Patent Publication Number: US-2010122487-A1

Title: Holder capable of holding and allowing a jig pole to move

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This invention relates to a holder capable of holding and allowing a jig pole to move up and down. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Today, fishing is very popular. Ice fishing, also referred to as hard water fishing, is also becoming more popular with the general population. The explosive growth in the sales of snow mobiles and all terrain vehicles (ATV&#39;s) has made it much easier for people to quickly, efficiently and comfortably transport themselves, their gear and their friends to remote fishing locations. Once at a desired fishing hot spot, gas operated augers allow a person to quickly and effortlessly drill multiple holes through the ice regardless of the thickness of the ice. Many shanties also have movable or removable floor panels that can be opened or pivoted out of the way to expose the drilled holes. An ice fisherman can now travel to his or her desired fishing spot, drill several holes and set up his or her shanty in a matter of minutes. This ability, coupled with the advancements in ice fishing shanties has made the sport more enjoyable and bearable against the elements. Today, many ice fishing shanties are constructed on a sturdy plastic shell or sled. Such shells have aluminum poles secured thereto which are covered by a pliable fabric that forms a tent or canopy as the aluminum poles are raised. Such shanties are also equipped with one or more raised seats to position the fisherman adjacent to one or more drilled holes. 
     Once a hole is drilled or formed through the ice, a fisherperson can position his or her shanty adjacent to or over the holes and climb into the shanty and sit down. The fisherperson can then employ one or two jig poles, which are properly baited, to entice the fish to take the bait. A jig pole is typically a short fishing pole having an overall length of about two feet. Each jig pole has a handle designed to have a fishing reel, of a predetermined weight, secured thereto. The handle also has a first end with a flexible, elongated shaft extending outward therefrom and an oppositely aligned terminal end. The flexible, elongated shaft is typically constructed of fiberglass or graphite and has one or more eye loops secured thereto. A fishing line is advanced from the fishing reel through the eye loops and has a hook or an artificial lure, and/or a weight, secured approximate its free end. A natural bait, such as a live minnow, a dead minnow, a grub, a worm such as a wax worm, etc. can be secured to the hook or artificial lure. The hook, bait and a split shot weight, or a lure that is or is not baited can be lowered into the hole to a desired depth, usually several inches above the bottom sediment or vegetation of the lake, pond, stream, river, etc. At this time, the fisherperson can start jigging his or her jig pole(s) causing the bait(s) to move or bob up and down jerkily and/or in a rapid or erratic fashion. Such action hopefully will attract the attention of feeding fish which will then bite the bait or lure. 
     Typically, after several minutes, some fisherperson tire of jigging and will simply hold their jig pole stationary or will position their jig pole against an object to keep it aligned over their ice fishing hole. Now a holder has been invented that will hold and allow a jig pole to pivot, move or vibrate up and down while being retained by a holder at an appropriate angle relative to the body of water. This enables a fisherperson to position the jig pole over the ice fishing hole and continue to jig without having to physically hold the jig pole. The fisherperson can also cause the jig pole to pivot, move or oscillate up and down by intermittently pressing down on the terminal end of the jig pole. The fisherperson can do this by using a finger, a thumb, a bare hand, a hand covered by a glove or mitten, or by using the tip or toe of one of his or her boots. Such flexibility will enable a fisherperson to jig for a longer period of time and therefore increase his or her chances of catching more fish. 
     The holder can also be used in warm weather as well when the water is free of ice. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Briefly, this invention relates to a holder capable of holding and allowing a jig pole to move. A jig pole includes a handle designed to have a fishing reel, of a predetermined weight, secured thereto. The handle also has a first end with a flexible, elongated shaft extending outward therefrom and an oppositely aligned terminal end. The holder includes a first member having an attachment mechanism rotatably secured to a first end and a holding member rotatably secured to a second end. The holding member also has a pair of spaced apart, upright legs each having a terminal end with a notch formed therein. The holder also has a second member which includes a shaft joined to a collar. The shaft is sized to span across the pair of spaced apart, upright legs and fit within each of the notches, and the collar is of sufficient size to encircle the handle of the jig pole. The holder further includes an adjustable member capable of securing the collar to the handle of the jig pole, forward of the fishing reel, such that the weight of the fishing reel retains the jig pole at an acute angle relative to a body of water. The shaft can rotate within the notches to permit the jig pole to move or pivot about the holding member when pressure is applied to the terminal end of the handle. 
     The general object of this invention is to provide a holder capable of holding and allowing a jig pole to move. A more specific object of this invention is to provide a holder capable of holding and allowing a jig pole, used in ice fishing, to move or pivot so as to move a bait up and down within a body of water when a fisherperson intermittently exerts downward pressure on the terminal end of the handle. 
     Another object of this invention is to provide a holder for a jig pole which can be use to ice fish or to warm weather fish. 
     A further object of this invention is to provide a relatively inexpensive holder for a jig pole commonly used in fishing. 
     Still another object of this invention is to provide a holder for a jig pole which has two primary members which can be easily connected and separated from one another. 
     Still further, an object of this invention is to provide a holder for a jig pole which can be quickly assembled and is easy to use while ice fishing. 
     Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art in view of the following description and the accompanying drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is an exploded view of a two piece holder for a jig pole along with a jig pole and an object to which the holder can be removably secured. 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the assembled holder and jig pole shown secured to an object wherein the jig pole is positioned at an acute angle relative to a body of water. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of the first member of the holder having an attachment mechanism rotatably secured adjacent to its first end and a U-shaped holding member rotatably secured adjacent to its second end, a portion of the U-shaped member is cut away to reveal a fastener. 
         FIG. 4  is a front view of the U-shaped holding member. 
         FIG. 5  is a front view of the second member of the holder depicting a shaft having two enlarged ends and having a collar secured to the midsection of the shaft, and an adjustable member capable of securing the handle of a jig pole when positioned within the collar. 
         FIG. 6  is a side view of the second member shown in  FIG. 5  taken along line  6 - 6 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , a holder  10  is shown which is capable of holding and allowing a jig pole  12  to move, pivot, oscillate or vibrate up and down. The jig pole  12  has a handle  14  designed to have a fishing reel  16  of a predetermined weight secured thereto. The handle  14  has a first end  18  with a flexible, elongated shaft or rod  20  extending outward therefrom and an oppositely aligned terminal end  22 . The flexible shaft or rod  20  can be constructed of fiberglass, graphite, a composite material or from any other known material that will allow it to be pliable, bendable and flexible. The shaft or rod  20  can have any desired length and diameter. Typically, the jig pole  12  will have a length ranging from between about  18  inches to about  36  inches and a diameter of under about 0.25 inches. Desirably, a jig pole  12  will have a length of from between about 20 inches to about 30 inches and a diameter of under about 0.23 inches. More desirably, a jig pole  12  will have a length of about 24 inches and a diameter of under about 0.2 inches. The shaft or rod  20  can have one or more eye loops  24  secured along its length. A typical jig pole  12  will usually have three, four or more eye loops  24  spaced at varying distances along its length. The eye loops  24  serve as guides for a fishing line  26  which is wound upon a spool  28  of the fishing reel  16 . A hook, jig or lure  29  can be tied to the free end of the fishing line  26 . The eye loops  24  can be spaced at varying distances along the length of the shaft or rod  20 . Typically, the eye loops  24  are spaced closer together as one approaches the tip  30  of the jig pole  12 . Alternatively, the eye loops  24  can be evenly spaced along a portion of or along the entire length of the shaft or rod  20 , if desired. 
     It should be noted that the fishing reel  16  is depicted as being a spinning reel having a movable bale  32 . However, it should be known to those skilled in the fishing art that any kind of fishing reel can be utilized. Spinning reels and bait casting reels are the two most common type of fishing reels sold today. The fishing reel  16  has a T-shaped attachment arm  33  which is designed to be secured to the handle  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-3 , the holder  10  includes a first member  34  having a first end  36  and a spaced apart second end  38 . The first member  34  can be formed from a variety of materials, including but not limited to: a ferrous metal such as iron; a non-ferrous metal such as brass, bronze, silver or zinc; stainless steel; aluminum; titanium; magnesium; graphite; fiberglass; carbon fibers; various kinds of thermoplastics; non-brittle plastics; acrylics such as LEXAN; wood such as a hard wood; a composite material constructed of two or more different materials, etc. Desirably, the holder  12  is constructed of a ferrous metal and is painter or powder coated to prevent it from rusting. By “ferrous” it is meant a material containing iron, especially with a valence of 2 or a valence lower than in a corresponding ferric compound. By “non-ferrous” it is meant a material not composed of or containing iron; metals other than iron. 
     The first member  34  has an upper surface  40  and a lower surface  42 , see  FIG. 3 . The first member  34  can optionally contain a reinforcement rib  44  to provide it with additional strength and stiffness. When the reinforcement rib  44  is present, it can be formed from, be machined into or it can be an additional member added to the first member  34 . As depicted in  FIGS. 1-3 , the reinforcement rib  44  is integral formed from the first member  34  and is depicted as having an inverted V-shaped cross-section. The reinforcement rib  44  can have any desired geometrical cross-section and/or overall shape. The inverted V-shape can be formed by shaping, stamping or pressing the material into the desired shape or profile. As depicted, the reinforcement rib  44  extends along a portion of the length of the first member  34  but stops short of both the first and second ends,  36  and  38  respectively. Desirably, the reinforcement rib  44  will extend along a major portion of the length of the first member  34 . It should be recognized by those skilled in the art that the reinforcement rib  44  can be made to extend along the entire length of the first member  34 , from the first end  36  to the second end  38 , if desired. 
     An attachment mechanism  46 , best shown in  FIG. 3 , is rotatably secured adjacent to the first end  36 . The attachment mechanism  46  is designed to be removable attached or secured to an object  48 , see  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The object  48  can be a stationary object or a movable object. By “stationary” it is meant an object that is not moving. However, it is also possible to secure the attachment mechanism  46  to an object that can be or is capable of being moved, such as the side or transom of a boat. For practical purposes, the holder  12  can be attached to a portion of a movable ice shanty (not shown) which is stationary most of the time but which can be easily moved to another location. The object  48  can also be a movable object such as an all terrain vehicle (ATV), a snow mobile, a truck, a car, a motor cycle, etc. The attachment mechanism  46  can have various shapes or configurations. The attachment mechanism  46  can be aligned perpendicular to the first member  34  or be aligned at an angle thereto. The attachment mechanism  46  is depicted, for illustration purposes only, as a three sided clamp structure having a base  50  with two spaced apart and downwardly extending legs  52  and  54 . The legs  52  and  54  can be of the same or different lengths and/or configurations. A threaded bore  56 , see  FIG. 3 , can be formed through one or both of the legs  52  and  54 . The threaded bore  56  is sized and configured to receive a fastener  58 . The fastener  58  is shown as a thumb screw. By “thumb screw” it is meant a screw designed so that it can be turned with the thumb and fingers. It should be understood that the fastener  58  can also be some other type of fastener, including various screws, nuts, bolts, pins, etc. 
     One will recognize that the attachment mechanism  46  should be relatively simple in construction. In addition, the attachment mechanism  46  should be configured to be easily attached to and be released from the stationary or movable object  48 . The object  48  can be any object including but not limited to: a bucket, a piece of wood, a part of an ice shanty, a fishing box, a chair, a box, a part of an all terrain vehicle (ATV), a part of a snow mobile, a boat, etc. Various types of quick tightening and/or release mechanisms can be utilized to make the attachment mechanism  46  user friendly and easy to operate. 
     The attachment mechanism  46  can be rotatably secured to the first end  36  of the first member  34  or be secured adjacent to the first end  36  of the first member  34  by a fastener  60 . In  FIGS. 1-3 , the fastener  60  is depicted as a rivet. By “rivet” it is meant a metal bolt or pin having a head on one end, inserted through aligned holes in the pieces to be joined and then hammered on the plain end so as to form a second head. In  FIG. 3 , an aperture  62  is formed through the first member  34  and a similar size aperture  64 , which is coaxially aligned with the aperture  62 , is formed through the base  50 . These two apertures,  62  and  64  provide a hole through which the fastener  60  can be inserted. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various other kinds and types of fasteners can also be used. For example, the fastener  60  can be a pin, or a screw and an adjoining nut, etc. 
     The fastener  60  permits the attachment mechanism  46  to turn, pivot or be rotatably secured to the first member  34 . Desirably, the fastener  60  (i.e. rivet) is spaced apart from the reinforcement rib  44  when such a rib is present. 
     The fastener  60  should allow the attachment mechanism  46  to be rotated at least about 180 degrees, desirably at least about 270 degrees, and most desirably, a full 360 degrees relative to the first member  34 . The legs  52  and  54  of the attachment mechanism  46  can be spaced apart by any desired distance. However, it has been found that a spacing of between about 0.5 inches to about 3 inches is sufficient for most objects  48 . Desirably, the legs  52  and  54  are spaced from between about 0.75 inches to about 2 inches apart. More desirably, the legs  52  and  54  are spaced about 1 inch apart. As the legs  52  and  54  are spaced farther apart, the length of the fastener  58  can be lengthened to accommodate the extra distance. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 1-4 , the first member  34  also includes a holding member  66  rotatably secured adjacent to the second end  38  of the first member  34 . The holding member  66  is depicted having a general U-shape with a pair of spaced apart, upright legs  68  and  70 . The holding member  66  can also be referred to as a yoke. The two upright legs  68  and  70  come together at the bottom of the U and form a single piece holding member  66 . The two legs  68  and  70  are aligned approximately parallel to one another adjacent to their free ends. The bottom of the U-shaped holding member  66  can be rotatably or pivotably secured to the second end  38  or adjacent to the second end  38  of the first member  34  by a fastener  72 . The fastener  72  can vary in shape, size and configuration. As depicted in  FIG. 3 , the fastener  72  is shown as a rivet. Alternatively, the fastener  72  can be a pin, a screw, a screw and nut fastened together, etc. An aperture  74  is formed through the base or bottom of the U-shaped holding member  66  and another aperture  76  is formed in the first member  34  adjacent to the second end  38 . The two apertures  74  and  76  are coaxially aligned and have approximately the same inside diameter so as to receive the fastener  72  (i.e. rivet). 
     The fastener  72  should allow the U-shaped holding member  66  to rotate, turn or pivot at least about 180 degrees, desirably at least about 270 degrees, and most desirably, a full 360 degrees relative to the first member  34 . 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 1-4 , each of the upright legs  68  and  70  has a terminal end,  78  and  80  respectively, with a notch  82  and  84  formed therein. Each of the notches  82  and  84  can have almost any desired geometrical shape. In  FIG. 3 , the notch  84  is depicted as a U-shaped notch having a rounded or semi-circular bottom. The notch  82  can be similar to or identical to the notch  84 . Desirably, both of the notches  82  and  84  are identical in size and appearance. The two notches  82  and  84  are aligned along a common centerline so that they can receive and retain a straight shaft simultaneously. The width w and height h dimensions for each of the notches  82  and  84  can vary. However, the particular dimensions for one example of the notches  82  and  84  is a width w dimension ranging from between about 0.5 inches to about 0.75 inches and a height dimension h ranging from between about 0.3 inches to about 0.6 inches. Desirably, the width w dimension will range from between about 0.50 inches to about 0.63 inches and the height dimension h will range from between about 0.40 inches to about 0.55 inches. More desirably, the width w dimension will be about 0.5 inches and the height dimension h will be about 0.5 inches. The purpose of the notches  82  and  84  will be explained shortly. 
     Referring to  FIG. 4 , the U-shaped holding member  66  is shown to have a width w 1  dimension and a height h 1  dimension. The width w 1  dimension is measured horizontally between the pair of spaced apart, upright legs  68  and  70 . The height h 1  dimension is measured perpendicular to the width w 1  dimension and extends from a bottom surface  86  of the U-shaped holding member  66  to a line that passes between the terminal ends  78  and  80  of the pair of legs  68  and  70 . The width w 1  dimension can be less than, equal to or greater than the height h 1  dimension. Desirably, width w 1  dimension is less than the height h 1  dimension. A representative width w 1  dimension ranges from between about 3 inches to about 7 inches and a representative height h 1  dimension ranges from between about 4 inches to about 10 inches. Desirably, the width w 1  dimension ranges from between about 3 inches to about 5 inches and the height h 1  dimension ranges from between about 5 inches to about 8 inches. More desirably, the width w 1  dimension is about 4 inches and the height h 1  dimension is about 5 inches. 
     Referring back to  FIG. 3 , one will notice that the U-shaped holding member  66  is aligned perpendicular to the first member  34 . In addition, the U-shaped holding member  66  extends outward from the first member  34  in an opposite direction from the attachment mechanism  46 . The U-shaped holding member  66  also has a thickness t that can range from between about 1 inch to about 2 inches depending upon the material from which the U-shaped holding member  66  is constructed. It should be understood that one or more members or components of the holder  10  can be constructed of similar or different materials from another member or component. Desirably, the first member  34 , the attachment mechanism  46 , except for the fastener  58 , and the U-shaped holding member  66  will be all constructed from the same material. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the holder  10  also includes a second member  88 . The second member  88  is separate and distinct from the first member  34 . The second member  88  includes a shaft  90  having a first end  92 , a spaced apart second end  94 , and a length l therebetween. Desirably, the first and second ends,  92  and  94  respectively, are enlarged ends similar to the head on a nail. Each of the enlarged ends  92  and  94  is larger in size than the width w of the notches  82  and  84 . This size difference prevents the first or second ends,  92  and  94  respectively, from passing through the adjacent notch  82  or  84 . The length l of the shaft  90  is long enough to span across the pair of spaced apart, upright legs  68  and  70 . The shaft  90  is designed to bridge across both notches  82  and  84  when inserted therein. The enlarged first and second ends,  92  and  94  respectively, will prevent the shaft  90  from sliding horizontally outward beyond either of the pair of spaced apart, upright legs  68  and  70 . The shaft  90  can be a cylindrical shaft having a round or circular cross-section, or it can be formed as a square, rectangular or of some other shape. The shaft  90  can also have any desired geometrical cross-section shape. The shaft  90  has a diameter d or a width dimension, if it is not circular, which is smaller than each of the notches  82  and  84 . This size difference will allow the shaft  90  to easily fit within each of the notches  82  and  84  and will allow the shaft  90  to turn, rotate or pivot within the pair of notches  82  and  84 . Desirably, the shaft  90  is cylindrical having a diameter of less than about 0.5 inches. Desirably, the shaft  90  has a diameter of about 0.25 inches and each of the first and second ends,  92  and  94  respectively, is an enlarged circular disc having a diameter of at least about 0.75 inches. Such a cylindrical shaft  90  can easily be dropped or slid into the pair of notches  82  and  84  when they have a width dimension of about 0.625 inches. 
     Still referring to  FIGS. 5 and 6 , the shaft  90  is secured to a collar  96  having an inside opening  98  which is of sufficient size to encircle the handle  14  of the jig pole  12 . By “collar” it is meant an encircling structure, any of various ringlike devices used to limit, guide, or secure another part. The collar  96  can be circular in configuration or have some other geometrical shape. Desirably, the collar  96  is round or circular when viewed from the front. More desirably, the collar  96  is a circular ring having a thickness t 1 , measured between the inside diameter  98  and an outside surface  100 . The thickness t 1  of the collar  96  can range from between about 0.1 inches to about 0.8 inches. Desirably, the thickness t 1  of the collar  96  can range from between about 0.2 inches to about 0.6 inches. More desirably, the thickness t 1  of the collar  96  is less than about 0.5 inches. In addition, the inside opening or diameter  98  of the collar  96  can range from between about 0.75 inches to about 3 inches. Desirably, the inside opening or diameter  98  of the collar  96  can range from between about 0.8 inches to about 2 inches. More desirably, the inside opening or diameter  98  of the collar  96  is at least about 1 inch. 
     The collar  96  has a central axis X-X, see  FIG. 6 , and the shaft  90  has a central axis X 1 -X 1 , see  FIG. 5 . The shaft  90  is secured to the outside surface  100  of the collar  96  such that its central axis X 1 -X 1  is aligned perpendicular to the central axis X-X of the collar  96 . 
     It should be noted that the shaft  90  can be secured to the collar  96  by various means. For example, the shaft  90  can be welded to the collar  96 , be secured to the collar  96  by a mechanical fastener, be secured to the collar  96  by an adhesive, a co-adhesive, a glue, etc. 
     The holder  10  further includes an adjustable member  102  which is capable of securing the collar  96  to the handle  14  of the jig pole  12 . The adjustable member  102  can be any type of fastener or adjustment mechanism. Desirably, the adjustable member  102  is a thumb screw. The adjustable member  102  can be aligned along an axis Y-Y which is aligned perpendicular to the central axis X 1 -X 1  of the shaft  90 . In addition, the adjustable member  102  should be positioned away from the point of attachment of the shaft  90  to the collar  96 . Desirably, the adjustable member  102  is positioned on an opposite side of the fishing rod handle  14  from the fishing reel  16 . More desirably, the adjustable member  102  is positioned on the fishing rod handle  14  at about 180 degrees from the fishing reel  16 . 
     METHOD 
     The method of using the holder  10  will now be explained. It should be noted that the sequence of some of the steps can vary. First, a person can secure the first member  34  to an object  48  in a desired position adjacent to a hole drilled in the ice located above a body of water  104  or can secure the first member  34  to the side or transom of a boat that is floating on a body of water. The fishing reel  16  is secured to the jig pole  12  if the fishing reel  16  is not already attached to the jig pole  12 . Second, the collar  96  is slid along the length of the jig pole  12  starting from the tip  30  downward towards the handle  14  such that the collar  96  is positioned forward of the fishing reel  16 , see  FIG. 2 . The collar  96  will not be able to pass downward beyond the attachment arm  33  of the fishing reel  16 . Desirably, the collar  96  will be positioned forward of the attachment arm  33  by a distance of about 0.25 inches or more. The adjustable member  102 , i.e. the thumb screw, is then tightened so that the collar  96  is secured to the handle  14  of the jig pole  12 . Third, the shaft  90  of the second member  88  is then positioned in the notches  82  and  84  of the U-shaped holding member  66  so that it spans across the legs  68  and  70 . The enlarged first and second ends,  92  and  94  respectively, will prevent the shaft  90  from sliding horizontally outward from the legs  68  and  70  of the U-shaped holding member  66 . In this position, the weight of the fishing reel  16 , which is usually greater than the weight of the jig pole  12 , is sufficient to retain the jig pole  12  at an acute angle theta θ relative to a body of water  104 , see  FIG. 2 . By “acute angle” it is meant an angle of less than 90 degrees relative to a body of water  104 . Desirably, the angle theta θ ranges from between about 10 degrees to about 75 degrees. More desirably, the angle theta θ ranges from between about 25 degrees to about 65 degrees. Even more desirably, the angle theta θ ranges from between about 30 degrees to about 50 degrees. Most desirably, the angle theta θ is about 45 degrees. 
     In the case of a spinning reel  16 , the bale  32  is opened and the fishing line  26  with the attached hook or lure  29  and/or bait is dropped into the water or through a hole drilled in the ice located above the body of water  104 . Usually the hook or lure  29 , and any attached bait, is positioned several inches above the bottom surface of the lake, pond, river, stream, etc. so that it can be easily seen by any fish that may be nearby. Alternatively, the fishing line  26  and the hook or lure  29  can be dropped into the body of water before the shaft  90  is positioned in the notches  82  and  84 . The shaft  90  is free to turn, rotate or pivot within the notches  82  and  84  to permit the jig pole  12  to rotate or pivot about the holding member  66 . The jig pole  12  can be utilized in this position to catch fish. However, if one wishes to jig the jig pole  12 , a person simply applies pressure to the terminal end  22  of the handle  14 . This will cause the terminal end  22  of the handle  14  to move downward and will cause the angle theta θ to increase relative to the body of water  104 . Simultaneously, the tip  30  of the jig pole  12  will move upward. This action will cause the hook or lure  29 , and any attached bait, to move or jerk vertically upward within the body of water  104 . Such vertical movement can be rather rapid, sudden and erratic so as to attract the attention of any fish that may be lurking nearby. As the pressure is removed, the terminal end  22  of the handle  14  will move upward due to the weight of the fishing reel  16  wanting to return to its original position. This in turn will cause the tip  30  of the jig pole  12  to move downward and allow the hook or lure  29 , and any attached bait, to fall back down to its initial height within the body of water  104 . The downward movement can be slow relative to the upward movement. The weight of the fishing reel  16  provides the counter weight to allow the hook or lure  29  to move downward through the body of water  104 . Pressure can then be reapplied to repeat the process. 
     It should be understood that a person can apply intermittent pressure to the terminal end  22  of the handle  14  by using one or more fingers, a thumb, a hand or a foot. It is also possible for a person to use an intermediary device, such as a stick, to actuate the terminal end  22  of the handle  14 . A person can operate the jig pole  12  with his or her bare hand, with a hand covered by a glove or mitten, or by using the tip of his or her shoe or boot. When a person uses his or her foot to tap the terminal end  22  of the handle  14 , the person will have both hands available. This will allow the person to perform other functions, such as drinking a cup of coffee or soda, or using a cell phone while continuing to jig the jig pole  12  using the tip of one foot. If the person wishes to stop jigging for a period of time, this is possible since the weight of the fishing reel  16  will provide resistance to any fish bite and will assist in setting the hook or lure  29  should a fish take the lure  29  or bait. When a fish does bite the hook or lure  29 , and any attached bait, the fishing line  26  will be pulled out causing the tip  30  of the jig pole  12  to move downward. The drag on the fishing reel  16  can be preset to slow the withdrawal of the fishing line  26  from the spool  28 . The fisherperson will then grab the handle  14  of the jig pole  12  and pull it upward out of the U-shaped holding member  66 . The fisherperson would then reel in the fish in a manner used with any fishing pole. Once the fish is caught, it can be kept or released. In either case, the hook or lure  29  can again be baited, if needed, and be dropped back into the body of water  104  so as to be ready to catch another fish. 
     While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment, it is to be understood that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, this invention is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations which fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.