WO1999021416A1

WO1999021416A1 - Vibrating fish attracting device

Info

Publication number: WO1999021416A1
Application number: PCT/US1998/022424
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas J. Barron; Michael Lucas
Original assignee: Soundbite Corporation
Priority date: 1997-10-24
Filing date: 1998-10-23
Publication date: 1999-05-06

Abstract

A vibrating fishing device having a battery powered mechanism (111) which may vibrate at frequencies ranging from below 1 cycle per second to more than 30,000 cycles per second. Control circuitry (151) may include a chip capable of producing a variety of sounds in a random fashion.

Description

VIBRATING FISH ATTRACTING DEVICE

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application No. 60/062,777, filed October 24, 1997.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention pertains to devices which utilize vibration and sound to attract fish. It is particularly directed to lures incorporating such devices.

BACKGROUND ART Lures which attract fish by transmitting vibrations or sounds through the water are known. Electronic sound emitting lures today are emitting sounds in a predetermined, repetitive or semi-repetitive manner. There is a belief that fish can learn or associate sounds to danger or the presence of prey. There are also sounds recognized as being ambient or non-threatening. When a newly introduced lure is first used in an impoundment or river and proves to be highly successful at catching fish, the fish population will slowly associate the particular repetitive sound or sound pattern with danger, or certainly a bad experience. This phenomenon is truer today than ever in light of the popularity of "catch and release" fishing. As the same sound pattern usage continues, the success of the sound pattern to attract fish diminishes.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION The invention comprises a vibration emitting, fish attracting device that may be mounted into, or mounted in conjunction with, any type of fishing lure. It typically comprises a housing which contains a battery-powered mechanism. The mechanism may be energized to cause the lure to vibrate. The frequency of the vibrations may range from below 1 cycle per second to more than 30,000 cycles per second, the upper limit being determined in any instance by the constraints of power, mass and size. A control circuitry may be provided having a programmable chip capable of producing a variety of sounds or vibrations in a virtually true random fashion, substantially diminishing the effects of fish learning a particular sound pattern. It is known that low frequencies travel farther in water than high frequencies. The invention provides a very effective creator of low frequency vibration. (Vibration below 60Hz). The lateral line of predatory fish is known to be very sensitive to low frequency vibrations. The invention provides a castable bait that emits fish attracting noises, vibrations and/or electromagnetic fields, making noises or creating ripples in the water without the requirement that the bait be simultaneously retrieved. The bait may be placed by casting using a commercially available rod and reel, and autonomously operated in an area of maximum strike potential without removing the bait from that area by retrieving it to effect a fish attracting actuation. The emitted noises, vibrations, and/or electromagnetic fields can be tuned in frequency and duration to best attract desired fish. One embodiment of the invention is a castable fish attractant for use in proximity to any commercially available fishing lure (e.g., separated from the lure by a length of leader line).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS In the drawings, wherein like components are identified by like numerals: FIG. 1 is an end view in perspective of a motor suitable for use in this invention, adapted to drive one embodiment of a vibration generator comprising an eccentric weight;

FIG. 2 is an elevation view in partial cross section showing the loose-fit, sound creating interface between one embodiment of a motor suitable for use in this invention and a motor support;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view in elevation of a motor suitable for use in this invention, adapted to drive two eccentric weights mounted at opposite ends of the motor shaft and in radial opposition to one another to create vibration through axial wobble;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view in elevation of a motor suitable for use in this invention, adapted to drive two eccentric weights mounted at opposite ends of the motor shaft and oriented in radial agreement to create vibration through axial transverse translation; FIG. 5 is a schematic in partial cross-section of a typical arrangement of one embodiment of a fishing lure constructed according to this invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic in partial cross-section of a typical arrangement of a second embodiment of a fishing lure constructed according to this invention; FIG. 7 is a schematic of an embodiment of a fishing pole and radio frequency transmitter to remotely control an embodiment of a bait according to this invention;

FIG. 8 is a view in cross-section, transverse to an axis of the motor, of a second embodiment of a vibration generator comprising a hollow chamber containing loose items such as spherical metal balls or shot of the type known conventionally as "BBs";

FIG. 9 is a view in cross-section, transverse to an axis of the motor, of a third embodiment of a vibration generator comprising a compliant, motor driven shaft adapted at one end to interface with a textured interior surface of a bait;

FIG. 10 is a schematic in side view of one embodiment of a bait according to this invention demonstrating the mechanics of vibrating an appendage to such bait;

FIG. 11 is a schematic in top view of the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a schematic showing the modular construction of a bait and including more than one motor;

FIG. 13 is a schematic in elevation of an embodiment of a motor and transmission adapted to drive eccentric weights in a torque countering configuration;

FIG. 14 is a plan view of a preferred embodiment of a vibrating motor and eccentric weight assembly;

FIG. 15 is a top view in partial cross-section of a preferred embodiment of a lure comprising a preferred vibrating motor assembly; FIG. 16 is a view in elevation and partial cross-section of the embodiment of

FIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a view in elevation and partial cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a castable fish attractor;

FIG. 18 is an exploded assembly view in partial cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of a replaceable module assembly comprising batteries and controller;

FIG. 19 is a view in elevation and partial cross-section of a replaceable module and a typical electrical contact interface with a lure or attractor. MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

While the following discussion describing the invention points out details of the illustrated embodiments and especially transducers including motor-weight combinations, it is to be realized that alternate and additional transducers may be utilized. One mechanism of this invention is basically a rotating motor 101 driving a shaft 103 having a shaft-mounted, eccentrically located weight 105. An alternate embodiment may further comprise additional weight such as illustrated weight 106. (See FIGS. 1 and 3). When rotated, the eccentrically mounted weight 105 imbalance causes the motor 101 and mount 107 to vibrate. The shape and mass of weight 105 may be varied to create the desired vibration intensity. Vibration frequency is controlled by motor speed, which may also be a controlled parameter. The motor 101 can also be loosely secured to its mount or support 107 allowing the motor 101 to move in a constrained manner, incidentally emitting an audible rattle. (See FIG. 2). The loosely mounted motor 101 may, in some instances, provide a rattle comparable to that of a conventional "rattle bait" even when it is not energized. In such instances, a jerking retrieve may cause the motor 101 to impact against illustrated mount 107. The lower the mass of the motor 101 and mount 107 relative to the imbalance weight 105, the more perceived vibration can be attained.

Vibrational characteristics of a motor 101 and associated weights 105 and 106 may be tuned by orienting weights 105 and 106 either in radial agreement or variably out of phase, as well as by varying the mass of each weight. FIG. 3 shows one extreme of vibrational performance characteristics, with weight 105 oriented 180 degrees in radial opposition to similar weight 106. This configuration causes motor wobble, with the motor center line oscillating from an at rest orientation A- A to alternate displaced orientations B-B and C-C. Without additional motor constraints, a centerline through the motor axle travels through what may be characterized as a double conic path with the cone tips located at the system centra id. (See FIG. 3). When weights 105 and 106 are in radial agreement, as shown in FIG. 4, the motor centerline is displaced from an at rest orientation A-A, variably to B-B and C-C. The path followed by the displaced centerline is cylindrical, and is another extreme vibration condition resulting in motor transverse translation. Vibration conditions including both wobble and translation can be produced by utilizing a combination of differing motor masses, orienting the weights less out of phase radially, or a combination of these factors. Weights may also be manipulated through gears or linkages to create other desired vibratory characteristics.

One embodiment of a lure constructed according to this invention is presented in FIG. 5. A motor 101, and eccentric weight 105 (which may be present on one or both ends of the motor 101) are supported by mount 107 interior to lure body 109. A battery pack 111, which may include control electronics as an assembly, is separable from the lure body 109 along a plane X-X. Therefore the battery pack 111 may be replaced in the field to supply fresh batteries or to alter the electronic controls and resulting lure characteristics.

A second embodiment comprises a floating, vibrating crank bait. The lure assembly is buoyant, and generally incorporates a diving lip 110 to submerge the lure on the retrieve.

An additional illustrated embodiment combines the floating vibrating crank bait or other floating vibrating bait with an antenna 113 and a remote control receiver such as radio frequency receiver 115. The receiver may alternatively incorporate infra red as a carrier medium. The receiver 115 may activate an electronically preprogrammed set of vibrations or it may function merely to turn the motor 101 on and off. (See FIG. 6). Such a lure may include a ballast weight 117 to maintain the lure right side up in the water. The remote control transmitter 121 will often contain its own programs for the vibrator motor 101, but may function merely to turn the vibrator on and off with a push of a button 123 on a pole 119 mounted transmitter 121. (See FIG. 7). A simple and practical configuration for a remote control floating lure causes the vibrator motor 101 to run when the transmitter button 123 is depressed. When the transmitter button 123 is released, the motor 101 stops. This configuration allows a very simple receiver 115 and lure. The transmitter 121 may alternatively incorporate a number of pre-programmed routines that the receiver 115 and motor 101 can respond to. (Programs manipulating the motor 101 by turning it on and off.) Rattle or other sounds may be created by the motor 101 rotating shot (BB)- filled containers, very much like maracas. (See FIG. 8). In the illustrated embodiment, motor shaft 103 rotates variably shaped weight 125 having a hollow interior defined by wall 127, in direction W, causing loose items such as "BBs" 129 to produce a rattle as they tumble about interior to weight 125. Weight 125 essentially forms a chamber which may be constructed in any shape to create desired rattle characteristics. The motor 101 may be oriented to spin shaft 103 interior a housing having a cross-section 131. The shaft 103 can also drag a compliant vane 133 over a washboard texture on the inside of the housing, which may comprise a lure. The compliant vane 133 may have a weight, "BB, " or other element 135 at the contact point between vane 133 and the textured interior surface of cross-section 131. The washboard may have a varying terrain with spaced texture elements 137 in order to produce an interesting variety of sounds. (See FIG. 9).

Various embodiments within contemplation include: linear motors moving a mass linearly, and partial angle rotary motors and rotating motors moving mass through linkages. More than one weight may be mounted in the same or different angular positions. Weights may be mounted on shafts extending from either or both ends of the motor. (See FIG. 4). More than one motor may be used and controlled together or separately creating intermodulated or plural vibrating frequencies. (See FIGS. 8 & 9).

The presence of a motor 101 also provides the opportunity to make a lure appear to be more lifelike. Various appendages, such as the tail, dorsal and other fins can be driven to move, and in some cases, to cause locomotion.

An embodiment of a vibrating lure together with a compliant or movable tail 139 will cause a fish-shaped lure to swim when the vibrating mechanism is activated. When the weight is rotated by the motor 101, the resulting side to side motion moves the compliant tail 139 much like a scuba diver's fins. The compliant tail 139 is hinged to pivot about an axis. This action will cause the lure 141 to swim. (See FIGS. 10 and 11).

The type of motor 101 may be selected to fit a particular application. Suitable motors include DC brush motors, DC brushless motors, traditional iron core or coreless motors, rotating magnet motors and rotary actuators that can have moving magnets or fixed magnets. The weight of the device, and particularly its housing, may be selected or adjusted to affect its buoyancy. The device can be made to float, suspend at various depths or sink.

A floating lure, when used in conjunction with, or having a vibrator mechanism contained within, will create ripples in the water that will attract fish. Ripples are a common signal to fish that prey is injured or food has fallen into the water.

A major advantage of the vibrating lure of this invention over conventional lures is that conventional lures require that they be retrieved in order to emit sounds or vibration. The retrieval moves the lure away from the location where the sounds were originally emitted, making the lure difficult to find. The vibrator mechanism allows the lure to emit sounds and vibrations white stationary in location, allowing fish time to home in on the lure.

Power may be supplied to the motor 101 or motors by replaceable or fixed batteries. A fishing lure or fish attracting device 145 may have a replaceable module 147, separable from the lure or device 145 along an axis X-X, as shown schematically in FIG. 12. The replaceable module 147 may contain replaceable batteries 149 either singly or as a sub-assembly and may also contain the various control circuits and programs 151 used to drive the motor. A water switch 153 may additionally be included in the lure to conserve battery power when the lure is out of the water. Various levels of voltage, to attain various rotational velocities or pulses with various duration's of dwell between run times can be controlled by ASIC's or micro controllers which may be contained in the control circuit 151. (See FIG. 12). The motor 101 can be controlled to operate at a continuous speed, continually varying speeds or an intermittent burst of continuous speed and/ or varying speeds. Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) of the electrical supply may be incorporated more accurately to control the acceleration, torque and speed of the motor 101.

The control circuitry 151 (see FIG. 12) for the vibrating motor 101 contains one or more programs that manipulate the frequency and intensity of the vibrations, as well as on and off cycles of the motor 101. It is to be realized that motor(s) 101 may also be replaced or augmented by alternative components including but not limited to: speakers, other noise or vibration generators, and light emitting components (not shown). The control circuitry 151 may be provided in a module or other form which is replaceable in the field by the fisherman, to suit the fishing conditions at a particular environmental setting.

The surface texture and compliance of the lure body can further influence the aggressiveness and ferocity with which a fish attacks the lure. Adjusting the texture and compliance can duplicate the feel of prey to predatory fish. A vibrating lure of this invention may be complimented with light emitting diodes, lamps, sound transducers, rattle BBs and scent to improve its fish luring function.

It is believed that predatory fish may be more aggressive when attacking a prey that appears to be struggling as opposed to dead prey which might be more casually ingested. It is widely accepted that intermittent pulses or sounds separated by silence are more interesting and effective in attracting fish than are constant sounds, such as a single frequency continuous tone. Intermittent swimming spurts under water can mimic active fish behavior where slow swimming movements on top of the water mimic feeding or wounded fish, all tempting prey. Control circuitry 151 may be designed to operate transducers, such as motor 101, in random or designated patterns to mimic a live bait or to best attract predator fish. Such control circuits 151 may also be variable, by design in firmware or programmable, to offer a variety of autonomous bait action. The illustrated vibrator motor 101 is an electromagnetic device that emits a fluctuating electromagnetic field during operation. There is evidence that fish respond positively to electromagnetic fields and are attracted to them. Manipulating the construction of the lure can increase or decrease the electromagnetic field to a level that is attractive to fish. Counter rotating weights 105 and 106 may be configured to eliminate counter torque effects that may cause the vibrator containment (e.g., lure body 109) to rotate in opposition to the direction of the driven weights. Counter torque may be eliminated by driving weight 105 in direction of rotation Wl and driving similar weight 106 in rotational direction W2 which is reversed from Wl, but at the same frequency. Counter rotating weights 105 and 106 tend to produce a wobble action of the motor 101 centerline, similar to the effect produced by two eccentric weights mounted at opposing ends of a motor and radially out of phase. (FIG. 3). However, in the counter-revolving case, the wobble path is more similar to a cone having an ovalized transverse cross-section. The counter rotating weights 105 and 106 may be driven through a rotational direction reversing gear box or other similar transmission mechanism 155. (See FIG. 13). A counter rotating weight or weights may also be driven by a second motor. (See FIG. 12). The counter torque effect on a lure due to starting and stopping the motor can also be reduced by adding ballast weight 117 to the bottom of the lure which will both tend to keep it upright and also increase the lure's moment of inertia. (See FIG. 6).

An exemplary embodiment of a vibrating motor and eccentric weight assembly 156 comprises a motor 101 with a pivoting constraint associated with a first end, and defined by motor pivots 157 and 158 located transverse to the axis of motor 101. (See FIG. 14). A second end of motor 101 rotates eccentric weight 105 attached to motor shaft 103. Power is provided to the motor 101 through electrical leads 161 and 162. FIGS. 15 and 16 show a preferred embodiment of a lure 165 comprising the exemplary vibrating motor assembly 156. Motor 101 is pivotally supported for angular oscillation in an arc about a first end by pivot axles 157 and 158. Pivot axles 157 and 158 are oriented in a vertical plane, and allow the motor 101 to rotate in a horizontal plane. A second end of motor 101 is constrained in a horizontal or transverse direction by a window created between lure body interior walls 167 and 168. The window formed between walls 167 and 168 has a horizontal dimension greater than the motor cross-section protruding therethrough. It is currently thought that a dimensional difference allowing about 1.5 millimeters of motor oscillation is sufficient, although larger and smaller gaps are within contemplation and may be preferred to create certain vibration effects. To a limiting degree, a larger dimensional difference creates a larger gap between contact areas of the motor and window, allowing the motor to accelerate over a larger distance and increase contact velocity with a correspondingly louder contact noise. Top and bottom window surfaces are defined by lure body interior walls 169 and 170. The vertical dimension between walls 169 and 170 is also greater than the motor cross-section protruding therethough, but is usually less than the window horizontal dimension. The vertical dimension of the window allows unimpeded horizontal translation of motor 101, but generally helps to constrain such motion to a horizontal plane only. A window may be constructed as an oval slot or as a rectangular opening. This design maximizes rattle sound and simplifies control of rattling frequency bandwidth. Changing the character of the rattling sounds and vibrations may be accomplished by varying the motor speed and the motor "on" and "off" durations. Certain other parameters effecting rattle characteristics include window dimensions, component masses, and characteristics of materials of construction of the individual components.

A preferred illustrated lure embodiment 165 further comprises a hollow interior formed by lure body wall 175. The enclosure 177 for a removable module 147 is formed in part by circular interior lure wall 179. Interior wall 179 may comprise attachment structure to interface with removable module 147. Such attachment structure may comprise snap fit interference, threaded sections as illustrated, bayonet type structure, or any other mechanism or construction suitable for joining two components. A lure typically may further comprise a diving bill or lip 110 associated with an end carrying line attachment structure 181. Such a lure may further have tail hook attachment structure 185 and belly hook attachment structure 187. As with other embodiments of lures according to this invention, lure buoyancy may be adjusted with ballast or by volumetric design to create lures comprising floating, neutral or suspending, and sinking types.

FIG. 17 presents an exemplary embodiment of a castable fish attractor, generally 195, constructed according to this invention. Motor 101 carries eccentric weight 105 on a first end and is constrained to angular pivoting motion about a second end of motor 101 by pivot axle 157. A first component of attractor 195 is generally bullet or bell shaped housing 197. Housing 197 is formed by wall 199 which forms an enclosure in plug fit relation with thimble 200. As illustrated, thimble 200 has electrical circuitry contacts and motor support structure spanning a first end of a generally cylindrical body with a second cylindrical body end in open communication to receive a replaceable module, generally 147. Replaceable module 147 may comprise battery module 205 and control circuitry 151 and auxiliary controls such as a water switch 153. Attach structures 210 and 213 are preferably provided at opposing ends of the fish attractor 195 to attach line or hook. Housing 197 generally has an internal diameter dimension larger than an external dimension of the motor 101. The difference in dimensions between the two components allows the motor to oscillate in an arc about axle 157. A first end of motor 101 thereby bumps into wall 199 due to action of eccentric weight 105, creating a rattle noise and causing a vibration of attractor 195. The amount of arcuate motor travel interior housing 197 may be adjusted to tune vibration and noise characteristics of the assembly. In certain embodiments, no actuate travel may be desired, as the eccentric weight may provide a sufficient vibration or other attraction pattern or effect. As with the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 15 and 16, a motor travel of about 1.5 millimeters is currently thought to provide the best combination of rattle noise and body vibration for many common lure sizes. Of course it must be realized that a larger lure may require a larger translation of motor 101 to generate a suitable rattle noise. In general, dimensions, materials of construction, and masses of individual components including the motor 101, eccentric weight 105, and motor travel within a housing are designed to fit the size and desired characteristics of the intended lure.

In use, the attractor 195 is generally attached to an end of a fishing line with a short leader between the attractor 195 and any commercially available lure. The attractor 195 acts as an additional casting weight during the cast, and provides auxiliary action to a retrieved lure. The attractor 195 may provide lure action without a retrieve, depending on the lure type, but also emits fish attracting vibrations and noises irrespective of a retrieve.

In one preferred embodiment, a hook may be attached directly to either of attach structures 210 or 213, thereby transforming fish attractor 195 into a lure. Such a lure embodiment may be further enhanced by combining attractor 195 with a bait, including natural and artificial baits. The bait may be attached to attractor 195 by any means, including embedding attractor 195 into a bait, and attaching a bait to a leader section of line. A typical artificial bait may encompass soft body lures formed from soft plastic type material, but is not limited to such type of lure. A variety of crank bait or other type lures may be constructed containing a cavity into which an embodiment of a vibration generating apparatus according to this invention may be placed. An exemplary embodiment of a replaceable module assembly, generally 147, is shown in FIG. 18. A housing 217 is provided to receive individual components of the assembly. O-ring 219 forms a water tight seal between removable module 147 and a device such as lure 165 or attractor 195. A sub-assembly 223 comprising electronics components and contacts and one or more printed circuit boards comprising control circuitry 151 is secured to housing 217 by one or more screws 225. Screws 225 may also serve as contacts for electrical components such as water switch 153. One or more battery cells 230 may be secured by a battery housing 233 and assembled in housing 217 in a plug sliding fit relationship. Battery housing 233 is typically ultrasonically closed to seal and contain the batteries 230 in a cartridge for easy replacement. FIG. 19 shows a replaceable module 147 in assembled condition and adjacent interface structure 240 which typically comprises the interface between assembly 147 and a lure 165 or attractor 195. Interface structure 240 may include electrical contacts, printed circuit boards and electronic components. Replaceable modules 147 allow quick changing of sound and vibration pattern by switching to a module having a control circuit 151 with a different control program. Control circuitry 151 may include a programmable chip and be hardware and/or software programmable. The programmable chip may possess internal or external memory, and have one or more inputs to sense external conditions such as light, water conductivity, whether the lure is wet or dry, temperature, attitude, pH, or other environment variables. The chip may further have one or more triggers to initiate the program or programs, and may have one or more outputs to drive, in any sequence, motors, speakers, light emitting devices, heaters, or other environment effecting devices or transducers. Power requirements for the chip are typically low, allowing it to be powered practically by solar cells or pill type batteries. The chip may be in packaged form or may be die bonded to a printed circuit board. Programming of the chip may be accomplished by masking and/or by a programming apparatus after the chip manufacturing foundry process.

Integrated circuit technology incorporating semiconductor products provide the ability to manipulate programmed data and produce a unique output. Such output may be modulated to change in a random or other pattern, preventing acclimatization by desired fish. A programmable chip used in such a circuit may comprise a microcontroller as differentiated from a microprocessor. A microcontroller is generally a semiconductor device programmed at the foundry, rather than through software.

The program itself may comprise a set of sound/program bit and pauses that correspond to the desired frequency range and character of the resulting random assembly of the sound/program bits and pauses. Within a given frequency range, the program may create, on a random basis, sound/program bits of a preprogrammed character. The set of sound bits and pauses may be selected so that power consumption, which determines battery life, is controlled on an averaging basis. A subroutine in the program may intervene a bias in the random sound and pause combinations to regulate power consumption. The program may alternatively stop the output of sound once the allocated power has been consumed for a given period of time. The output may then resume at the next time period.

The programs required for use in a fishing lure are relatively simple compared to capabilities of chips available today, allowing multiple programs from different products to be installed into a single chip. The many programs may be run individually or in a predetermined or random sequence, possibly depending upon the trigger that is actuated. This feature allows a product mix instantaneously to be introduced to manufacturing without incurring additional foundry lead time. One embodiment of a power control subroutine may output a distinguishable sound if the battery is measured low by the chip, or if the voltage "high" duration limit has been reached. The distinguishable sound may itself be a fish attracting sound.

One embodiment of a lure comprising this invention may have a chip programmed at the foundry for a set of frequencies or sounds comprising a certain number of sounds. The chip may be programmed to output each of such sounds in a random or other order, and in a random or fixed timeframe. The duration of each sound may be varied by the chip, as well as the duration of pauses between sounds. The chip may also combine sounds from the programmed set in a random or other order for output. It is to be realized that, in the description of this embodiment, the intervening step of changing chip output to sound by way of a transducer is assumed to be the default action. Of course the output may also be to turn on a motor for a given duration, or rotate it at a certain frequency. Chip output may also be used to control any other suitable transducer.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY This invention finds application in commercial and sport fishing.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. In a fish attracting apparatus, an internally mounted motor, constructed and arranged to drive an eccentrically mounted weight, whereby to impart vibration to said apparatus.

2. The apparatus of Claim 1, further comprising a removable power source to operate said motor.

3. The apparatus of Claim 2, further comprising control circuitry to modulate motor activation.

4. The apparatus of Claim 3, wherein: said apparatus comprises a housing having a textured interior surface spaced from a shaft of said motor; and said eccentric weight comprises a compliant vane configured and arranged for interference with said textured surface, thereby creating said vibration in response to motor activation.

5. The apparatus of Claim 3, wherein said eccentric weight comprises a rotatable object mounted on a shaft of said motor and having a center of mass displaced from the center of rotation of said motor shaft.

6. The apparatus of Claim 3, wherein: said eccentric weight comprises a rotatable hollow object defining a chamber; said hollow object being mounted on a shaft of said motor to effect rotation; and said chamber containing one or more items which are free to move about under influence of gravity.

7. The apparatus of Claim 3, wherein said control circuitry further comprises a remote control receiver.

8. The apparatus of Claim 2, wherein said removable power source is included in a replaceable module.

9. The apparatus of Claim 8, wherein said power source comprises one or more batteries.

10. The apparatus of Claim 8, wherein said batteries comprise one or more button type batteries.

11. The apparatus of Claim 8, wherein said replaceable module further comprises control circuitry to govern motor actuation.

12. The apparatus of Claim 11 in combination with one or more replaceable modules, each having the same or different control characteristics.

13. The apparatus of Claim 1 in combination with an external bait comprising all natural baits and artificial lures.

14. The apparatus of Claim 13, wherein said external bait is affixed to said apparatus.

15. The apparatus of Claim 13, wherein said external bait is attached to said apparatus by a length of line.

16. The apparatus of Claim 13, wherein said apparatus is contained within said external bait.

17. In a castable fishing apparatus, programmable control circuitry comprising an integrated circuit and a transducer whose actuation is modulated by said control circuitry.

18. The apparatus of Claim 17, wherein said control circuitry comprises a programmable chip capable of controlling a transducer.

19. The apparatus of Claim 18, further including a removable power source.

20. The apparatus of Claim 19, wherein said removable power source comprises one or more batteries.

21. The apparatus of Claim 20, wherein said removable power source is included in a replaceable module.

22. The apparatus of Claim 21, wherein said replaceable module further comprises said control circuitry to govern transducer actuation for one or more transducers.

23. The apparatus of Claim 22, wherein at least one of said transducers is a motor constructed and arranged to drive one or more eccentrically mounted weights, whereby to impart vibration to said apparatus.

24. The apparatus of Claim 22, wherein said control circuitry may be programmed to activate said transducer in a range of durations of on-times and off- times.

25. The apparatus of Claim 24, wherein said durations are random.

26. The apparatus of Claim 24, wherein said durations are intermittent and governed by individual transducer control programs.