An apparatus used for fishing; the apparatus includes an elongate member having a plurality of second contact strips, a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus also includes a recess located on the proximal end of the elongate member. Further still, the apparatus includes a housing having an aperture, an internal motor, a plurality of buttons, and a plurality of first contact strips. The housing is configured for removable coupling with the recess. The plurality of first contact strips on the housing are configured for removable coupling with the plurality of second contact strips on the elongate member. The apparatus is useful for automating the process of delivering and retracting a fishing line from the housing.

The present invention describes a drone that is launched from a handheld piece and may be navigated by controls that are positioned on the handheld piece in any direction at varying speeds. After the drone is launched the operator of the handheld piece deploys a hook stowed in the drone that descends into the water. Although the present invention is most suitable for fishing it will be readily apparent that there are several other important fields of use where this invention may be beneficial by substituting the hook with other components.

The present invention describes a drone that is launched from a handheld piece and may be navigated by controls that are positioned on the handheld piece in any direction at varying speeds. After the drone is launched the operator of the handheld piece deploys a hook stowed in the drone that descends into the water. Although the present invention is most suitable for fishing it will be readily apparent that there are several other important fields of use where this invention may be beneficial by substituting the hook with other components.

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods to provide casting guidance for users of mobile structures, including watercraft. A casting guidance system includes a sonar transducer assembly and a logic device configured to communicate with the sonar transducer assembly. The sonar transducer assembly is adapted to be mounted to a mobile structure and placed in a body of water. The logic device is configured to identify one or more underwater targets in sonar data received from the sonar transducer assembly, determine casting guidance parameters corresponding to the one or more identified underwater targets, and generate at least one casting guidance identifier based, at least in part, on the determined casting guidance parameters. Subsequent user input, the sonar data, and/or the casting guidance parameters may be used to adjust a steering actuator, a propulsion system thrust, and/or other operational systems of the mobile structure.

A device for assisting casting and retrieval of a fishing line to which is attached a terminal tackle. The device includes a guide ramp along which a carriage is slidable and a biasing element biasing the carriage towards the distal end of the guide ramp. A carriage pulling mechanism can be operated by a power drive to selectively pull the carriage away from the distal end of the guide ramp. A release mechanism can selectively disengage the carriage and carriage pulling mechanism from each other to allow the biasing element to propel the carriage along the ramp to cast the terminal tackle and fishing line.

A device for assisting casting and retrieval of a fishing line to which is attached a terminal tackle. The device includes a guide ramp along which a carriage is slidable and a biasing element biasing the carriage towards the distal end of the guide ramp. A carriage pulling mechanism can be operated by a power drive to selectively pull the carriage away from the distal end of the guide ramp. A release mechanism can selectively disengage the carriage and carriage pulling mechanism from each other to allow the biasing element to propel the carriage along the ramp to cast the terminal tackle and fishing line.

A catapult system for casting a lure from a fishing pole includes a fishing rod that has a line and a reel. The line has a lure that is coupled thereto such that the lure may be cast outwardly from the fishing rod. A catapult is removably coupled to the fishing rod. The catapult engages the lure such that the catapult selectively casts the lure outwardly from the fishing rod.

A catapult system for casting a lure from a fishing pole includes a fishing rod that has a line and a reel. The line has a lure that is coupled thereto such that the lure may be cast outwardly from the fishing rod. A catapult is removably coupled to the fishing rod. The catapult engages the lure such that the catapult selectively casts the lure outwardly from the fishing rod.

A fishing rig may include a first fastener mechanism configured to attach to a fishing line. A second fastener mechanism may be configured to attach to at least one a balloon and a bobber. A button may cooperate with the first or second fastener mechanism to release and lock the fishing line or balloon.

A fishing rig may include a first fastener mechanism configured to attach to a fishing line. A second fastener mechanism may be configured to attach to at least one a balloon and a bobber. A button may cooperate with the first or second fastener mechanism to release and lock the fishing line or balloon.