GB2432502A

GB2432502A - Fishing net

Info

Publication number: GB2432502A
Application number: GB0523849A
Authority: GB
Inventors: David Kenneth Middleton
Original assignee: MIDDY TACKLE INTERNAT Ltd
Current assignee: MIDDY TACKLE INTERNAT Ltd
Priority date: 2005-11-24
Filing date: 2005-11-24
Publication date: 2007-05-30
Anticipated expiration: 2025-11-24
Also published as: GB2432502B; GB0523849D0

Abstract

A fishing net apparatus 10 for use in angling includes a support 12, the support 12 supporting a net structure 14 which defines an interior 16 with the support defining a mouth 18 for access to the interior 16. The apparatus includes a fish contacting surface 20 at the mouth. In use, the fish passes over the fish contact surface to prevent damage to the fish from the net or support. In specific embodiments, the fish contacting surface is formed from at least one member (140, 240, 340, fig.s 4, 5 and 6 respectively) which is rotatable about an axle (e.g. 144, fig. 4). Preferably, the fish contact surface is made from foamed plastic material. Also disclosed is a fishing net apparatus with a collapsible net. An embodiment of this preferably has an actuating cord 672 passing from the lower end of the net 32 through eyelets 676 attached to the net through to a part adjacent to the support structure. A handle 674 for the cord can be pulled to draw the net to a closed condition.

Description

FISHING NET APPARATUS

The present invention relates to fishing net apparatus, particularly but not exclusively fishing net apparatus for use in angling.

Conventionally, when fishing with a hook and line for larger fish, a fisherman who has caught a fish will reel in the fish towards himself and into a relatively shallow landing net. Once in the landing net, the fisherman can disengage the hook from the fish, and then transfer the fish to a relatively deep keep net which extends into the water. The use of the landing net reduces the strain on the fishing line when landing the fish, and reduces the amount of handling of the fish required.

In recent years, the amount of fishing taking place in commercial 1 5 fisheries has increased. Commercial fisheries are stocked with fish, which when caught are then returned to the water. Commonly, carp are stocked in commercial fisheries, carp being a species which in the right conditions will continue to grow. Thus as time goes on, the number of relatively large fish in commercial fisheries is increasing. The larger fish, because of their weight, are more easily damaged, and therefore the use of landing nets to reduce damage to the fish and also to fishing tackle is increasing.

The issue of damage to fish is of increasing concern to fishery owners, anglers and the general public. In particular, the skin of the fish can easily be damaged by handling or abrasion, which can lead to infection. Such infection can be unsightly and unhygienic. Efforts have been made in the construction of keep nets and landing nets to reduce the likelihood of damage by replacing knotted and metallic nets with relatively soft cloth nets. However, typically in conventional landing nets and keep nets, the net material passes over and around a supporting metal hoop. As the fish passes into and out of the landing or keep net, it must pass over the mesh material on the hoop which can potentially damage the skin of the fish.

According to the present invention, there is provided fishing net apparatus for use in angling, the apparatus including a support, the support supporting a net structure, the net structure defining an interior, the support defining a mouth for access to and exit from the interior, the apparatus including a fish contact surface at the mouth, the apparatus being arrangeable so that in use as the fish passes through the mouth into and out of the interior, the fish contacts the fish contact surface rather than the support or the net structure.

Preferably, the apparatus is arrangeable so that in use as the fish passes through the mouth, the fish passes over the fish contact surface.

Preferably, the apparatus is arrangeable so that only the fish contact 1 5 surface contacts the fish as the fish passes through the mouth.

Preferably, the fish contact surface overlies at least a part of the support and/or the net structure.

Preferably, the fish contact surface is relatively smooth and free from protrusions or obstructions.

The fish contact surface may be relatively soft, and may be formed of a resiliently deformable material. The fish contact surface may be formed of a foam plastics material.

The fish contact surface may be elongate, and may be straight along its length, or alternatively may curve along its length.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a contact member having a surface which forms the fish contact surface. The contact member may be elongate and may be substantially cylindrical, and the fish contact surface may be curved across its width. The contact member may extend from one part of the support to another part of the support. Alternatively, the apparatus may include a plurality of contact members.

The apparatus may include a fish contact surface mounting for mounting the fish contact surface. The mounting may permit the surface to move relative to the support, and may permit the surface to move in a plurality of directions relative to the support. The mounting may permit the surface to be moved by contact with the fish, and may permit the surface to move 1 0 substantially in the direction of motion of the fish.

The mounting may be mounted to the support.

Preferably, the mounting mounts the or each contact member, and may rotatably mount the or each contact member.

The mounting may comprise an axle member, which may be in the form of an elongate bar, and may extend from one part of the support to another part of the support. The axle member may extend through a passage defined by the or each contact member.

The mounting may include a pair of spaced bearings, which may be mounted to the support and may each receive an end of the axle member extending from the contact member. Alternatively the bearings may be mounted to the contact member or axle, and may receive ends of the support.

The bearings may be needle bearings. The apparatus may include a seal to protect each of the bearings. The seal may be in the form of a cap, and may be formed of a resilient material.

Preferably, the apparatus includes a handle, which extends from the support. Preferably, the fish contact surface is located on an opposite side of the mouth to the handle.

Preferably, the support includes a pair of oppositely curved parts which are substantially coplanar. Preferably, in use the fish contact surface is coplanar with or below the level of the plane of the curved parts.

Preferably, the apparatus includes buoyancy means, which may be arranged to lift the apparatus when in use in water. Preferably, the buoyancy means lift the fish contact surface. Preferably, the material of the fish contact surface forms the buoyancy means.

Preferably the apparatus is a net, which may be for use as a keep net 1 5 or a landing net.

Preferably, the net structure is moveable between an extended condition and a collapsed condition. Preferably, the net structure is, in use, biased to the extended condition, and may be biased to the extended condition by gravity or by the weight of a fish in the interior.

Preferably, the apparatus includes means for moving the net structure from the extended condition to the collapsed condition. Preferably, the means include an actuator which may extend from a lower part in use of the net structure. Preferably, the net structure moving means include guide means for guiding the operation of the actuator. Preferably, the actuator includes a grip for gripping by a user. Preferably, the actuator and the guide means are arranged to locate the grip at or adjacent to the handle.

Further according to the present invention, there is provided fishing net apparatus for use in angling, the apparatus including a support, the support supporting a net structure, the apparatus including means for moving the net structure from an extended condition to a collapsed condition.

Preferably, the net structure is, in use, biased to the extended condition, and may be biased to the extended condition by gravity or by the weight of a fish in the interior.

Preferably, the means include an actuator which may extend from a lower part in use of the net structure. Preferably, the net structure moving means include guide means for guiding the operation of the actuator.

Preferably, the actuator includes a grip for gripping by a user. Preferably, the apparatus includes a handle, which extends from the support, and the actuator and the guide means may be arranged to locate the grip at or adjacent to the handle.

Preferably, the net structure defines an interior, the support defines a mouth for access to and exit from the interior and the apparatus includes a fish contact surface at the mouth, the apparatus being arrangeable so that in use as the fish passes through the mouth into and out of the interior, the fish contacts the fish contact surface rather than the support or the net structure.

Preferably, the apparatus includes any of the features defined above in the preceding paragraphs.

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of fishing apparatus according to the invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the embodiment of Figure 1 in an extended condition; Figure 3 is a side view of the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 in a collapsed condition; Figure 4 is a perspective view of part of a second embodiment of fishing apparatus according to the invention; Figure 5 is a perspective view of part of a third embodiment of fishing apparatus according to the invention; Figure 6 is a perspective view of part of a fourth embodiment of fishing apparatus according to the invention; Figure 7 is a perspective view of part of a fifth embodiment of fishing apparatus according to the invention; Figure 8 is a perspective view of part of a sixth embodiment of fishing apparatus according to the invention; and Figure 9 is a perspective view of part of a seventh embodiment of fishing apparatus according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows fishing net apparatus in the form of a landing net 10, the landing net 10 including a support 12, the support 12 supporting a net structure 14, the net structure 14 defining an interior 16. The support 12 defines a mouth 18 for access to and exit from the interior 16. The landing net 10 includes a fish contact surface 20 at the mouth 18, and is arranged so that as a fish 22 passes through the mouth 18 into and out of the interior 16, the fish 22 contacts the fish contact surface 20 rather than the support 12 or the net structure 14.

The support 12 includes a pair of side support members 50. Each side support member 50 includes a curved part 54 which extends from a junction 26 in a curve firstly outwardly and oppositely away from the other curved part 54 and then inwardly towards the other curved part 54. Each side support member 50 includes an in use downwardly directed part 56 which extends downwardly from an end of the curved part 54 remote from the junction 26. A substantially straight front support member 52 extends between the lower most ends of each of the downwardly directed parts 56. The curved parts 54 are substantially coplanar.

A handle 24 extends from the junction 26 away from the mouth 18.

The handle 24 is substantially coplanar with the curved parts 54.

The net structure 14 is formed of a soft cloth material and includes a front panel 62 which is supported from the front support member 52, a pair of side panels 60 which are supported from the side support members 50 and a base panel 64. The side panel 60, front panel 62 and base panel 64 together define the interior 16.

The landing net 10 includes means for moving the net structure including an actuator in the form of a tab 32 which extends from a lower part of the net structure 14. In the example shown in Figure 1, the tab 32 extends from the vicinity of the junction between the side panels 60 and the base panel 64.

The landing net 10 includes a contact member 40 in the form of a cylindrical bar which extends between the downwardly directed parts 56 of each of the side support members 50, substantially parallel with and above the front support member 52. The contact member 40 is spaced between 3 and 10mm from the front support member 52. The surface of the cylindrical contact member 40 forms the fish contact surface 20 which is elongate, substantially straight along its length and curved across its width. The contact member 40 is manufactured so that the fish contact surface 20 is smooth and free from projections or protrusions.

The support 12, handle 24 and contact member 40 are formed of light metal alloy tubing.

The net structure 14 includes a plurality of spaced support loops 66 which support the front panel 62 and the side panels 60 from the front support member 52 and side support members 50 respectively. Each support loop 66 extends from one of the panels 60, 62 over the respective support member 50, 52 and back to the panel 60, 62. However, it will be noted from Figure 1 that the contact member 40 does not support the net structure 14, and no support loops 66 extend over the contact member 40. Thus the fish contact surface 20 is clear of projections or protrusions.

As an alternative to the use of the support loops 66, the material of the front panel 62 and side panels 60 could be continued over and around the respective support members 52, 50 and stitched or otherwise fastened back onto itself. It will again be understood that the apparatus is arranged so that the net structure 14 does not extend over the contact member 40, which overlies the front support member 52.

In use, a fish 22 is hauled by a fisherman towards the apparatus 10 by means of a line 34 (only a part of which is shown for clarity). The fish 22 will generally be at or near the surface of the water, and as the fish 22 approaches the fisherman, the landing net 10 is positioned so that the fish 22 is hauled inwardly through the mouth 18 into the interior 16 over the fish contact surface 20 of the contact member 40 as indicated by arrow A. The lack of any protrusions or projections on the fish contact surface 20 reduces the possibility of the skin of the fish 22 being damaged during this process.

Once in the net 10, as shown in Fig. 2, the hook (not shown) and line 34 can be disengaged from the fish 22.

The landing net 10 is then positioned over a keep net (not shown). The fisherman grasps hold of the tab 32, and moves the tab 32 upwardly towards the handle 24 and away from the fish contact surface 20 as shown by arrow B in Fig. 2, so that the net structure 14 moves from an extended condition as shown in Fig. 2 to a collapsed condition as shown in Fig. 3. During this procedure, the landing net 10 is tilted so that the fish 22 moves over the fish contact surface 20 of the contact member 40 out of the interior 16 and into the keep net as shown by arrow B in Fig. 3.

The provision of the fish contact surface 20 of the contact member 40 thus reduces the possibility of damage to the skin of the fish 22 when moving into and out of the interior 16 of the landing net 10.

1 5 Figures 4 -9 show a number of alternative embodiments of the invention, many features of which are the same as those described in relation to Figures 1 -3 and hence will not be described in further detail.

Figure 4 shows a second embodiment of the invention. Fishing net apparatus in the form of a landing net 110 includes a substantially cylindrical contact member 140 having a curved cylindrical fish contact surface 120. The contact member 140 defines a passage 144 which extends along the longitudinal axis of the contact member 140. The contact member 140 is mounted on a mounting in the form of an axle member 142 which extends through the passage 144 between the downwardly directed parts 56 of the side support members 50. The axle member 142 extends above and parallel to the front support member 52.

The contact member 140 is formed of a plastics material, and forms a loosely fitting sleeve over the axle member 142, so that the contact member 142 readily rotates about the axle member 142. The plastics material of the contact member 142 is formed so that the fish contact surface 120 is smooth and substantially free of protrusions and projections.

In use, as the fish 22 moves into and out of the interior 16 of the landing net 110, the fish 22 contacts the fish contact surface 120, which can move in accordance with the direction of motion of the fish 22 as shown by arrows D by contact with the fish 22, thus easing the movement of the fish 22 and reducing the risk of damage to the skin of the fish 22 by the movement into and out of the landing net 110.

Figure 5 shows a third embodiment of the invention. Fishing net apparatus in the form of a landing net 210 includes a plurality of generally cylindrical contact members 240, each having a cylindrically curved fish contact surface 220, and each being mounted to a curved axle member 242 1 5 which extends between the curved parts 54 of the side support members 50.

As shown in Fig. 5, front support member 252 is also curved, following the curve of the axle member 242 and extending from the curved parts 54 of the side support members 50.

Each of the contact members 240 defines a passage 244 through which the axle member 242 extends, the contact members 240 being a loose fit around the axle member 242 to permit rotation of the contact members 240 around the axle member 242 in a similar manner to that described above in the embodiment relating to Fig. 4.

In use, the fish 22 moves into and out of the interior 16 of the landing net 210 over the fish contact surfaces 220 of the contact members 240. The advantage of the curved axle member 242 is that smooth and movable fish contact surfaces 220 are provided not only beneath the fish 22 but also to some extent to the sides of the fish 22 as it moves into and out of the interior 16. This advantage could also be provided in the embodiment of Figure 4 by providing subsidiary side rollers which are mounted inboard of the downwardly directed parts 56 of the side support members 50 and above the contact member 140. However such an arrangement is relatively complex, whereas the arrangement shown in Figure 5 has the virtue of being relatively simple in construction.

Figure 6 shows a fourth embodiment of the invention. Fishing net apparatus in the form of a landing net 310 includes a cylindrical contact member 340 having a cylindrically curved fish contact surface 320. The landing net 310 includes a mounting in the form of an axle member 342 which extends from the contact member 340 through a pair of spaced bearings 370 which are positioned in downwardly directed parts 356 of the side support members 50. The bearings 370 are positioned so that the upper part of the fish contact surface 320 in use is substantially coplanar with the curved parts 54 of the side support members 50.

In this embodiment, in contrast with the embodiment shown in Figures 4 and 5, the contact member 340 is fixed to the axle member 342, and both the axle member 342 and the contact member 340 are rotatable in the bearings 370 by contact with the fish 22 as the fish 22 moves into and out of the interior 16 of the landing net 310.

The provision of a rigid contact member as shown in Fig. I or a rigid axle member as shown in Figures 4 and 6 makes the requirement for a rigid front support member 52 redundant. In Figure 6, the landing net 310 includes a flexible front support member 352 in the form of a cord which extends between the downwardly directed parts 356 of the side support members 50 below the contact member 340. Typically, as noted above, the side support members 50 and front support members 52 as shown in Figures 1 -5 are formed of metal alloy tubing. The use of a cord for the front support member 352 thus provides a saving in material cost.

Figure 7 shows a fifth embodiment of the invention. Fishing net apparatus in the form of a landing net 410 includes a contact member 440 and a mounting in the form of an axle member 442 which extends from the contact member 440 into a pair of bearings 470, one bearing 470 being S located in the end of each of the curved parts 54 of the side support members 50. A seal in the form of a sealing cap 484 extends over the end of each curved part 54 to protect the bearings 470 against water and dirt. The sealing cap 484 could be formed of a resilient material such as rubber or a plastics material. The bearing 470 could be a needle bearing.

The landing net 410 includes a T-piece connector 482 which fits over the curved part 54 of each of the side support members 50 and receives an end of front support member 452. The T-piece connector could be formed of a plastics material, or alternatively be formed of metal. This arrangement provides relatively simple, economical construction.

Figure 8 shows a sixth embodiment of the invention. Fishing net apparatus in the form of a landing net 510 includes a contact member 540 and a mounting in the form of an axle member 542 to which the contact member 540 is mounted. In this embodiment, in contrast to the arrangement shown in Figure 7, the axle member 542 includes a bearing 570 located within each end, and each bearing 570 receives an end of the curved part 54 of the side support members 50. A seal in the form of a sealing cap 570 extends over the end of the axle member 542 to protect the bearing 570 against water and dirt. In a modification to the arrangement of Fig. 8, the bearings 570 could be located within the contact member 540.

In each of the embodiments shown in Figures 4 -8, the contact member could be formed of a relatively hard, smooth material. Alternatively, the contact member could be formed of a relatively soft, resiliently deformable material, such as a foam plastics material. One example of a suitable plastics material could be ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA).

Fig. 9 shows a seventh embodiment of the invention. Fishing net apparatus in the form of a landing net 610 includes a support 12, the support 12 supporting a net structure 14, the net structure 14 defining an interior 16.

The landing net 10 includes means for moving the net structure 14 from an extended condition to a collapsed condition, the means including an actuator 668, the actuator 668 including a tab 32 extending from a lower part of the net structure 14, and an operating member in the form of an elongate flexible cord 672.

The support 12 includes a pair of side support members 50 which meet at a junction 26, and a handle 24 which extends from the junction 26.

The net structure moving means includes guide means for guiding the operation of the actuator 668, the guide means including a plurality of guide loops 676 extending from the net structure 14, the cord 672 running through the guide loops 676. The guide means further includes an eye 680 mounted to the handle 24, the cord 672 running through the eye 680. The actuator 668 includes a grip 674 for gripping by a user, the grip 674 being of a larger dimension than the eye 680, and being located on an opposite side of the eye 680 from the tab 32.

The length of the cord 172 and the position of the eye 680 on the handle 24 are arranged so that when the net structure 14 is in the extended condition, the grip 674 is located at or adjacent to the handle 24.

In use, to move the net structure 14 from the extended condition to the collapsed condition, the fisherman grasps the grip 674 and pulls the cord 672 through the eye 680, pulling the tab 32 and the lower part of the net structure 14 towards the eye 680. The location of the grip 674 at or adjacent to the handle 24 means that the fisherman does not have to reach into the water underneath the net to empty the contents of the net structure 14, which, depending on water and weather conditions can be an uncomfortable task.

Various other modifications may be made in relation to this embodiment. The actuator could be of any suitable design, and could be attached at any suitable location to the net structure. For example, the actuator could include a relatively rigid operating member. It could be attached towards the front of the net structure, or could be linked to the net structure at a plurality of locations. The guide means could be of different 1 0 design.

Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as described in any of the preceding embodiments.

Any of the features described in any of the embodiments could be provided in 1 5 any suitable combination. The net structure could be supported by the support differently. The configuration of the contact member in relation to the support could be different. The contact member could be mounted to the support differently. The apparatus could be of any suitable shape and size.

Although described with reference to a landing net, the invention could be utilised for any other similar net used in angling and in particular could be utilised for keep nets.

The use of a foam plastics material for the contact member is particularly advantageous since the low density of the foam plastics material provides buoyancy means which lift the apparatus when in use in the water.

In some examples, the handle 24 of the landing net is relatively long, extending for several metres, and it can be tiring for a fisherman to support both a rod in one hand and a landing net in the other hand. The buoyancy of the foam plastics material of the contact member thus provides an amount of lift to support the landing net at its furthest point to assist the fisherman.

It is generally considered advantageous for the fish contact surface to be positioned below the plane of the support, as this provides a scoop for landing the fish which guides the fish into the interior.

There is thus provided fishing net apparatus in particular in the form of a landing net, which provides a relatively smooth surface free of protrusions or projections over which the fish passes into and out of the interior of the net.

The net material does not extend over the fish contact surface, and thus the risk of damage to the skin of the fish during movement is reduced. The actuator provides a means of moving the net from an extended to a collapsed condition without a fisherman having to reach into the water underneath the net, thus improving the fishing experience for the fisherman.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw aftention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

CLAIMS

1. Fishing net apparatus for use in angling, the apparatus including a support, the support supporting a net structure, the net structure defining an interior, the support defining a mouth for access to and exit from the interior, the apparatus including a fish contact surface at the mouth, the apparatus being arrangeable so that in use as the fish passes through the mouth into and out of the interior, the fish contacts the fish contact surface rather than the support or the net structure.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, in which the apparatus is arrangeable so that in use as the fish passes through the mouth, the fish passes over the fish contact surface.

1 5 3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, in which the apparatus is arrangeable so that only the fish contact surface contacts the fish as the fish passes through the mouth.

4. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the fish contact surface overlies at least a part of the support and/or the net structure.

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the fish contact surface is relatively smooth and free from protrusions or obstructions. S.,, Sn S * S *S*S

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the fish * : contact surface is relatively soft.

**.*S*

S I

7. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the fish aS::: contact surface is formed of a resiliently deformable material.

8. Apparatus according to claim 7, in which the fish contact surface is formed of a foam plastics material.

9. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the fish contact surface is elongate.

10. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the fish contact surface is straight along its length.

11. Apparatus according to claims 1 to 9, in which the fish contact surface curves along its length.

12. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a contact member having a surface which forms the fish contact surface.

13. Apparatus according to claim 12, in which the contact member is elongate and substantially cylindrical.

14. Apparatus according to claim 13, in which the fish contact surface is curved across the width of the contact member.

15. Apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 14, in which the contact member extends from one part of the support to another part of the support. * S. * S S S...

16. Apparatus according to any of claims 12 to 14, in which the apparatus includes a plurality of contact members.

* S.... * S

17. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes a fish contact surface mounting for mounting the fish S...

contact surface.

18. Apparatus according to claim 17, in which the mounting permits the fish contact surface to move relative to the support.

19. Apparatus according to claim 18, in which the mounting permits the surface to move in a plurality of directions relative to the support.

20. Apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 19, in which the mounting permits the surface to be moved by contact with the fish.

21. Apparatus according to claim 20, in which the mounting permits the surface to move substantially in the direction of motion of the fish.

22. Apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 21, in which the mounting is mounted to the support.

23. Apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 22 when dependent on claim 12 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the mounting mounts the or each contact member.

24. Apparatus according to claim 23, in which the mounting rotatably mounts the or each contact member.

25. Apparatus according to claim 24, in which the mounting comprises an axle member. * *. * S S *5S*

26. Apparatus according to claim 25, in which the axle member is in the *....:25 form of an elongate bar. *

S.....

* 27. Apparatus according to claims 25 or 26, in which the axle member extends from one part of the support to another part of the support. a... S. * * S

28. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 27, in which the axle member extends through a passage defined by the or each contact member.

29. Apparatus according to any of claims 25 to 28, in which the mounting includes a pair of spaced bearings.

30. Apparatus according to claim 29, in which the bearings are mounted to the support and each receive an end of the axle member extending from the contact member.

31. Apparatus according to claim 29, in which the bearings are mounted to the contact member or axle, and receive ends of the support.

32. Apparatus according to any of claims 29 to 31, in which the bearings are needle bearings.

33. Apparatus according to any of claims 29 to 32, in which the apparatus includes a seal to protect each of the bearings.

34. Apparatus according to claim 33, in which the seal is in the form of a cap.

35. Apparatus according to claims 33 or 34, in which the seal is formed of a resilient material.

: .. 36. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the *.S.

***e** apparatus includes a handle, which extends from the support. * S..

37. Apparatus according to claim 36, in which the fish contact surface is located on an opposite side of the mouth to the handle. S. S

S a...

38. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the *I 0:30 support includes a pair of oppositely curved parts which are substantially coplanar, and in use the fish contact surface is coplanar with or below the level of the plane of the curved parts.

39. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus includes buoyancy means, which are arranged to lift the apparatus when in use in water.

40. Apparatus according to claim 39, in which the buoyancy means lift the fish contact surface.

41. Apparatus according to claims 39 or 40, in which the material of the fish contact surface forms the buoyancy means.

42. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the apparatus is a net, which is for use as a keep net or a landing net.

43. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, in which the net structure is moveable between an extended condition and a collapsed condition.

44. Apparatus according to claim 43, in which the net structure is, in use, biased to the extended condition.

45. Apparatus according to claim 44, in which the net structure is biased to ::. the extended condition by gravity or by the weight of a fish in the interior. a... * . * S..

46. Apparatus according to any of claims 43 to 45, in which the apparatus includes means for moving the net structure from the extended condition to the collapsed condition. S. *

S *.*.

47. Apparatus according to claim 46, in which the means include an actuator.

48. Apparatus according to claim 47, in which the actuator extends from a lower part in use of the net structure.

49. Apparatus according to claims 47 to 48, in which the net structure moving means include guide means for guiding the operation of the actuator.

50. Apparatus according to any of claims 47 to 49, in which the actuator includes a grip for gripping by a user.

51. Apparatus according to claim 50 when dependent on claim 36 or any claim dependent thereon, in which the actuator and the guide means are arranged to locate the grip at or adjacent to the handle.

52. Fishing net apparatus for use in angling, the apparatus including a 1 5 support, the support supporting a net structure, the apparatus including means for moving the net structure from an extended condition to a collapsed condition.

53. Apparatus according to claim 52, in which the net structure is, in use, biased to the extended condition.

54. Apparatus according to claim 53, in which the net structure is biased to : : the extended condition by gravity or by the weight of a fish in the interior. * * * ***

55. Apparatus according to any of claims 52 to 54, in which the means *...a.

* include an actuator.

S *S.e.

* 56. Apparatus according to claim 55, in which the actuator extends from a ::::: lower part in use of the net structure.

57. Apparatus according to any of claims 52 to 56, in which the net structure moving means include guide means for guiding the operation of the actuator.

58. Apparatus according to any of claims 55 to 57, in which the actuator includes a grip for gripping by a user.

59. Apparatus according to claim 58, in which the apparatus includes a handle which extends from the support, and the actuator and the guide means are arranged to locate the grip at or adjacent to the handle.

60. Apparatus according to any of claims 52 to 59, in which the net structure defines an interior, the support defines a mouth for access to and exit from the interior and the apparatus includes a fish contact surface at the mouth, the apparatus being arrangeable so that in use as the fish passes through the mouth into and out of the interior, the fish contacts the fish contact surface rather than the support or the net structure.

61. Apparatus according to any of claims 52 to 60, in which the apparatus includes any of the features defined in any of claims 1 to 51.

62. Apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described and with reference : *. to the accompanying drawings. S... S... * S Se..

63. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter * : disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same * : * * invention as any of the preceding claims. S. a a...

S * S I S *5