A jig head for fishing, the jig head comprises a head portion comprising a tapered tip and a base, a hook having a point, a shank, and an eye adapted for attachment to a fishing line. A belly weight extending from the base comprises first and second ends defining a space between the shank and the belly weight, the space being adapted to receive a portion of a bait. The belly weight in certain embodiments is flexible such that the belly weight can be bent towards the shank and the belly weight comprises one or more shank facing barbs positioned between the first and second ends of the belly weight. The jig head comprises one or more tapered bells adapted to help secure a plastic bait in place.

The present invention comprises a novel fishing tackle rig generally consisting of an open-eye formed by double “U” bends on the shaft of a hook or other tackle, a hook-shield which threads onto a fishing line with a hollow rear section to slide over the open-eye, a solid front section to provide structure, and a pin extending perpendicular to secure the hook-shield to the bait, and a cone shaped bait protecting device where the narrow end threads onto the fishing line and the wide end fits over the bait and other components of fishing tackle holding everything together. In an alternative embodiment, the hook-shield is replaced by integrating onto the shaft of the hook or other tackle a closing mechanism that slides along the shaft from an open position to a closed position that completes the open-eye. In preferred embodiments there is a grooved indention around the outside circumference of the wide end of the cone which may accept an O-ring, rubber band, or some other means of attaching a skirt or other attractant. Also in preferred embodiments the bait protecting device features a bait holder attached to the narrow end of the cone via a hinging mechanism that allows the free end of the bait holder to penetrate through the bait protecting device and into the bait at the wide end of the cone, and thereby secure the bait protecting device to the bait.

The present invention comprises a novel fishing tackle rig generally consisting of an open-eye formed by double “U” bends on the shaft of a hook or other tackle, a hook-shield which threads onto a fishing line with a hollow rear section to slide over the open-eye, a solid front section to provide structure, and a pin extending perpendicular to secure the hook-shield to the bait, and a cone shaped bait protecting device where the narrow end threads onto the fishing line and the wide end fits over the bait and other components of fishing tackle holding everything together. In an alternative embodiment, the hook-shield is replaced by integrating onto the shaft of the hook or other tackle a closing mechanism that slides along the shaft from an open position to a closed position that completes the open-eye. In preferred embodiments there is a grooved indention around the outside circumference of the wide end of the cone which may accept an O-ring, rubber band, or some other means of attaching a skirt or other attractant. Also in preferred embodiments the bait protecting device features a bait holder attached to the narrow end of the cone via a hinging mechanism that allows the free end of the bait holder to penetrate through the bait protecting device and into the bait at the wide end of the cone, and thereby secure the bait protecting device to the bait.

A bait cage assembly is provided for use in fishing. The assembly includes a cage that is fixedly mounted on the hook in such a way that the cage does not hinder the hooks ability to impale game fish. The cage includes a pivotal back cover user to open and close the cage for refilling with bait. In addition, the cage is made up of material that is durable enough to withstand the underwater environment, but is also permeable enough to release the scent of the bait contained inside.

A bait cage assembly is provided for use in fishing. The assembly includes a cage that is fixedly mounted on the hook in such a way that the cage does not hinder the hooks ability to impale game fish. The cage includes a pivotal back cover user to open and close the cage for refilling with bait. In addition, the cage is made up of material that is durable enough to withstand the underwater environment, but is also permeable enough to release the scent of the bait contained inside.

A bait cage assembly is provided for use in fishing. The assembly includes a cage that is fixedly mounted on the hook in such a way that the cage does not hinder the hooks ability to impale game fish. The cage includes a pivotal back cover user to open and close the cage for refilling with bait. In addition, the cage is made up of material that is durable enough to withstand the underwater environment, but is also permeable enough to release the scent of the bait contained inside.

A bait cage assembly is provided for use in fishing. The assembly includes a cage that is fixedly mounted on the hook in such a way that the cage does not hinder the hooks ability to impale game fish. The cage includes a pivotal back cover user to open and close the cage for refilling with bait. In addition, the cage is made up of material that is durable enough to withstand the underwater environment, but is also permeable enough to release the scent of the bait contained inside.

A live bait zip tie is an apparatus used to bridle-rig a hook to a bait fish. The apparatus is configured to hold the hook in position, so that the hook cannot rotate or swivel. The apparatus includes a prong, a ratchet band, a hook-bracing fixture, a band-receiving head, and a pawl. The prong allows the user to puncture through a bait fish. The ratchet band engages with the pawl to tighten the apparatus against a bait fish. The hook-bracing fixture allows a hook to secure against the body of a bait fish. The band-receiving head allows for connection of the prong and ratchet band. The pawl is a unidirectionally biased protrusion that allows for tightening engagement with the ratchet band. This configuration allows the apparatus to bridle-rig a hook to a bait fish so that the hook does not move during fishing activity.

A live bait zip tie is an apparatus used to bridle-rig a hook to a bait fish. The apparatus is configured to hold the hook in position, so that the hook cannot rotate or swivel. The apparatus includes a prong, a ratchet band, a hook-bracing fixture, a band-receiving head, and a pawl. The prong allows the user to puncture through a bait fish. The ratchet band engages with the pawl to tighten the apparatus against a bait fish. The hook-bracing fixture allows a hook to secure against the body of a bait fish. The band-receiving head allows for connection of the prong and ratchet band. The pawl is a unidirectionally biased protrusion that allows for tightening engagement with the ratchet band. This configuration allows the apparatus to bridle-rig a hook to a bait fish so that the hook does not move during fishing activity.

A bait sleeve for securing a bait therein is disclosed. The bait sleeve includes a sleeve including a first end, and a second stretchable end opposite the first end. The second stretchable end defines an opening into the sleeve, wherein the second stretchable end is stretchable between an open state to receive the bait within the sleeve and a substantially closed state to secure the bait within the sleeve. The bait sleeve also includes a shape-defining frame connected to the sleeve, the shape-defining frame extending between the first end and the second stretchable end. The bait sleeve also includes at least one fishing hook. Advantageously, the frame prevents excessive compression of the bait by the sleeve.