A bait scoop allows an angler to retrieve live bait, hook the live bait while still in the bait scoop, and easily remove the hooked bait from the bait scoop. The bait scoop includes a scoop and a handle extending from a back of the scoop member. A plurality of front slots are formed in the scoop, where the slots are open at a top part of the scoop. The slots continuously extend from the top of the scoop, around the bottom, and partially up the back of the scoop to attached to a solid back portion thereof. Side slots are formed in sides of the scoop, where the side slots are open at the top of the scoop. Slotted cones are formed at a trench on a bottom interior of the scoop, where the slot in the scoop extends from the side slot to the interior of the scoop.

A marine specimen capture system for use in capturing a marine specimen alive and intact from an underwater environment includes a specimen capture assembly comprising at least one specimen capture member. The at least one specimen capture member having a capture member inlet and a capture member outlet. A thruster assembly comprising at least one thruster unit is interconnected to the specimen capture assembly. More in particular, the thruster assembly is operative to generate an induced flow along an induced flow path into at least a portion of the at least one specimen capture member through the capture member inlet, wherein the induced flow is sufficient to pull a marine specimen into and through at least the capture member inlet of the at least one specimen capture member.

A marine specimen capture system for use in capturing a marine specimen alive and intact from an underwater environment includes a specimen capture assembly comprising at least one specimen capture member. The at least one specimen capture member having a capture member inlet and a capture member outlet. A thruster assembly comprising at least one thruster unit is interconnected to the specimen capture assembly. More in particular, the thruster assembly is operative to generate an induced flow along an induced flow path into at least a portion of the at least one specimen capture member through the capture member inlet, wherein the induced flow is sufficient to pull a marine specimen into and through at least the capture member inlet of the at least one specimen capture member.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a crustacean trap can include a cage configured to trap one or more crustaceans, and a propulsion system connected to the cage and configured to provide propulsion to the cage. In certain embodiments, the trap can include a controller configured to control the propulsion system to autonomously pilot the trap.

A drive system for a net cleaner to produce efficient propulsion without damage to the cage net. The drive system includes flexible engagement stumps protruding from a base of a driving belt with tips or studs mounted on an end of the stumps. The tips or studs engage the net and propel the net cleaner. The stumps flex to insure that, if excessive pressure is applied to a stud, the stump will bend and the net will release without damage. A guard prevents the stump from directly engaging a cage net. A track belt produces efficient propulsion without damage to the cage net. The track belt includes flexible engagement stumps protruding from a base of a driving belt with tips or studs mounted on an end of the stumps.

A lobster catching device includes an elongated hollow shaft having a control mechanism connected to the first end, and a grasping assembly connected to the second end. The control mechanism includes a handle and trigger that move a wire within the shaft. The wire transitions a pair of arms extending outward from the grasping assembly between an open and closed position, and a trigger lock secures the assembly in the current position when engaged. The arms are constructed from a malleable material which bends when a maximum pressure is applied onto the lobster to prevent crushing the animal. A blocking panel is connected to the main body of the grasping assembly and includes a planar member that is oriented parallel to the arms. The blocking panel engages the tail of a lobster when the arms are grabbing the carapace.

A lobster catching device includes an elongated hollow shaft having a control mechanism connected to the first end, and a grasping assembly connected to the second end. The control mechanism includes a handle and trigger that move a wire within the shaft. The wire transitions a pair of arms extending outward from the grasping assembly between an open and closed position, and a trigger lock secures the assembly in the current position when engaged. The arms are constructed from a malleable material which bends when a maximum pressure is applied onto the lobster to prevent crushing the animal. A blocking panel is connected to the main body of the grasping assembly and includes a planar member that is oriented parallel to the arms. The blocking panel engages the tail of a lobster when the arms are grabbing the carapace.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a crustacean trap can include a cage configured to trap one or more crustaceans, and a propulsion system connected to the cage and configured to provide propulsion to the cage. In certain embodiments, the trap can include a controller configured to control the propulsion system to autonomously pilot the trap.

In accordance with at least one aspect of this disclosure, a crustacean trap can include a cage configured to trap one or more crustaceans, and a propulsion system connected to the cage and configured to provide propulsion to the cage. In certain embodiments, the trap can include a controller configured to control the propulsion system to autonomously pilot the trap.

The present invention is a chumming net comprising one or more rod(s), rubber polymer covering for buoyancy, a connecter means, and a net. The rod or rods are connected by the connector means to form a collapsible structure to which the net is attached. In a single rod embodiment, a connector means is used to join the two ends to form the collapsible structure. In embodiments with two or more rods, the connector means is adapted to combine the rods to form a collapsible structure. An essential feature of the invention is the net which is made of flexible rubber material with non-stick or self-cleaning properties to lessen or eliminate the accumulation of smelly organic fish matter. The chumming net is capable of collapsing upon disassembly or disconnection of the rod(s) to facilitate folding for easy storage and portability.