GB2316284A

GB2316284A - A snood release clip

Info

Publication number: GB2316284A
Application number: GB9626051A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Anthony William Caton
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1996-08-21
Filing date: 1996-12-16
Publication date: 1998-02-25
Anticipated expiration: 2016-12-16
Also published as: GB2316284B; GB9626051D0; GB9617839D0

Abstract

A releasable bait clip comprises an elongate member 23, and a retaining tube 17 adapted to be slidably mounted on a fishing line 24. The elongate member 23 being movable between a first hook retaining position and a second hook releasing position. Movement between the first and second positions being controlled by sliding of the retaining tube 17 from a position in which it engages with the elongate member 23 to a position where it disengages from the elongate member 23. The retaining tube 17 being caused to slide by impacting against or being submersed in water. In alternative embodiments (Figures 7, 8) the snood line 20 or fishing line 24 may have spring mounting means (25, 36).

Description

A RELEASABLE BAIT CLIP Field of Invention The present invention relates to a clip, more particularly a clip for anglers to retain a baited hook in position whilst casting.

Background to the Invention When fishing with rod and line, anglers sometimes find they need to cast a baited hook a considerable distance, in the case of sea anglers, possibly 150-180 metres. To achieve this distance, anglers use a line of a given breaking strain, commonly known as the shock leader.

Attached to this is an assembly commonly known as the rig, to which a sinker of given weight is connected at the end away from the shock leader. With the aid of a fishing rod the weight is cast out across the water pulling the assembled parts with it. The assembly called the rig comprises a main line which passes from the shock leader to the weight.

Secured to the main line at given points are secondary lines with hooks attached to the end of them. These secondary lines are known to anglers as "snoods". At rest, these snoods hang parallel to the main line. At this time the hooks are baited. The whole assembly is then cast to the desired spot. During flight the snoods are forced back along the main line away from the pulling force. This action causes the assembly to become aerody namically unstable, resulting in the snoods twisting and turning in flight, sometimes breaking the bait from the hooks and always reducing the length of the cast.

To overcome this problem, slidably mounted bait clips are used, designed to hold the bait in a favourable position on the main line. These bait clips do not always release the baited hook after entry to the water, and the hook and bait remain clipped to the main line during the fishing period. This is unsatisfactory as the bait needs to be flowing in the water to attract fish and also to register bites.

To be fishing with peace of mind, an angler needs to know that his bait is free from the bait clip. This type of bait clip can also disengage from the hook during the cast, causing the same predicament as having no bait clip at all. Other bait clips working on a bait shield principal, eject the hook on impact with the water and work well. These, though streamlined, add to the resistance when casting and tend to snag with weeds and the bottom on retrieval. It would therefore be desirable to create a clip that would hold when needed, release when needed, create no extra drag and avoid snagging.

Summary of the Invention According to the invention, there is provided a releasably secured bait clip that will retain the hook in the desired position during casting, and is adapted to disengage with the hook on impact with the water.

The invention provides a releasable bait clip comprising an elongate member, and a retaining means adapted to be slidably mounted on a fishing line, the elongate member being movable between a first hook retaining position and a second hook releasing position, movement between the first and second positions being controlled by sliding of the retaining means from a position in which it engages with the elongate member to a position where it disengages from the elongate member, the retaining means being caused to slide by impacting against or being submersed in water.

Preferably the retaining means is a tube, and more preferably one end of the tube is capped and provided with an aperture sufficiently large to allow fishing line to pass therethrough. Even more preferably, the aperture is so dimensioned that when the retaining means is slidably mounted on a fishing line and the retaining means is submersed in water, air bubbles cannot pass through the aperture.

The elongate member is preferably adapted to be slidably mounted on a fishing line. The elongate member may be provided with an eyelet through which fishing line may be passed, and preferably the eyelet is integral with and between the ends of the elongate member. Means to limit sliding of the elongate member along the fishing line may be provided.

The elongate member may be formed from any suitable material, such as metal wire, or a plastics material. The retaining means may be formed from any suitable material such as metal, rubber or a plastics material.

Another embodiment of the invention provides first and second fishing lines, the second fishing line being attached to the first and having a hook attached thereto, and the first fishing line having mounted thereon a releasable bait clip comprising an elongate member and a slidably mounted retaining means, the elongate member being movable between a first hook retaining position and a second hook releasing position, movement between the first and second position being controlled by sliding of the retaining means from a position in which it engages with the elongate member to a position where it disengages from the elongate member, the retaining means being caused to slide by impacting against or being submersed in water.

The second fishing line may be attached to the first by any suitable means such as by a knot, a swivel, a ring or a clip. The second fishing line may be so attached to the first that its position thereon is substantially fixed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second fishing line is attached to the first by a spring mounting means. The spring mounting means may comprise a spring which applies a tensile force to the second fishing line when the hook is attached to the bait clip. Advantageously, the spring is mounted on the first fishing line, but in one embodiment the spring is fixed to the second fishing line.

A further embodiment of the invention comprises first and second fishing lines, the second fishing line being attached to the first and having a hook attached thereto, and the first fishing line having attached thereto a releasable bait clip adapted to retain the hook during casting, and release the same upon it impacting with or being submersed in water, and wherein the second fishing line is attached to the first by a spring mounting means.

The spring mounting means may comprise a spring which applies a tensile force to the second fishing line when the hook is attached to the bait clip. Advantageously, the spring is mounted on the first fishing line, but in one embodiment the spring is fixed to the second fishing line.

The releasable bait clip may form part of an item of fishing tackle such as a weight.

The invention enables anglers to cast accurately and ensures that the hook will release from the bait clip at the appropriate moment. Also, the invention increases the life span of the fishing line to which the hook is attached.

Brief Description of the Drawings Specific embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic front view of the clip according to the invention; Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic side view of the clip shown in figure 1; Figure 3 shows the retaining slider tube with main line and bait clip in cross section; Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic view of the complete assembly with hook clipped down; Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic view of the complete assembly with hook released; Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic view of the complete assembly in use on the rig; Figure 7 shows a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a releasable bait clip assembly in use on a rig; and Figure 8 shows a diagrammatic view of another embodiment of a releasable bait clip assembly in use on a ring.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment Referring to Figures 1 to 6 the bait clip 23 consists of a suitable material preferably wire, so shaped to provide an eyelet 12 in its length to allow the main line 24 to pass through it. The bait clip is so shaped that at least part of the upper section 14 above the eyelet 12 runs approximately parallel to the main line 24, whilst the eyelet 12 and the lower section are at an advantageous angle of less than 45 degrees to the main line 24 (see Figure 3). This angle is achieved by bending 15 the bait clip between the ends thereof. The bait clip is mounted on the main line 24 by stops 16 so that it may swing and turn freely but is constrained in its movement along the length of the main line 24. On the main line 24 above the bait clip is fitted a slidable retaining means preferably a capped sliding tube known as the slider 17. The slider 17 has a hole 18 in the cap through which the main line 24 passes. The lower end of the slider 17 can accommodate both the main line 24 and the upper section of the bait clip, as shown in Figure 3. With weight 19 as shown in Figure 6 now clipped to the bottom end of the main line 24, the hook 21 and bait attached to the secondary line 20 may be inserted under the lower section of the bait clip figure 4. Bait has been omitted for detail. The length of The secondary line 20 is attached to the main line 24 at a point 22 so as to be a convenient distance above the bait clip. This distance determines the tension at which the hook 21 is held in place. Secondary line 20 is attached to main line 24 by a swivel 27, the swivel being held at a suitable position on the main line 24 by means of stops 26.

The assembly shown in Figure 4 remains intact throughout the duration of the cast. On impact with the water the slider 17 is pushed up by water pressure acting on the slider 17 and the buoyancy effect caused by air trapped inside the slider, releasing the bait clip to swing freely, as shown in Figure 5. This action releases the bait hook.

Another embodiment of this invention is that one or more bait clips can be fixed to the main line, one above the other, with spaces in-between to accommodate a multi-hook rig. For each bait clip there is a corresponding secondary line.

The device shown in Figure 8 is similar to that shown in Figure 6.

One end of swivel 27 is attached to secondary line 20, whilst the other end of the swivel is slidably attached to main line 22. Lower stop 26 is fixed to main line 24 but upper stop is slidably mounted on line 24. A spring 25 mounted between the two stops 26 urges the upper stop away from the lower stop. The effect of the spring 25 is twofold. First, when the hook 21 is retained by the bait clip 23 spring 25 ensures that secondary line 20 is under a degree of tension. Second, and most important, as the rig is cast out the inertia due principally to weight 19 causes main line 24 to stretch. However, in most instances main line 24 is stronger than secondary line 20 and will not stretch as much as secondary line 20 during the process of casting. The provision of spring 25 allows the main line 24 to stretch without over stretching secondary line 20, the spring 25 being compressed during casting. Where secondary lines are not spring mounted they can be stretched beyond their elastic limits. If the secondary line is stretched beyond its elastic limit there is the possibility that the hook 21 will fall from the bait clip 23 during the process of casting. Furthermore, the secondary line 20 may stretch beyond its elastic limit to such an extent that it must be replaced. This is disadvantageous insofar as fishing line is costly, and replacing line in difficult weather conditions is a difficult task.

The rig 30 shown in Figure 7 illustrates a secondary line 37 connected to one end of a swivel 35, the other end thereof being slidably mounted on main line 33. Upper and lower stops 34 are mounted on main line 33. The upper stop is slidably mounted, whereas the lower stop is fixed. A spring 36 mounted on the main line between the two stops 34 urges the upper stop 34 upwardly.

One end of main line 33 is attached by a knot 39 to the attachment member 41 of a weight 44 which incorporates a bait clip 42. The weight also has a cap 43 which is slidably mounted on the attachment member 41. The cap 43 is adapted to slide upwards upon impact with or immersion in water. The effect of the cap 43 sliding upwards is to cause the hook 40 to release from bait clip 42. Such weights incorporating bait clips are available from Breakaway Tackle Co Ltd, and are sold under the name "Impact Lead".

It will be seen that the upper end of main line 33 is attached by means of a swivel 32 and a clip 31 to a line 38 which would be attached to a reel, the reel being attached to a fishing rod, and line 38 being passed through the eyelets of the rod.

Claims

1. A releasably secured bait clip that will retain the hook in the desired position during casting, and is adapted to disengage with tie hook on impact with the water.

2. A releasable bait clip according to Claim 1, comprising an elongate member, and a retaining means adapted to be slidably mounted on a fishing line, the elongate member being movable between a first hook retaining position and a second hook releasing position, movement between the first and second positions being controlled by sliding of the retaining means from a position in which it engages with the elongate member to a position where it disengages from the elongate member, the retaining means being caused to slide by impacting against or being submersed in water.

3. A releasable bait clip according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the retaining means is a tube.

4. A releasable bait clip according to Claim 3, wherein one end of the tube is capped and provided with an aperture sufficiently large to allow fishing line to pass therethrough.

5. A releasable bait clip according to Claim 4, wherein the aperture is so dimensioned that when the retaining means is slidably mounted on a fishing line and the retaining means is submersed in water, air bubbles cannot pass through the aperture.

6. A releasable bait clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member is adapted to be slidably mounted on a fishing line.

7. A releasable bait clip according to Claim 6, wherein the elongate member is provided with an eyelet through which the fishing line may be passed.

8. A releasable bait clip according to Claim 7, wherein the eyelet is integral with and between the ends of the elongate member.

9. A releasable bait clip according to any preceding claim, further comprising means to limit sliding of the elongate member along the fishing line.

10. A releasable bait clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member is formed from metal wire, or a plastics material.

11. A releasable bait clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means is formed from metal, rubber or a plastics material.

12. A rig comprising first and second fishing lines, the second fishing line being attached to the first and having a hook attached thereto, and the first fishing line having mounted thereon a releasable bait clip comprising an elongate member and a slidably mounted retaining means, the elongate member being movable between a first hook retaining position and a second hook releasing position, movement between the first and second position being controlled by sliding of the retaining means from a position in which it engages with the elongate member to a position where it disengages from the elongate member, the retaining means being caused to slide by impacting against or being submersed in water.

13. A rig according to Claim 12, wherein the second fishing line is attached to the first by a knot, a swivel, a ring or a clip.

14. A rig according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein the second fishing line is so attached to the first that its position thereon is substantially fixed.

15. A rig according to Claim 12 or 13, wherein the second fishing line is attached to the first by a spring mounting means.

16. A rig according to Claim 15, wherein the spring mounting means comprises a spring which applies a tensile force to the second fishing line when the hook is attached to the bait clip.

17.A rig according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein the spring is mounted on the first fishing line.

18. A rig according to Claim 15 or 16, wherein the spring is fixed to the second fishing line.

19. A rig comprising first and second fishing lines, the second fishing line being attached to the first and having a hook attached thereto, and the first fishing line having attached thereto a releasable bait clip adapted to retain the hook during casting, and release the same upon it impacting with or being submersed in water, and wherein the second fishing line is attached to the first by a spring mounting means.

20.A rig according to Claim 19, wherein the spring mounting means comprises a spring which applies a tensile force to the second fishing line when the hook is attached to the bait clip.

21. A rig according to Claim 20, wherein the spring is mounted on the first fishing line.

22. A rig according to Claim 20, wherein the spring is fixed to the second fishing line.

23. A rig according to any of Claims 19 to 22, wherein the releasable bait clip forms part of an item of fishing tackle such as a weight.

24. A rig substantially as shown in, or as described with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

24. A releasable bait clip substantially as shown in, or as described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.

25. A rig substantially as shown in, or as described with reference to Figures 6 to 8.

Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows

1. A releasable bait clip comprising an elongate member, and a retaining means adapted to be slidably mounted on a fishing line, the elongate member being movable between a first hook retaining position and a second hook releasing position, movement between the first and second positions being controlled by sliding of the retaining means from a position in which it engages with the elongate member to a position where it disengages from the elongate member, the retaining means being caused to slide by impacting against or being submersed in water.

2. A releasable bait clip according to Claim 1, wherein the retaining means is a tube.

3. A releasable bait clip according to Claim 2, wherein one end of the tube is capped and provided with an aperture sufficiently large to allow fishing line to pass therethrough.

4. A releasable bait clip according to Claim 3, wherein the aperture is so dimensioned that when the retaining means is slidably mounted on a fishing line and the retaining means is submersed in water, air bubbles cannot pass through the aperture.

5. A releasable bait clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member is adapted to be slidably mounted on a fishing line.

6. A releasable bait clip according to Claim 5, wherein the elongate member is provided with an eyelet through which the fishing line may be passed.

7. A releasable bait clip according to Claim 6, wherein the eyelet is integral with and between the ends of the elongate member.

8. A releasable bait clip according to any preceding claim, further comprising means to limit sliding of the elongate member along the fishing line.

9. A releasable bait clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the elongate member is formed from metal wire, or a plastics material.

10. A releasable bait clip according to any preceding claim, wherein the retaining means is formed from metal, rubber or a plastics material.

11.A rig comprising first and second fishing lines, the second fishing line being attached to the first and having a hook attached thereto, and the first fishing line having mounted thereon a releasable bait clip comprising an elongate member and a slidably mounted retaining means, the elongate member being movable between a first hook retaining position and a second hook releasing position, movement between the first and second position being controlled by sliding of the retaining means from a position in which it engages with the elongate member to a position where it disengages from the elongate member, the retaining means being caused to slide by impacting against or being submersed in water.

12. A rig according to Claim 11, wherein the second fishing line is attached to the first by a knot, a swivel, a ring or a clip.

13. A rig according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein the second fishing line is so attached to the first that its position thereon is substantially fixed.

14. A rig according to Claim 11 or 12, wherein the second fishing line is attached to the first by a spring mounting means.

15. A rig according to Claim 14, wherein the spring mounting means comprises a spring which applies a tensile force to the second fishing line when the hook is attached to the bait clip.

16. A rig according to Claim 14 or 15, wherein the spring is mounted on the first fishing line.

17. A rig according to Claim 14 or 15, wherein the spring is fixed to the second fishing line.

18. A rig comprising first and second fishing lines, the second fishing line being attached to the first and having a hook attached thereto, and the first fishing line having attached thereto a releasable bait clip adapted to retain the hook during casting, and release the same upon it impacting with or being submersed in water, and wherein the second fishing line is attached to the first by a spring mounting means.

19. A rig according to Claim 18, wherein the spring mounting means comprises a spring which applies a tensile force to the second fishing line when the hook is attached to the bait clip.

20. A rig according to Claim 19, wherein the spring is mounted on the first fishing line.

21. A rig according to Claim 19, wherein the spring is fixed to the second fishing line.

22. A rig according to any of Claims 18 to 21, wherein the releasable bait clip forms part of an item of fishing tackle such as a weight.

23. A releasable bait clip substantially as shown in, or as described with reference to Figures 1 to 5.