A trolling device for a boat includes a trolling motor and a control mechanism. The control mechanism controls at least one of the speed and the direction of the trolling motor. The control mechanism is configured to receive control instructions from an electronic GPS mapping computer to cause the trolling motor to establish an anchor point near a dock to enable entry to the fishing boat or exit from the fishing boat.

A multi-directional spreader bar assembly includes a specially formed rudder bird assembly attached to the center of a spreader bar member for trolling a plurality of lures from a fishing boat in a spread pattern. The rudder bird assembly includes a bird-like longitudinal body having an airfoil shape with fins on either side and a pair of diagonal crossing grooves centrally formed on the bottom of the body with a hole made therethrough that is off-centered from the longitudinal axis of the body and spaced apart from the crossing grooves. A rudder plate welded to a threaded stem is adapted to engage a selected one of the bottom grooves while the threaded stem extends through the off-centered hole and held in place under coaxial spring compression so that the rudder plate and stem may be released and reset into the alternate groove to switch the trolling direction of the assembly.

A multi-directional spreader bar assembly includes a specially formed rudder bird assembly attached to the center of a spreader bar member for trolling a plurality of lures from a fishing boat in a spread pattern. The rudder bird assembly includes a bird-like longitudinal body having an airfoil shape with fins on either side and a pair of diagonal crossing grooves centrally formed on the bottom of the body with a hole made therethrough that is off-centered from the longitudinal axis of the body and spaced apart from the crossing grooves. A rudder plate welded to a threaded stem is adapted to engage a selected one of the bottom grooves while the threaded stem extends through the off-centered hole and held in place under coaxial spring compression so that the rudder plate and stem may be released and reset into the alternate groove to switch the trolling direction of the assembly.

According to one aspect, a trolling apparatus includes a planer board having a main body with a first side, a second side, a front end, a rear end, and a top edge and a bottom edge creating a water-tight compartment. The trolling apparatus also includes a front lip that connects to the front end of the main body. Further, the trolling apparatus includes a release apparatus mounted to the first side of the planer board. The release apparatus is remotely controllable between an open position and a closed position and configured to grip a front portion of a fishing line when in the closed position and release the front portion of the fishing line when in the open position.

According to one aspect, a trolling apparatus includes a planer board having a main body with a first side, a second side, a front end, a rear end, and a top edge and a bottom edge creating a water-tight compartment. The trolling apparatus also includes a front lip that connects to the front end of the main body. Further, the trolling apparatus includes a release apparatus mounted to the first side of the planer board. The release apparatus is remotely controllable between an open position and a closed position and configured to grip a front portion of a fishing line when in the closed position and release the front portion of the fishing line when in the open position.

The inventors disclose and teach herein a device that quickly and reliably attaches rigging to a fishing line, especially trolling lines. The device includes a spring-loaded clip with means for attaching additional accessories to the clip, such as weights. Accordingly, in the context of trolling, a trolling depth can be set and readjusted rapidly simply by clipping different weights onto the line. Moreover, the clip includes a side-opening for receiving a fishing line in compression between a spring-loaded plunger and anvil. The line is further secured by an embossed retainer blocking the line from slipping out from between the plunger and anvil.

The inventors disclose and teach herein a device that quickly and reliably attaches rigging to a fishing line, especially trolling lines. The device includes a spring-loaded clip with means for attaching additional accessories to the clip, such as weights. Accordingly, in the context of trolling, a trolling depth can be set and readjusted rapidly simply by clipping different weights onto the line. Moreover, the clip includes a side-opening for receiving a fishing line in compression between a spring-loaded plunger and anvil. The line is further secured by an embossed retainer blocking the line from slipping out from between the plunger and anvil.

A twist clip and method for use wherein the twist clip includes a body having a rotating clamp head having at least one slot, a stationary clamp head having at least one slot, a core pin, the slots being arranged to retain an elongate object during use.

A trolling weight is designed to sink while minimizing drag. The trolling weight has a forward bulb arranged as a paraboloid configured to reduce the drag while the trolling weight is moving. The forward bulb truncates to a rearward portion. A first stabilizing fin is attached to the forward bulb and further comprising a first smooth parabolic planar portion which convex from a first apex that connects the forward bulb and the rearward portion. An internal spine is attached to the first stabilizing fin, and further comprising a plurality of upper attachment holes configured to connect cables to pull the trolling weight forward. A tail fin is attached to the internal spine by a plurality of connectors embedded within the forward bulb and arranged rearward of the rearward portion of the forward bulb and further comprising a plurality of rear attachment holes for attaching accessories.