GB2609412A

GB2609412A - Fishing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2609412A
Application number: GB2110861.8A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Green Lewis; Cheetham Sam
Original assignee: Cipher International Ltd
Current assignee: Cipher International Ltd
Priority date: 2021-07-28
Filing date: 2021-07-28
Publication date: 2023-02-08
Also published as: GB202110861D0

Abstract

A fishing float system 200 comprises a float 110 configured to be buoyant in water and to have a fishing line attached thereto. In a first embodiment a member 118 (e.g. a boom) comprises both a first connector arrangement (208, Fig 5) for slidably mounting the member to the fishing line and one of a complementary pair of parts of a clip arrangement (202, Fig 5) configured to releasably mount the member to the float (the other part of the clip arrangement being on the float) and to separate when a predetermined force acts on the member. In a second embodiment the float has a reservoir for containing a liquid (250, Fig 7), a first section (206, Fig 7) with one or more apertures (252a, b, c, Fig 7) which fluidically connect the reservoir and the exterior of the float and a second portion 110 which comprises at least part of a buoyant body of the float. In use with the float buoyant in the water, the first portion is located above the second portion.

Description

FISHING APPARATUS

FIELD

The present invention relates to fishing tackle and equipment, and in particular to a fishing float system and a fishing float.

BACKGROUND

Zig' fishing is a known technique used by anglers to catch carp and pike. This technique involves positioning a fishing lure and a hook at a desired depth within a body of water. Carp, for example, are commonly found to feed at various depths in the water column.

Therefore, the 'zig' fishing technique may be advantageous to anglers since it may allow accurate placement of a fishing lure at a depth within a body of water in which carp are found to be feeding.

A 'zig rig', i.e. a rig used for 'zig' fishing, may include a mainline, a weight, a float, a hook line of a desired length, and a buoyant lure in combination with a hook. When the 'zig rig' is cast onto a body of water, the weight sinks to the bottom of the body of water, whilst the float, the buoyant lure and thus the hook rise towards the surface of the body of water due to the buoyancy forces acting on the float and the lure. The depth of the hook and the lure in the body of water can be controlled by varying the length of the hook line extending between the float and the hook, and by varying the depth of the float.

A common problem encountered in 'zig' fishing is that the components of a 'zig rig' can become tangled with each other during casting. If this occurs, an angler may be unable to position the hook and the lure at a desired depth due to tangling between the mainline, hook line, weight, lure and/or hook. Therefore, the angler would need to retrieve the 'zig rig' from the body of water, untangle the components, and re-cast the rig. This can be time consuming and irritating for the angler.

It is known for anglers to use a liquid fish attractant in combination with the lure to improve the ability to attract fish such as carp. It is common for the lure to be coated or soaked in the liquid fish attractant prior to casting such that once the lure is in a body of water, the liquid fish attractant is released into the body of water in the vicinity of the lure.

However, the size of a fishing lure is limited. Carp, for example, may not be attracted to a lure that is too large. Therefore, the amount of liquid fish attractant that can be released into the water by spraying or soaking the lure in liquid fish attractant is also limited. As such, all of the liquid fish attractant may be released from the lure in a relatively short space of time after the rig has been cast, which rapidly reduces its effectiveness to attract fish.

The present teachings seek to overcome, or at least mitigate the problems of the prior art. SUMMARY According to a first aspect there is provided a fishing float system comprising a fishing float configured to be buoyant in water and configured to have a fishing line attached thereto; a member comprising a first connector arrangement for slidably mounting the member to the fishing line; and the fishing float and the member having complementary parts of a clip arrangement configured to releasably mount the member to the fishing float, wherein the clip arrangement is configured to separate when a predetermined force acts on the member.

Since the member can be releasably secured to the fishing float, the member may be secured to the fishing float when beneficial, for example prior to and during casting, and then may be released from the fishing float when beneficial, in particular when the fishing float and member land on water and the force is generated by the impact of the float and member with the water, or if the angler stops the float and member mid-flight and inertial effects on the member and float causing separation.

By being secured to the fishing float prior to and during casting to help inhibit the member and/or a further fishing apparatus connected to the member for example, from becoming tangled with fishing line connected to the fishing float and/or to the member.

By having the member release from the fishing float when the fishing float is in a body of water to allow the member to sink to the bed of the act as a guidance point on a fishing line that is secured to the fishing float, as is a common technique in zig fishing, for example.

The clip arrangement may be configured to enable the member to separate from the fishing float by a force generated by impact with water during a casting operation.

Advantageously, the clip arrangement may enable the member to separate from the fishing float automatically once the fishing float system is cast onto a body of water.

The clip arrangement may comprise an engaging wall secured to one of the fishing float and the member, wherein said engaging wall is configured to engage the other of the fishing float and the member to releasably mount the member to the fishing float.

The engaging wall may enable the member to be mounted to the float quickly and simply, and may further enable the member to separate from the float in a reliable and consistent manner.

The engaging wall may at least partially define a channel extending along a longitudinal axis thereof, the channel configured to receive said other of the fishing float and the member to releasably mount the member to the fishing float. The clip arrangement may be configured to enable said other of the fishing float and the member to exit from the channel when the predetermined force acts on the member.

Advantageously, this may help ensure that the member separates from the fishing float in a consistent direction when the fishing float system is cast in the water. Moreover, this may allow the member to be quickly mounted to the fishing float by inserting the member into the channel.

The engaging wall may at least partially define a lateral opening of the channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the channel between two ends thereof. Optionally, the engaging wall may be resiliently deformable.

The lateral opening may provide a path for the member to travel through when the member separates from the fishing float. Additionally or alternatively, the lateral opening may provide a path for further fishing apparatus connected to the member, such as a connector ring for connecting the member to a fishing weight for example, to travel through when the member separates from the fishing float.

The resiliently deformable engaging wall may enable the engaging wall to act as a jaw of the clip arrangement.

The fishing float system may be configured such that the longitudinal axis of the channel points in a generally downward direction when the member is releasably mounted to the fishing float and when the fishing float is buoyant in water. Optionally, the longitudinal axis of the channel may be substantially parallel to or may be at least in a common vertical plane with a longitudinal axis of the fishing float.

Advantageously, this may assist in minimising wind resistance during casting operation to maximise the distance the system may be cast, whilst minimising the risk of unwanted separation in flight, and help to promote separation between the member and the fishing float when the fishing float system is cast onto a body of water.

The engaging wall may be secured to the fishing float, and the channel may be shaped to correspond to at least a portion of the member. The said at least a portion of the member and the channel may have circular profiles.

This may help to retain the member within the channel by increasing the contact surface area between the member and surfaces that define the channel.

Providing the member and the channel with circular profiles may help to reduce the predetermined force on the member needed for the member to separate from the fishing float.

A width of the channel may taper along its longitudinal axis in a substantially upwards direction when the fishing float is buoyant in water, and the member may have a corresponding tapering width.

Advantageously, this may help to promote separation between the member and the fishing float when the fishing float system is cast into a body of water, as well aid aiding fitting of the member to the float prior to casting. Furthermore, it may simplify manufacture of the fishing by reducing complexity of moulding.

The fishing float may extend between a first end thereof to an opposite second end thereof, The fishing float may be configured such that the first end is located above the second end when the fishing float is buoyant in water. The clip arrangement may be located closer to the second end than the first end. The clip arrangement may be located at the second end. The fishing float may have a width that tapers from a maximum width proximate the first end to a minimum width proximate the second end.

Advantageously, locating the clip arrangement nearer to or at the second end of the fishing float, may help to promote separation between the member and the fishing float. Moreover, this may make it easier to connect the first connector arrangement of the member to fishing line located proximate to the second end of the fishing float before casting the fishing float system onto a body of water. Further, the shape of the float may promote a longer, smoother flight of the system when cast.

The member may comprise a collar configured to abut against the fishing float when the member is releasably mounted to the fishing float, to restrict movement of the member relative to the fishing float in one direction. The collar may be proximate an end of the member.

Advantageously, the collar may act as a positioning guide to indicate to a user where the member should be positioned relative to the fishing float when releasably mounting the member to the fishing float.

The member may be elongate having a first free end and a second free end. The first connector arrangement may be located at or proximate to the first free end and/or a second connector arrangement may be located at or proximate to the second free end.

Advantageously, the elongate member may be less visible to fish when in the water, may require less force to be detached from the fishing float when secured thereto via the clip arrangement, and may be simpler to mount to the fishing float via the clip arrangement.

Moreover, prior to casting, the elongate member may provide sufficient distance between the first connector arrangement connected to a fishing line, and a second connector arrangement connected to a further fishing apparatus, such as a fishing weight for example, to help avoid snagging or tangling between the components of the fishing rig.

Further, the elongate member may allow fishing line connected to the first connector arrangement to be well clear of a bed of a body of water once the fishing float system has been cast onto said body of water. Advantageously, this may prevent the fishing line from snagging or tangling with plants and the like on the water bed.

The first connector arrangement may comprise an aperture for slideably receiving a fishing line therethrough. The first connector arrangement may comprise a ring defining the 30 aperture.

This may allow the first connector arrangement to act as an anchoring point for a fishing line, for example when the fishing float is used as part of a zig rig.

The first connector arrangement may be pivotable relative to the remainder of the member about at least one axis. The first connector arrangement may be pivotable about two orthogonal axes.

Advantageously, this may help to inhibit tangling between fishing line received through the aperture and the fishing float.

The member may further comprise a second connector arrangement for connecting the member to a further fishing apparatus, the second connector arrangement spaced from the first connector arrangement. The second connector arrangement may comprise an aperture.

This enables the second connector arrangement to be connected to a further fishing apparatus, such as a fishing weight for example.

The fishing float may comprise an internal passage for receiving a fishing line therethrough, the passage extending within the fishing float between openings located at a first end and an opposite second end of the fishing float.

This allows a fishing line to pass through the fishing float, which helps to inhibit the fishing line from tangling with the fishing float and any fishing apparatus connected thereto, for example during casting.

The fishing float system may further comprise a locking arrangement operable to selectively inhibit or enable a fishing line to be inserted into or removed from the internal passage in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends of the fishing float.

Advantageously, this allows fishing line to be removed from the internal passage in the fishing float without having to pull the fishing line through the internal passage. This is especially beneficial when an end of the fishing line is connected to a fishing apparatus too large to pass through the internal passage, such as a fishing hook for example, since it enables the fishing line to be removed from the internal passage without having to remove said fishing apparatus.

The locking arrangement may comprise a tube for slideably receiving a fishing line therethrough; and a slot defined by the fishing float, the slot in communication with the internal passage and extending between the first and second ends of the fishing float, wherein the tube is receivable in the internal passage via at least one of the openings, and wherein the slot is configured to enable a fishing line to be inserted into or removed from the internal passage in the transverse direction via the slot, and wherein the slot and the tube are configured to inhibit the tube from being removed from the internal passage via the slot.

This provides a robust and effective locking arrangement, which allows a fishing line to be quickly inserted or removed from the internal passage.

According to a second aspect there is provided a fishing float comprising a buoyant body configured such that the fishing float is buoyant in water and configured to have a fishing line attached thereto; a reservoir for containing a liquid; and one or more apertures in fluid communication with the reservoir for enabling a liquid contained within the reservoir to flow external to the fishing float, wherein a first portion of the fishing float comprises the one or more apertures, wherein a second portion of the fishing float comprises at least part of the buoyant body, and wherein the fishing float is configured such that the first portion is located above the second portion when the fishing float is buoyant in water.

Advantageously, a liquid fish attractant may be inserted into the reservoir, for example, via the one or more apertures. As such, when the fishing float has been cast into a body of water, the liquid fish attractant may flow from the reservoir to the exterior of the fishing float via the one or more apertures. This may attract fish to a hook located in the vicinity of the fishing float, for example, vertically above the fishing float. This may be particularly beneficial when the float is used as part of a zig rig.

Moreover, since the one or more apertures are located above at least a portion of the buoyant body when the float is buoyant in water and restrained by a fishing line, liquid fish attractant flowing out of the reservoir via the one or more apertures may float to the surface of the body of water with little or no impediment from the buoyant body, when the liquid fish attractant is less dense than water (e.g. an oil-based liquid fish attractant). As such, this may help to ensure that the liquid fish attractant flows consistently vertically above the float to where a fishing hook may be located.

The first portion of the fishing float may comprise the reservoir.

This may help to minimise a depth of the one or more apertures.

The second portion may comprise a majority or all of the buoyant body.

Advantageously, this may help to ensure that the buoyant body does not impede liquid fish attractant flowing out of the reservoir via the one or more apertures to the surface of a body of water.

The reservoir may be releasably secured to the buoyant body via a releasable securing arrangement.

Advantageously, this allows the reservoir to be removed from the buoyant body to allow either the reservoir or the buoyant body to be replaced. For example, it may be beneficial to change the external colour of the reservoir, the size of the reservoir, the number of apertures and/or the size of said apertures. Moreover, it may be beneficial to change the size, shape and/or colour of the buoyant body.

The releasable securing arrangement may comprise a bayonet mount-type fitting; optionally. The bayonet mount-type fitting may comprise a substantially L-shaped recess defined by the buoyant body arranged to receive a pin secured to the reservoir.

This provides a robust and effective releasable fastening arrangement.

The fishing float may have a substantially water drop-shaped profile. The reservoir may be secured to an end of the buoyant body. The reservoir may be substantially hemispherical.

This may help to ensure a stable orientation of the fishing float when buoyant and submerged in water and may promote a longer, smoother flight of the system when cast and easier retrieval of the fishing float from the body of water.

An external surface of the fishing float may comprise a plurality of protrusions and/or a plurality of recesses.

Advantageously, this increases the surface area of the external surface. This is especially beneficial for when the one or more apertures are plugged with a tacky substance (e.g. polyvinyl alcohol foam), since said tacky substance can adhere better to the external surface of the fishing float, which inhibits the tacky substance from detaching from the float. Further advantageously, this may assist in using PVA foam or the like being used to attach a hook to the float with greater security to reduce the risk of tangling during casting.

The one or more apertures may comprise a first aperture and a second aperture. The fishing float may be configured such that the first aperture is located above the second aperture when the fishing float is buoyant in water.

Advantageously, providing two apertures may enable liquid contained within the reservoir to flow out of one aperture, whilst enabling another fluid to flow into the reservoir via the other aperture in order to equalise the pressure between the reservoir and the exterior of the fishing float. This helps to ensure that the liquid contained in the reservoir flows out from the reservoir smoothly.

By locating the first aperture above the second aperture when the fishing float is buoyant in water, this may enable liquids that are less dense than water (e.g. oil-based liquid fish attractants) to flow out of the first aperture, and liquids with a density greater than that of water to flow out of the second aperture.

The one or more apertures may further comprise a third aperture. The first and second apertures may be located on an opposite side of the fishing float to the third aperture.

Advantageously, the third aperture may provide a port to the reservoir for filling the reservoir with a liquid, such as a liquid fish attractant for example. Also the third aperture may act as hook anchor in conjunction with a further piece of PVA foam.

The buoyant body may taper from a first end thereof to an opposite second end thereof.

Providing the buoyant body with this profile may help to ensure that the buoyant body is consistently oriented with its first end vertically above its second end when buoyant in water and may further promote smooth and longer flight and easier retrieval of the float.

The internal passage may extend through the buoyant body and/or the reservoir.

The fishing float may further comprise a locking arrangement operable to selectively inhibit or enable a fishing line to be inserted into or removed from the internal passage in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends of the fishing float.

A kit of parts may comprise the fishing float of the second aspect and one or more plugs, wherein each plug is for inserting into one of the one or more apertures to block said aperture. Each plug may be formed from a water soluble material, preferably polyvinyl alcohol.

Advantageously, the one or plugs may be used to block the one or more apertures to substantially seal a liquid within the reservoir.

Forming each plug from a water soluble material enables the plugs to dissolve when the fishing float is in the water, to allow liquid contained within the reservoir to flow through the one or more apertures and outside of the fishing float once the float is at a desired location in the water.

The features of the first and second aspects may be combined. The optional features of the first aspect may be combined with the features of the second aspect. The optional features of the second aspect may be combined with the features of the first aspect.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments are now disclosed by way of example only with reference to the drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a schematic of a fishing rig including a float and a member according to an embodiment; Figure 2 is a side view of a fishing float system including the float and the member of Figure 1; Figure 3 is another side view of the fishing float system of Figure 2; Figure 4 is an upper perspective view of the fishing float system of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a partial lower perspective view of the fishing float system of Figure 2, showing the member and the float in an unmounted configuration; Figure 6 is a partial lower perspective view of the fishing float system of Figure 2, showing the member and the float in a mounted configuration; Figure 7 is a lower exploded view of the fishing float system of Figure 2; Figure 8 is an upper exploded view of the fishing float system of Figure 2; Figure 9 is a partial upper perspective view of the fishing float system of Figure 2 showing a receptacle secured to a buoyant body; and Figure 10 is a partial upper perspective view of the fishing float system of Figure 2 showing the receptacle unsecured to the buoyant body.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S)

Figure 1 shows a schematic of a fishing rig 100, after it has been cast into a body of water 102 via a fishing rod 104. In particular, the fishing rig 100 is a 'zig rig'.

The fishing rig 100 includes a main line 106, a weight 108, a float 110, a hook line 112, a buoyant lure 114, and a hook 116.

As will be discussed more in the following, the main line 106 is slidably connected to the weight 108 via a member 118 (often referred to as a boom), such that the main line 106 can move relative to the weight and such that the member 118 provides a guidance point G through which the main line 106 is constrained to move through.

The main line 106 extends between, and is attached to, a reel 105 of the rod 104 at one end and the float 110 at the other end. The main line 106 can be fixed relative to the rod 104, for example, by locking or restraining rotation of the reel 105. The main line 106 is connected to the float 110 such that the float 110 moves towards the guidance point G as the main line 106 is reeled in towards the fishing rod 104 via the fishing reel 105.

In the cast configuration of the fishing rig 100 shown in Figure 1, the main line 106 is under a degree of tension since the buoyancy force acting on the float 110 pulls the main line 106 vertically upward through the guidance point G, which generates a tension force in the main line 106 between the float 110 and the guidance point G, and between the guidance point G and the rod 104.

The hook line 112 extends between, and is secured to, the float 110 at one end of the hook line 112 and the hook 116 at the other end of the hook line 112. The buoyant lure 114 is secured to the hook 116. Additionally or alternatively, the lure 114 may be secured directly to the hook line 112 proximate the hook 116.

In Figure 1, the hook line 112 is under a degree of tension since the buoyancy force acting on the buoyant lure 114 pulls the end of the hook line 112 to which it is secured vertically upward, generating a reaction force in the end of the hook line 112 secured to the float 110, which cannot move further upwards due to the tension in the main line 106.

In order to increase the depth of the fishing hook 116 and the lure 114 in the fishing rig 100 of Figure 1, the reel 105 is operated to reel in the main line 106; i.e. to move the main line 106 towards the reel 105. This results in the float 110, the hook 116 and the lure 114 moving down in the water column to a greater depth, as the float 110 is pulled towards the guidance point G. In order to reduce the depth of the fishing hook 116 and the lure 114 in the fishing rig 100 of Figure 1, the reel 105 is operated to reel out the main line 106; i.e. to introduce slack in the main line 106 by feeding the main line 106 out from the reel 105. As the main line 106 is reeled out, the float 110 is able to move vertically upwards until the main line 106 is under tension once more.

As such, the fishing rig 100 of Figure 1 enables the depth of the hook 116 and the fishing lure 114 in the body of water 102 to be easily controlled via operation of the reel 105.

Advantageously, the fishing rig 100 does not need to be retrieved from the water 102, modified and re-cast into the water 102 in order to change the depth of the hook 116 and the lure 114.

It will be appreciated that if the fishing rig 100 is cast into the body of water 102 in the configuration shown in Figure 1, the components of the fishing rig 100 may become tangled with one another due to the flexibility of the main line 106 and the hook line 112. The following teachings seek to overcome, or at least mitigate this problem.

Figures 2 to 4 show a fishing float system 200 in a pre-cast configuration; i.e. before it has been cast into the body of water 102. The fishing float system 200 includes the float 110 and the member 118.

The float 110 includes a buoyant body 204 configured such that the float 110 is buoyant in water and a receptacle 206 for containing a liquid, such as a liquid fish attractant.

The float 110 is configured such that a longitudinal axis B thereof is vertically oriented when the float 110 is buoyant in water. The longitudinal axis B extends between a first end 110a of the float 110 and an opposite second end 110b of the float 110. The first end 110a is located above the second end 110b when the float 110 is buoyant in water.

To help ensure that the longitudinal axis B is vertically oriented when the float 110 is buoyant in water and the second end 110b of the float 110 is restrained by the main line 106, the float 110 has a substantially water drop-shaped profile as viewed in Figures 2 and 3, in which a width of the float 110 tapers from a maximum width proximate the first end 110a to a minimum width proximate the second end 110b. In particular, the buoyant body 204 tapers in a direction from the first end 110a towards the second end 110b of the float 110.

With further reference to Figures 5 and 6, the member 118 includes a first connector arrangement 208 for slidably mounting the member 118 to the main line 106. The member 118 further includes a second connector arrangement 210, which is spaced from the first connector arrangement 208, for connecting the member 118 to a further fishing apparatus, such as the weight 108 as shown in Figure 1; e.g. via a ring-shaped connector. The first connector arrangement 208 and the second connector arrangement 210 are secured to a body 119 of the member 118.

The member 118 is releasably mounted to the float 110 via a clip arrangement 202. It will be appreciated that when the member 118 is mounted to the float 110 via the clip arrangement 202, and with the weight 108 connected to the member 118, the member 118 and the weight 108 are inhibited from tangling with the float 110 or the main line 106.

As will be discussed more below, the clip arrangement 202 is configured to separate when a predetermined force acts on the member 118 to enable the member 118 to dismount and separate from the float 110. In particular, the clip arrangement 202 is configured to enable the member 118 to separate from the float 110 by a force generated by the impact of the member 118 and float 110 with the water and the differential deceleration of these upon impact. For example, the differential deceleration may result from the relatively large and buoyant float 110 decelerating at a greater rate than the member 118 and the weight 108. As such, when the fishing float system 200 is cast into the body of water 102, the member 118 can automatically separate from the float 110 resulting in the configuration shown in Figure 1.

Advantageously, this enables the fishing float system 200 to be cast in the pre-casting configuration, in which components of the fishing rig 100 are less likely to tangle with each other, and then enables the fishing float system 200 to automatically change configuration to the desired configuration shown in Figure 1 when the system 200 has been cast into the water 102.

The clip arrangement 202 includes an engaging wall 212 secured to the fishing float 110, in particular to the buoyant body 204. As shown in Figure 6, the engaging wall 212 is configured to engage the member 118 to releasably mount the member 118 to the fishing float 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the engaging wall 212 is formed from a resiliently deformable material, which provides the engaging wall 212 with a degree of flexibility.

The engaging wall 212 defines a channel 214 of the clip arrangement 202. The channel 214 extends along a channel longitudinal axis 216. As shown in Figure 6, the channel 214 is configured to receive the member 118 to releasably mount the member 118 to the float 110.

The engaging wall 212 further defines a first longitudinal opening 217, a second longitudinal opening 218 and a lateral opening 220 of the channel 214. The first and second longitudinal openings 217, 218 are located at the longitudinal ends of the channel 214. The lateral opening 220 extends between the first and second longitudinal openings 217, 218 along the channel longitudinal axis 216.

By comparing a longitudinal axis B of the float 110, which is vertically oriented when the float 110 is buoyant in water, and the channel longitudinal axis 216 in Figure 5, it is clear that the channel longitudinal axis 216 is oriented in a generally downward direction when the float 110 is buoyant in water.

In the illustrated embodiment, the channel longitudinal axis 216 is oriented at an acute angle relative to the longitudinal axis B, and both the channel longitudinal axis 216 and the longitudinal axis B lie in a common vertical plane when the float 110 is buoyant in water.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the channel longitudinal axis 216 may be parallel to the longitudinal axis B. The channel 214 is shaped to correspond to a mounting portion 222 of the member 118; i.e. the profile of the channel 214 along the channel longitudinal axis 216 corresponds to the outer profile of the mounting portion 222 along a longitudinal axis 224 of the member 118.

In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting portion 222 and the channel 214 have corresponding circular profiles.

As illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, a width/diameter of the channel 214 tapers along the channel longitudinal axis 216 from a maximum width/diameter at the second longitudinal opening 218 to a minimum width/diameter at the first longitudinal opening 217. Due to the orientation of the channel 214 with respect to the longitudinal axis B, the channel 214 tapers along the channel longitudinal axis 216 in a substantially upwards direction when the float 110 is buoyant in water 102. The mounting portion 222 of the member 118 has a corresponding tapering width/diameter to the channel 214.

By comparing Figures 1 to 6, it is clear that the clip arrangement 202 is located closer to the second end 110b of the float 110 than the first end 110a of the float 110. In particular, the clip arrangement 202 is located substantially at the second end 110b of the float 110; i.e. a portion of the clip arrangement 202 is co-located with the second end 110b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the member 118 is elongate extending along the longitudinal axis 224 between a first free end 118a and a second free end 118b of the member 118. The first connector arrangement 208 is located at the first free end 118a.

The second connector arrangement 210 is located at the second free end 118b. The mounting portion 222 is interposed between the first free end 118a and the second free end 118b. In particular, the mounting portion 222 is interposed between the first connector arrangement 208 and the second connector arrangement 210. The elongate shape of the member 118 may help in allowing the main line 106 to be clear of the bed of the body of water in use, which may reduce snagging risks in use. In addition the elongate shape is convenient for forming a clip interface.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the member 118 may not be elongate and may instead be any suitable shape.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first connector arrangement 208 includes a ring 226 defining an aperture 228. As shown in Figure 6, the aperture 228 is for slidably receiving the main line 106 therethrough.

The ring 226 is mounted to the body 119 of the member 118 via a mounting 230. In particular, a portion of the ring 226 passes through a bore in the mounting 230 to secure it thereto. The mounting 230 is secured to the body 119 such that the mounting 230 is inhibited from translating relative to the body 119.

The mounting 230 is configured such that the mounting 230 and the ring 226 are pivotable relative to the body 119 of the member 118 about the longitudinal axis 224 of the member 118. Further, the ring 226 is pivotable relative to the mounting 230 about an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 224 of the member 118. Hence, the ring 226 has two degrees of freedom of movement relative to the body 119 of the member 118.

Advantageously, this helps to inhibit tangling between the member 118 and the main line 106.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the aperture 228 may only be pivotable with respect to the body about the longitudinal axis 224 or an axis orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 224. Alternatively, the aperture 228 may be fixed relative to the body 119.

In the illustrated embodiment, the second connector arrangement 210 includes an aperture 232 defined in the body 119 of the member 118. The second connector arrangement 210 may connect the member 118 to the weight 108, for example, via a connector ring (not shown) received both through the aperture 232 and through an eyelet (not shown) secured to the weight 108.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the second connector arrangement 210 may have the same arrangement as the first connector arrangement 208.

The member 118 incudes a collar 234 extending radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis 224 from the body 119 of the member 118. As illustrated in Figure 6, the collar 234 is configured to abut against the float 110 when the member 118 is releasably mounted to the float 110, to restrict movement of the member 118 relative to the float 110 in a direction from the second longitudinal opening 218 towards the first longitudinal opening 217. In particular, the collar 234 is configured to abut against the engaging wall 212.

In the illustrated embodiment, the collar 234 is proximate the first end 118a of the member 118.

Advantageously, the collar 234 may act as a positioning guide to indicate to a user where the member 118 should be positioned relative to the float 110 when releasably mounting the member 118 to the float 110.

When mounting the member 118 to the float 110, the second end 118b of the member 118 is received sequentially through the second longitudinal opening 218 and the first longitudinal opening 217of the channel 214 until the collar 234 abuts against the float 110.

In this position, the mounting portion 222 is received within the channel 214, and the first connector arrangement 208 and the second connector arrangement 210 are located outside of the channel 214, as shown in Figure 6.

With the member 118 releasably mounted to the float 110 as shown in Figure 6, the clip arrangement 202 is configured to enable the member 118 to exit from the channel 214 when the predetermined force acts on the member 118; e.g. a force generated by the impact with the water.

When the fishing float system 200 is introduced into the body of water 102, for example via casting, the configuration of the clip arrangement 202 and the member 118 enables and promotes separation between the member 118 and the float 110 in a number of ways.

The resilient deformable engaging wall 212 is configured to flex under the force applied to the member 118, which results in the lateral opening 220 widening. The lateral opening 220 may widen to such a degree that the member 118 can exit the channel 214 via the lateral opening 220 to enable the member 118 to separate from the float 110.

The corresponding circular profiles of the member 118 and the channel 214 help to reduce the force required to enable the member 118 to exit the channel 214 via the lateral opening 220.

The orientation of the channel longitudinal axis 216 and the tapering profiles of both the channel 214 and the member 118 enable the member 118 to slide along the channel longitudinal axis 216 and exit the channel 214 via the second longitudinal opening 218 under the action of the force of impact. Moreover, the lateral opening 220 may provide a passage for the weight 108, which is connected to the second connector arrangement 210, to pass through as the member 118 slides along the channel longitudinal axis 216 and exits the channel 214.

Hence, the member 118 may exit the channel 214 and separate from the float by the member 118 passing through the lateral opening 220 and/or by the member 118 sliding along the channel longitudinal axis 216 and passing through the second longitudinal opening 218.

Advantageously, providing the member 118 with multiple paths via which to exit the channel 214 helps to increase the reliability of the member 118 automatically separating from the float 110 when the fishing float system 200 has been introduced into the body of water 102, irrespective of speed and orientation of the fishing float system 200 as it hits the surface of the water during casting.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the clip arrangement 202 may not include the lateral opening 220. In such embodiments, the member 118 may exit the channel 214 via the second longitudinal opening 218 only. As such, the member 118 may not be connected to the weight 108, and instead the member 118 may be formed from a dense material to provide a sufficient force to enable to member 118 to separate from the float 110.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the engaging wall 212 may be secured to the member 118. In such embodiments, the engaging wall 212 may be configured to engage a suitably shaped protrusion secured to the float 110, such that the member 118 can be mounted to and separate from the float 110 in a similar manner as described above.

With reference to Figures 2 to 4, the buoyant body 204 extends between a first end 204a thereof and an opposite second end 204b thereof. The buoyant body 204 is configured such that the first end 204a is located above the second end 204b when the float 110 is buoyant in the water 102. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end 204b of the buoyant body 204 corresponds to the second end 110b of the float 110. To help ensure that the first end 204a of the buoyant body 204 is located above the second end 204b of the buoyant body 204 when said body 204 is buoyant in water 102 and when the second end 204b of the buoyant body 204 is restrained by the main line 106, the buoyant body 204 has a profile that tapers from the first end 204a to the second end 204b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 206 is secured to the first end 204a of the buoyant body 204.

In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 206 is releasably secured to the buoyant body 204 via a releasable securing arrangement 240. In particular, the releasable securing arrangement 240 is a bayonet mount-type fitting 240.

With reference to Figures 9 and 10, the bayonet mount-type fitting 240 includes two substantially L-shaped recesses 242 defined on opposite sides of the buoyant body 204, which are arranged to receive two pins 244 on opposite sides of the receptacle 206. Note that only one recess 242 and one pin 244 is visible in Figures 9 and 10.

To secure the receptacle 206 to the buoyant body 204, the pins 244 are received through entrances 246 to the recesses 242, and the receptacle 206 is rotated about the longitudinal axis B relative to the buoyant body 204 until the pins 244 abut against end walls 248, which partially define the recesses 242.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the releasable securing arrangement 240 may instead be a screw-type fitting, or any other suitable arrangement.

With further reference to Figures 7 and 8, the receptacle 206 includes a reservoir 250 for containing a liquid, and three apertures in fluid communication with the reservoir 250 for enabling a liquid contained within the reservoir 250 to flow external to the float 110. The three apertures are composed of a first aperture 252a, a second aperture 252b, and a third aperture 252c.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the receptacle 206 may include only one aperture, two apertures, or more than three apertures.

In the illustrated embodiment, the receptacle 206 is secured to the first end 204a of the buoyant body 204 such that the reservoir 250 and the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c are located above the buoyant body 204 when the float 110 is buoyant in the water 102.

As illustrated in the exploded view of Figure 7, the reservoir 250 is an internal volume of the receptacle 206 defined by an outer shell 254 and a base 256. The base 256 is secured to the outer shell 254 in a liquid tight manner; i.e. such that no liquid can pass through the joins between the outer shell 254 and the base 256.

The base 256 may be secured to the outer shell 254 via an adhesive or via ultrasonic/heat welding, for example.

The outer shell 254 is substantially hemi-spherical or helmet-shaped. As such, the combination of the receptacle 206 secured to the buoyant body 204 provides the float 110 with a substantially water drop-shaped profile.

The first, second and third apertures 252a, 252b, 252c each extend through the outer shell 254 between an external surface 254x of the outer shell 254 and the reservoir 250. As such, liquid contained in the reservoir 250 may flow from the reservoir 250, through one or more of said apertures 252a, 252b, 252c to the exterior of the float 110.

As illustrated in Figures 7 to 10, the first and second apertures 252a, 252b are located on an opposite side of the outer shell 254 to the third aperture 252c.

The third aperture 252c may be used primarily as a fill port for introducing a liquid into the reservoir 250. Whereas, the first and second apertures 252a, 252b may be used primarily as outlets for releasing a liquid contained in the reservoir 250 therethrough.

With reference to Figure 9, the first aperture 252a is located nearer to the first end 110a of the float relative to the second aperture 252b. As such, the first aperture 252a is located above the second aperture 252b when the float 119 is buoyant in water 102. The second aperture 252b is located proximate the first end 204a of the buoyant body 204.

By locating the first aperture 252a above the second aperture 252b when the float 110 is buoyant in water 102, this may enable liquids contained in the reservoir 250 that are less dense than water (e.g. oil-based liquid fish attractants) to float out of the first aperture 252a, and liquids contained in the reservoir 250 with a density greater than that of water to sink out of the second aperture 252b.

Although not shown in the figures, the external surface 254x of the outer shell 254 is provided with a plurality of protrusions and/or a plurality of recesses. The protrusions and/or the recesses may have the same shape or different shapes. For example, the protrusions and/or the recesses may all have a circular or other shaped profile.

The plurality of protrusions and/or recesses increase the surface area of the external surface 254x. This is especially beneficial for when the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c are plugged with a tacky substance (e.g. polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) foam), since said tacky substance can adhere better to the external surface 254x, which inhibits the tacky substance from detaching from the float 110. Further advantageously, this may assist in using PVA foam or the like being used to attach the hook 116 to the float 110 with greater security to reduce the risk of tangling during casting. Typically the hook 116 will be secured to the PVA foam also used to plug the third aperture.

The reservoir 250 may be filled with a liquid fish attractant in the following manner. Firstly, the first and the second apertures 252a, 252b may each be blocked such that liquid cannot pass through said apertures 252a, 252b by inserting a suitably sized plug into each of said apertures 252a, 252b. Next, a liquid such as a liquid fish attractant may be poured into the reservoir 250 via the third aperture 252c until the reservoir is at least partially filled with the liquid. The third aperture 252c is then also blocked with a plug. The plugs may be formed from a tacky water soluble material such as PVA foam. As such, the plugs dissolve when in water to allow liquid contained in the reservoir to flow out therefrom via the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the arrangement of the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c, the reservoir 250 and the buoyant body 204 in the float 110 may be different. In such embodiments, the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c may extend from the reservoir 250 and through a portion of the buoyant body 204. For example, the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c may extend from the reservoir 250 and through a side wall of the buoyant body 204, such that a first portion of the buoyant body 204 is above the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c and a second portion of the buoyant body 204 is below the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c, when the float 110 is buoyant in water. The reservoir 250 may also be located within the buoyant body 204.

However, the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c should be above at least part of the buoyant body 204 when the float 110 is buoyant in water to help prevent or minimise the buoyant body 204 from impeding the flow of a liquid less dense than water flowing from the reservoir 250 via the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c in an upwards direction.

With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the float 110 includes an internal passage 260 (represented as a dot-dot-dash line in Figures 7 and 8) for receiving a fishing line therethrough. The internal passage 260 extends within the float 110 between a first opening 262a located at the first end 110a of the float 110, and a second opening 262b located at the second end 110b of the float 110.

As such, the internal passage 260 extends through both the buoyant body 204 and the receptacle 206.

The buoyant body 204 includes an enclosed volume 263 defined by an outer shell 264 and a base 266. The outer shell 264 is secured to the base 266 in a liquid tight manner such that liquid cannot enter or leave the enclosed volume 263 when the outer shell 264 is secured to the base 266. The enclosed volume 263 contains a gas such as air, which enables the buoyant body 204 to be buoyant in water.

As illustrated in Figures 7 and 8, the base 266 includes a bore 268, which forms part of the internal passage 260.

Although not shown in Figures 7 or 8, a conduit extends within the enclosed volume 263 of the buoyant body 204 between the bore 268 and the second opening 262b. Said conduit forms part of the internal passage 260, and is secured to the base 266 and the outer shell 264 proximate the second opening 262b in a liquid tight manner, such that a liquid in the internal passage 260 cannot pass into the enclosed volume 263.

The receptacle 206 includes a central boss 270 which is received within a recess 272 in the base 256 to form the reservoir 250. Although not shown, the central boss 270 includes a bore forming part of the internal passage 260, which is in communication with the first opening 262a in the receptacle 206.

Hence, the internal passage 260 extends through the first opening 262a, the bore in the central boss 270, the bore 268 in the base 266, the conduit extending within the enclosed volume 263 of the buoyant body 204, and through the second opening 262b.

The receptacle 206 includes a cavity 274 at the first end 110a of the float 110. The cavity 274 leads to, and is in communication with the first opening 262a. The cavity 274 is configured to receive a cup 276 made of resilient material such as silicone.

The cup 276 includes a hole 278 in a base thereof, which is arranged to be in communication with the first opening 262a when the cup 276 is received in the cavity 274.

The cup 276 is configured to receive a fishing swivel 280.

To attach a fishing line, such as the main line 106, to the float 110, the fishing line is threaded through the internal passage 260, and through the hole 278 in the cup 276. An end of the fishing line that has been threaded through the hole 278 is secured to a ring of the swivel 280.

The cup 276 and the swivel 280 are larger than the first opening 262a. Hence, the swivel 280 cannot pass into the internal passage 260 via the first opening 262a. As such, the swivel 280 limits the fishing line secured thereto from moving relative to the float 110 in a direction from the first end 110a to the second end 110b of the float 110.

Another fishing line, such as the hook line 112 can be connected to the other ring of the swivel 280.

In alternative embodiments (not shown), the float 110 may not include the internal passage 260. In such embodiments, a fishing line such as the main line 106 may instead be connected to the second end 110b of the float 110; for example, by tying the fishing line to a ring secured to said second end 110b. Alternatively, a fishing line such as the main line 106 may be connected to the float 110 via any suitable means.

An example implementation of the fishing rig 100 will now be described.

Firstly, the member 118 is connected to the weight 108 via the second connector arrangement 210.

The member 118 is then releasably mounted to the float 110 via the clip arrangement 202.

Next, a free end of the main line 106, is threaded sequentially through the aperture 228 of the first connector arrangement 208, the second opening 262b, the internal passage 260, the first opening 262a, and the hole 278 in the cup 276. A reel end of the main line 106 is secured to the fishing reel 105.

The free end of the main line 106 is then secured to the swivel 280, for example via a knot.

A first free end of the hook line 112 is then secured to the swivel 280, for example via a knot. A second free end of the hook line 112 is secured to the hook 116 and the buoyant lure 114.

The first and second apertures 252a, 252b in the receptacle 206 are blocked with water soluble plugs (e.g. formed from PVA foam). A liquid fish attractant is then poured into the reservoir 250 via the third aperture 252c in the receptacle 206, which is subsequently blocked with a water soluble plug (e.g. formed from PVA foam) such that the reservoir is liquid tight.

The hook 116 is then temporarily secured to the float 110, for example by inserting a barbed end of the hook 116 through one of the water soluble plugs.

In this pre-cast configuration, the member 118, the weight 108, the hook 116, the buoyant lure 114, the main line 106 and the hook line 112 are all secured to the float 110. As such, the components of the fishing rig 100 are less likely to tangle with each other when casting the fishing rig 100 into the body of water 102, relative to if the weight 108 and the hook 116 were not secured to the float 110 for example.

Once the fishing rig 100 in the pre-cast configuration has been cast and enters into the body of water 102, the member 118, and thus the weight 108, separate from the float 110 automatically as previously described.

Further, the water soluble plugs dissolve in the water 102, which releases the hook 116 from the float 110, and enables the hook 116 and the buoyant lure 114 to separate from the float 110, resulting in the configuration shown in Figure 1.

Once, the water soluble plugs have dissolved, the liquid fish attractant contained in the reservoir 150 will begin to flow out of the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c in the receptacle 206. If, for example, the liquid fish attractant is oil-based, and therefore is less dense than water, the oil-based liquid fish attractant will flow upwards from the float 110 towards the hook 116 and the lure 114 to attract fish thereto.

The oil-based liquid fish attractant will ultimately pool on the surface of the body of water 102 above the hook 116 and the lure 114. Advantageously, the presence of the oil-based liquid fish attractant on the water's surface allows the angler to know the location of the hook 116 within the body of water by making the water's surface less 'choppy' at that location.

Since the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c are located above at least a portion of the buoyant body 204, the oil-based liquid fish attractant flowing out of the reservoir 250 via the apertures 252a, 252b, 252c may float to the surface of the body of water 102 with little or no impediment from the buoyant body 204. As such, this may help to ensure that the liquid fish attractant flows consistently vertically above the float 110 to where the hook 116 and the lure 114 are located.

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the buoyant body 110 may include a locking arrangement operable to selectively inhibit or enable a fishing line to be inserted into or removed from the internal passage 260 in a direction transverse to the transverse axis B extending between the first and second ends 110a, 110b of the float 110.

Advantageously, the locking arrangement may allow a fishing line to be removed from or inserted into the internal passage 260 without having to pull the fishing line through the first and second openings 262a, 262b of the internal passage 260. This is especially beneficial when an end of the fishing line is connected to a fishing apparatus too large to pass through the internal passage 260, such as the fishing hook 116 for example, since it enables the fishing line to be removed from the internal passage 260 without having to remove said fishing apparatus or cut the line.

The locking arrangement may include a slot defined by the fishing float, the slot in communication with the internal passage 260 and extending between the first and second ends 110a, 110b of the fishing float 110. The locking arrangement may further include a tube for slidably receiving a fishing line therethrough. The tube may be receivable in the internal passage 260 via at least one of the first and second openings 262a, 262b. The slot may be configured to enable a fishing line to be inserted into or removed from the internal passage 260 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis B via the slot. The slot and the tube may be configured to inhibit the tube from being removed from the internal passage 260 via the slot.

In operation of the locking arrangement, the fishing line is first received through the tube such that a tube portion of the fishing line is within the tube and a non-tube portion of the fishing line is outside of the tube. Next, the non-tube portion is inserted into the internal passage 260 via the slot in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis B, such the non-tube portion passes through the first and second openings 262a, 262b.

To lock the fishing line within the internal passage 260, the tube is slid along the fishing line and inserted through the first or second openings 262a, 262b until it is received within the internal passage 260. In this arrangement, the tube is interposed between the fishing line and the internal passage 260. As such, the fishing line is unable to leave the internal passage 260 via the slot.

In order to remove the fishing line from the internal passage 260 in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis B via the slot, the tube is first slid along the fishing line and removed from the internal passage via the first or second openings 262a, 262b. The fishing line can then be removed from the internal passage 260 via the slot.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A fishing float system comprising: a fishing float configured to be buoyant in water and configured to have a fishing line attached thereto; a member comprising a first connector arrangement for slidably mounting the member to the fishing line; and the fishing float and the member having complementary parts of a clip arrangement configured to releasably mount the member to the fishing float, wherein the clip arrangement is configured to separate when a predetermined force acts on the member.
2. The fishing float system of claim 1, wherein the clip arrangement is configured to enable the member to separate from the fishing float by a force generated by impact with water during a casting operation.
3. The fishing float of claim 2, wherein the clip arrangement comprises an engaging wall secured to one of the fishing float and the member, wherein said engaging wall is configured to engage the other of the fishing float and the member to releasably mount the member to the fishing float.
4. The fishing float of claim 3, wherein the engaging wall at least partially defines a channel extending along a longitudinal axis thereof, the channel configured to receive said other of the fishing float and the member to releasably mount the member to the fishing float, and wherein the clip arrangement is configured to enable said other of the fishing float and the member to exit from the channel when the predetermined force acts on the member.
5. The fishing float system of claim 4, wherein the engaging wall at least partially defines a lateral opening of the channel extending along the longitudinal axis of the channel between two ends thereof; optionally, wherein the engaging wall is resiliently deformable.
6. The fishing float of claims 4 or 5, wherein the fishing float system is configured such that the longitudinal axis of the channel points in a generally downward direction when the member is releasably mounted to the fishing float and when the fishing float is buoyant in water; optionally, wherein the longitudinal axis of the channel is substantially parallel to or is at least in a common vertical plane with a longitudinal axis of the fishing float.
7. The fishing float system of any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the engaging wall is secured to the fishing float, and wherein the channel is shaped to correspond to at least a portion of the member; optionally, wherein said at least a portion of the member and the channel have circular profiles.
8. The fishing float system of claim 7 when dependent on claim 6, wherein a width of the channel tapers along its longitudinal axis in a substantially upwards direction when the fishing float is buoyant in water, and wherein the member has a corresponding tapering width.
9. The fishing float system of any preceding claim, wherein the fishing float extends between a first end thereof to an opposite second end thereof, wherein the fishing float is configured such that the first end is located above the second end when the fishing float is buoyant in water, and wherein the clip arrangement is located closer to the second end than the first end; optionally, wherein the clip arrangement is located at the second end; optionally, wherein the fishing float has a width that tapers from a maximum width proximate the first end to a minimum width proximate the second end.
10. The fishing float system of any preceding claim, wherein the member comprises a collar configured to abut against the fishing float when the member is releasably mounted to the fishing float, to restrict movement of the member relative to the fishing float in one direction; optionally, wherein the collar is proximate an end of the member.
11. The fishing float system of any preceding claim, wherein the member is elongate having a first free end and a second free end; optionally, wherein the first connector arrangement is located at or proximate to the first free end and/or wherein a second connector arrangement is located at or proximate to the second free end.
12. The fishing float system of any preceding claim, wherein the first connector arrangement comprises an aperture for slideably receiving a fishing line therethrough; optionally, wherein the first connector arrangement comprises a ring defining the aperture.
13. The fishing float system of claim 12, wherein the first connector arrangement is pivotable relative to the remainder of the member about at least one axis; optionally, wherein the first connector arrangement is pivotable about two orthogonal axes.
14. The fishing float system of any preceding claim, wherein the member further comprises a second connector arrangement for connecting the member to a further fishing apparatus, the second connector arrangement spaced from the first connector arrangement; optionally, wherein the second connector arrangement comprises an aperture.
15. The fishing float system of any preceding claim, wherein the fishing float comprises an internal passage for receiving a fishing line therethrough, the passage extending within the fishing float between openings located at a first end and an opposite second end of the fishing float.
16. The fishing float system of claim 15, further comprising a locking arrangement operable to selectively inhibit or enable a fishing line to be inserted into or removed from the internal passage in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends of the fishing float.
17. The fishing float system of claim 16, wherein the locking arrangement comprises: a tube for slideably receiving a fishing line therethrough; and a slot defined by the fishing float, the slot in communication with the internal passage and extending between the first and second ends of the fishing float, wherein the tube is receivable in the internal passage via at least one of the openings, and wherein the slot is configured to enable a fishing line to be inserted into or removed from the internal passage in the transverse direction via the slot, and wherein the slot and the tube are configured to inhibit the tube from being removed from the internal passage via the slot.
18. A fishing float comprising: a buoyant body configured such that the fishing float is buoyant in water and configured to have a fishing line attached thereto; a reservoir for containing a liquid; and one or more apertures in fluid communication with the reservoir for enabling a liquid contained within the reservoir to flow external to the fishing float, wherein a first portion of the fishing float comprises the one or more apertures, wherein a second portion of the fishing float comprises at least part of the buoyant body, and wherein the fishing float is configured such that the first portion is located above the second portion when the fishing float is buoyant in water, optionally wherein the first portion of the fishing float comprises the reservoir, optionally, wherein the second portion comprises a majority or all of the buoyant body,
19. The fishing float of claim 18, wherein the reservoir is releasably secured to the buoyant body via a releasable securing arrangement.
20. The fishing float of claim 19, wherein the releasable securing arrangement comprises a bayonet mount-type fitting; optionally, wherein the bayonet mount-type fitting comprises a substantially L-shaped recess defined by the buoyant body arranged to receive a pin secured to the reservoir.
21. The fishing float of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the fishing float has a substantially water drop-shaped profile; optionally, wherein the reservoir is secured to an end of the buoyant body, and wherein the reservoir is substantially hemi-spherical.
22. The fishing float of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein an external surface of the fishing float comprises a plurality of protrusions and/or a plurality of recesses. 20
23. The fishing float of any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the one or more apertures comprises a first aperture and a second aperture; optionally, wherein the fishing float is configured such that the first aperture is located above the second aperture when the fishing float is buoyant in water; optionally wherein the one or more apertures further comprises a third aperture; optionally, wherein the first and second apertures are located on an opposite side of the fishing float to the third aperture.
24. The fishing float of any one claims 18 to 23, wherein the buoyant body tapers from a first end thereof to an opposite second end thereof. 30
25. The fishing float of any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the fishing float comprises an internal passage for receiving a fishing line therethrough, the passage extending within the fishing float between openings located at a first end and an opposite second end of the fishing float; optionally wherein the internal passage extends through the buoyant body and/or the reservoir; optionally further comprising a locking arrangement operable to selectively inhibit or enable a fishing line to be inserted into or removed from the internal passage in a direction transverse to a longitudinal axis extending between the first and second ends of the fishing float.
26. The fishing float of claim 25, wherein the locking arrangement comprises: a tube for slideably receiving a fishing line therethrough; and a slot defined by the fishing float, the slot in communication with the internal passage and extending between the first and second ends of the fishing float, wherein the tube is receivable in the internal passage via at least one of the openings, and wherein the slot is configured to enable a fishing line to be inserted into or removed from the internal passage in the transverse direction via the slot, and wherein the slot and the tube are configured to inhibit the tube from being removed from the internal passage via the slot.
27. A kit of parts comprising: the fishing float of any one of claims 18 to 26; and one or more plugs, wherein each plug is for inserting into one of the one or more apertures to block said aperture; optionally, wherein each plug is formed from a water soluble material, preferably polyvinyl alcohol.