CA2223909A1 - Biodegradable fishing bait - Google Patents

Abstract

A method of manufacture of bait and the bait produced thereby wherein the base material is processed at an increased temprature and agitated until cured, the temperature reduced below a certain critical point before temperature sensitive freeze-dry and oil components are added thereinto and the bait subsequently processed into molds.

Description

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W O96/39861 PCT~US96/08603 BIODEGRADABLE FISHING BAIT

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to a biodegradable fishing bait based on non-toxic materials that look and feel like plastic with added florescent and luminous colors and scents.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Over the last many years, there have been tremendous improvements in the quality of fishing baits, most based on plastics. This includes both texture and content of the baits. More sophisticated fishing baits even include phenomes which are biologically attractive to varying fish species.
However, most plastics once opened have a tendency to lose their scent in a few weeks. In addition, they are not biodegradable.
There is presently a need for a biodegradable fish bait which retains and preferably increases the visual and/or biological attractiveness to the intended fish species while at the same time does not contaminate the waters where fish species are found. Biodegradable fish baits which have been produced for the market so far have been unsuccessful, primarily due to the short life and limited attractiveness of such fishing bait.
The fishing bait of the present invention looks and feels like plastic but it is not, with possible added florescent and luminous colors as well as various natural and artificial scents and/or oils topped off with a non-toxic freeze dry fish food base to improve its effectiveness further.

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W 096~9861 PCTAJS96/08603 With the ever increasing concern of the environment, this bait is the answer to a major question of our fishing industry for a reliable, environmentally safe fish bait.

OBJECTS AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a biodegradable fish bait.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an effective biodegradable base material for varied fishing baits.
It is yet another object of the present invention to increase the field effectiveness of fishing baits.
It is still another object of the present invention to lower the manufacturing cost of fishing baits.
It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide a long field life fishing bait.
It is yet another object of the invention to create a bait that retains its physical properties without special storage needs.
Other objects and a more complete understanding of the invention may be had by referring to the following description and drawings in which:

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The structure, operation, and advantages of the presently disclosed preferred embodiment of the - 30 invention will become apparent when consideration of the following description is taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
Figure 1 is a generic flow chart of a method of manufacturing of fishing bait incorporating the invention.

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W O96~9861 PCTAJS96/08603 Figure 2 is a flow chart of a method of manufacturing a specific salt water sea squid fishing bait embodying the invention.
Figure 3 shows the chemical formulas for KelcoGel Gellan Gum (top view) and for Native Gellan Gum (bottom view), and Figure 3 is a drawing of a molded fishing bait incorporating the invention with the application.

DESCRIPTION OF INVENTION
This present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. 08/472,557, BIODEGRADABLE
FISHING BAIT, Patrick Riley, Inventor.
This fishing bait is 100~ biodegradable and its main bulk ingredients are USP FCC approved. The bait does not need refrigeration to retain its potency, and has a relatively indefinite shelf life.
The fishing bait of this application will not lose its scent because the scents themselves preferably are 100 pure. When the scents are introduced to fresh or salt water, freshness is maintained for an extended period, unlike plastic.
The blending of oils, scent and fine particles of fish food (such as freeze dry bait and/or trash fish) of the invention provides for a quality fish bait. Further, if the bait presented is torn, ripped, or lost it will totally dissolve within a few months, not disturbing the environment of the water fished. The bait can be molded to perfection in various shapes and sizes and styles while remaining extremely soft and pliable. It also holds hooks very well.
The basic generic method of manufacture of the invention begins with a base material chosen to be suitable for a particular application (step A of fig 1). This base material can be either unitary or of W O 96~9861 PCTAUS~G/Cr'0 multiple components depending on the particular application desired.
Once the appropriate base material has been selected, it is heated to an increased temperature and agitated until it is cured (step B of fig 1). In certain applications, due to the choice of the base material, it may be appropriate for the base material to be heated before certain selected secondary components are added thereto, or minor modifications made that are needed in the addition of components in order to maximize the potential of the selected base material.
Once the base material has been cured, its temperature is reduced below a critical number (step C
in fig 1). The critical number is selected in view of the nature of the cured base material as well as in consideration of subsequently added materials. For example, the later described freeze dry powder and KelcoGel F might burn in a salt water plasticide material if the temperature is not below 212 . Thus, adding these materials without cooling the base material to this number will physically damage them.
It is particularly important to avoid burning, scorching, or other types of damage that would provide an artificial smell to the bait or which would cause a breakdown of the components (such as the oils). As the bait materials gel at low temperatures this is possible. An additional example in the selected freshwater embodiment, the freeze dry materials mix better with the multi-component base material at an even further reduced temperature of 120~ This is due to primarily to the nature of the base material and not physical damage to the added materials.
Once the temperature has been reduced below a certain point (step D in fig 1), the additional components are added. Typically, these are scents, CA 02223909 1997-12-0~

freeze dry materials and/or oils or other materials having certain sensitivities (this is opposed to certain chemical colors, preservatives and other relatively insensitive materials which could be added at virtually any step in the process).
Once the additional components have been added, the entire mixture is agitated (step E in fig 1) to ensure a thorough distribution of the added components throughout the base material. The length of the agitation should be such as to not structurally damage the cohesiveness of the base material.
After the combination of base material and components have been thoroughly mixed, they are then poured or injected into molds or extruded so as to form the fishing bait (step F in fig 1).
The above method of manufacture would be modified in accord with the specific base materials and additional components in order to produce the desired product.
The following principles are to be preferably followed: 1. Gums separate between a range of 35-55% and preferably 40-50% of PVC, 2. Fish meal particles in a range of 15-35% and preferably about 20-30% of PVC, 3. Oils to ease separation in a range of about 5-15% and preferably 10% of PVC, 4. Pigment particles to add separation in a range of 5-25%
and preferably 10-20% of PVC, 5. Chemicals added to 100% of PVC compound equal 100 (Dissipation Release) Examples of base materials include:

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Li~uid Plastic (Plasticide) Non-Toxic - This chemical is preferably used and is cooked at 300~ to 350~ to activate, and is blended with gums to break down molecules of plastic. The following is an example:
1. Poly vinyl chloride 50~
2. Exposidized soybean oil 8%
3. Adipate ester 12%
4. Phophite chealator 10%
5. Heat stabilizer 10%

6. Fume silica 10%
PVC Formula 100%
(See Salt Water Squid Formula) Gum Base preferably KelcoGel - A powder form, dry ASP FCC approved material made from lily pads. The following is an example:
Chemical and physical properties, composition -Purified Gellan Gum high molecular weight, anionic polysaccaride MW 5xlO
Daltons.
form - Dry free flowing powder, powder color cream to white when cooked. Particle size 95% through 40 mesh, 381 micron heavy metals, not more than 2 PPM. Arsnic not more than 2 PPM, total plate count not more than 10,000 colonies per gram.
Gellan gum is a high-molecular weight extracellar Heteropolysaccharide produced by fermentation of pure culture of Pseudmonas Elodea (chemical formula top fig 3).
KelcoGel Gellan Gum Benefits:

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l. Gellan Gum exhibits good stability over a wide range of PH levels 35 to 8Ø
2. High gel strength, Gellan gums forms gels at extremely low gum levels as low as 0.05%. Gel strength can be increased by manipulating both gum and Icon concentration.
3. Gellan Gum blends well with all PVC
compounds and has high heat resistant to burning.
Other gums such as starches, guar gums, locust bean gum, xanthan gum, gum arabic, carboxymethcellulose, alginates, methyicellulose, gum karaya, gum tragecanth, etc. could also be utilized. More information on KelcoGel Gums can be found in the KelcoGel Gellan Gum brochure put out by Kelco, a division of Merck Company of Whitehouse Station, New Jersey by Merck in 1993, the contents of which are incorporated by reference. Gums add biodegradability to the plastic base material with increasing gums hastening the breakdown.
GlYcerin - This optionally is used in order to aid the coagulation and softness to the bait. See shrimp flavor formula.
Examples of additional components include:
Freeze Dryinq Process - This is typically timed 24 hours each cycle for every one pound freeze dry material. 20% of body flesh is recovered, with the remaining 80% being fluids. When completed the freeze dry flesh is ground and refined to granulated powder. The preferred freeze drying material sources for salt water include bait fish such as squid, shrimp, clam, sardine, anchovy, herring, mackerel, mullet, conch, pin fish, crab, cigar minnow, ballhoa, bonito and for fresh water include crayfish, minnows, worms, maggots, shrimp, salmon, egg, lizard, squid and for both all species of fresh and salt water bait and trash fish. The freeze dry particles and a scent to WO 96~9861 PCT/U5~'C~C0 the bait and/or in combination with the later described oils facilitates biodegradability for example by increasing pore openings. 1/4, 1/16 and .020 mesh sizes are typically used.
NITROGENATED FISH MEAL POWDER: Protein base 58% to 80% dried. Processed through 95% mesh 40% = 381 Micron particles per gram 400-450.
Oils or BodY Fluid - While the freeze drying process is being implemented, the body fluids are being removed and distilled. They are then used as oils to reintroduce to formula such as squid (Squich) oil, shrimp oil, crayfish oil, claim oil, herring oil, sardine oil, herring oil, manhadden oil, anchovy oil, etc. Oils can be also purchased from other manufacturers and or made separately and used in this formula.
Other examples of additional components include:
Florescent Colors - These non-toxic pigments are purchAss~, typically for example from Day Glo Corp. The following preferred pigments used are ZQ
series. Example: Blaze Orange ZQ.15, Signal Green ZQ.18 and all ZQ colors. These pigments have a high resistance to heat and hold color for long periods of time. The coloring is also preferably natural as color is important to some fish like tuna and swordfish that visualize the bait.
Color - Non-toxic, titanium dioxide R-900 is used for blending other colors for example White Mask TI pure by Dupont. It is used and is excellent for lightening of colors to give brilliance.
Phosphorescent P1000 color piqment (non-toxic) - This pigment is used for high glow of product and is easily applied in various amounts to give a brighter glow to bait. Preferably the phosphorescent colors are selected to match and/or CA 02223909 l997-l2-0 W 096~9861 PCT/U~G,'C~6 complement the florescent colors so that yellow glows yellow, green green, etc.
Potassium Sorbate - A powder preservative can be used to prevent mold and/or to extend shelf life particularly for fresh water applications. It is used in a dry white powder form. ASP FCC approved.
Other preservatives could also be utilized.
The generic method of manufacture would be modified in view of the specific base materials, various relative levels of components and additional components selected for a given fishing bait. In that it has been found that one basic formula works well, Albeit preferably slightly modified between salt and fresh water applications. These formulas - one for salt water, one for fresh water - are herein specifically set forth as further examples of how the method works. These basic secondary formulas can be modified with little difficulty to produce most types of fich;n~ bait in accord with the teachings of this application.
Here are the following steps that should be followed to insure a soluble protein organic based bait. A perfect salt water sea squid (fig 2). This sample small lot method produces two sea squid in a 2 cavity mold - squid size 24 inches long, weight per squid 8 ounces (128 grams) total. The amounts of materials would be increased for bulk production proportionately.
Begin with a pot. Add 16 ounces of cold white milky plastic to the pot, add 4 tablespoons of P1000 phosphorescent, 1 tablespoon florescent color and 1 tablespoon of titanium dioxide to the pot and agitate until blended thoroughly (step A in fig 2 -again since the colors are non-temperature sensitive they can be added at any time). For 5 gallons: 5 -CA 02223909 1997-12-0~

gallons of PVC compound as set forth before = 512 ounces.
Put the pot on a burner and bring its temperature to substantially 340 . Then stir until the base material becomes cured. This should take about 3-4 minutes after the temperature has been reached (step B in fig 2).
Thereafter reset the burner to 230~, (for reducing the materials temperature) and agitate the materials in the pot for substantially 1 minute until the material reaches 230 (step C in fig 2).
It is now ready to add additional components. While maintaining the materials temperature at 230~, add 2 tablespoons liquid squich oil (squid oil) and stir until blended, and drop the materials temperature to 212 . This is important so marsh cheeze as to not burn the freeze dry powder or KelcoGel F powder subsequently added. Freeze dry powders include nitrogenated fish meal, shrimp, crayfish, squid, minnow, cricket, worm, herring, sardine or other powders 22 ounces (704 grams). Oils include mixed manhadden, shrimp, crayfish, squid, 50/50 mix, 50~ manhadden, 50% other oils or other (16 ounces per 5 gallon mix).
When the temperature reaches 212~, add 1 tablespoon of KelcoGel F powder, and 1 tablespoon freeze dry squid to the materials (step D in fig 2).
Gellan Gums 22 ounces per 5 gallon mix (704 grams).
Thereafter, agitate the materials for 30 seconds until they become fluffy (step E in fig 2).
Subsequently pour or inject the materials into a two cavity mold to produce two sea squids (step F in fig 2). Note that it is preferred that the mold can be coated with a small amount of freeze dry material, the materials gently poured into open top molds, and a small amount of freeze dry material CA 02223909 1997-12-0~

WO96/39861 PCT~S96/08603 sprinkled on top of the open molding. This produces a squid having freeze dry materials extending all the way to all surfaces, providing a well preforming bait.
As is apparent, the above secondary method begins with the generic method and develops upon it in recognition of the particular base material and secondary components actually selected.
The resultant salt water fishing bait is constituted of substantially (or multiples thereof):
16 ounces cold white milky plastic 1 tablespoon KelcoGel F powder 2 tablespoons oil 1 tablespoon freeze dry 1 tablespoon florescent color 1 tablespoon Titanium Dioxide 4 tablespoons phosphorescent The plastic and KelcoGel provide a quality substance to the body of the bait. The KelcoGel further aids in separating the molecules of the plastic so it is biodegradable (50% quickly, substantially 100% in 4-5 months). The oil and freeze dry add a chemical attractiveness to the bait (preferably matching or complementary) and also to aid in the biodegrading process. The color and dioxide provide the basic, normally natural, coloring for the bait. The phosphorescent adds visibility to the bait in the depths of the sea.
Once the base materials of the body of the bait has its needed quality, the other components can be varied to produce bait having differing scent and/or color properties.
one type of fresh water formulization would be to utilize the same process as the salt water f;chin~ bait utilizing freeze drys and oils suitable for fresh water use in combination with a CA 02223909 l997-l2-0~

preservative. This formulization would be particularly appropriate if a "look alike" type molding process was to be utilized (such as forming cray fish, worms, etc.) or if a higher density coined shape bait was desired.
It has been found that an excellent fresh water bait can be established by utilizing a further modification of the organic base formulization to produce a dairy product/sweet enhancer formulization, preferably in a round or cubical shape (i.e. salmon eggs).
The first modification is to utilize 32 ounces of cold white milky plastic in step A of fig 2 (instead of 16 ounces). This creates a mixture having a higher volume.
The second modification is to add 4 ounces of cheddar cheeze powder (or other dairy component) and 8 ounces of miniature marshmallows (or other sweet enhancer such as sugar) in step C of fig 2.
The third modification is to add 1 tablespoon of a native or high acyl Gellan Gum (such as KelGum) and a preservative (such as Potassium Sorbate) to the mixture. Although this can technically be done at any time (these materials can survive the higher temperatures) it is preferred that they be added at the additional components for ease of application.
Again the coloring freeze dry and oil components preferably would be altered as appropriate to watch the intended application. For example baby pink coloring with salmon flavor freeze dry and oil to produce a salmon egg bait.
The last modification is to blow air through the materials at high speed for 1 minute while agitating so as to lower the density of the bait CA 02223909 1997-12-0~

W O96/39861 PCT~US96/08603 before forming the preferred round or cubical shape (step F in fig 2).
The fact the bait floats and is sweet makes it into an effective bait.
NOTE: As with the sea water example, in this method differing components can change particularly with various freeze dry and oil ingredients - some of the latter two are stronger than others.
The resultant fresh water fishing bait is constituted of substantially (or multiples thereof):

32 ounces cold white milky plastic 1 tablespoon KelcoGel F powder 2 tablespoon oil 1 tablespoon freeze dry 1 tablespoon florescent 1 tablespoon phosphorescent 1 tablespoon native gellan gum 4 ounces cheddar powder 8 ounces miniature marshmallows 3 tablespoons potassium sorbate The following are example colors and flavors suitable for both formulas:

1. COLOR - Sunrise Yellow, minnow shad flavor GLO
2. COLOR - Melon Orange, shrimp flavor GLO
3. COLOR - Mist Green, crayfish flavor GLO
4. COLOR - Baby Pink, salmon egg flavor GLO
5. COLOR - White, squid flavor GLO
6. COLOR - Off White, low glow, clam flavor GLO

7. COLOR - Brown, worm, nightcrawler flavor GLO

The following are flavors especially suitable for the fresh water formula:

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W O96/39~61 PCTAJS96/08603 1. Sneezy Cheezy (Cheddar)4 colors GLO
2. Cheddar Corn 4 colors GLO
3. Marshmallow Cheddar4 colors GLO
4. Banana MarshmallowYellow hue GLO
5. Strawberry Marshmallow Orange hue GLO
6. Garlic Cheddar Light Yellow hue GLO
7. Anise Cheddar flavor Brown hue GLO

All fruit and cheese flavors are used with all fresh fruits. Cheddar is a commercial blend of powder from Kraft Cheese, marshmallow ingredient is made from sugar, molasses and gelatin gum base.
The plastic, gellan gum, KelcoGel F and glycerin provide the quality to the body of the bait. The freeze dry and oil add a chemical attractiveness to the bait (again preferably matching or complementary). The color provides the coloring for the bait while the phosphorescent adds visibility.
In all instances the addition of organic material to non-organic splits the molecules of the plastic accelerating the biodegradability of the bait. The gums, freeze dry powder, and the phosphorescents are good representatives.
Again, once the quality of the body of the bait is established, the other components can be varied to produce baits having differing scents and/or coloring properties.
There are other adaptations as well.
However the method is adapted, it produces a extremely cost effective bio-protein bait for commercial fishermen. Refrigeration is not needed and the product has indefinite shelf life. Further, it is easily handled and stored, most particularly in wax-lined boxes. When it used with phosphorescent coloring, it will glow in the dark for hours when exposed to natural or black light. Further, there are CA 02223909 1997-12-0~

thousands of baitings possible for significantly less cost than with commercial bait. Further, the bait developed is suitable for use with automatic baiters.
In experimentation, it was found that the bait has a 40 to 60% recovery rate so that it might be reused.
This is particularly so since the baits are water activated (the longer they sit in the water, the more effective they become). Further, upon separation from the hooks, the bait is biodegradable (breaking down without harm to the environment).
Although this invention has been described in its preferred form with a certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that numerous changes can be made without deviating from the invention as hereinafter claimed. For example, although Kelgum has been disclosed, Guar Gum or other materials could be substituted. Further, other base materials and/or additional components could be utilized with the basic method without deviating from the invention as claimed.

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WO 96~9861 PCT~US96/08603 WHAT IS CLAIMED
Claim 1. A method of manufacturing fishing bait including the steps of heating a base material until it is cured, adding additional components including freeze dry flavoring material and a gum at a temperature below 212~, adding coloring at some point, mixing the base material and additional components at a reduced temperature, and forming the fishing bait.

Claim 2. The method of claim 1 characterized in that said base material includes plastic.

Claim 3. The method of claim 1 characterized in that said gum is gellan.

Claim 4. The method of claim 1 characterized by the additional step of adding a material adding a florescent component.
Claim 5. The method of claim 4 characterized by the additional step of a material adding phosphorescence component.

Claim 6. The method of claim 1 characterized by adding a dairy product and sweet enhancer.

Claim 7. The method of claim 6 characterized in that the dairy product and sweet enhancer are added with the additional components.

Claim 8. The method of claim 1 characterized by adding a preservative.

(~ANCELLED / ~NNULE

Claims (28)

WHAT IS CLAIMED
1. Claim 1. A method of manufacturing a biodegradable fishing bait including the steps of heating a base material to above a critical temperature until it is activated, lowering the temperature of the base material to below the critical temperature, adding additional components including freeze dry flavoring material and a gum to the base material, mixing the base material and the additional components at a temperature below the critical temperature, adding coloring at some point prior to this mixing and forming the fishing bait.
2. Claim 2. The method of claim 1 characterized in that said base material includes plastic.
3. Claim 3. The method of claim 1 characterized in that said gum is gellan.
4. Claim 4. The method of claim 1 characterized by the additional step of adding a material adding a florescent component.
5. Claim 5. The method of claim 4 characterized by the additional step of a material adding phosphorescence component.
6. Claim 6. The method of claim 1 characterized by adding a dairy product and sweet enhancer.
7. Claim 7. The method of claim 6 characterized in that the dairy product and sweet enhancer are added with the additional components.
8. Claim 8. The method of claim 1 characterized by adding a preservative.
9. Claim 9. The method of claim 1 characterized by the addition of adding oil.
10. Claim 10. A method of manufacturing a biodegradable fishing bait including the steps of heating a base material including plastic to above a critical temperature until it is activated, lowering the temperature of the base material to below a critical temperature, adding additional components including a gum, oil, and freeze dry flavoring material to the base material, mixing the base material, additional components and coloring at a temperature below the critical temperature, adding coloring at some point prior to this mixing and forming the fishing bait.
11. Claim 11. A method of manufacturing a biodegradable fishing bait having a quantity of 100%
    including the steps of heating a plastic base material including substantially 35 to 55% PVC to a temperature above 212° until it is activated, lowering the temperature of the plastic base material to below 212°, adding additional components including 35 to 55%
    of the PVC of a low acyl gellan gum, 5 to 15% of the PVC oil and 15 to 35% of a freeze dried flavoring at a temperature below 212°, mixing the base material, additional components and coloring at a temperature below 212°, adding coloring at some point prior to this mixing and forming the fishing bait.
12. Claim 12. A method of manufacturing a biodegradable fishing bait having a quantity of 100%
    including the steps of heating 50% of a plastic base material including substantially 35 to 55% of PVC to a temperature above 300° until it is activated, lowering the temperature of the plastic base material to a temperature below 212°, adding additional components including 40 to 50% of the PVC of a low acyl gellan gum and a gellan gum, 10% of the PVC oil, 10 to 30% of the PVC freeze dried flavoring at a temperature below 212°, mixing the base material, additional components and coloring at a temperature below 212°, adding coloring and a preservative at some point prior to this mixing, and forming the fishing bait.
13. Claim 13. The method of claim 12 characterized in that the said preservative is potassium sorbate.
14. Claim 14. The method of claim 12 characterized by adding a dairy product and a sweet enhancer with said additional components.
15. Claim 15. A biodegradable fishing bait comprising a plastic base material, combined with a gum to add biodegradability to the plastic base material.
16. Claim 16. The fishing bait of claim 15 characterized in that the gum is gellan gum.
17. Claim 17. The fishing bait of claim 15 characterized by the addition of freeze dried powder.
18. Claim 18. The fishing bait of claim 15 characterized by the addition of an oil.
19. Claim 19. The fishing bait of claim 15 characterized in that the gums are in a range from 35 to 55% of the plastic base material.
20. Claim 20. The fishing bait of claim 17 characterized in that the freeze dried powder is in a range of 15 to 35% of the plastic base material.
21. Claim 21. The fishing bait of claim 18 characterized in that the oil is in a range of 5 to 15% of the plastic base material.
22. Claim 22. The fishing bait of claim 15 characterized in that the plastic base material includes PVC.
23. Claim 23. The fishing bait of claim 22 characterized in that the PVC is 50% of the plastic base material.
24. Claim 24. A biodegradable fishing bait comprising a plastic base material including plastic, a gum, freeze dried powder and an oil.
25. Claim 25. The fishing bait of claim 24 characterized in that the gums are in a range from 35 to 55% of the plastic base material.
26. Claim 26. The fishing bait of claim 24 characterized in that the freeze dried powder is in a range of 15 to 35% of the plastic base material.
27. Claim 27. The fishing bait of claim 24 characterized in that the oil is in a range of 5 to 15% of the plastic base material.
28. Claim 28. A biodegradable fishing bait having a quantity equal to 100% comprising a plastic base material including PVC, a gellan gum in the range from 35 to 55% of the PVC in the plastic base material, a freeze dried powder in the range of 15 to 35% of the PVC in the plastic base material and an oil in the range of 5 to 15% of the PVC in the plastic base material.