Patent Abstract:
A bait and hook arrangement is coupled with a mechanism that alerts a fisherman when his or her bait article is no longer attached to the hook. When the bait is off the hook, (empty hook), the mechanism is triggered.

Full Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/476,111, filed 1 Jun. 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/408,384, filed 20 Mar. 2009, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/272,340, filed 17 Nov. 2008, which is a continuation-in-part of my U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/331,440, filed 11 Jan. 2006, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     Priority of my U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/370,746, filed 4 Aug. 2010, incorporated herein by reference, is hereby claimed. 
     My U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/642,789, filed 11 Jan. 2005, is incorporated herein by reference. 
     My U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/988,159, filed 15 Nov. 2007, is incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not applicable 
     REFERENCE TO A “MICROFICHE APPENDIX” 
     Not applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates to fishing with bait, such as live bait (minnows, shrimp, small fish), or dead bait or manufactured or synthetic. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus that alerts a fisherman that his or her hook is bare, no longer baited. 
     2. General Background of the Invention 
     Fisherman often attempt to lure fish to a hook using a bait article that can be either live bait or dead bait. Bait is understood to mean anything that can be placed on a hook to attract a fish. Examples of live bait include minnows, shrimp, small fish, worms, insects or the like. Examples of dead bait include frozen or cooled items such as shrimp, fish, and insects as examples. The website of Bass Pro Shops (www.basspro.com) gives examples of many baits. Some bait articles can be attached to the hook which are neither live nor fresh/frozen but are plastic or other synthetic material, sometimes referred to as trailers. Bass Pro Shops also sells preserved baits that could be attached to a hook such as, for example eggs, worms, dough, and the like. 
     One of the problems facing a fisherman is the loss of a bait article while fishing. These bait articles can become dislodged from the hook that supports them because of a number of different reasons. In some situations, a smaller fish simply removes the bait from the hook without becoming impaled. Sometimes a fish will strike, remove the bait, and not be impaled by the hook. In some situations, tide flow slowly pulls at the bait until it becomes disconnected from the hook. In some situations, the bait can be removed from the hook because of underwater structure such as grass, sticks, limbs, gravel and the like. Sometimes bait will fall off the hook when the angler makes his cast. 
     If the fisherman has some doubt whether or not the bait is still connected to the hook, he or she typically has only one option, namely reeling in the hook and checking it out. 
     If the bait is still on the hook, it was needlessly removed from the fishing area, reducing the chances of catching a fish. If the hook was bare, a fisherman must wonder how long it was bare and are the fish still in the vicinity or did they move on because there was no more bait to entice them. There remains a need for a device to let an angler know immediately when there is no longer any bait on the hook. Modern fishing can be boiled down to a time management endeavor. Since one cannot fish 24 hours a day, seven days a week, an angler must, in the limited time available for him, 1) find a location where the fish are, 2) be at that location when they are ready to feed, 3) present to the fish a bait they feel like eating and 4) keep a bait in the feeding area as much as possible during their active feeding times. There is only a certain amount of time during the day when at a given location, there will be actively feeding fish. If an angler is lucky enough to be at the right spot, at the right time, with the right bait on the hook, the odds of a successful fishing trip are in his favor, and are increased the greater the time a baited hook is in the water. 
     Reeling the line in to check for a baited hook decreases efficiency. Repeatedly casting the bait can stun or kill it, making it less attractive to the fish. 
     None of the previous art answers one of the most basic questions of bait fishing: Is there still bait on the hook? The key to solving the problem and increasing an angler&#39;s efficiency and enjoyment, is to be able to know when a hook no longer has bait on it without having to remove it from the strike area. 
     The following patent documents are incorporated herein by reference:
     U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,461,114 5,351,432 5,615,512 5,937,566 5,974,721 6,079,144 6,796,077;   U.K. Patent No. GB 2245467.   U.S. Pat. No. 5,974,721 discloses a light emitting fishing float that is activated when a fish contacts the hook.   U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,144 discloses a motion-actuated light with a fish hook and float that flashes when contact is made with spaced conductive areas that form a circuit.   U.S. Pat. No. 6,796,077 discloses a lighted lure with a conductive weed guard that turns off when a fish is hooked.   U.S. Pat. No. 4,625,446 is directed to fish bite by pressure sensor.   U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,930 is a remote activity sensing system.   U.S. Pat. No. 6,671,994 discloses a fish strike indicator.   U.S. Pat. No. 6,138,398 discloses a fish strike indicator.   U.S. Pat. No. 5,898,372 discloses a lighted fishing float with a motion detector.   

     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention employs floats and a hook with a float assembly connected to the bait. When bait is no longer on the hook, the float is released, and either alerts the fisherman that his or her bait is gone by floating to the surface, or interacts with a surface signal float to alert the angler. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS 
       For a further understanding of the nature, objects, and advantages of the present invention, reference should be had to the following detailed description, read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein like reference numerals denote like elements and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a partial exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is an elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
       Signal Float-Sliding Rig Deployed Configuration 
         FIG. 7  is an elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a partial sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a partial sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 11  is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 12  is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 13  is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 14  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 15  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 16  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 17  is a partially exploded partial perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 18  is a partial sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 19  is a partial elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 20  is a partial elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 21  is a partial elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 22-24  are circuit diagrams showing parts of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
         FIG. 25  is partial perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 26  is a partial sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 27  is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 28  is a partial sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 29  is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 30  is a partial sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 31  is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 32  is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 33  is a partial perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 34  is a partial sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 35  is a partial top view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 36  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 37  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 38  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 39  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 40  is a partial sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 41  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 42  is a partial sectional view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 43  is a partial cut-away top view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; 
         FIG. 44  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 45  is a sectional elevation view of an embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     The figures show preferred embodiments of the fishing apparatus of the present invention. The fishing apparatus of the present invention is preferably used by an angler using a bait article  1  while fishing. In  FIG. 1  the bait article  1  can be for example a live bait article, such as a minnow as is shown. However the bait article  1  can be any known article of live, fresh, frozen, or preserved bait and/or any bait article that is synthetic or artificial, such as those shown at the website www.basspro.com. 
     In  FIG. 1  the bait article  1  is attached to a hook  2 . Small pieces of tubing or other similarly affixable material, known as slide stoppers  42 ,  FIG. 20 , may be affixed to the hook  2  above and below the bait article  1  to keep the bait article  1  properly positioned on the hook  2 . The hook  2  shown is a general representation and may be replaced with any known fishing hook, such as a treble hook, circle hook, jig head hook, or weighted fishing hook. Fishing line  3  is affixed to the hook eye  52  on its distal end,  FIG. 1 . If the fishing line  3  is segmented, the segments may be of the same or differing types and dimensions and will preferably be connected in line, end to end, by any known means such as a knots, clips, rings, or swivels (line connector  4 ) to form one continuous fishing line  3 ,  FIG. 1 . An optional sinker  5  may be used. An impaling and holding device, known as the bait anchor  6 , securely holds the bait article  1  to a line, known as the tether line  7 ,  FIG. 1 . The bait anchor  6  preferably has a pointed distal end and a means to deter separation of the coupled objects such as the use of a barb or barbettes located along the sides of the device, and an eye on its proximal end for attachment of a line. One end of the tether line  7  is preferably secured to the bait anchor  6 , while the other end of the tether line  7  is preferably secured to a float known as the trigger float  8 ,  FIG. 1 . The trigger float  8  preferably can only move along the length of the fishing line  3 . The trigger float  8  preferably has an annular magnet known as the trigger magnet  9  affixed to its upper surface,  FIG. 1 . The fishing line  3  preferably passes unfettered through a centrally located through-hole known as the trigger magnet line hole  49 , of annular trigger magnet  9  and the trigger float line hole  48 ,  FIG. 1 . The trigger float  8  and trigger magnet  9  may be joined together by a connecting tube  10   FIG. 4  which runs through their central line holes, fitting tightly to their inner diameter walls, or by a suitable adhesive or other fastener such as a fenestrated retention band encircling both the trigger float  8  and trigger magnet  9 . The connecting tube  10 ,  FIG. 4  can also secure the tether line  7  to the trigger float  8  by pinning the tether line  7  to the walls of the trigger float line hole  48 . The tether line  7  may exit the trigger float  8  from the bottom, or if there is a worry about tangling the tether line  7  with the fishing line  3 , the tether line  7  could exit from the top of the trigger float  8  which would cause greater separation between the two lines,  FIGS. 18 ,  19 , and  20 . The bait assembly  90  is preferably made up of fishing line  3 , trigger magnet  9 , trigger float  8 , line connector  4 , sinker  5 , tether line  7 , bait anchor  6 , hook eye  52 , and hook  2 , but may be modified as known to one skilled in the art. 
     In this example of trigger float  8 ,  FIG. 4  the fishing line  3  passes unfettered though the connecting tube  10 , which is holding the trigger magnet  9  and trigger float together. The trigger float  8  is preferably located above any fishing line tackle such as the line connector  4  (swivel), or sinker  5 , or they preferably are small enough to not impede the movement of trigger float  8  along the fishing line  3 . 
     An optional hook line guide  41 ,  FIG. 21 , in this example a loop affixed to the hook  2  which is used to redirect the buoyancy pull of the trigger float  8  when it is greater than the drag of the bait article  1  and the hook  2 . In this situation, the lower end of the hook  2  and bait article  1  would want to rise up, resulting in an undesirable orientation if the hook line guide  41  were not present to prevent its occurrence. The inner diameter of the hook line guide  46  preferably is large enough to allow easy passage of the bait anchor  6 . 
     The fishing line  3  preferably connects the hook  2  to a fishing pole/fishing rod-reel  43 ,  FIG. 5 , or any other object the angler deems suitable such as a tree limb, piling, rock, appendage, etc. 
     Some distance above the trigger float  8  along the fishing line  3  there can be another float known as the signal float  11 ,  FIGS. 1 and 2 . The body of the signal float  11  preferably consists of three sections which are joined together in a waterproof and air-tight manner. The three sections are the top cap  12 , the tube body  13 , and the bottom cap  14 . The top cap  12  closes one end of the tube body  13 , while the bottom cap  14  closes the other end of tube body  13 . The joining of the three sections may be aided by using fastening aids such as adhesives, screws, or elastic bands. It is preferable to have the ability to disconnect at least the bottom section when needed, to service the interior parts of the signal float  11 . 
     The external inferior surface of the bottom cap  14 ,  FIG. 2 , preferably has a central through-hole known as the water vent  17  which opens into the interior space of signal float  11 . A distance outward from the water vent  17 , vertical slotted walls, known as the magnet chamber walls  73 , encircle the water vent  17 ,  FIG. 3 . The slots in magnet chamber walls  73  are known as chamber vents  74 ,  FIG. 3 . The space encompassed by the magnet chamber walls  73  is known as the magnet chamber  23 ,  FIG. 8 . The bottom of the magnet chamber  23  is enclosed by a cap known as the end cap  24 ,  FIG. 3 , whose vertical slotted walls fit tightly against the magnet chamber walls  73  with their respective slots oriented facing each other,  FIG. 8 . The slots in the walls of the end cap  24  are known as the cap vents  26 ,  FIG. 3 . The chamber vents  74  and the cap vents  26  are preferably oriented parallel with each other, forming one continuous vent from outside to inside the magnet chamber  23 ,  FIG. 8 . The end cap  24  bottom surface preferably has a through-hole, known as the end cap line hole  25 ,  FIG. 8 , preferably centrally located, which communicates with the space of the magnet chamber  23 . The fishing line  3  passes freely through the end cap line hole  25 ,  FIG. 8 . 
     The interior surface of the bottom cap  14 ,  FIG. 3 , preferably has projections extending from the sides and bottom surfaces toward the water vent  17 , which form sockets known as ballast sockets  27 . These ballast sockets  27  can securely hold sinkers known as ballast sinkers  28  or noisemakers  29 . The walls of the ballast sockets  27  preferably do not extend all the way to the water vent  17 . 
     The upper surface of the top cap  12 ,  FIG. 1 , preferably has a raised area known as the plateau  47 , in its center which extends outward a distance. The center of the upper surface of the top cap  12  preferably has a vertical through-hole known as the top cap line hole  31 , from the upper surface of the plateau  47  to the interior of the signal float  11 ,  FIG. 2 . The fishing line  3  preferably passes freely through the top cap line hole  31 . There is preferably at least one vertical socket known as the light socket  33 , extending from the upper surface of the plateau  47  downward, but is preferably not deep enough to penetrate the inferior surface of the top cap  12 . The light socket  33  preferably provides an anchor point for a chemical light stick  44 ,  FIG. 1 , for use in low light conditions, or any other item an angler may decide to attach to the signal float  11 . There is preferably a through-hole, known as the anchor hole  30 ,  FIG. 1 , which preferably extends from one of the sides of the plateau  47  through to the opposite side of the plateau  47 . The anchor hole  30  preferably intersects and passes through the top cap line hole  31  and its diameter is preferably equal to or greater than the diameter of the top cap line hole  31 . There is preferably at least one other hole, known as the auxiliary air vent  32 ,  FIG. 1 , extending from a side of the plateau, preferably below the level of the anchor hole  30 , which penetrates one side of the top cap line hole  31   FIG. 1 . The location of the auxiliary air vent  32  is not limited to the area described, as long as it allows communication between the exterior atmosphere and the interior of signal float  11  when needed and is capable of being closed when needed. The auxiliary air vent  32  could also be a through hole located on the peg  34  perpendicular to, and intersecting, the peg line hole  35 . If located on the peg  34 , the auxiliary vent hole would preferably be in line with the top cap line hole  31  when peg  34  is inserted properly into the anchor hole  30 . 
     The interior horizontal surface of the top cap  12 ,  FIG. 2 , preferably has the top cap line hole  31  running through its center. A clear space extends around the top cap line hole  31  for a distance until it abuts the encircling vertical slotted walls known as the piston seal guide  46 . 
     Inside the magnet chamber  23  is an annular magnet, known as the water vent magnet  19 ,  FIG. 2 . The water vent magnet  19  preferably can move freely up and down the inner space of the magnet chamber  23 . The water vent magnet  19  is preferably situated horizontally so that its interior space is in line with all the line holes of the various parts of the signal float  11 . 
     There is a tube, known as the piston tube  15 ,  FIG. 2 , inside the signal float  11 . The exterior wall of the bottom end of the piston tube  15  preferably fits tightly against the inner diameter wall of the annular water vent magnet  19 , inside the magnet chamber  23 . The piston tube  15  preferably extends through the water vent  17 , through the interior of the signal float  11 . The upper end of the piston tube  15  preferably ends immediately against or in very close proximity to, the inferior surface of the top cap  12 , in line with the top cap line hole  31 ,  FIG. 2 . There is an annular seal, known as the upper piston seal  16   FIG. 2 , the inner wall of which preferably tightly fits around the exterior wall of the upper end of the piston tube  15 . The top surface of the annular upper piston seal  16  presses tightly against the inferior surface of the top cap  12 , and completely seals the surface around the periphery of the top cap line hole  31 . 
     Between the upper surface of the water vent magnet  19  and the water vent  17  and the inferior surface of bottom cap  14  surrounding the water vent  17  is preferably an annular seal, known as the water vent seal  18 ,  FIG. 2 . The inner wall of the annular water vent seal  18  fits tightly around the exterior wall of the piston tube  15 . The upper surface of the water vent seal  18  presses against the inferior surface of the bottom cap  14 , sealing the water vent  17 . The bottom of the water vent seal  18  presses against the top surface of water vent magnet  19 . There is preferably still space between the bottom surface of the water vent magnet  19  and underlying surface of the end cap  24 ,  FIG. 2 . 
     A coil spring known as the piston spring  20 ,  FIG. 2 , is preferably situated around the piston tube  15 , the base of the piston spring  20  preferably rests on the interior bottom surface of the bottom cap  14  in the open area between the ballast sockets  27  and the water vent  17 . The inner surfaces of the piston spring  20  preferably do not contact the piston tube  15 . An optional base plate  22 ,  FIG. 2 , is disc-shaped, with a central through-hole large enough to allow unfettered vertical movement of the piston tube  15 , which passes through it, and with fenestrations  40 ,  FIG. 3 , across its surface from top to bottom to allow water and air flow. The base plate  22  may be placed above any ballast sinkers  28 , noisemakers  29 , and the top surface of the ballast sockets  27 . The base plate  22  is preferably used when the outer diameter of the piston spring  20  is greater than the diameter of the open space between the ballast sockets  27  and the water vent  17  or the presence of any sinkers  28  or noisemakers  29  would interfere with the placement or movement of the piston spring  20 ,  FIG. 2 . The base of the piston spring  20  will preferably rest on the upper surface of the optional base plate  22 . The outer diameter of the base plate  22  will preferably fit inside the interior diameter of the tube body  13 ,  FIG. 2 . 
     In  FIG. 2  an adjustable spring tensioner  21  preferably presses downward on the upper end of the piston spring  20 , partially compressing the piston spring  20  and securely gripping the external wall of the piston tube  15  at a level where the stored energy of the partially compressed piston spring  20  keeps the areas covered by the water vent seal  18  and the upper piston seal  16  leak proof. At this point the signal float  11  is fully buoyant and has a leak proof interior,  FIGS. 2 ,  6 , and  8 . 
     A fishing line  3  is able to be freely passed in a straight line through the top cap line hole  31 , the annular upper piston seal  16 , the inner diameter space of the piston tube  15 , the annular water magnet  19 , the magnet chamber  23 , and the end cap line hole  25 ,  FIG. 2 . 
     There are two ways the signal float  11  can preferably be rigged:
         a) as a popping rigged signal float,  FIGS. 10 and 11 , referred to as the signal float-popping  69     b) as a sliding rigged signal float, referred to the as signal float-sliding  70         

     In each case, the entire configuration composed of the signal float-popping or signal float-sliding and the bait assembly  90  constitutes bait fishing assembly  200 . In  FIG. 10 , the signal float-popping  69  rig is preferably used to present the bait article  1  at a desired fixed depth which is preferably usually shorter than the height of the angler. In the signal float-popping  69  rig, the fishing line  3  is passed through the signal float  11 , and the magnetic trigger float  8 , to end secured to the hook eye  52  as previously described. In  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the signal float  11  is preferably affixed to the fishing line  3  by pushing a conical peg  34  into the anchor hole  30  until the fishing line  3  is tightly pressed between the wall of the anchor hole  30  and the exterior wall of the conical peg  34 . The outer diameter of the narrow end of peg  34  is preferably smaller than the diameter of the anchor hole  30 . The outer diameter of the larger end of peg  34  is preferably at least the same, or greater, diameter as the anchor hole  30 . The length of peg  34  preferably is longer then the length of anchor hole  30 . The conical peg  34  preferably also has a through-hole running along its long axis, known as the peg line hole  35 . The point along fishing line  3  where peg  34  affixes the signal float  11  determines how deep the hook  2  impaled bait article  1  is suspended when the alarm system is deployed,  FIG. 10 . 
     Another advantage of a popping rig is that fish attracting noise and water turbulence are created when the deployed rig is popped, or pulled sharply back toward the angler for a moment. The signal float-popping  69  is pulled at least partially sideways and the top surface of the signal float-popping  69  is at least partially submerged while being pulled through the water, creating noise and turbulence. Greater noise and turbulence can be achieved if at least part of the top surface of the signal float-popping  69  possess a depression or other drag or noise creating feature. 
     The deployment of the BARE HOOK/LOST BAIT ALARM SIGNAL FLOAT-POPPING rig,  FIG. 10  is as follows: 
     a) The desired depth of the hook  2  is set by pinning the fishing line  3  at its appropriate point to the signal float-popping  69  preferably via the anchor hole  30  by peg  34 . 
     b) The bait article  1  is impaled onto the hook  2 . 
     c) The trigger float  8  is separated from the bottom of the signal float-popping  69  and brought down toward the hook  2 . 
     d) The bait anchor  6  is impaled into bait article  1 . 
     e) The angler uses the fishing pole/rod-reel to cast the alarm system into the water. 
     f) The signal float-popping  69  remains visible on the water surface  75 , similar to  FIG. 6 . 
     g) The bait article  1  and attached hook  2  and attached magnetic trigger float  8  sink to the desired depth, similar to  FIG. 6 . 
     When bait is removed from the hook  2  and the bait anchor  6 , the untethered magnetic trigger float  8  ascends freely along the fishing line  3  toward the bottom of the signal float-popping  69  and the water surface  75 , similar to  FIG. 7 . 
     As the magnetic trigger float  8  reaches the bottom of the signal float-popping  69 , the magnetic attractive force between the trigger magnet  9  and the water vent magnet  19  becomes greater than the opposing force of the partially compressed piston spring  20 , similar to  FIG. 7 . 
     This greater force causes the water vent magnet  19  and the attached piston tube  15  to move toward the end cap  24  carrying along with them the water vent seal  18  and the upper piston seal  16 , and further compressing the piston spring  20  by the affixed spring tensioner  21 , similar to  FIG. 7 . 
     The displacement of the water vent seal  18  and the upper piston seal  19  opens the interior of the signal float-popping  69  to the entrance of water through the water vent  17  and the exit of air mostly or totally through the auxiliary air vent  32  as the peg  34  mostly blocks the passage of air through the top cap line hole  31 , similar to  FIG. 7 . 
     Thus, the water vent magnet  19  and water vent seal  18  act as an automatic valve when triggered by the trigger float  8 . This automatic valve is thus magnetically operated, but it could be optically operated with modifications which would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in this art. 
     The loss of air from, and the filling with water into the signal float-popping  69  interior preferably causes the buoyancy of the signal float-popping  69  to decrease to the point where the signal float-popping  69  sinks beneath the water surface  75 , similar to  FIG. 7 . The angler is now unable to see the signal float-popping  69 , notifying the angler to check if the hook  2  is bare or if there is a fish attached. 
     The speed of the sinking of the signal float-popping  69 , if observed by the angler, preferably will provide a clue, as a fish pulling on the hook  2  preferably will generally cause the signal float-popping  69  to sink at a faster rate. 
     The signal float-sliding  70  rig,  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  4 ,  5 ,  6 ,  7 ,  8 ,  9 , is usually used when the impaled bait article  1  is desired to be suspended at a water depth which is preferably greater than the depth that can be reached by a popping rig  69  (generally deeper than the height of the angler). 
     The BARE HOOK/LOST BAIT SIGNAL FLOAT-SLIDING rig,  FIGS. 1 ,  2  is composed of the following parts: 
     a) the fishing line  3   
     b) the signal float  11  and its component parts 
     c) the magnetic trigger float  8   
     d) any optional tackle such as a line connector  4  (for example, a swivel) and sinker  5   
     e) the hook  2   
     f) the tether line  7   
     g) the bait anchor  6   
     h) the bait article  1   
     The angler end of the fishing line  3  is affixed to whatever device/object the angler deems suitable, such as a fishing pole, rod/reel, rock, etc. The parts are arranged, aligned, and connected to each other as previously described. 
     Additional parts and arrangements needed for the BARE HOOK/LOST BAIT ALARM SIGNAL FLOAT-SLIDING rig  FIGS. 1 ,  2 ,  6 , and  8  include: 
     i) the peg  34  which is situated above the signal float  11 , with the fishing line  3  freely passing through the peg line hole  35  before passing through the top cap line hole  31 ,  FIG. 2 . The peg  34  is too large to fit into the top cap line hole  31 . 
     ii) the depth setter  45 , which is preferably an object affixed to a point on the fishing line  3  above peg  34  and is too large to fit into the peg line hole  35 ,  FIG. 1 . The fishing line  3  does not move freely through the depth setter  45 . The depth setter  45  preferably is a very light weight flexible object such as a piece of rubber band or string which can be tightly knotted around or affixed in another way to the fishing line  3  and be wound onto a reel without difficulty. The length of fishing line  3  below its fixation point with the depth setter  45  determines the depth that will be reached by the hooked bait article  1 . The depth setter  45  is preferably adjustable along the length of fishing line  3  above the peg  34 .
 
iii) the tether ring  38 ,  FIG. 3 , which preferably fits tightly around the walls of the magnet chamber  23  and provides an attachment point for the spacer tether  37 ,  FIG. 3 . The tether ring  38  may be replaced by any other means of attachment between the signal float-sliding  70  and the spacer tether  37 .
 
iv) the spacer tether  37 , which is preferably a line or thin ribbon of flexible light weight material which is affixed to the tether ring  38  on one end and the casting spacer  36 ,  FIG. 3 , on the other end.
 
v) the casting spacer  36 ,  FIG. 1 , which is preferably a tubular object with a lengthwise section removed completely from end to end, forming a slot, known as the spacer line slot  39 ,  FIG. 1 . The casting spacer  36  is preferably composed of a buoyant material.
 
The casting spacer  36  is preferably affixed to the spacer tether  37  on its upper end directly across from the spacer line slot  39 .
 
     The signal float-sliding alarm system,  FIG. 1  is preferably set and deployed in the following manner: 
     To be baited and cast, the signal float-sliding  70  preferably has to be kept separated from the magnetic trigger float  8 . Before the bait article  1  is affixed to the hook  2 , the peg  34 , which has the fishing line  3  passing through it, is inserted into the anchor hole  30 ,  FIG. 4 , which causes the part of fishing line  3 , exiting the narrow end of the peg line hole  35 , to be folded and tightly squeezed and affixed between the wall of anchor hole  30  and the outer wall of peg  34 ,  FIG. 4 . The signal float-sliding  70  is now temporarily fixed to the fishing line  3 . There is a length of fishing line  3  between the bottom of the signal float-sliding  70  and the magnetic trigger float  8  preferably sufficient to keep the magnetic attraction between them to a negligible amount,  FIG. 4 . The bait article  1  is now impaled onto the hook  2 . The bait anchor  6  is now impaled into the bait article  1 . The magnetic trigger float  8  is now tethered to the bait article  1  by the tether line  7 ,  FIG. 4 . 
     After being baited, the signal float-sliding rig must be readied to be cast,  FIG. 5 . This is preferably done by pushing the peg  34  back out of the anchor hole  30 , enabling sliding to occur between the signal float-sliding  70  and the fishing line  3 . Before any sliding occurs, the casting spacer  36  is placed lengthwise between the bottom of the signal float-sliding  70  and the top of the magnetic trigger float  8 . The fishing line  3  reaches the interior space of the casting spacer  36  through the spacer line slot  39  where it is freely movable. The signal float-sliding  70  and the in-line casting spacer  36  are now moved along the fishing line  3  until the bottom of the casting spacer  36  presses against the top of the magnetic trigger float  8 , due to the weight of the signal float-sliding  70  resting on top of the casting spacer  36 ,  FIG. 5 . The signal float-sliding alarm system is now ready to be cast into the water. 
     After being cast into the water, a series of events occur to fully deploy the BARE HOOK/LOST BAIT ALARM SIGNAL FLOAT-SLIDING rig,  FIG. 6 , which are as follows: 
     1) The buoyant signal float-sliding  70  stays visible on the water surface  75 ,  FIG. 6 . 
     2) The bait article  1 , hook  2 , any tackle such as the line connector  4  and sinker  5 , magnetic trigger float  8 , and fishing line  3  descend from the water surface  75 ,  FIG. 6 . 
     3) As the magnetic trigger float  8  descends, the buoyant casting spacer  36  is preferably freed, and being buoyant, moves away from under the end cap  24 , away from the fishing line  3  by means of the spacer line slot  80 , toward the water surface  75 ,  FIG. 6 . 
     4) There is no longer any obstruction between the end cap  24  and the magnetic trigger float  8 ,  FIG. 6 . 
     5) The descending fishing line  3  slides downward through the signal float-sliding  70  until the affixed depth setter  45  preferably meets peg  34  and pushes peg  34  against the top cap  12 ,  FIG. 6 . The descent of fishing line  3  now ceases, presenting the hooked bait article  1  at the desired depth,  FIG. 6 . 
     After the bait article  1  is removed from the hook  2  and the bait anchor  6 , the magnetic trigger float  8  preferably floats upward along the fishing line  3  until contacting the bottom of the end cap  4 ,  FIG. 7 . 
     The loss of buoyancy and sinking below the water surface  75  of the signal float-sliding  70  now preferably occurs in the same way as previously described for the signal float-popping  69 , alerting the angler,  FIGS. 7 , and  9 . 
     Another embodiment of the BARE HOOK/LOST BAIT ALARM, replaces the signal float  11  with a lighted float known as the beacon float  53 . The beacon float  53 , FIGS.  12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , and  16 , consists of the following parts: 
     1) a one-end open tube  54 ,  FIG. 13  which is preferably transparent or translucent 
     2) a transparent or translucent cap  55 ,  FIG. 13  which preferably closes the one-end-open tube  54  in a leak proof fashion, forming a leak proof housing known as the electronics housing  59 ,  FIG. 12 . 
     3) a buoyant jacket, known as the flotation jacket  56 ,  FIG. 12 , preferably surrounds and tightly grips a circumferential section, or mostly circumferential section, of the exterior wall of the electronics housing  59  when the electronics housing  59  is inserted into the inner hollow space of the flotation jacket  56 . The flotation jacket  56  can be shaped similar to a horizontal C or O, with an interruption in its wall, from its exterior surface to its interior surface, known as the jacket line slot  51 ,  FIG. 13 . A separate through-hole, known as the jacket line guide  50 ,  FIG. 13  preferably extends from the upper surface to the lower surface of the flotation jacket  56 .
 
4) Surrounding and tightly gripping a lower portion of the electronics housing  59  is a ring, known as the ring stop  60 ,  FIG. 17 . A through-hole from the upper surface to the bottom surface of ring stop  60 , is known as the ring stop line guide  61 ,  FIGS. 12 and 13 . A flexible closed slit from the exterior sidewall of ring stop  60  into the interior of the ring stop line guide  61  may exist to allow the fishing line  3  to enter the ring stop line guide  61  from the side. At least a part of a magnetically attractive object known as the magnet captor  62 ,  FIGS. 12 ,  13 ,  14 ,  15 ,  16 , and  17  is located on the inferior surface of the ring stop  60  in close proximity to the ring stop line guide  61  and the exterior wall of the electronics housing  59 . The magnet captor  62  may also extend above the ring stop  60 .
 
     The interior of the beacon float  53 ,  FIGS. 12 and 13  contains the following: 
     5) a circuit board  65  preferably containing a battery  66 , a magnetic reed switch  67  which is normally closed in the absence of a magnetic field, and preferably two light emitting devices, such as LED chips or lamps, with one directed above the water surface, visible to the angler, known as the angler beacon  63 ,  FIGS. 13 and 16 , and the other, known as the attractor beacon  64 ,  FIGS. 13 and 16 , whose emitted light is primarily visible below the water surface. The circuit board  65  also contains all the other parts and connected circuitry to enable proper functioning of all the parts, which would be known to those skilled in the art. (A schematic,  FIG. 22 , is included.)
 
6) a line, known as the retrieval line  68 ,  FIGS. 12 and 13 , which is affixed on one end to the circuit board, the other end and the rest is positioned to be acquired and pulled upon when the circuit board is required to be removed from the open beacon float electronics housing  59 , such as when the battery needs to be replaced.
 
7) If desired, insulated ballast (sinkers), not shown, may be placed in the lower part of the electronics housing, or affixed to the exterior of the electronics housing  54  or the tether ring  60  or the float jacket  56 , in a manner that does not greatly interfere with the attractor beacon  64 .
 
     The beacon float  53  can be rigged in two ways to form THE BARE HOOK/LOST BAIT ALARM BEACON FLOAT SYSTEM 
     1) as a popping float, known as the beacon float-popping rig  71 ,  FIG. 16 , and 
     2) as a sliding float, known as the beacon float-sliding  72  rig,  FIGS. 12 ,  13 ,  14 , and  15   
     In each configuration, the entire assembly composed of the bait assembly  90  plus the beacon float-popping  71  or beacon float-sliding  72  constitutes bait fishing assembly  210 . To be rigged in the beacon float-popping  71  manner,  FIG. 16 , the fishing line  3  is passed through the jacket line slot  51  into the interior space of the flotation jacket  56 . The electronics housing  59  is inserted into the interior space of the flotation jacket  56  until the fishing line  3  is tightly pressed and held immobile between the interior wall of the flotation jacket  56  and the exterior wall of the electronics housing  59 . The length of fishing line  3  between this fixation point and the attached hook  2 , determines the submerged depth of the hooked bait article  1 . 
     Optional friction bands  FIG. 17 , which are stretchable and durable, can be placed around either the electronics housing  59 , known as the housing friction band  57 , or the flotation jacket, known as the jacket friction band  58 , or both to increase the holding power between the electronics housing  59 , the fishing line  3 , and the jacket  56 . The fishing line  3  then passes through the ring stop line guide  61 ,  FIG. 16 . 
     A distance below the ring stop  60 , the fishing line  3  preferably passes through the magnetic trigger float  8 , any line connector  4  (such as a swivel) and any optional sinker  5 , till the end of fishing line  3  affixes to the hook  2 ,  FIG. 16 . 
     The bait article  1  is impaled onto the hook  2 ,  FIG. 16 . 
     The bait anchor  6  is impaled into the bait article  1 , tethering the magnetic trigger float  8  to the bait article  1  preferably via the tether line  7 ,  FIG. 16 . 
     The distance between the trigger magnet  9  and the magnetic reed switch  67  is preferably great enough to keep the magnetic field of the trigger magnet  9  from influencing the magnetic reed switch  67 . The electric circuit is normally closed allowing light to be emitted from the angler beacon  63  and attractor beacon  64 ,  FIG. 16 . 
     To be rigged in the beacon float-sliding  72  manner,  FIGS. 12 ,  13 ,  14 , and  15 , a tether ring  38  is preferably added above the ring stop  60 , tightly fitting to the exterior wall of the electronics housing  59 . The ring stop  60  may also serve as a substitute tether ring  38 ,  FIG. 12 . 
     A flexible tether line or ribbon, known as the spacer tether  37 , attaches to the tether ring  38  on one end and to a casting spacer  36 , on the other end. 
     The fishing line  3  is preferably passed though the peg line hole  35  of the peg  34 ,  FIG. 12 . A depth setter  45  is affixed to the fishing line  3  preferably above the peg  34 , between the fish-ing pole/rod-reel  43 . and the peg  34 ,  FIG. 12 . 
     Then the fishing line  3  is preferably passed through the top surface of the flotation jacket  56  through the jacket line guide  50 , and out from the bottom of the flotation jacket  56 ,  FIG. 12 . 
     The fishing line  3  next passes through the ring stop line guide  61 ,  FIG. 12 . The casting spacer  36  is placed under the bottom of the beacon float-sliding  72  and the fishing line  3  slides through the spacer line slot  39  to the interior space of the casting spacer  36  and out through the bottom end of the casting spacer  36 . 
     The fishing line  3  then preferably continues down through the magnetic trigger float via the connecting tube  10 . The fishing line  3  then exits the bottom of the magnetic trigger float  8 , continuing through any optional sinkers  5  and any line connector  4 . The fishing line  3  terminates by being affixed to the hook eye  52  of hook/jig-head hook  2 . 
     The beacon float-sliding  72  rests on top of the casting spacer  36 ,  FIG. 12 . The bottom of the casting spacer  36  rests on top of the magnetic trigger float  8 , similar to  FIG. 5 . 
     The bottom of trigger float  8 , preferably rests on either an optional sinker  5 , a line connector  4 , or the hook eye  52 , similar to  FIG. 5 ,  FIG. 12 . 
     The bait article  1  is affixed to the hook  2 ,  FIG. 12 . 
     The bait anchor  6  is impaled into the bait article  1 , anchoring the magnetic trigger float  8  to the bait article  1  via the tether line  7 ,  FIG. 12 . 
     The beacon float-sliding rigged BARE HOOK/LOST BAIT ALARM, is now ready to be cast into the water. 
     The casting sequences of the beacon float-popping rig and the beacon float-sliding rig mimic the casting sequences of the respective signal float-popping rig  69  and the signal float-sliding rig  70 . 
     For both beacon float rigs,  FIGS. 14 ,  15 , and  16 . 
     After the bait article  1 , is removed from the hook  2 ,  FIG. 15 , and the bait anchor  6 , the magnetic trigger float  8  is able to freely ascend along the fishing line  3  until the magnetic trigger float  8  reaches the ring stop  60 . The trigger magnet  9  is attracted to and affixes to the magnet captor  62 , which holds the trigger magnet  9  in close enough proximity to the magnetic reed switch  67 , located in the waterproof electronics housing  59 , to enable the magnetic field of the trigger magnet  9  to influence the magnetic reed switch  67 . As a result the normally closed circuit becomes open, cutting off the electrical current to the angler beacon  63  and the attractor beacon  64 ,  FIG. 15 . The resulting loss of light emission notifies the angler to see if the hook  2  is bare,  FIG. 15 . 
     The circuitry and electronics could be modified so that only the angler beacon  63  is turned off and the attractor beacon  64  continues to emit light when the magnetic reed switch  67  changes from closed to open. 
     The color of the emitted light from the beacon float  53  above the water surface  75  preferably is one that is best seen by the human eye at night (for example, white) or that does not hamper human vision at night (for example, red or green). 
     The color of the light emitted from the beacon float  53  below the water surface preferably is one that is easily seen by the fish and is also non-threatening, such as green. 
     The beacon float  53  could also have only an angler beacon  63  which may also function, if only partially, as an attractor beacon  64 . 
     A suitable lighted beacon float schematic is shown in  FIG. 22 . The detector switch S 1  preferably consists of any electromechanical device that detects the bait article  1  has been released. The detector switch S 1  is a normally closed magnetic reed switch. The switch S 1  allows current to flow from the battery B 1 , to the circuit. When bait article  1  is released, a cascade of events occur, which results in the switch S 1  opening and thereby interrupting the current flow. 
     Integrated circuit U 1  and inductor L 1  comprise a boost converter. The boost converter boosts the nominal 1.5V battery voltage to a voltage that is appropriate to forward bias the two parallel connected LEDs, LED1 and LED2, determined by the forward on voltage of the LEDs. This particular boost converter regulates the boost current. The output voltage is determined by the forward on voltage of the LEDs. The boost converter provides the boost current by switching the current through L 1  at a high frequency rate. In this particular implementation, the switching frequency is preferably approximately 500 kHz. The value of L 1  preferably determines the forward bias current to the LEDs. 
     Capacitor C 2  enhances the circuit performance by lowering the high frequency impedance of the battery. C 2  is not essential to the function of this circuit. C 2  has the effect of extending battery life by lowering the battery impedance on a pulse by pulse basis. 
     Diode D 1  (e.g. a parallel connected Schottky-type) with the filter capacitor C 1  further enhance the circuit performance by minimizing the peak pulse current to the LEDs. The output from the boost converter circuit is preferably a series of pulses. These pulses may exceed the peak current of certain LEDs that may be used. The D 1  and C 1  filter circuit converts these pulses to an average current level of a lower level. D 1  and C 1  are not essential components for the function of this circuit. The use of these components depends on the specific boost convert type and LEDs selected. 
     LED1 and LED2 are preferably light emitting diodes. This circuit shows the LEDs in parallel however, depending on the type of LEDs selected, the LEDs may be connected in series. 
     A transmitter can be used to signal the angler preferably with an alarm (e.g., sound, vibration, etc.). A transmitter such as shown in  FIG. 23  could be employed. This can be used by itself or with, for example, the LEDs of  FIG. 22 . The detector consists of any electromechanical device that detects the bait article  1  has been released. The detector can be a magnetic reed switch. The output of the detector is a signal that starts the timer in the encoder circuit. 
     The duty cycle senses the output from the detector. The duty cycle timer provides an enabling signal out to the encoder. The duty cycle determines the length of time between transmit bursts. The duty cycle limit is a regulatory requirement for low power, unlicensed transmitters. 
     The encoder is enabled by the output signal from the duty cycle timer. The encoder is preferably a user programmable serial shifter register pulse generator that allows the user to select one of N identity codes. N can be any number without limit but typically will be between 2 6 and 2 10. The output of the encoder is a series of pulse, N bit long. The RF transmitter can be any RF signal source with modulator. In the simplest case the transmitter may be only a single transistor oscillator modulated directly by the encoder to provide on-off keying (OOK). 
     The output of the transmitter is connected to an antenna. In the system of the present invention, the antenna can be a simple wire monopole; however any antenna may be used provided the overall transmitter complies with the regulations for unlicensed transmitters. 
     The receiver is shown in the diagram of  FIG. 24 . The RF receiver can be any receiver circuit that is compatible with the transmitter. The receiver can be a simple AM receiver that detects the OOK and provides a pulse output. 
     The decoder is preferably a serial shift register and comparator that is user programmable with one-of-N identity codes. N can be any number without limit but typically will be between 2 6 and 2 10. The user selects an identity code that matches the code in the transmitter. If the decoder detects a match, an output signal pulse occurs. 
     The timer preferably conditions the decoder output by extending the pulse length to provide a suitable signal to the enunciator. The timer is also used to set the length of time the receiver circuits are one. The timer duty cycle is set so as to conserve battery power in the portable implementation. 
     The enunciator can be any signal device such as a tone alert, vibration, or flashing light. 
     The simplest embodiment of the invention,  FIGS. 18 and 19 , uses anon magnetic trigger float  8  to signal the angler. This embodiment is used when the angler wishes to flat line rig, meaning there is no float normally on the water surface  75 ,  FIG. 18 . When the bait article  1  is removed from the hook  2  and the bait anchor  6 , the non-magnetic trigger float  8  is freed and travels upward along the fishing line  3  to the water surface  75 ,  FIG. 19 . The trigger float  8  is now visible to the angler,  FIG. 19 , alerting the angler to the need to rebait the hook  2 . 
     In another embodiment of the invention,  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ,  27 ,  31 ,  32 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 ,  40 ,  41 ,  42  and  43 , some previously described parts are modified, removed, relocated and some parts are added.  FIGS. 25 ,  26 ,  36 ,  37 ,  38 ,  39 , and  41  all display a sinking float  100 . The complete configuration which utilizes sinking float  100  plus bait assembly  90  is referred to as bait fishing assembly  220  and can be seen in  FIGS. 36-39  and  41 .  FIG. 44  displays a simplified sinking float  110  and  FIG. 45  displays a simplified sinking float  120 . The entire assembly incorporating simplified sinking float  110  plus bait assembly  90  constitutes bait fishing assembly  230 . The entire assembly incorporating simplified sinking float  120  plus bait assembly  90  constitutes bait fishing assembly  240 . Parts that are removed are the upper piston seal  16 , the piston spring  20 , the spring tensioner  21 , and the base plate  22 . The piston seal guide  46 , is modified by shrinking its inner diameter until it is slightly greater than the outer diameter of the piston tube  15 , leaving intact the unrestricted vertical movement of the piston tube  15 . The piston seal guide  46 , becomes the piston guide  77 ,  FIG. 39 , and keeps the piston tube  15 , oriented vertically in line with the top cap line hole  25 , The piston spring  20  and the spring tensioner  21  are removed. In their place is an annular magnet known as the tube body magnet  76 ,  FIGS. 36 ,  39 , and  42 , which is located on the interior bottom surface of the bottom cap  14 . The piston tube  15  passes freely through the interior space of the tube body magnet  76 . 
     The polarity of the tube body magnet  76  is oriented to attract the water vent magnet  19  and press the water vent seal  18  around the water vent  17 , sealing the water vent  17  to prevent the flooding of water into the signal float  100 ,  FIGS. 26 ,  36 ,  41 , and  42 . When the trigger float magnet  9  is in close proximity to the exterior bottom surface of the end cap  24 , the magnetic attraction between the trigger float magnet  9  and the water vent magnet  19  is great enough to pull the water vent magnet  19  away from the tube body magnet  76  towards the interior bottom surface of the end cap  24 ,  FIG. 37 . This downward displacement also moves the piston tube  15  and the water vent seal  18  downward, allowing water to pass through the water vent  17  into the interior of the signal float  11 ,  FIG. 37 . 
     Either the water vent magnet  19  or one of the other magnets the tube body magnet  76  or the trigger float magnet  9 , may be replaced by less expensive ferrous, magnetically attracted material in annular shape as long as the same balance of attractions and movements are retained. 
     The anchor hole  30  is relocated to the central top of the plateau  47  surrounding the top cap line hole  31  and is renamed the anchor socket  80 ,  FIG. 25 . The sides of the plateau  47  are now not fenestrated. 
     A double peg  79 ,  FIGS. 27 ,  28  and,  36 , replaces the single peg  34 ,  FIGS. 29 and 30 , when rigging the signal float  11  in the popping configuration  69 ,  FIGS. 36 ,  37 , and  40 . The double peg  79  is shaped like two single pegs  34  parallel to each other and connected by a bridge between the wide end of each peg; one of the legs of the double peg  79 , fits into the anchor socket  80  and pinches the fishing line against the walls of the double peg  79  leg and the anchor socket  80 ,  FIG. 40 , which sets the depth of the hook  2 . The other leg of the double peg  79  fits into one of the light sockets  33 ,  FIG. 40  and provides extra holding power to prevent unwanted displacement of the double peg  79 . 
     The auxiliary vent hole  32  is relocated to the flat surface to the side and below the plateau  47  and enters the interior of the signal float  11 ,  FIG. 43 . There may be one or more auxiliary vent holes  32 ,  FIG. 43 . 
     The chamber vents  74  in the magnet chamber walls  73  may be replaced by solid walls. The cap vents  26  may be relocated to the bottom of the end cap  24  and positioned peripherally around the end cap line hole  25 ,  FIG. 26 . There may be one or more cap vents  26 . 
     In another embodiment,  FIG. 44 , the invention is further simplified by merging the top cap  12  and the tube body  13  into a single piece known as the float body  81 . 
     Either one or both of the light sockets  33  may be eliminated. The double peg  79  may be eliminated, reverting back to using the single peg  34  in the popping configuration,  FIG. 44 . 
     The ballast sockets  27  may be eliminated,  FIG. 44 . Ballast sinkers  28  may be small enough to not interfere with the piston tube  15 &#39;s vertical movement and may serve double duty as noisemakers since they are now free to bounce around the interior of the signal float. 
     A small float, similar to the trigger float  8  is added to the interior top of the float body  81 . This float material forms a friction fit with the peg  34  in the popping float configuration of the sinking float,  FIG. 44 , and is known as the peg anchor  82 . The peg anchor  82  also serves to replace the piston guide  77 , as the piston tube  15  can use the central hole  83  of the peg anchor  82  as a guide,  FIG. 44 . 
     The peg anchor  82  may be held securely in place against the downward force experienced when the peg  34  is pushed into the peg anchor  82  by a locking collar  84 ,  FIG. 44 . The locking collar  84  is a tubular segment of semi-rigid material which may have a lengthwise longitudinal gap in one segment of its wall. The locking collar  84  fits tightly against the peg anchor  82  and the interior walls of the float tube body  81 ,  FIG. 44 . The longitudinal slit allows the locking collar  84  to change its inner and outer dimensions so as to be able to be used in different inner diameter float bodies  81 . The anchor socket  80  totally absorbs the top cap line hole  31  and may be shorter becoming more of an anchor/line hole  85  than a socket,  FIG. 44 . 
     An auxiliary vent hole  32 , one or more, may be located peripheral to the anchor/line hole  85 , which will communicate with the interior of the float tube body  78 . Longitudinal vent tunnels may also be located on the peg anchor  82  to allow communication with the main interior of the float tube body. The peg line hole  35  may also allow for the transit of air between the atmosphere and the interior of the float tube body in the popping float configuration,  FIG. 44 . 
     There may be an upper extension of the outer walls of the float body  81  past the top surface. This extension will turn the upper surface of the float body  81  into a cup-like depression known as the popping chamber  86 ,  FIG. 44 . The walls of the popping chamber  86  may be slotted or fenestrated to allow water to easily escape after the popping maneuver. 
     This simplified sinking signal float embodiment  110 ,  FIG. 44 , shown in the popping configuration, may also be rigged as a sinking signal float in a sliding configuration (not shown). In the sliding configuration, the rigging would be similar to  FIGS. 38 ,  39 , and  41 , including the depth setter  45  and casting spacer  36 . 
       FIG. 45  shows a simplified sinking signal float  120 , similar to that shown in  FIG. 44 , but it additionally includes a piston tube coupler  87 . 
     In all the sinking float embodiments, if there were to be differing sizes, small, medium and large, etc., there could be interchangeable parts for each size. For example, parts from the small size float such as the bottom cap  14 , end cap  24 , tube body magnet  76 , water vent seal  18 , water vent magnet  19 , piston tube  15 , trigger magnet  9 , trigger float  8 , tether line  7 , bait anchor  6 , casting spacer  36 , peg  34 , double peg  79  could be used in the other corresponding sizes. For the shorter piston tube  15 , one would add a piston tube coupler  87 , and another proper length of piston tube to increase length. One could also add a piston tube coupler  87  to the surface float shown in  FIGS. 1-11  and  25 - 44  so that the float sizes can be interchangeable from small to medium to large as well. Also, the lengths of the exterior tube of the float can be changed in the same manner (by adding a coupler and another section). Also, one could use a corrugated accordion-style piston tube and/or a corrugated accordion-style exterior tube to alter length. 
     The float shown in  FIGS. 18 and 19  (and the trigger floats  8  in other figures) is preferably sized such that its buoyancy is overcome by the impaled bait, the hook, or their combination. 
     All signal float embodiments may have spaces suitable for logos, advertisements, names, photos, and other printed materials and decals of suitable materials for a marine and outdoor environment. For example, but not limited to, a photo of a newborn baby&#39;s face could be incorporated into a pirate costume decal with suitable congratulation phraseology and be applied to the signal float and handed out to people instead of the traditional cigars. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
             
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 PARTS LIST: 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Part Number 
                 Description 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 1. 
                 bait article 
               
               
                 2. 
                 hook 
               
               
                 3. 
                 fishing line 
               
               
                 4. 
                 line connector 
               
               
                 5. 
                 sinker 
               
               
                 6. 
                 bait anchor (may be barbed) 
               
               
                 7. 
                 tether line 
               
               
                 8. 
                 trigger (first) float 
               
               
                 9. 
                 trigger magnet 
               
               
                 10. 
                 connecting tube 
               
               
                 11. 
                 signal (second) float 
               
               
                 12. 
                 top cap 
               
               
                 13. 
                 tube body 
               
               
                 14. 
                 bottom cap 
               
               
                 15. 
                 piston tube 
               
               
                 16. 
                 upper piston seal 
               
               
                 17. 
                 water vent 
               
               
                 18. 
                 water vent seal 
               
               
                 19. 
                 water vent magnet 
               
               
                 20. 
                 piston spring 
               
               
                 21. 
                 spring tensioner 
               
               
                 22. 
                 base plate 
               
               
                 23. 
                 magnet chamber 
               
               
                 24. 
                 end cap 
               
               
                 25. 
                 end cap line hole 
               
               
                 26. 
                 cap vents 
               
               
                 27. 
                 ballast sockets 
               
               
                 28. 
                 ballast sinkers 
               
               
                 29. 
                 noisemakers 
               
               
                 30. 
                 anchor hole 
               
               
                 31. 
                 top cap line hole 
               
               
                 32. 
                 auxiliary vent hole 
               
               
                 33. 
                 light socket 
               
               
                 34. 
                 peg 
               
               
                 35. 
                 peg line hole 
               
               
                 36. 
                 casting spacer 
               
               
                 37. 
                 spacer tether 
               
               
                 38. 
                 spacer tether ring 
               
               
                 39. 
                 spacer line slot 
               
               
                 40. 
                 fenestrations 
               
               
                 41. 
                 hook line guide 
               
               
                 42. 
                 slide stoppers 
               
               
                 43. 
                 fishing pole/rod-reel 
               
               
                 44. 
                 light stick 
               
               
                 45. 
                 depth setter 
               
               
                 46. 
                 piston seal guide 
               
               
                 47. 
                 plateau 
               
               
                 48. 
                 trigger float line hole 
               
               
                 49. 
                 trigger magnet line hole 
               
               
                 50. 
                 jacket line guide 
               
               
                 51. 
                 jacket line slot 
               
               
                 52. 
                 hook eye 
               
               
                 53. 
                 beacon float 
               
               
                 54. 
                 one-end-open tube 
               
               
                 55. 
                 cap 
               
               
                 56. 
                 flotation jacket 
               
               
                 57. 
                 housing friction band 
               
               
                 58. 
                 jacket friction band 
               
               
                 59. 
                 electronics housing 
               
               
                 60. 
                 ring stop 
               
               
                 61. 
                 ring stop line guide 
               
               
                 62. 
                 magnet captor 
               
               
                 63. 
                 angler beacon 
               
               
                 64. 
                 attractor beacon 
               
               
                 65. 
                 circuit board 
               
               
                 66. 
                 battery 
               
               
                 67. 
                 magnetic reed switch - normally closed 
               
               
                 68. 
                 retrieval line 
               
               
                 69. 
                 signal float - popping 
               
               
                 70. 
                 signal float - sliding 
               
               
                 71. 
                 beacon float -popping 
               
               
                 72. 
                 beacon float - sliding 
               
               
                 73. 
                 magnet chamber walls 
               
               
                 74. 
                 chamber vents 
               
               
                 75. 
                 water surface 
               
               
                 76. 
                 tube body magnet 
               
               
                 77. 
                 piston guide 
               
               
                 78. 
                 tube body 
               
               
                 79. 
                 double peg 
               
               
                 80. 
                 anchor socket 
               
               
                 81. 
                 float body 
               
               
                 82. 
                 peg anchor 
               
               
                 83. 
                 central hole 
               
               
                 84. 
                 locking collar 
               
               
                 85. 
                 anchor/line hole 
               
               
                 86. 
                 popping chamber 
               
               
                 90. 
                 bait assembly 
               
               
                 100. 
                 sinking float 
               
               
                 110. 
                 simplified sinking float 
               
               
                 111. 
                 signal float 
               
               
                 120. 
                 simplified sinking float 
               
               
                 200. 
                 bait fishing assembly 
               
               
                 210. 
                 bait fishing assembly 
               
               
                 220. 
                 bait fishing assembly 
               
               
                 230. 
                 bait fishing assembly 
               
               
                 240. 
                 bait fishing assembly 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     All measurements disclosed herein are at standard temperature and pressure, at sea level on Earth, unless indicated otherwise. All materials used or intended to be used in a human being are biocompatible, unless indicated otherwise. 
     The foregoing embodiments are presented by way of example only; the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the following claims.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0