Method and apparatus enabling remote release of hooks and hook assemblies to free fishing lures

Abstract

A fishing method and apparatus is provided comprising a lure module enhanced with circuitry that is capable of releasing hooks upon detection of a signal sent from a user operated, remote device enhanced with circuitry to send the signals causing hook release. The module may be provided as a lure, as a bait-holder, or as a shape-neutral module, while the signal-sending device may be a mounted or handheld device used for example in a boat. Upon determining that a irretrievable snag has occurred, the signal sending device is used to send an appropriate remote signal to the lure or module effecting hook-release rendering the lure or module free from obstruction and retrievable. The lure or module may be reset with replacement hooks for continued fishing.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A fishing apparatus comprising: 
 a body having an interface for attaching a fishing line;    a controller including a signal monitor within the body; and    a normally-closed, remotely-operable hook clasp for retaining a hook or hook assembly;    wherein, in response to receipt of a release signal by the signal monitor the controller causes the hook clasp to open to release the hook.    
     
     
         2 . The fishing apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a control module housing the controller and hook clasp, wherein the body is a lure comprising a receptacle for engaging the control module.  
     
     
         3 . The fishing apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the signal monitor responds to low-frequency sound signals.  
     
     
         4 . The fishing apparatus of  claim 1  comprising plural hook clasps for engaging and disengaging multiple hooks and hook assemblies wherein the controller opens all hook clasps in response to a single signal.  
     
     
         5 . A hook release module for a fishing lure, comprising: 
 a casing for housing and supporting internal components;    a controller within the casing including a signal monitor; and    a normally-closed, remotely-operable hook clasp extending from the casing for retaining a hook or hook assembly;    wherein in response to receipt of a release signal the controller causes the hook clasp to open to release the hook.    
     
     
         6 . The hook release module of  claim 5  wherein the signal monitor responds to low-frequency sound signals.  
     
     
         7 . The hook release module of  claim 5  comprising plural hook clasps for engaging and disengaging multiple hooks and hook assemblies wherein the controller opens all hook clasps in response to a single signal.  
     
     
         8 . A fishing lure system, comprising: 
 an apparatus comprising a body having an interface for attaching a line, a controller including a signal monitor within the body, and a normally-closed, remotely-operable hook clasp for retaining a hook or a hook assembly; and    a remote signaling apparatus;    wherein, in response to receipt of a release signal from the signaling apparatus the controller causes the hook clasp to open to release the hook.    
     
     
         9 . The fishing lure system of  claim 8  further comprising a control module housing the controller and hook clasp, wherein the apparatus comprises fishing lure body having a receptacle for engaging the control module.  
     
     
         10 . The fishing lure system of  claim 8  wherein the signal monitor responds to low-frequency sound signals.  
     
     
         11 . The fishing lure system of  claim 8  comprising plural hook clasps for engaging and disengaging multiple hooks and hook assemblies wherein the controller opens all hook clasps in response to a single signal.  
     
     
         12 . The fishing lure system of  claim 8  wherein the signaling system comprises: 
 a user input for initiating a signal;  
 a signal generator for providing a signal in water; and  
 a signal controller responsive to the user input for driving the generator to generate at least one of plural possible signals.  
 
     
     
         13 . A signaling system for sending a hook-release signal to a fishing lure, comprising: 
 a user input for initiating a signal;    a sonic signal generator for providing a low-frequency signal in water; and    a signal controller responsive to the user input for driving the generator to generate at least one of plural possible signals.    
     
     
         14 . The signaling system of  claim 13  wherein the signal generator is submersible, and generates sonic signals in water.  
     
     
         15 . The signaling system of  claim 14  wherein the signaling system is integrated with a fish-finder system.  
     
     
         16 . A method for releasing a snagged fishing lure, comprising steps of: 
 (a) generating a signal to the snagged fishing lure;    (b) receiving the generated signal at a snagged releasable lure;    (c) activating a normally-closed remotely-operable hook clasp in response to the received signal, thereby releasing a hook or hook assembly and releasing the snagged lure.    
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16  wherein the signal is a wireless signal.  
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 17  wherein the signal is a sonic signal generated in water.  
     
     
         19 . A fishing apparatus comprising: 
 a body having an interface for attaching a fishing line;    a sound or electromagnetic wave-emitting module;    wherein the sound or electromagnetic wave-emitting module emits a sound or electromagnetic wave for attracting fish.    
     
     
         20 . The fishing apparatus of  claim 18  further comprising a remote signaling apparatus, wherein the remote signaling apparatus sends signals defining different sounds or electromagnetic waves to drive the sound or electromagnetic wave-emitting apparatus to emit.