A system stacking and retrieving a crab pot onboard a vessel includes a crane having an end and operable to position the end at a plurality of locations on or near a vessel's deck, and an end effector at the end of the crane, operable to hold a crab pot. The crane is used to grab a crab pot stored on the deck and position the pot on a pot launcher, or to grab a pot on the pot launcher and position the pot on the vessel's deck to secure the pot onboard. The system also includes a connector operable to couple a crab pot with another crab pot, and a controller operable to direct the movement of the crane to position the end of the crane at a plurality of locations on or near a vessel's deck. With the system's controller the crane may be automatically controlled and directed without requiring a deckhand to manually direct the crane to the correct position on the vessel's deck. And, with the connector each crab pot may be secured to an adjacent crab pot during storage of the pots without the need of a deckhand. Thus, the system makes a once very dangerous job for deckhands on a crabbing vessel much safer.

A system stacking and retrieving a crab pot onboard a vessel includes a crane having an end and operable to position the end at a plurality of locations on or near a vessel's deck, and an end effector at the end of the crane, operable to hold a crab pot. The crane is used to grab a crab pot stored on the deck and position the pot on a pot launcher, or to grab a pot on the pot launcher and position the pot on the vessel's deck to secure the pot onboard. The system also includes a connector operable to couple a crab pot with another crab pot, and a controller operable to direct the movement of the crane to position the end of the crane at a plurality of locations on or near a vessel's deck. With the system's controller the crane may be automatically controlled and directed without requiring a deckhand to manually direct the crane to the correct position on the vessel's deck. And, with the connector each crab pot may be secured to an adjacent crab pot during storage of the pots without the need of a deckhand. Thus, the system makes a once very dangerous job for deckhands on a crabbing vessel much safer.

A mechanical fish trap system is adapted to be installed in native water environments. The trap chamber is positioned in a first native water environment. The chamber includes a trap gate to allow a fish to swim into the trap chamber and then retain it therein. A water pipe is connected to the trap chamber. A water pump then pumps water through the water pipe and into the trap chamber and out the trap gate. The water pipe inlet is positioned in a second native water environment that is imbalanced with the water in the first native water environment.

A mechanical fish trap system is adapted to be installed in native water environments. The trap chamber is positioned in a first native water environment. The chamber includes a trap gate to allow a fish to swim into the trap chamber and then retain it therein. A water pipe is connected to the trap chamber. A water pump then pumps water through the water pipe and into the trap chamber and out the trap gate. The water pipe inlet is positioned in a second native water environment that is imbalanced with the water in the first native water environment.

A system for coupling a crab pot with another crab pot includes a first receiver mountable to a first crab pot, a second receiver mountable to a second crab pot, and a coupler operable to engage the first receiver and the second receiver to couple the first crab pot with the second crab pot. The first and second receivers, each include a hole. The coupler includes a first holding component operable to hold the first receiver when the first holding component is inserted into the hole of the first receiver, and a second holding component operable to hold the second receiver when the second holding component is inserted into the hole of the second receiver. The coupler also includes an appendage that, while the coupler couples the crab pots, allows a deckhand to grab or stand on to help him/her remain on the pots while he/she climbs on over and/or around the pots.

Artificial fish for use as a fishing lure are provided that can include a body about a frame, the body defining fish attributes and the frame supporting the body and defining a recess configured to receive an end of a weighted rod. Other lures can include at least two frame components articulated in relation to one another. Methods for manufacturing an artificial fish for use as a fishing lure are provided. Methods for using an artificial fish lure are provided. Artificial fish for use as fishing lure kits are provided.

An improved electrofishing apparatus incorporates a system for generating the power transfer for a targeted fish species, a method for monitoring the power output of the electrofishing apparatus; a system to adjust the voltage, current, and frequency settings of the pulsator in the electrofisher in response to conductivity and temperature measurements.

The disclosure provides a system and methods of use pertaining to long-range fishing applications. One embodiment provides a long-range fishing-device delivery system that relies on a mounting shaft, a buoyancy module, and a fishing or payload module to house a variety of fishing devices such as a baited hook, an artificial lure, or a fishing accessory such as a depth sensor, temperature sensor, or fish finder. The delivery system leverages a launch force from an external launching apparatus such as a bow or slingshot to deploy the system and enclosed fishing device to a desired long-range location and depth within a body of water. Other embodiments are also disclosed.

An improved bait-fish trap includes a cylindrical, mesh shell having a continuous outer wall, an upper end and an open lower end. The shell houses a mesh entrance cone having a lower base that is concentric with the open lower end of the shell, and an upper vertex in communication with an overlying entrapment chamber. At the upper end of the shell is a releasable hatch for accessing bait fish within the entrapment chamber. Attached to the hatch is a buoyant light for luring bait fish from the entrance cone into the entrapment chamber until they are removed via the releasable hatch. A buoyant tube is circumferentially secured to the inner surface of the upper end so that the shell remains afloat whenever the hatch is opened to retrieve captured bait fish.

An apparatus and technique for underwater storage and deployment of a fishing line and buoy includes a cylinder coupled to a fishing apparatus. A buoy is attached to a buoy line coupled to the fishing apparatus and the buoy line and buoy are stowed within the cylinder in a first position. A holding mechanism holds a top perimeter of the cylinder closed until intentionally released. Upon release of the holding mechanism, the buoy and buoy line escape the cylinder. The buoy then pulls the buoy line to the surface where the fishing apparatus can be recovered by the fisher.