Bait retaining device
View Patent ↗A bait retaining device removably attachable to fishing bait includes a strip of material rigid enough to remain in an operative position but malleable enough to be disengaged by pulling. The strip is generally U-shaped, having legs joined by a base segment. Teeth to hold bait protrude from the side of each leg facing the other. The base segment of the U-shaped strip defines a hole through which the shaft of an anchor pin is inserted. The anchor pin is secured through the hole on one distal end by a head that cannot pass through the hole and allows the U-shaped strip to rotate freely. The other distal end of the anchor includes a loop for connection to the eyelet of a hook. A support piece, made of dense or buoyant material, is located between the legs and adjacent the base segment and may be removable and interchangeable.
1. A bait retaining device comprising:
a generally U-shaped strip having two generally straight legs and a base member connecting said legs forming a generally U-shape;
series of teeth protruding from said legs on an inner portion of said legs facing the other leg, said teeth protruding generally perpendicularly from said legs for penetrating the bait; and
means for operatively connecting the base member to a fishing hook;
wherein said base member defines a hole for receiving a retaining pin.
2. The bait retaining device set forth in claim 1 , wherein said means for operatively connecting the base member to a fishing hook is an anchor pin connected to a loop positioned at a top of said fishing hook and where said anchor pin terminates at an end opposite said fishing hook with a connection to said base member.
3. The bait retaining device set forth in claim 1 , wherein said means for operatively connecting said base member to a fishing hook is an anchor pin with a loop secured to an eyelet of said fishing hook, a shaft of said anchor pin extending through said hole in said base member, for securement thereto.
4. The bait retaining device set forth in claim 1 , wherein said means for connecting said base member to a fishing hook allows for the free rotation of said U-shaped strip.
5. The bait retaining device set forth in claim 1 , wherein said means for connecting said base member to a fishing hook comprises an anchor pin, adapted to be connected to a hook, which extends through a hole defined by the base member and is secured therein by a head member disposed at the distal end of said anchor pin wherein said head member cannot pass through said hole.
6. The bait retaining device set forth in claim 1 , further featuring a support piece disposed adjacent to said base member and in between said legs.
7. The bait retaining device set forth in claim 1 , further featuring a support piece disposed adjacent to said base member and in between said legs.
8. The bait retaining device set forth in claim 6 , wherein said support piece is made from a buoyant material.
9. The bait retaining device set forth in claim 6 , wherein said support piece is made from a dense non-buoyant material.
10. The bait retaining device set forth in claim 6 , wherein said support piece is removably attached to said bait retaining device, and is interchangeable with other support pieces.