Outrigger Appendage

Abstract

An appendage for an outrigger for trolling baits and lures outboard of the hull and forward of or close to the boat's stern wake which is created when the boat moves through the water. The appendage is configured for attachment to the outrigger, and movable from an retracted position to an extended position after attachment to the outrigger. The appendage may comprise a hinge, spring or other mechanism to allow the appendage to swing, fold or otherwise move between retracted and extended positions, and a control line or other means to control the movement of the appendage between retracted and extended positions. The appendage may also comprise one or more halyards and release clips for releasably holding lines attached to baits or lures.

1 . An appendage for an outrigger of a boat, wherein the appendage is configured for attachment to the outrigger and is movable from a retracted position to an extended position when attached to the outrigger, and wherein the appendage is adapated for trolling. 
   
   
       2 . The appendage according to  claim 1 , wherein in the retracted position, the appendage is flush with and substantially parallel to the outrigger. 
   
   
       3 . The appendage according to  claim 1 , wherein in the extended position, the appendage extends generally downward from the outrigger at an angle. 
   
   
       4 . The appendage according to  claim 3 , wherein the angle is less than 90 degrees from its retracted position or greater than 90 degrees from its retracted position. 
   
   
       5 . The appendage according to  claim 1 , wherein in the extended position, the appendage extends generally downward from the outrigger to the surface of a body of water on which the boat is afloat. 
   
   
       6 . The appendage according to  claim 1 , wherein the appendage is removably attached to the outrigger. 
   
   
       7 . The appendage according to  claim 1 , wherein the appendage is permanently attached to the outrigger. 
   
   
       8 . The appendage according to  claim 1 , wherein the appendage is flexible or rigid. 
   
   
       9 . The appendage according to  claim 1 , wherein the appendage is comprised of the same material or a different material than the outrigger. 
   
   
       10 . The appendage according to  claim 1 , wherein the appendage is configured for attachment to the outrigger using an attachment means selected from the group consisting of clamps, screws, bolts, glue, welds, welding, clips, ties, ropes, and combinations thereof. 
   
   
       11 . The appendage according to  claim 1 , further comprising means for moving the appendage between the retracted and extended positions. 
   
   
       12 . The appendage according to  claim 11 , wherein the means for moving the appendage is a hinge or spring. 
   
   
       13 . The appendage according to  claim 11 , further comprising a control line for controlling the movement of the appendage between the retracted and extended positions. 
   
   
       14 . The appendage according to  claim 1 , further comprising a halyard with one or more release clips for releasably holding lines attached to baits or lures. 
   
   
       15 . The appendage according to  claim 3 , wherein the appendage, in the extended position, is configured to troll baits and lures forward of, or close to, the stern wave caused by movement of the boat through the water and at an angle to the surface of the water. 
   
   
       16 . The appendage according to  claim 1 , wherein the length of the appendage is less than the length of the outrigger. 
   
   
       17 . An outrigger appendage kit for a fishing boat, the kit comprising:
 a) the appendage according to  claim 1  for attachment to an outrigger;   b) means for moving the appendage between a retracted position and an extended position after attachment of the appendage to the outrigger; and   c) means for controlling the movement of the appendage between the retracted and extended positions.   
   
   
       18 . The kit according to  claim 17 , further comprising one or more halyards and clips for releasably holding a fishing line to the outrigger or to the appendage. 
   
   
       19 . The kit according to  claim 17 , wherein the means for moving the appendage is a spring or hinge. 
   
   
       20 . The kit according to  claim 17 , wherein the means for controlling the movement of the appendage is a manual means or a mechanical means. 
   
   
       21 . The kit according to  claim 17 , wherein the means for controlling the movement of the appendage is a control line or a halyard. 
   
   
       22 . The kit according to  claim 17 , further comprising the outrigger as an included part of the kit. 
   
   
       23 . An outrigger for a boat, the outrigger comprising an appendage which is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the appendage is configured for trolling.