WO2010131036A1

WO2010131036A1 - Fishing device

Info

Publication number: WO2010131036A1
Application number: PCT/GB2010/050773
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Kitchener
Original assignee: Tubeology Ltd
Priority date: 2009-05-14
Filing date: 2010-05-12
Publication date: 2010-11-18
Also published as: GB0908278D0

Abstract

The invention provides a fishing device (2) comprising a plurality of interchangeable (5) members (4, 6, 8,10, 12,14,16). A first member (4) comprises a body (18) having connecting means (20) for connecting to at least one alternative interchangeable member. The body (18) further comprises an integral tail portion (22) and a bore (24) for receiving a fishing line (26).

Description

Fishing Device

The invention relates to a fishing device. Particularly, but not exclusively, the invention relates to a spin-fly fishing device.

When fishing, a fisherman has to take into account the effects of nature, for example, weather changes, and changing water conditions, including water currents and depths. Depending on the conditions, the fisherman may choose to use a number of different types of fishing lure or bait to attract the target fish. For example, a brightly coloured artificial lure may be used in conditions where a river has recently flooded, or where the water level is raised. In such conditions, more sediment is brought into the water which, in turn, changes the colour of the water. A coloured artificial lure may help to attract a catch.

Regardless of whether fishing takes place on a river, lake or the sea, natural or environmental changes mean that a fisherman needs to change their artificial lure numerous times throughout the day, often varying the colour, size or weight of lure according to the environment. The fisherman often must carry a bag or box, for example, a tackle box/bag, for housing the different lures. The weight of the tackle box/bag is an important consideration and additional and numerous lures add to the cumbersome load. Typically a fisherman can go fishing to a river, lake or sea, fishing from a bank or boat, with up to three different types of artificial lures or bait devices: fishing flies manufactured with fur and feather tied to hooks or metal tubes which have hooks attached to the end of the tubes with a line passing through the centre; spinners made of metal; and flying 'c', a type of fishing lure made of metal, with spinner and silicone tubing. Depending on the water conditions a fisherman may use one or more of these, often not knowing which is best or deciding which to use until they reach the water in which they plan to fish. Each of the three types of artificial bait can present specific issues for the fisherman. For example, for a fisherman wading down a single pool, the speed of water can vary which, as a result, requires different weights of fishing fly, or a spinner, to attract fish such as a salmon.

Occasionally, at the head of a pool in a river, in the rapids, dramatically heavier lures are required to penetrate turbulent water compared to the slower flowing water at the tail end of a pool, even in a relatively short stretch of water. Traditionally, a fisherman will carry multiple different types of artificial lures and will swap these, untying and replacing them as he/she moves through the water, fishing different areas. On occasion, a fisherman may choose to make their own lures or tube flies, often by heating plastic tubes and metal components to get them to join together. This is problematic as damage can occur from naked flames burning the fur and feather components added to a tube fishing fly. This problem is further exacerbated because for a fisherman to fish different pools they need to make many different lengths and weights of flies to enable them to access all of the different depths within a river.

Spinners and flying 'C type lures are manufactured to be a specific weight and colour, the consequence of which is that a fishermen has to carry multiple weights, colours and lengths of these lures, adding to the weight and bulk of his tackle. Spinners and Flying 'C type lures are manufactured as single fixed baits. As a consequence if one component gets damaged such as a hook or spinner blade they are often discarded as replacement of components is difficult.

It is an object of the invention to provide a fishing device which attempts to overcome the aforementioned problems. It is a further object to provide a fishing device which can be readily assembled with minimal effort and skill and adaptable to changing fishing conditions. It is a further object to provide a simple system with a minimum number of components.

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided a fishing device comprising a plurality of interchangeable members, a first interchangeable member comprising a body having connecting means for connecting to at least one alternative interchangeable member, the body further comprising an integral tail portion and a bore for receiving a fishing line.

Preferably, the body comprises a shoulder. Preferably, the shoulder is adjacent the connecting means. Preferably, the shoulder is tapered, preferably being tapered inwardly adjacent the connecting means. Preferably, the shoulder is substantially between 2mm and 20mm in length, preferably, substantially between 3mm and 6mm, most preferably 4.5mm in length. Preferably, the shoulder comprises a collar. Preferably, the collar is adjacent the connecting means. Preferably, the collar is substantially between 0.2mm and 1 mm in length, most preferably substantially 0.5mm in length. Preferably, the connecting means extends from the shoulder, preferably by substantially between 2mm and 10mm in length, most preferably substantially 5mm in length. Preferably, the bore extends from the tail portion to the connecting means. Preferably, the diameter of the bore is constant in cross section from the tail portion to the connecting means. Preferably, the diameter is substantially between 0.5mm and 5mm, preferably substantially between 1 mm and 2mm, most preferably substantially 1.7mm in diameter.

Preferably, the body is substantially between 20mm and 500mm in length, most preferably substantially between 10mm and 50mm in length. Preferably, the tail portion is dimensioned to receive a retaining member for a hook. Preferably, the outer diameter of the tail portion is less than the outer diameter of the body. Preferably, the diameter of the tail portion is substantially between 5mm and 25mm.

The fishing device comprises a body having connecting means and a tail portion. The connecting means and the tail portion are integrally moulded to the body portion. Advantageously, the arrangement minimises the number of parts to the fishing device. Further, the device has the advantage that because the tail is an integral part of the body, the risk of leaks into the bore during use is minimised. Further advantageously, threading of the fishing line through the device is simple and can be carried out quickly because the bore begins at the tail and ends at the connecting means; there is no break in the bore which may cause the fishing line to catch or fray. The one-section through bore, prevents weakness occurring and chaffing of the line.

Preferably, the fishing device comprises a second interchangeable member, said second member comprising a head portion. Preferably, the head portion comprises a neck part and head part. Preferably, the neck part is substantially between 2mm and 50mm in length, preferably substantially between 2mm and 10mm, most preferably substantially 5mm in length. Preferably, the neck part is adapted to receive the connecting means. Preferably, the connecting means is a male portion and preferably, the neck part comprises a female portion. Preferably, the connecting means is a screw thread fitting.

Preferably, an aperture is provided in the second member, preferably in the head portion. Preferably, the aperture has a diameter which is substantially the same as the diameter in the body portion. Preferably, when the body portion is connected to the head portion, the bore lays adjacent the aperture, preferably coaxially with the aperture, preferably coplanar with the aperture.

Preferably, the head portion comprises a radius of curvature. Preferably, the head portion is dome shaped, preferably comprising an apex. Preferably, the aperture extends through the head portion, preferably coaxial with the apex of the head portion. Preferably, the head portion comprises a Np. Preferably, the lip extends inwardly towards the neck part. Preferably, the lip extends inwardly at an angle of substantially between 25 degrees and 90 degrees, most preferably substantially 50 degrees.

Advantageously, provision of the lip creates turbulence of the water flowing over the head and lip. As a result, the turbulence causes an interchangeable member such as a spinner or feather to move more rapidly in the water. In so doing, the increased movement attracts fish and increases the likelihood of a catch.

Preferably, the fishing device comprises a third interchangeable member, said third member comprising a spinner attachment member. Preferably, said member comprises attachment means being adapted to receive a spinner. Preferably, the third interchangeable member comprises attaching means for attaching to at least one alternative interchangeable member. Preferably, said third member is connectable between a head portion and the body of the fishing device. Preferably, said third member is connectable between a head portion and a fourth interchangeable member. Preferably, said fourth member is a spinner stop member.

Preferably, the spinner stop member comprises a first connecting section for connecting to an alternative interchangeable member. Preferably, the first connecting section comprises a male fitting, preferably a male screw thread fitting. Preferably, the spinner stop member comprises a second connecting section, preferably comprising a female fitting, preferably a female screw thread fitting. Preferably, the second connecting section is adapted to receive the connecting means of preferably the body of the fishing device. Preferably, the spinner stop member comprises an abutting portion. Preferably, the abutting portion is adjacent the first connecting section. Preferably, the abutting portion extends outwardly from the spinner stop member, perpendicular to the first and/or second connecting sections. Preferably, the abutting portion extends to substantially the same height as the Np.

Advantageously, when the spinner stop member is used in conjunction with a head portion comprising a Np, a turbulence channel is formed between the Np and the abutting portion. The channel encourages increased turbulence of the fluid flow which results in greater and rapid movement of the fur and feather, or spinner.

Preferably, retaining means for retaining hooking members are provided on the fishing device. Preferably, the retaining means comprises a tubular member adapted to be received on the tail portion of the body. Preferably, the retaining means is manufactured from a flexible material, preferably silicone. Advantageously, the invention enables hooks to be attached by retaining means of tubing. This reduces the ability of fish to get leverage on the bait device and 'throw' the hook freeing themselves. The system has significant catching capabilities compared to traditional spinners or flying 'c' type bait systems.

Preferably, a liner is provided on the fishing device. Preferably, the liner is adapted to be received in the body, preferably, in the bore of the body. Preferably, the liner is manufactured from substantially rigid materials, preferably rigid silicone material.

Preferably, the fishing device comprises a fifth interchangeable member, said fifth member being operable as a flying "C" type bait. The fifth said member comprising a tongue and fork. Preferably, the tongue is adapted to be received by an alternative interchangeable member, most preferably the fourth interchangeable member, the spinner stop. Preferably, the fifth interchangeable member is manufactured from flexible materials, preferably flexible silicone materials, and is preferably of varying lengths and colours.

Preferably, the fishing device comprises a sixth interchangeable member. Preferably, said sixth member comprises connecting means for connecting to any one of the aforementioned interchangeable members. Preferably, the sixth interchangeable member is a system weight being preferably substantially between 2 to 10Og, preferably substantially between 2 to 5Og, preferably substantially 5g for game fishing, and preferably substantially 5Og for sea fishing.

For the avoidance of doubt, although the interchangeable members are numbers second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, it will be understood by one skilled in the art, that a fishing device according to the invention is not limited to the numerical sequence listed; said interchangeable members may be used in any combination.

Preferably, any or all of said interchangeable members is manufactured from metal materials, or plastics materials. Preferably, said interchangeable members are manufactured from different coloured materials. Preferably, said interchangeable members are of the same or different weight. Preferably, for game fishing, the weight of the head portion is substantially between 1g and 6g. Preferably, the body is substantially between 2g and 6g. Advantageously, the invention provides a modular tube fishing system comprising a number of interchangeable parts. The modular tube fishing system is designed to replace at least three different types of artificial bait currently used by game and sea fishermen, namely tube fishing flies; spinners and flying 'c' type artificial baits. Advantageously, the invention provides a fishing device that can be interchanged to create four totally different fishing lures - tube lures or tube flies, spinner flies, spinners and flying c's.

Provision of a fishing lure system comprising preferably one set of different weight tubes, preferably having different coloured bodies, preferably having different weight head portions, and preferably different sizes, shapes and colours of spinners, and preferably different lengths and different coloured silicone tubes, all of which are interchangeable, enables the fisherman to very quickly add or swap component parts of the lure to match the fishing conditions. The fisherman need only carry different length and colour silicone tubes and, as such, the weight of his tackle is considerably less when compared with traditional single fixed system Flying 'Cs, spinners and tube flies.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a fishing device comprising a first interchangeable member having a body comprising an integral tail portion, a bore for receiving a fishing line, and first connecting means; and a second interchangeable member comprising a spinner attachment having a spinner attachable thereto, and second connecting means, the second connecting means being operable to be connectable to the first connecting means.

According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a fishing device comprising a first interchangeable member having a body comprising an integral tail portion, a bore for receiving a fishing line, and first connecting means; and a second interchangeable member comprising a head portion and second connecting means, the second connecting means being operable to be connectable to the first connecting means, wherein a baiting member is attachable to the first or second interchangeable member. Preferably, the baiting member is an artificial fur and feather bait. Preferably, a spinner stop is attachable to the fishing device. Preferably, a spinner is attachable to the fishing device.

Advantageously, the arrangement provides a modular fishing device for spin fishing.

Provision of a fishing device comprising a fishing spinner is advantageous. Said device can be used for the game and sea fishing market. In particular, said device can be used for salmon, trout, cod, pike, perch, bass, bonefish, tarpon, shark, tuna, sailfish, marlin, zander, steelhead and other species in both fresh and salt water. Preferably, the invention provides a modular fishing device comprising at least one, preferably a plurality, of interchangeable members. Preferably, said members being operable to be interchangeable to provide tube lures or tube flies, spin flies, spinners and flying c type fishing lures. Preferably, the invention provides a modular fishing device comprising interchangeable members. Said members being operable to be interchangeable to provide tube lures (or tube flies) and spin fly type fishing lures. Preferably, the invention provides a modular fishing device comprising interchangeable members. Said members being operable to be interchangeable to provide tube flies and flying c type fishing lures. Preferably, the invention provides a modular fishing device comprising interchangeable members. Said members being operable to be interchangeable to provide tube lures (or tube flies) and spinner type fishing lures. Preferably, the invention provides a modular fishing device comprising interchangeable members. Said members being operable to be interchangeable to provide spinner and flying c type fishing lures.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a fishing bait kit comprising a plurality of interchangeable members, selected from at least a first interchangeable member comprising a body having connecting means for connecting to at least one alternative interchangeable member, the body further comprising an integral tail portion and a bore for receiving a fishing line and further interchangeable members.

All of the features described herein may be combined with any of the above aspects, in any combination.

An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a schematic side view of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figure 3 shows a schematic side view of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figure 5 shows a schematic side view of a fishing device according to the invention; Figure 6 shows a schematic side view of a part of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of a part of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figure 8 shows a schematic side view of a part of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figure 9 shows a schematic side view of a part of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figures 10a and 10b show a schematic side view of a part of a fishing device, and an alternative embodiment of said part, according to the invention;

Figures 1 1 a and 11 b show a schematic side view and a schematic plan view of a part of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figure 11c shows a schematic side view of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figure 12 shows a schematic exploded side view of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figure 13 shows a schematic side view of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figure 14 shows a schematic side view of a fishing device according to the invention;

Figures 15a and 15b show schematic side views of a fishing device according to the invention; and

Figure 16 shows a schematic side view of a fishing device according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows an overview of the fishing device 2 according to the invention. The fishing device 2 comprises a plurality of interchangeable members, each of which will be described in detail below. The interchangeable members comprise a first member 4, a second member 6, a third member 8, a fourth member 10, a fifth member 12, a sixth member 13, a retaining means 14, and a liner 16. The first member 4 is shown more clearly in Figures 2 to 5. The first member 4 in Figure 2 is a attached to a "Hot Spot" type head portion 6. The first member 4 comprises a body 18 having a tubular central section 19. Connecting means 20 are located at one end of the central section 19, the connecting means 20 being configured as a screw thread arrangement. When the fishing device shown in Figure 2 is used for game fishing, the connecting means 20 is approximately 5mm in length.

A tail portion 22 is provided as an integral part of the body 18, at an end opposite to the connecting means 20. The tail portion 22 has an outer diameter less than the outer diameter of the central section of the body 18. The tail portion 22 is approximately 7.5mm in length for game fishing. The extension of the tail portion 22 allows attachment of the retaining means 14. The retaining means 14 often may hold a hook 28 in place on the fishing device 2.

A through bore 24 extends the length of the body 18, from the tail portion 22 and through the connecting means 20. The bore 24 has a diameter of approximately 1.7mm for game fishing. Due to the configuration of the bore 24, being unbroken through the body 18, a fishing line 26 can readily be threaded through the body 18 without risk of catching against multiple components or fraying from joins of components.

The body 18 further comprises a shoulder 32 which tapers inwardly from the central section towards a collar 34, adjacent the connecting means 20. The tapered shoulder 32 extends approximately 4.5mm in a game fishing device. The tapered configuration of the shoulder 32 enables a fisherman to tie fur and feather to make their own tube flies. The tapered portion makes it easier to tie flies without interfering with the alignment of a head portion 6. The taper of the shoulder 32 allows fur and feather tied on by the fisherman, to be splayed outwardly, giving the tube fly a larger appearance. The body 18 may be made from different materials including but not limited to brass, aluminium, steel and plastic / nylon. The body 18 is available in multiple colours including but not limited to gold, silver or black and in different lengths including but not limited to 20mm, 25mm, 31 mm, 38mm and 50mm. The body 18 has a screw thread that will allow any of the alternative head portions 6 to be used or can be left open if waters demand a very light weight artificial bait fishing system. In the arrangement shown in Figure 2, the body 18 is 50mm in length and, for the sea fishing system, said body 18 can be 25mm diameter and 500mm in length. Figure 3 shows the liner 16 which is generally cylindrical, being dimensioned to be received by the bore 24. Figure 4 shows the liner 16 in the bore 24. The liner 16 ensures a smooth path through which the fishing line 26 passes in and out of the device. As such, the liner 16 helps to protect the fishing line 26 from damage or chaffing.

Figure 4 further shows the retaining means 14 which is generally cyclindrical being adapted to fit over the tail portion 22 of the body 18 as shown in Figure 5 and adapted to receive a hook 28. The hook 28 may be attached to the fishing line 26 as shown in Figure 5.

Figures 6 to 9 show alternative embodiments of the second member, the head portion 6. Generally, each said head portion 36 comprises a neck part 38 and a head part 40. A threaded female connecting portion 42 is located on an inner surface of the neck part 38. An aperture 44 extends through the connecting portion 42 and out of the head part 40. The aperture 44 lies on the same axis as the bore 24 and is of the same dimensions as the bore 24. The aperture 44 exits the head part 40 at the highest most point on the radius of curvature 46 of said part 40.

The head portion 36 shown in Figure 6 is a "Hot Spot Head". The "Hot Spot Head" is available in (but not limited to) brass, aluminium, steel, plastic, foam, cork and other materials, in different shapes and sizes and is available in different colours, primary colours include (but not limited to) fluorescent yellow, fluorescent orange, fluorescent pink, black, silver and gold/brass. The colours are designed as known attractant / stimulants to fish. However, any colour head portion 6 can be sprayed onto the heads and any colour can embedded in the manufacture of the plastic heads. The fluorescent colours mean that even at depth in lakes or the sea the ultraviolet in the sunlight 'fires up' the true colour i.e. yellow, pink and orange even at depths where those colours are not normally visible as they have been absorbed by the water column. In the sea at a depth or 30m or 50m, the true colours red and yellow will be visible through the effects of the Ultraviolet light penetrating the water and firing up the natural fluorescent colours visible at the surface even though the natural red or yellow light from the sun may not penetrate to the depth at which a fisherman is using the fishing device.

The screw threaded connecting portion enables the swapping of head portions 6 and, as such, allows the device to be used at different depths. The heaviest head will drop more rapidly through the water allowing use deep at sea or will also enable the system to be used in fast rapids and turbulent water where target fish such as salmon, steelhead, cod or tuna are moving.

With different colour heads available the fishing device can be fished and the Hot-Spot Head Module can be changed rapidly stimulating a fish's instinct to attack the bait. As light conditions change throughout the day, different colours can attract fish so the removable head portions ensures that a fisherman can take one "pattern" of tube fly tied to the body 18 and vary the Hot-Spot Head 6 as required.

Figure 7 shows an alternative head portion 6 which is bullet shaped. Figure 8 shows an alternative head portion 6 which is a surface popper type head portion 6. The head portion 6 is scalloped shaped, being designed to trap air in the head section so that the fly can be used as a 'popper' where air gets trapped in the head as it moves through the surface of the water. This results in a popping noise as it moves across the surface of the water, and as it is released by movement of the bait. The head portion 6 may be made of cork, foam or plastic to allow said portion 6 to float.

Figure 9 shows an alternative embodiment of the head portion 6, know as a spinner/turbulence head. In this embodiment, the head portion 6 is helmet shaped having a lip 48 which extends upwardly by approximately 2mm to 15mm, preferably 2.3mm. The lip 48 is shaped to cause increased turbulence in the water flowing around and over the head part 40. The connecting means 42 on said head portion are approximately 5mm in length. On the game fishing version the head part 40 is approximately 4 to 9mm in length and 9mm in height. The angle α is approximately 50°. On the sea fishing version the head part 40 is approximately 10mm to 50mm in length and 10mm to 25mm in height. The angle α is approximately 50°.

The head portion 6 shown in Figure 9 can be used as an alternative to the Hot-Spot Head. Said head portion 6 is made of brass, steel or aluminium and is available in different colours. The head portion 6 can be used alone with a body 18 creating a turbulence head, where water is caught between the head and a spinner stop member 10 and disturbs the normal flow of the water. This turbulence makes, for example, feathers on a fishing device 2 as shown in Figures 13 and 15b, move in the water. This can vary the movement of the fly if using the system as a tube fly. The spinner/turbulence head portion 6 is available in different colour interchangeable 'Hot spot' heads. For the sea fishing variant of the tube fishing system the spinner/turbulence head these can be 100mm diameter and 200mm long. Figure 10a shows the fourth member 10. The fourth member is the spinner stop member 10. Said member 10 comprises a first connecting section 58 for connecting to an alternative interchangeable member, and a second connecting section 60 for receiving connecting means from an alternative said member. Said section 60 may be between 5mm and 20mm preferably 5mm. An abutting portion 62 extends from the spinner stop member 10, perpendicularly to the first and second connecting sections 58, 60. The abutting portion 62 is approximately 0.5mm in width and 2mm in length when used for game fishing and preferable 2mm to 10mm wide and preferably between 10mm and 25mm in length for sea fishing. An alternative arrangement of the spinner stop member 10 is shown in Figure 10b in which an extending portion 63 of the spinner body is provided. The spinner stop member 10 is used in conjunction with a head portion 6 as will be described in detail below with reference to Figure 12. The combination of the head portion 6 and spinner stop member 10 creates turbulence in the water as the lure moves through the water column. This can be through the fisherman retrieving the lure or through natural water movement if the fisherman is harling or using trolling techniques. The abutting portion 62 of the spinner stop member 10 allows the fisherman to attach a silicone tube of any colour and any length onto the spinner stop member 10. When a silicone tube is attached to the spinner stop 10, the fisherman has the ability to create flying 'c' type lures of any length or colour. Previously, flying 'c's were manufactured to be a specific weight and specific length, forcing a fisherman to purchase every weight and colour they needed separately. A sea fisherman may want to create a lure 30cm long for a fish at sea or entering a river from the sea at a river mouth whereas a salmon fisherman on a river may only want a lure 5cm to 10cm long. For the sea fishing variant of the tube fishing device, the spinner stop member 10 can be 100mm diameter and 100mm long as required to fit between the appropriate sized spinner head and body. The spinner stop member 10 screws onto the end of the body 18 and the head portion 6. When used with a spinner attachment member 8, an example of which is shown in Figures 11 a and 11 b, the spinner stop member 10 allows the spinner blade 50 to rotate resting against the abutting portion 62 of the spinner stop 10.

Figures 11a and 11 b show the spinner attachment member 8. Said member 8 is circular in cross section. Attaching means 56 are connected to the member 8. The attaching means 56 are ring shaped for receiving a split ring which secures a spinner blade 50 in such a manner as to allow the spinner blade 50 freedom of movement. The spinner attachment member 8 allows the fisherman to add on any spinner 50 of any shape and size. Commercial spinners are in a range typically from 10mm long to 100mm and can be typically oval or pear shaped. Advantageously, the present spinning system allows the fisherman to purchase any spinner and simply attach it to the fishing device 2 using a split ring attaching means to the spinner attaching means 56.

Figure 11c shows a sixth interchangeable member 13. Said member 13 comprises connecting means 57,59 for connecting to an additional interchangeable member. The sixth member 13 is a weight member which can be of a variety of weights to be added to the modular fishing device when required.

Figure 12 shows an example configuration of a modular fishing device. The device comprises interchangeable and interconnectable members which can be readily connected together by simple screw thread connections. Figure 12 shows the head portion 6 of Figure 9 attached to the spinner attachment member 8 and the spinner stop member 10 which is in turn attached to the body 18.

Figure 13 shows a fishing device comprising a head portion 6 of Figure 9 connected to a spinner stop member 10. Due to the gap between the spinner/turbulence head portion 6 and the spinner stop member 10, water flows over the curvature of the head part 40 and then into the gap between the lip and abutting portion 62. In the example shown in Figure 13, the gap generates turbulent water movement as indicated by the arrows in the figure. Advantageously, by adding the spinner/turbulence head portion 6 and the spinner stop member 10 to the system a turbulence lure / fly is created.

Figure 14 shows a further embodiment wherein a spinner 50 is attached to the modular fishing device and the hook 28 is retained in the retaining means 14. In this embodiment, the addition of silicone tubing 12 which abuts against the collar 62 thereof, of any length and colour enables creation of a Flying 'C type lure of any length. A spinner attachment 8 allows a spinner 50 to be added to the arrangement. The arrangement can further be altered by varying the tube from aluminium to brass and with using different length tubes enables rapid changing of weight to meet demands of the water conditions. Varying the spinner blade 50 allows infinite possibilities as the fisherman can chose their own blade colour, size, weight and shapes. Unlike traditional Flying 'Cs that are manufactured as single, fixed lures, each with different weight , colours and lengths this system allows the fisherman to vary the length and colour rapidly. Because the only spare components are silicone tube or spinner blades the fisherman is carrying the system and tubes weighing potentially less than 100gm to make 40 varieties of sizes, weights and colours in comparison to 40 different coloured, length and weight traditional flying 'c' lures weighing potentially over 1 kg. Figures 15a and 15b show examples of fur and feather baits. Figure 15a shows a "Hot Spot Head" 6 connected to the body 18. A feather 52 is tied at the shoulder 32 of the body 18. In Figure 15b, a turbulence head as shown in Figure 9, is connected to a spinner attachment member 8 to which is connected a spinner 50. A spinner stop member 10 is connected to the spinner attachment 8 and the body 18. When a fur and feather is tied to the body 18, as shown in Figure 15b, a spin fly is created. With a spinner over a tube fly a new method of attraction of fish to a tube fly has been created. It is not known that such a spin fly has been available previously. It is not known that a spin fly with interchangeable head portions has been available previously. Attractors or spinners or spinner blades 50 can be added and removed to the body 18. Any spinner blade can be chosen by the fisherman in any colour or shape and added to the system by attachment to the body 18, to give flexibility not available for spinning through normal spinners.

Figure 16 shows an example configuration comprising a "Hot Spot Head" portion 6 without fur/feather attached.

The fishing line 26, attached either to a fly line, braid, fluorocarbon or other fishing line as dictated by the fisherman, is tied using a non-slip knot forming a loop approximately 15 to 50mm in length (or length required to pass over the hook) according to the hook size used and the hook 28 is then pulled into the body 18 holding the hook 28 securely. This loop tying method allows the hook 28 to be removed rapidly and components such as the head portion 36, and swapped rapidly without re-tying the lure to the fishing line 26. A sea fishing variant of the fishing device is identical in scale to that described previously but can be 100mm to 600mm long for fishing at depths in the sea for fishes such as tuna and cod.

The fishing device of the present invention is designed to aid the fly tyer which allows the creation of a fishing device which, unlike traditional tube flies, can have interchangeable head portions 6 weighing a minimal weight (plastic), floating (foam or cork) aluminium, or to heavy weight (brass, tungsten) or other materials. The ability to interchange Hot Spot Heads allows the fisherman to alter rapidly the performance and depth penetration of the fly in the water. For the sea fishing variant of the tube fishing system, the sea fishing Hot Spot Heads can be 100mm diameter and 200mm long allow different weight and movement of the system.

Due to the ability to swap the head portions 6 rapidly, and the interchangeable members of the modular fishing device, for example, different coloured Hot Spot Heads can be varied rapidly as light conditions change through the day as the weather or even cloud cover varies changing the light conditions underwater by varying the Hot Spot Head components from the system. This enables a tube fly fisherman or sea fisherman flexibility that they have not had previously with traditional fly tubes.

Due to the different lengths and weights of head portions 6 and body 18 the fisherman can enable varying the length, weight and colour of the artificial tube fly baits presented to game, sea fish or other fish caught using artificial baits.

Due to the spinner blade 50 being attached by a split ring to the spinner stop 10 the fisherman can select blade shape, colour and weight on the system providing total variation of the system unlike traditional Flying 'C lures. Spinner blades 50 have not been known to be used with traditional tube flies.

A liner 16 can be inserted into the bore 24 of any one of the arrangements hereinbefore described. For heavy usage a silicone liner 16 needs to be inserted into the bore.

A retaining means 14 for retaining the hook 28 can be used in any one of the configurations disclosed. Addition of said means 14, being a silicone tube over the tail portion of the body 18 means that the hook 28 will be held until a fish takes. Upon a fish take the silicone tube will allow the hook to stay in the fish's mouth while the tube system slides up the line being protected from the often sharp teeth of the fish and reduces the potential for the fish to lever against the bait device and 'throw' the hook improving potential catch rates.

It will be understood that the fishing device can be scaled to a number of sizes, those shown on the drawings are for the game fishing market. The same product scaled to 600mm long tubes are used for sea fishing. The sea fishing variant has Hot Spot Heads up to 100mm diameter with all of the components scaled to size from the drawings shown. For cod, tuna and sea fishing the system can be based on 100mm to 600mm tubes with Hot Spot Heads 50mm to 200mm long.

The invention provides a modular tube fishing system that integrates the components from spinners, tube flies and flying 'c' type artificial fishing 'bait' devices into a single system. The fishing device comprises different components that can be screwed together and changed rapidly from one system to another. Addition of a spinner member, advantageously creates a new spinner tube fly for game or sea fishermen, to which components can be added and swapped easily. Further interchangeable members such as attractors or spinners / spinner blades can be added and removed to tube flies tied by fishermen, creating a new modular spinner system for game or sea fishermen. Any spinner blade can be chosen by the fisherman in any colour or shape and added to the system by attachment to the fishing device which gives flexibility not available for spinning through normal spinners. The provision of a turbulence generating system, helps to improve fur/feathers movement when the fishing device is used as a fishing device or tube fly system. The interchangeable members can be combined to function as a)tube flies (aluminium, plastic, nylon, brass, tungsten or other materials), b)spinners/lures and c)Flying 'C type lures/attractants. The interchangeable members can be of varying lengths, weight and colour and chosen according to fishing conditions, for example, game, sea fish.

Different coloured silicone tubes or body of the first member, can be used (depending on the water colour and light conditions) on the system enabling different weight, length and colour Flying 'c' type lures to be created simply from this fishing device, and varied at the water by the fisherman according to the water and requirements of the target quarry fish.

Coloured head portions can be varied rapidly as light conditions change through the day as the weather or even cloud cover varies changing the light conditions underwater by varying the Hot Spot Head components from the system.

The fishing device of the invention has a number of advantages over known devices, a) the fishing device as presently disclosed has increased flexibility, allowing more combinations and artificial fishing bait alternatives than traditional artificial lures, spinners, tube flies and flying 'c's.; b) Due to the modular configuration of the fishing device, it reduces the amount of tackle a salmon, game or sea fisherman needs to take fishing. Reducing the weight is a distinct advantage to flexibility of the fisherman in moving about the water; c) The fishing device allows for rapid changeover while fishing to enable more weight or a different 'hot spot' colour, tube colour or silicone tube for Flying 'C tail to be selected as fishing conditions and light conditions dictate; d) The fishing device is modular and the length and weight of tube varied quickly as well as weight of or shape of the Hot Spot Head. At sea or in lakes this allows the 'bait' to get to its' required depth more rapidly; e) Due to the novel arrangement, the different weights of the system techniques such as harling flies in rapids in extremely fast waters can be done by the fisherman which has previously been very difficult with traditional tube flies due to the weight required; f) The fishing device allows the fisherman greater flexibility in varying their 'bait' for their quarry fish, by swapping components or adding a spinner to a fly. Indeed this system allows creation of totally new techniques including Tube Spin Flies; g) Any colour silicone tube can be stretched over the Spinner Stop component enabling the fisherman to try many different coloured and length flying 'c' type lures without the need to carry multiple weight, length and coloured individual lures; h) The spinner blade is attached by a split ring to the Spinner Stop which allows the fisherman to chose any blade shape, colour and weight on the system providing total variation unlike traditional Flying 'C lures or spinners. This system gives unlimited flexibility of choice of spinners that has not been available previously commercially; i) The turbulent water created between the Spinner / Turbulence Head and Spinner Stop causes the fur/feather on the tube fly to move in a more varied manner than a traditional flat tube fly. This benefits the fisherman in that material gets more movement rather than laying flat against the tube as with traditional tube flies; and j) The tapered shoulder on the body and the lip arrangement allows better purchase to tie components to the device. The collar enables tying of components without compromising or interfering with the head components.

Advantageously, provision of threaded components that fit together in different combinations, allow the fisherman to vary the style and type of fishing at the water, without the necessity for many different types artificial baits of different lengths, colours, sizes and weights. Furthermore, the fishing device allows a fisherman to use a single system for tube fly fishing, spinning, harling or as an alternative to fixed flying 'c' lures. In so doing, the system vastly reduces the weight of tackle a fisherman takes to the water whilst providing increased flexibility due to the many permutations of colour, weight and length and style of bait available.

Due to the very nature of fishing, a fisherman will often need to be mobile and not encumbered by heavy and bulky equipment. The fisherman may actually be fishing while wading the river and so carrying less equipment can be a big benefit. The present invention provides a fishing device which is interchangeable and easy to transport.

The present invention provides a modular fishing device that has interchangeable members that can be swapped or changed to make tube flies, spin flies, spinners and flying c type fishing lures. Furthermore, the invention provides a modular fishing device that has interchangeable members that can be swapped or changed to make tube lures or tube flies and spin fly type fishing lures. Additionally, the invention provides a modular fishing device that has interchangeable members that can be swapped or changed to make tube lures (or tube flies) and flying c type fishing lures. The invention also provides a modular fishing device that has interchangeable members that can be swapped or changed to make tube lures or tube flies and spinner type fishing lures. The invention further provides a modular fishing device that has interchangeable members that can be swapped or changed to make spinner and flying c type fishing lures.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and/or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and/or steps are mutually exclusive.

Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

1. A fishing device comprising a plurality of interchangeable members, a first interchangeable member comprising a body having connecting means for connecting to at least one alternative interchangeable member, the body further comprising an integral tail portion and a bore for receiving a fishing line.

2. A fishing device as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the body comprises a shoulder adjacent the connecting means, the shoulder being tapered and comprising a collar.

3. A fishing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the bore extends from the tail portion to the connecting means.

4. A fishing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the diameter of the bore is constant in cross section from the tail portion to the connecting means.

5. A fishing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer diameter of the tail portion is less than the outer diameter of the body.

6. A fishing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fishing device comprises a second interchangeable member, said second member comprising a head portion, the head portion comprising an aperture.

7. A fishing device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the aperture has a diameter which is substantially the same as the diameter in the body portion.

8. A fishing device as claimed in claims 6 or 7, wherein when the body portion is connected to the head portion, the bore is coplanar with the aperture.

9. A fishing device as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the head portion comprises a Np, the lip extending inwardly towards the neck part.

10. A fishing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the fishing device comprising a third interchangeable member, said third member comprising a spinner attachment member, the third interchangeable member comprises attaching means for attaching to at least one alternative interchangeable member.

11. A fishing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, the fishing device comprising a fourth interchangeable member, the fourth member is a spinner stop member, the spinner stop member comprises a first connecting section for connecting to an alternative interchangeable member.

12. A fishing device as claimed in claim 11 , wherein the spinner stop member comprises an abutting portion.

13. A fishing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fishing device comprises retaining means for retaining hooking members.

14. A fishing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fishing device comprises a liner being adapted to be received in the bore of the body.

15. A fishing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fishing device comprises a fifth interchangeable member, said fifth member being operable as a flying "C" type bait.

16. A fishing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fishing device comprises a sixth interchangeable member, said sixth member comprises connecting means for connecting to any one of the aforementioned interchangeable members.

17. A fishing device comprising a first interchangeable member having a body comprising an integral tail portion, a bore for receiving a fishing line, and first connecting means; and a second interchangeable member comprising a spinner attachment having a spinner attachable thereto, and second connecting means, the second connecting means being operable to be connectable to the first connecting means.

18. A fishing device comprising a first interchangeable member having a body comprising an integral tail portion, a bore for receiving a fishing line, and first connecting means; and a second interchangeable member comprising a head portion and second connecting means, the second connecting means being operable to be connectable to the first connecting means, wherein a baiting member is attachable to the first or second interchangeable member.

19. A fishing device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the baiting member is an artificial fur and feather bait.

20. A fishing device as claimed in claims 18 or 19, wherein a spinner stop is attachable to the fishing device.

21. A fishing device as claimed in any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein said device further comprises a spinner operable to be attachable to the fishing device.

22. A fishing bait kit comprising a plurality of interchangeable members, selected from at least a first interchangeable member comprising a body having connecting means for connecting to at least one alternative interchangeable member, the body further comprising an integral tail portion and a bore for receiving a fishing line and further interchangeable members.

23. A fishing device as substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to any one of the accompanying drawings.

24. A fishing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fishing device comprises a fifth interchangeable member, said fifth member being operable as a spin tube fly type artificial bait.

25. A modular fishing device comprising interchangeable members operable to be interchangeable to provide tube lures or tube flies, spin flies, spinners and flying c type fishing lures.

26. A modular fishing device comprising interchangeable members operable to be interchangeable to provide tube flies and spin fly type fishing lures.

27. A modular fishing device comprising interchangeable members operable to be interchangeable to provide tube flies and flying c type fishing lures.

28. A modular fishing device comprising interchangeable members operable to be interchangeable to provide tube flies and spinner type fishing lures.

29. A modular fishing device comprising interchangeable members operable to be interchangeable to provide spinner and flying c type fishing lures.