooking A shank portion  130  extends from the eyelet  125  to a bend or bight portion  135 . The bend curves through approximately 180 degrees, although it could be more or less depending upon the particular hook. The radius of curvature of the bend may vary considerably, but is typically about ½ to ¼ of the combined lengths of the eyelet  125  (i.e., the outer diameter of the eyelet) and shank portion  130  of the hook  105 . A neck  140  extends from the bend  135  to the tip  145 . The barb  150  projects from the tip  145  and the neck  140 . 
     The hook  105  depicted in the Figures represents a fishing hook. The invention is not limited to a particular type or size hook. Other hooks, with additional and different bends (e.g., J-hook, circle hook, other shape hook); straight, offset, bent, barbed and barbless shanks; upturned, downturned or straight eyelets; and other structural features may be utilized without departing from the scope of the invention. As one example, the invention is not limited to use with barbed hooks. Barbless hooks may be used within the spirit and scope of the invention. As another example, the principles of the invention may be readily applied to double and treble hooks, which are also intended to come within the scope of the invention. 
     As shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , a bait saving wire basket  110  (i.e., bait saving basket) is attached to the hook  105 . In its simplest form, the basket  110  may comprise a flexible wire frame with segments that are spread apart and generally track the profile of the hook  105 . The segments are joined by a generally u-shaped portion configured to pass over the tip  145  of the hook  105  and engage the barb  150 . The exemplary bait saving basket  110 , as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 ,  3 ,  4 ,  11  and  13  is comprised of a flexible wire strand bent to form generally parallel free ends  165 ,  167 , generally parallel eyelet bends  162 ,  180 , generally parallel shank portions  166 ,  168 , a pair of diverging legs  170 ,  175 , a pair of generally parallel bends  180 ,  182 , a pair of arms  185 ,  187 , a pair of bent shoulders  190 ,  192  and a u-shaped tip  195 . The divergent legs  170 ,  175  provide some distance between the hook  105  and the bends  180 ,  182  of the basket  110 . Optionally, shoulders  190 ,  192  join the u-shaped tip  195  to the arms  185 ,  187 . Alternatively, the u-shaped tip  195  may be joined directly to the bends  180 ,  182 . The portion with the u-shaped tip  195  is referred to as the engagement portion because it engages the hook  105  when retaining bait. The basket  110  is flexible so that the u-shaped tip  195  may be deflected over the tip  145  of the hook  105 , tucked against the tip or beneath the barb  150 . The free ends  165 ,  167  and shank portions  166 ,  168  of the wire strand are clamped to the shank  130  of the hook  105  using a clamp  115 , which is discussed more fully below. Thus, four segments of the bait saving basket  110  are clamped to the shank  130  of the hook  105 . Each of the generally parallel eyelet bends  162 ,  180  comprises a 180° bend between the free ends  165 ,  167  and shank portions  166 ,  168  of the wire strand. The eyelet bends  162 ,  160  allow the free ends  165 ,  167  to pass through the eyelet  125  and extend along a portion of the shank  130  of the hook  105 , parallel to but opposite the side along which the shank portions  166 ,  168  of the basket  110  extend. The portion of the basket  110  comprising the free ends  165 ,  167  and shank portions  166 ,  168  joined by the eyelet bends  162 ,  160  is referred to as the attachment portion of the basket  110  because it is the portion that attaches to the hook  105 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 16 , in use, bait  300  slid on the neck  140  and bend  135  of the hook  105  is retained and/or constrained by the u-shaped tip  195  as well as bends  180 ,  182 , and arms  185 ,  187  and shoulders  190 ,  192  of the basket  110 , when the u-shaped tip  195  is engaged by the barb  150  or the neck  140  of the hook  105 . In many hooks the neck is an integral part of the bend that leads to the tip. The bait  300  will not dislodge and fly off the tip  145  of the hook  105  when retained by the basket  110 , even during casting. While the basket  110  retains the bait  300 , the basket  110  does not block the tip  145  or barb  150  of the hook and is sufficiently flexible to yield under the influence of a fish bite. Thus, when a fish bites the bait  300 , the basket  110  will not prevent the tip  145  and barb  150  from penetrating the tissue of the fish. 
       FIG. 2  provides a magnified view of an attachment portion of an exemplary improved bait saving hook  100  according to principles of the invention. The attachment portion includes a collar  115  and a movable slider  120 . The movable slider  120  is a sleeve that surrounds the shank  130  of the hook  105  and the diverging legs  170 ,  175  of the basket  110 . The slider  120  may be slid from the bottom end of the collar  115  towards the bend  135  of the hook  105 . As the slider  120  is moved away from the collar  115 , the slider constrains a portion of the diverging legs  170 ,  175 , causing the constrained portion of the legs  170 ,  175  to bend parallel to each other and the shank  130 . The effect is a reduction in distance between the opposite bends  180 ,  182 , and arms  185 ,  187  of the basket  110 . Reducing the gap helps constrain and retain narrow bait. 
     As shown in  FIG. 2 , as well as in  FIGS. 8-10 , the collar  115  is a metallic band that has been bent (i.e., rolled) into a sleeve-like structure that securely clamps four segments of the basket  110  to the shank  130 . The collar is sized to fit tightly around the shank and the four engaged segments of wire abutting the shank. Interdigitating teeth of the collar substantially enhance structural integrity by distributing longitudinal loads across the free ends. The collar is compressed into a generally sleeve-like clamp that surrounds and securely grips the shank of the hook as well as four strands of wire, instead of two strands of wire as with the prior art. The four constrained segments  165 ,  166 ,  167 ,  168  are best illustrated in  FIGS. 5-7 , which show the top portion of the bait saving hook assembly  100 , without the collar  115  and without the slider  120 . As shown in  FIGS. 5-7 , each free end  165 ,  167  of the basket  110  is joined to a parallel shank portion  166 ,  168  of the wire strand by an eyelet bend  160 ,  162 . The collar is sized to cover each free end  165 ,  167  of the basket  110 . The eyelet bend  160 ,  162  is a 180° bend with a radius of curvature that is approximately equal to or slightly larger than the diameter of the portion of toroid-shaped eyelet over which each bend  160 ,  162  extends. The collar  115  is compressed to securely grip each free end  165 ,  167  of the basket  110  is joined to a parallel shank portion  166 ,  168  of the wire strand by an eyelet bend  160 ,  162 . Thus, to dislodge the engaged segments enough tensile force would have to be exerted to the opposite end of the basket to release the shank portion  166 ,  168  of the wire strand, undo the eyelet bend  160 ,  162 , and release each free end  165 ,  167  of the basket  110 . Such tensile forces are not encountered in normal use. 
     One free end of the band includes at least one tooth-like structure  200 ,  210 . The other free end of the band includes at least one recess  202 ,  212  configured to receive the tooth-like structure. As shown in  FIG. 10 , an exemplary band includes one end having a pair of teeth-like structures  200 ,  210  separated by a recess  205 , while the opposite free end includes a pair of complementary recesses  202  separated by a complementary tooth-like structure  207 . The number of teeth-like structures and corresponding recesses may vary, without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The free ends of the band meet and interdigitate, without overlapping. Interdigitating teeth of the shank substantially enhance structural integrity by distributing longitudinal loads across the free ends. Interdigitation also ensures that the ends of the band align properly when the sleeve-like structure is formed. Without interdigitating ends, there is a risk of skewed clamping with the top end of the clamp looser than the bottom end of the clamp, or vice versa. In either case, a skewed clamp may provide inadequate gripping pressure. Here, the teeth and corresponding recesses ensure proper alignment, which ensures consistent pressure distribution and gripping of engaged segments and the shank. 
     Overlapping ends are susceptible to loosening by prying apart. To allow the free ends of the band to meet without overlap, the band  115  is carefully cut to size based upon the diameter of the contained portion of the shank  130  of the hook  105  and the four contained segments  165 ,  166 ,  167 ,  168  of the basket  110 . 
     Performance of the wire according to principles of the invention exceeded all expectations. Even after repeated use in testing, and repeated pulling of the wire basket, no dislodgement or misalignment occurred. Suspending the hook  100  from a fixed point and hanging a brick from the basket  110  for several hours revealed no dislodgement. Submersion in ice water, boiling water, ice and then boiling water and vice versa, followed by tensile testing revealed no compromise in clamping integrity. Submersion in lubricating oil and silicone spray followed by tensile testing revealed no compromise. With the new wire, which has generally parallel free ends  165 ,  167  joined to parallel shank portions  166 ,  168  by an eyelet bend  160 ,  162 , according to principles of the invention, the basket does not become dislodged during normal use. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11-15 , an alternative exemplary improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention is shown. The difference between this embodiment and the embodiment described above is the orientation of the eyelet  126  and the resulting effect on the corresponding bends of the wire basket  110 . Here, the eyelet  126  is rotated 90° relative to eyelet  125  described above. The eyelet  126  in  FIGS. 11-15  resides in the central plane of the hook  105 . Thus, the eyelet  126  creates an overall thinner hook. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 11-15 , one free end  167  of the basket is bent and extends through one side of the eyelet  126 , while the other free end  165  is bent and extends through the other side of the eyelet. Regardless, the collar  115  still clamps the shank  130  of the hook  105  along with four segments of the wire basket, namely, the free ends  165 ,  167 , which are now on opposite sides of the shank  130 , and the shank portions  166 ,  168  of the wire strand basket  110 . 
     The basket may be comprised of metallic, plastic or composite material. In a preferred embodiment, a metal wire strand is bent to form the basket. Wire bending equipment, including, but not limited to, manual jigs and dies and automated wire bending machines now known and hereafter developed may be used to form the basket. In the case of metal wire, any thickness that provides sufficient flexibility and tensile strength may be used. By way of example and not limitation, 20 to 40 gauge AWG wire may be utilized. The composition of the wire may include stainless steel, galvanized steel or titanium, or alloys thereof, or any other corrosion resistant metal that is readily available, affordable and suitable for mass production. 
     In an alternative embodiment, the basket  110  may be formed of a metal alloy that exhibits pseudo-elasticity. Pseudo-elasticity may be achieved by proper alloy formulation and heat treatment. Such materials used for a basket according to the principles of this invention include shape memory alloys which exhibit super-elastic/pseudo-elastic shape recovery characteristics. Such alloys are known in the art, but heretofore have not been tailored for or applied to bait guards. These alloys are characterized by their ability to be transformed from an austenitic crystal structure to a stress-induced martensitic (SIM) structure at certain temperatures, and return elastically to an austenitic structure when the stress is removed. These alternating crystalline structures provide the alloy with its super-elastic properties. One such well-known alloy, nitinol, is a nickel-titanium alloy. It is readily commercially available and undergoes the austenite-SIM-austenite transformation at a variety of temperature ranges between −20° C. and 30° C. These alloys are especially suitable because of their capacity to elastically recover almost completely to the initial configuration once a stress is removed. Typically there is little plastic deformation, even at relatively high strains. This allows the basket to undertake substantial bends as a hook is baited and a fish bites, and yet return to its original shape once the stress has been removed without retaining any hint of a kink or a bend. Additionally, compared to stainless steel, less force need be exerted to deform the basket thereby decreasing detection by a fish and resistance to setting the hook. 
     The wire basket  110  may also be plastic. For example, the wire may be formed from injection molded plastic. The resin may be a polycarbonate, however other resins which may also be used, alone or in combination, include: Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Acrylic, Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA), Acrylic+Polycarbonate (Acrylic+PC), Tenite Acetate (CA), Tenite Butyrate (CAB), Tenite Propionate (CAP), Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), Engineering Thermoplastic Polyurethane (ETPU), Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer (EVOH), Methylmethacrylate Butadiene Styrene (MBS) Polyamide (Nylon), Polyamide 12 (Nylon 12), Polyamide 6 (Nylon 6), Polycarbonate+Polyethylene Terephthalate (PC+PET), Polycarbonate+Polyester, PCTA, PCTG, Polyarylate, Polyester Alloy, Polyester TP, Polyolefin, Polyphthlate Carbonate (PPC), Polystyrene (PS, GPPS), Polysulfone (PSU), Flexible Polyvinyl Chloride (Flexible PVC), Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride (Rigid PVC), Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN), Styrene Butadiene Block Copolymer (SB), Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE), Thermoplastic Polyurethane Elastomer Polyether (TPU-Polyether), or other unspecified thermoplastics suitable for construction of a resilient, flexible wire basket  110 . 
     Advantageously, the plastic forming the basket  110  may be transparent or colored so as to be substantially invisible in a body of water or otherwise colored to resemble the body of a bait fish or to at least catch the attention of a fish. This allows a fish to see the bait, but not be deterred by the basket  110 . In the molding process, it is noted that polycarbonate typically has a yellowish tint. A blue colorant may be added such that the resulting molded plastic is generally clear. The plastic may further include additives such as phosphorescent compounds to provide other desired properties such as glow-in-the dark properties, or and thermal reactivity (e.g., color changes according to heat). 
     The resilient plastic basket  110  readily flexes during hook set, minimizing interference and delay with hook penetration. The hook  105  will thus set quickly and solidly and fewer fish will detect the basket and escape without being hooked. After external forces are removed, the basket will spring back to its original shape, ready for use again without having to reform the basket. 
       FIGS. 17 through 20  illustrate an exemplary jig with an improved bait saving hook according to principles of the invention. The jig includes a weighted (e.g., lead) sinker as a head  300  and neck  310  with a bait saving hook  320 ,  325  molded into the sinker, and the eyelet  305  of the bait saving hook protruding from the head  300 . The head  300  of the jig may consist of many different shapes (e.g., round, fish head, conical or other shape) and colors, along with different features (e.g., bulbous eyes). The exemplary bait saving hook includes a J-shaped hook  320  with a pointed tip  330  and a wire basket  325  for retaining bait. As discussed above, hooks having other shapes and configurations may be used in lieu of the depicted hook without departing from the scope of the invention. The free ends of the wire basket  325  are secured to the hook  320  in the manner described above. The jig is very versatile and can be used in both salt and fresh water. Natural bait, such as crawfish, minnows, leeches, night crawlers, or shrimp may be set on the bait saving hook. 
     Many lures require either an eyelet separate from the hook eyelet, or an eyelet that extends from the shank at an angle, such as approximately perpendicular to the shank of the hook. Illustratively, the exemplary bait saving hook in accordance with  FIGS. 21 through 23  includes a collar covered neck  340  that extends approximately perpendicularly from the shank of the hook  100  due to a bend  345  at the top of the shank. The eyelet  305  is formed at the free end of the neck  340 . This configuration allows the hook to be integrated into certain lures, such as the jig shown in  FIGS. 17 through 20 . In this particular embodiment, an imaginary axis extending through the eyelet opening is parallel to the shank of the hook  100 . 
     The length of the neck may vary to accommodate lures of varying dimensions and configurations. By way of example and not limitation, in another version of such a hook, as illustrated in  FIGS. 24 through 27 , the collar covered neck  340  is shorter than the neck depicted in  FIGS. 21 through 23 . Here, again, the exemplary bait saving hook includes a collar covered neck  340  that extends approximately perpendicularly from the shank of the hook  100  due to a bend  345  at the top of the shank. The eyelet  306  is formed at the free end of the neck  340 . Again, this configuration allows the hook to be integrated into certain lures, such as the jig shown in  FIGS. 17 through 20 . In this particular embodiment, however, an imaginary axis extending through the eyelet opening is perpendicular to the shank of the hook  100 . Thus the eyelet is rotated ninety degrees (90°) relative to the eyelet in  FIGS. 17 through 20 . Neck lengths that are greater than or less than the neck lengths shown in  FIGS. 21 through 23  and  FIGS. 24 through 27  are achievable and come within the scope of the invention. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 28 through 30 , an exemplary spinnerbait lure  400  equipped with a bait saving hook  100 , according to principles of the invention is shown. The exemplary spinnerbait lure  400  includes a wire arm  405  bent at about a  60  degree angle with a skirt and hook  100  on one end and a flashy spinner mechanism  410  on the opposite end. Wrist movement combined with some stop and go reeling causes the spinnerbait to stop, flutter, change direction and appear to bounce off of the bottom or grass. It is these types of reactions that anglers believe attracts a fish to the spinner bait. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 31 through 38 , lures in the form of plugs, also known as a minnows, are shown. Each of these lures has a fishlike body  415 . They are run through the water where they can make a variety of different movements. An eyelet  410 ,  412  is provided for attaching a line. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 31 through 34 , the eyelet is positioned along the dorsal surface of the lure. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 35 through 38 , the eyelet is positioned at the head of the lure. In each embodiment of  FIGS. 31 through 38 , the bait saving hook  100  attaches to the ventral surface of the lure using a split ring  420 . Another location for attaching the hook is the tail. 
     Advantageously, a lure, such as, but not limited to, a spinnerbait, crankbait, jig or rig, that is equipped with a bait saving hook in accordance with principles of the invention, retains natural bait on the hook, even after repeated casting and prolonged trolling. Emissions (e.g., scents, oils, and particles) from the natural bait as the lure is drawn through water will help to attract a fish. Additionally, if the natural bait is a natural prey, it will greatly enhance the appeal to a fish. The appearance of the natural bait in the water, especially the way light reflects from the body of the bait, will be irresistible to a fish. Furthermore, movement of the lure will be imparted to the hooked natural bait. Thus, even if the natural bait is no longer alive, it will appear to stop, go, flutter, dive, rise, wiggle, and change direction, in a manner that may resemble natural bait. In sum, a lure equipped with a bait saving hook in accordance with principles of the invention provides a vehicle for imparting movement to a natural bait, which, in conjunction with the scent emitting properties, appearance and light reflecting properties of the natural bait, greatly enhances the attractiveness of the lure to fish. 
     In  FIGS. 39 through 41  a multi-arm fishing rig  500  with bent flexible arms  510  shaped in an umbrella-like arrangement, is shown. The arms  510  may be made of flexible wire that can be easily bent into any of various umbrella configurations yet substantially retain their bent position during normal casting and reeling in the rig. Alternatively, the arms may be flexible or substantially rigid cast or otherwise permanently shaped structures. At the bottom end of each arm  510  is a bait saving hook  100  according to principles of the invention and bait  515 , which may be an artificial bait such as an elastomeric minnow, some other artificial bait that can be set on a hook or a natural bait. A head  505  with an eyelet extends from a neck  507  at the top of the rig  500 . The neck  507  may consist of a segment from each arm  512 , or a single strand to which each arm is attached by a joint, weld, solder, mechanical fastener or otherwise. The rig mimics a possible school of baitfish to attract predatory fish into the lure “spread,” which consists of the number of hooks set with bait. 
     In  FIG. 42 , one arm  510  is shown with a baitfish  515  removed from the hook  100  to better show a swivel  512  that connects the hook  100  to the arm  510 . In the example shown in  FIG. 42 , the arms  510  extend to a line swivel  512 , to which the hook  100  connects. 
     The head  505  may be made of various types of materials such as, but not limited to, lead, plastic or wood. The type and mass of material selected may be based on the rate at which the rig is desired to sink. For example, in order to fish at a deeper depth, a certain size lead head may be used. Additionally, the head  505  may be decorated with paint and/or designs to simulate bait that is attractive to fish. The head  505  may be permanently (e.g., cast) or removably attached to the neck  507 . 
     In the rig example shown in  FIGS. 39 through 41 , five separate arms  510  are shown, each extending radially from the center of the array. However, the number, length and thickness of the arms may vary with different embodiments of rigs without departing from the scope of the present invention. 
     In  FIGS. 43 through 46  and  FIGS. 47 through 49  lure embodiments with lips, also known as bibs, are shown. Such lures are similar to the lures described in reference to  FIGS. 17  through  FIG. 20  and  FIGS. 35 through 38 , except that in each case a lip  307 ,  425  has been added to the head of the lure. The lip  425 ,  307  provides a surface that affects fluid dynamics of the lure as it travels through water. The lip  307 ,  425  is a thin sheet metal or plastic feature that protrudes from the head of the lure to provide diving ability and/or wobbling movements of the lure. In the jig shown in  FIGS. 47 through 49 , an eyelet  306  is provided at the tip of the head  300 , as opposed to the eyelet  305  on the side of the head  300  as shown in  FIGS. 17 through 20 . 
     In another embodiment, as illustrated in  FIGS. 50 through 53 , a lure may be equipped with a circle hook  101 , in lieu of or in addition to the bait saving hook described above. The circle hook  101  may include a wire retainer that makes it a bait saving hook as described above. Alternatively, the circle hook  101  may be used alone, without the bait retaining wire. A circle hook increase the survival of angler released fish because such hooks “mouth-hook” a greater proportion of fish than typical “J” pattern hooks. Survival is greatly reduced for fish that are deeply hooked in the throat or beyond, which happens frequently with J-hooks. 
     While an exemplary embodiment of the invention has been described, it should be apparent that modifications and variations thereto are possible, all of which fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention. With respect to the above description then, it is to be realized that the optimum relationships for the components and steps of the invention, including variations in order, form, content, function and manner of operation, are deemed readily apparent and obvious to one skilled in the art, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention. The above description and drawings are illustrative of modifications that can be made without departing from the present invention, the scope of which is to be limited only by the following claims. Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents are intended to fall within the scope of the invention as claimed.