AU2010202073A1 - An Apparatus and Method for Long Line Fishing - Google Patents

Description

James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 AN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR LONG LINE FISHING TECHNICAL FIELD 5 The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for fishing. The present invention has particular application to long line fishing. BACKGROUND ART In New Zealand, fishing is a popular recreational activity. One common method used to catch fish is through the setting of a kontiki long line 10 A kontiki long line, referred to henceforth simply as a long line, consists of a number of baited fishing hooks hanging from a single line. Often used in commercial fisheries, a long line may have hundreds of hooks when a long line is set from a vessel at sea. A long line can also be set from land, which is an approach mainly used in 15 recreational fishing. When a long line is set from land, New Zealand fishing regulations stipulate that the long line may not have anymore than 25 hooks in the water at any one time. A land set long line requires a fisherman to take one end of the line out to sea, the line running from anchoring point on the sea shore to a buoy or the like. 20 Usually, a fisherman will use a small vessel, such as a kayak or dinghy, to set the seaward end of the long line. This is laborious and time consuming, as the dinghy or kayak needs to be launched before the fisherman can make their way to sea. This also needs to be done each time the long line is brought in to land for clearing or re-baiting the hooks. 1 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 On some coastlines, for example New Zealand's West Coast, launching and re launching small vessels can be dangerous, due to the surf conditions that are typical of West Coast beaches. New Zealand has one of the world's highest drowning rates per capita. Many of the fatalities occur along the West Coast 5 beaches due to the dangerous surf conditions. Furthermore, overturning of the kayak or dinghy can cause the long line to become tangled. This requires considerable extra work on the part of the fisherman to correct. Instead of exposing themselves to the risk of launching a small vessel in surf 10 conditions, a fisherman may opt to use a "torpedo" to launch a long line from the beach. A torpedo is a small self-propelled unit configured to move through water trawling an attached long line. Due to the components that are incorporated in to a torpedo, such as heavy duty batteries and motors, they can be extremely 15 expensive to purchase, particularly for recreational fisherman. To clear or re-bait the long line means that a torpedo launched long line must be reeled in and appropriately serviced before being re-launched. Alternatively, the fisherman may wait for the torpedo to return to shore on the prevailing tide or currents, before re-launching the long line with its re-baited hooks. 20 Torpedoes are easily lost at sea. Surf action, as well as sharks mistaking the torpedo for prey, is the primary reason for losing a torpedo. Another major factor in the loss of a torpedo is failure or breakage of the long line itself. If the fisherman is fortunate, the torpedo may return to the sea shore upon an incoming tide or current, but this may take several hours or even days. 25 There is also no guarantee that the torpedo will return to the same beach from 2 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 where it was launched. It can be appreciated therefore that a cheaper, and less dangerous, alternative to setting a long line from a sea shore is desired. All references, including any patents or patent applications cited in this 5 specification are hereby incorporated by reference. No admission is made that any reference constitutes prior art. The discussion of the references states what their authors assert, and the applicants reserve the right to challenge the accuracy and pertinency of the cited documents. It will be clearly understood that, although a number of prior art publications are referred to herein, this reference does not 10 constitute an admission that any of these documents form part of the common general knowledge in the art, in New Zealand or in any other country. It is acknowledged that the term 'comprise' may, under varying jurisdictions, be attributed with either an exclusive or an inclusive meaning. For the purpose of this specification, and unless otherwise noted, the term 'comprise' shall have an 15 inclusive meaning - i.e. that it will be taken to mean an inclusion of not only the listed components it directly references, but also other non-specified components or elements. This rationale will also be used when the term 'comprised' or 'comprising' is used in relation to one or more steps in a method or process. It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoing problems or at least 20 to provide the public with a useful choice. Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of example only. DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus 25 for long line fishing which includes 3 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 a long line, and at least one land based receiver for a long line, and a flotation device with a receiver for a long line, characterised in that the apparatus includes a transfer mechanism configured to 5 transfer at least a portion of the long line to and from the floatation device and the land based receiver. According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of long line fishing, which includes the steps of a) connecting a long line to a buoy, and 10 b) placing the buoy in the sea characterised by the additional step of c) retrieving at least a portion of the long line to land using a transfer mechanism such that the long line remains attached to the buoy at sea. A long line should be understood to mean a length of fishing line with multiple 15 fishing hooks. Preferably there are a series of secondary fishing lines which are suspended from the primary long line, each secondary line having a fishing hook attached. The term land based is used to indicate the positioning of a receiver so that the fisherman can have ready access to the receiver from land. For example, a 20 receiver may be positioned on a beach above the high tide mark. Alternatively, the receiver may be positioned between the high tide and low tide, such that even when the tide is in, the receiver is in shallow water and still accessible when the tide is in. 4 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 A receiver for a long line should be understood to mean any apparatus configured to receive at least a portion of the length of a long line. For example, the receiver may be a container for long line or a cylindrical member about which filamentary material such as a long line may be wound. 5 In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the land based receiver is a reel. Preferably, the reel may be configured with a spindle, with end plates at either end of the spindle, to prevent the long line from winding off the spindle of the reel. In preferred embodiments, the spindle of the reel is provided with an aperture. 10 This allows the reel to mounted to an axle-like member to facilitation rotation of the reel. The long line may be wound or unwound about the spindle of the reel. Preferably, the reel may be configured to be mounted to a stand to allow the reel to be self supporting. In some embodiments of the present invention, the reel may be 15 provided with an integral stand. The stand may be manufactured from any suitable material, such as plastics material, but preferably is manufactured from a corrosion resistant alloy, such as aluminium. Preferably the stand is configured with a ground engaging member. The ground 20 engaging member may be a weighted base or foot. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the ground engaging member is a spike which allows the stand to be easily inserted in to the ground with minimal force. 5 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the stand may have up to four legs, each leg being provided with a spike. It is the applicant's experience that three to four legs are desired due to the extra stability provided by the legs to the stand. 5 In some embodiments of the present invention, the legs of the stand may be constructed with members that are telescopically slideable to allow the stand to be collapsible for the purpose of storage and transportation. The slideable members may be locked into place using detents, locking pins, or similar means that will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art. 10 Preferably, the stand may be configured with at least one pulley wheel about its upper surface. A pulley wheel should be understood to mean a wheel spinning on bearings or an axle. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the stand is configured with two pulley wheels. In this embodiment of the present invention, the pulley wheels are connected via a 15 continuous belt. Thus, when one pulley wheel is rotated, the other pulley wheel also rotates. In this manner, the rotation of the reels can be synchronised. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other methods may be used to facilitate this effect. For example, the reels may be mounted to interlocking toothed cogs such that rotation of one reel causes rotation of the other reel. 20 The long line reels may be secured to the upper surface of the pulley wheel. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that the reels may be configured to be rotationally mounted directly to the stand. In this alternative embodiment of the present invention, there may not be pulley wheels, and synchronisation of the reels is achieved via a linkage between the end plates of the reels. 25 Preferably, the upwards facing end plate of the long line reel may be configured 6 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 with a crank handle or similar. This allows a user to rotate the long line reel using the handle. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, there are two long line reels. Each long line reel is mounted to the upwards facing surface of the pulley wheel. 5 Preferably, the upwards facing surface of the pulley wheel is configured with a central spindle arising from its surface. This spindle is complementary to the aperture running through the spindle of the long line reel. In some embodiments of the present invention, the reels may only be temporarily mounted to the spindle of the pulleys. One or both reels may be turned over, such 10 that the rotation of the reels can no longer be synchronised. This may be necessary to wind or unwind one portion of the line to increase slack in the long line or alternatively, make the long line taut. In some embodiments of the present invention, either the reels or the stand may include guides to assist in the collection and/or dispensing of the long line. In 15 these embodiments, the guide may be mounted to elongate arms extending forward of the reels. The arms may include a ring or loop through which the line may pass. The flotation device should be understood to mean any apparatus configured to float in water. For example, the floatation device may be a water tight vessel such 20 as a plastic bottle or a light weight block of material such as polystyrene. Preferably, the floatation device is a buoyant frame. In preferred embodiments of the present invention the floatation device is configured with a frame to which buoys are attached. The frame may be manufactured from a metal alloy such as aluminium but preferably is made from 25 plastics material such as polyethylene or poly vinyl chloride (PVC). 7 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 Plastics materials such as PVC are preferred due to their longevity in marine or fresh water conditions. Plastics materials are also relatively inexpensive to source and manufacture. Furthermore, these materials add to the buoyancy of the overall flotation device. 5 In some embodiments of the present invention, the frame may be sufficiently buoyant that there is no requirement for buoys. In some embodiments of the present invention, the frame may be constructed with members that are telescopically slideable to allow the frame to be collapsible for the purpose of storage and transportation. The slideable members may be locked 10 into place using detents, locking pins, or similar means that will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art. The frame of the floatation device may be provided with a transfer mechanism. Preferably, the frame is provided with at least one receiver for the long line. The receiver may be a storage container for long line, but preferably is a reel or pulley. 15 The frame of the flotation device may be provided with an anchoring means, for example a loop or cleat into which an anchoring rope or chain may be secured to anchor the flotation device. The flotation device may be configured with a transfer mechanism. A transfer mechanism should be understood to mean a mechanism by which at least a 20 portion of the long line is transferred to the flotation device from the land based receiver. For example, the transfer mechanism may be a belt or gearing, Preferably, the transfer mechanism is a pulley to facilitate transfer of at least a portion of the long line from at least one reel of the land based receiver. The pulley may be manufactured from metal, but preferably is manufactured from plastics 25 material such as PVC, rubber, or nylon. These materials are preferred due to their 8 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 longevity in the marine environment. Preferably, the flotation device is provided with two spatially separated pulleys as the incoming portion of the long line passing through a single pulley is more likely to become overlapped and entangled with the outgoing portion of the long line. 5 It is the applicant's experience that having two spatially separated pulleys reduces the risk of the long line becoming entangled. In some embodiments of the present invention, the pulleys of the flotation device may be mounted to outriggers arising from the frame of the flotation device. This has the effect of placing further spatial separation between incoming and outgoing 10 portions of the long line. The frame of the flotation device may be of any configuration, but the applicant has found that a triangular frame is ideal, as mounting the pulleys on two adjacent corners provides the necessary spatial separation to minimise entanglement of incoming and outgoing portions of the long line. 15 Wind and sea action also acts upon a triangular form to orient the frame such that one side of the triangle is approximately parallel to the sea shore, with a corner of the triangular frame facing to windward. The windward facing corner of the flotation device may be configured with a loop of other means of securing an anchoring means for the flotation device, such as an 20 anchor attached to a rope or chain. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other configurations for the frame of the flotation device are envisaged. For example, the frame may be a single length of PVC tubing with pulleys at both ends of the tubing, and an anchoring point at one end or the middle portion of the tubing. 9 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 The land based receiver and the flotation device receiver should be understood to represent the end points of a continuous circuit about which a long line can be transferred. The long line passes through the pulleys of the flotation device, while alternatively, 5 at the land based receiver, the long line is being collected on one reel, and being dispensed from the other reel. This manipulation of the long line permits the movement of the hooks on a seaward portion of the long line to be returned to the land so that a fisherman may service the hooks as required, 10 At the same time, a landward portion of the line (along with attached baited and set hooks), travels seaward, effectively replacing the hooks which have just be returned to land. This allows near uninterrupted fishing using the long line, unlike the prior art which requires a fisherman to retrieve the long line in its entirety in order to service the 15 hooks. This also easily meets the New Zealand fishing regulations of ensuring no more than the maximum permitted number of hooks are used. The flotation device may be retrieved without the aid of a small vessel by reversing the direction of rotation of one of the reels of the land based receiver. When this 20 occurs, one reel rotates clockwise while the other rotates anti-clockwise. This has the effect of causing collection of dispensed long line onto both reels, effectively winching in the flotation device. In some embodiments of the present invention, the anchor of the flotation device may automatically become separated from the flotation device so that the flotation 25 device is easily retrieved without the encumbrance of the anchor. 10 James & Wells 129002RFIAU/47 In these embodiments, the anchor may be a bag constructed from canvas or plastics material, and filled with sand. Preferably, the bag is made from plastics material or biodegradable film. A film is preferred as when the flotation device is retrieved, the anchoring rope will tear through the film, separating the frame from 5 the anchor. The frame can then be returned to shore without requiring a vessel to retrieve the flotation device. The film can then naturally biodegrade in the marine environment. However, persons skilled in the art will appreciate that other methods of separating the flotation device from its anchor are envisaged. For example, a timing device 10 may activate apparatus acting upon the anchor rope, such as a blade or acid. However, in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the flotation device may be provided with a quick release for a conventional anchor. In these embodiments, the long line may include a large ball bearing or the like which, upon reaching the flotation device, passes through or otherwise engages with a spring 15 loaded lever or the like linked to the anchor. Actuation of the lever causes the release of the anchor. Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that this embodiment of the invention works well with a fixed mooring. A fixed mooring typically includes an anchor, or a similarly dense objects such as blocks of concrete or the like, linked to a flotation 20 device such as a buoy via a rope or chain. The advantage of this embodiment means that the user of the invention need only make one trip to the fixed mooring, to secure the flotation device. The quick release mechanism means that the flotation device can be retrieved, through winding in of the long line, without a further trip to the anchoring means to retrieve the flotation device. 25 It should be noted that in preferred embodiments of the present invention, the long line is provided with stopper rings in the portion of the long line adjacent to the 11 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 hooks. These ensure that the hooks of the long line do not run through the pulleys of the flotation device. The stopper rings may also act as a visual aid so that the long line is clearly visible to other users of the water being fished. The stopper rings may be of a highly 5 visible colour, or alternatively be provided with mountings for flags or buoys which achieve the same effect of drawing attention to the long line. In some embodiments of the present invention, the long line may be provided with small flotation devices such as miniature buoys. Alternatively, buoys can be clipped onto the long line as the line is dispensed. Buoys can provide useful 10 reference points for the user to determine when all the hooks have been set, as well as ensuring that the hooks of the long line cannot pass through the pulleys of the flotation device. In some embodiments of the present invention, the land based receiver may be used with outriggers. 15 Outriggers should be understood to mean apparatus intended to extend at least a portion of the long line away from the land based receiver. Preferably, the outrigger may be an elongated pole. For example, the outrigger may be a length of wood or metal alloy but preferably is a length of PVC tubing, In some embodiments of the present invention, the outrigger may be constructed 20 with members that are telescopically slideable to allow the outrigger to be collapsible for the purpose of storage and transportation. The slideable members may be locked into place using detents, locking pins, or similar means that will be readily apparent to a person skilled in the art. Preferably, the outrigger is provided with a ground engaging member. The ground 25 engaging member of the outrigger may be a weighted base or foot. 12 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the ground engaging member of the outrigger is a spike which allows the stand to be easily inserted in to the ground with minimal force. Preferably, the outrigger is provided with a transfer mechanism secured to the 5 upper portion of the outrigger. In preferred embodiments of the present invention, the transfer mechanism is a pulley. In use, long line runs from a reel through the pulley of the outrigger, the outrigger being placed spatially outwards and seaward (although still on land) from the land based receiver. 10 Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that this has the effect of placing spatial separation of the outgoing and incoming portion of the long line, thus reducing the risks that these portions of the long line will overlap and become entangled. When the long line is being retrieved or dispensed, the outriggers can be taken down so that the landward hooks may be serviced as required. Alternatively, the 15 outriggers can used to demarcate a portion of long line to which hooks can be fitted in preparation for use. The present invention offers a number of advantages over the prior art: " As one set of fish hooks is retrieved from the water, the replacement set of fish hooks is immersed. This ensures that at any one time, there are 20 always at least 25 hooks immersed in the water as per the current New Zealand fishing regulations for land based long line fishing. * Servicing of the hooks of the long line is now able to be facilitated on land, while the apparatus is still fishing the sea water. * The apparatus is configured such that a fisherman need only row out once 13 James & Wells 129002RFIAU/47 to the sea in order to place the floatation device in the sea. Q Once anchored to sea, the floatation device can be left in situ. There is no need to return the floatation device in order to re-bait and service the long line. 5 a Furthermore, by turning over one of the land based reels, the entire apparatus can be winched to shore without need for collecting the floatation device from the sea by boat. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Further aspects of the present invention will become apparent from the following 10 description which is given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 a side view of the land based receiver of the present invention; and Figure 2 a plan view of the land based receiver of the present invention, and Figure 3 a plan view of the flotation device of the present invention, and 15 Figure 4 a perspective view of the present invention in use. BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The land based receiver (generally indicated by arrow 1) is illustrated in Figure 1. The land based receiver (1) includes a stand (2) and two long line reels (3, 4) mounted to the stand (2) such that the spindles (5, 6) are rotating on a vertical 20 axis. The long line (not shown) is collected and held on the spindles (5, 6) of the reels (3, 4). 14 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 The reels (3, 4) can be rotated using handles (7, 8), which has been affixed to the upper end plates (9, 10) of the reels (3, 4). The reels (3, 4) are mounted to pulleys (11, 12). Running between the pulleys (11, 12) is an endless belt (13). 5 Rotation of one reel (3) by the handle (7) will cause rotation of the other reel (4) through the action of the belt (13) on the pulley (12) of the reel (4) not being directly rotated by the user. The land based receiver (1) is held upright by legs (14, 15, additional legs not shown) with spikes (16, 17) of the stand (2), which are easy to insert Into the beach 10 (18). The land based receiver (1) is illustrated in plan view in Figure 2. The stand (2) is supported by additional legs (dashed outlines (19, 20) for extra stability. The direction of rotation of the reels (3, 4) can be better appreciated in this view. The mounting of the reels (3, 4) allows rotation of the reels (3, 4) in the direction 15 indicated by arrows (21, 22), assisted by the pulleys (not shown) drive by the belt (13). However, one reel (4) can be made to rotate in the opposite direction (23), by disconnecting the belt (13) from the pulley (not shown) and rotating the reel (4) using the handle (not shown for sake of clarity). 20 The flotation device (24) is illustrated in Figure 3, and includes a frame (25) arranged in a triangle configuration. At each corner of the triangle (26, 27, 28) is secured a buoy (29, 30, 31). At one corner (26) of the flotation device (24) is provided a loop (32) to which an anchor chain (not shown) or rope (not shown) may be secured. 15 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 The flotation device is provided with pulleys (33, 34) through which the long line (not shown) is guided when in use. It should be noted that one buoy (31) is secured to the underside of the flotation device (24). This has the effect of raising this corner (26) of the frame (25) relative 5 to the other corners (27, 28). This helps keep the side of the frame (25) with the pulleys (33, 34) low down in the water. Turning to figure 4, in use, the land based receiver is (1) set up on the beach (16). The long line (35) runs out to the flotation device (24), which is floating on the sea 10 surface (36). One set of hooks (37) is actively fishing, while another set of hooks (38) is waiting on the beach. After sufficient time is elapsed, the fisherman may winch in the long line (35) using one reel (4), thus bringing the hooks (37) into the beach to be cleared and re baited if necessary. 15 At the same time, because of the rotation applied to the other reel (3) by the belt (13), the long line (35) carries out the replacement set of hooks (38) into the sea (36) to recommence fishing. The long line (35) also passes through the pulleys (33, 34) mounted to the flotation device to permit the movement of the hooks (37, 38). 20 In some instances, the long line (35) may be used with an outrigger (39) with a pulley (40) affixed to its upper surface. The outrigger (39) may used in windy conditions to place greater space between the long line (35) running to and from the flotation device (24). This helps reduce the chances of the long line (35) overlapping and becoming entangled. 16 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47 If desired, the long line may be provided with stoppers (41) adjacent to the section of long line bearing fishing hooks. These stoppers (41) are of a size which cannot be passed through the pulleys (33, 34) of the flotation device (24). This prevents the hooks (37) from passing through the pulleys (33, 34) and getting damaged. 5 By reversing the direction of rotation of one reel (4), such that one reel (3) rotates clockwise while the other reel (4) rotates counter-clockwise, long line (35) held on both reels are wound in and collected. Used in this manner, the land based receiver (1) can winch in the flotation device (24) if necessary. Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and 10 it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof. 17

Claims (21)

1. An apparatus for long line fishing which includes a long line, and at least one land based receiver for a long line, and a flotation device with a receiver for a long line, characterised in that the apparatus includes a transfer mechanism configured to transfer at least a portion of the long line to and from the floatation device and the land based receiver.

2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the land based receiver includes a stand.

3. An apparatus as claimed in either claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the land based receiver includes a reel configured to rotate upon the stand, wherein the reel holds the long line.

4. An apparatus as claimed in claim 3 wherein the reel includes a pulley wheel to allow rotation of the reel on the stand.

5. An apparatus as claimed in either claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the land based receiver includes a second reel configured to rotate upon the stand, wherein the second reel collects the long line.

6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5 wherein the second reel includes a pulley wheel to allow rotation of the second reel on the stand.

7. An apparatus as claimed in either claim 5 or claim 6 wherein the reels linked such that rotation of one reel causes rotation of the second reel. 18 James & Wells 129002RF1AU/47

8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 7 wherein the reels are linked via a belt or chain.

9. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 8 wherein the reel includes a handle.

10. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 9 wherein the flotation device is a frame.

11. An apparatus as claimed in claim 10 wherein the frame includes buoyancy aids.

12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the receiver of the flotation device is a pulley.

13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the receiver of the flotation device is a reel.

14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 wherein the transfer mechanism is a pulley, wherein the transfer mechanism returns the long line to the land based receiver.

15. An apparatus as claimed in claim 14 wherein the flotation device includes at least two pulleys.

16. An apparatus as claimed in claim 15 wherein the pulleys are spatially separated on the flotation device.

17. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the flotation device includes an anchoring means.

18. An apparatus as claimed in claim 17, wherein the flotation device includes a quick release mechanism for the anchoring means. 19 James & Wells 129002RFlAU/47

19. A long line for use with the apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 18.

20. A reel for use with the apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 18.

21. A method of long line fishing using an apparatus as claimed in any one of claims I to 18, wherein the method includes the steps of a) connecting a long line to the flotation device, and b) placing the flotation device in the sea characterised by the additional step of c) retrieving at least a portion of the long line to land using the transfer mechanism such that the long line remains attached to the flotation device at sea. 20