Fishing camera

Abstract

An underwater camera assembly is provided that is pulled through water in a forward direction in front of a bait. An elongate body holding a camera in a watertight manner has a wire attachment system positioned at a lower portion of the body. The camera assembly has a front tongue extending downward and forward from a lower front portion of the body and configured to exert a downward force on the body that is pulled through the water in a forward direction. The assembly includes a stabilizing fin extending laterally from the rear end portion of the body. The camera assembly has a very small mass while still providing depth control and improved stability during tow fishing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an underwater video camera, and more particularly to an underwater video camera that is pulled in front of a trolled bait. Background Art

[0002] Trolling is a method of fishing in which a fishing line baited with bait or baitfish is dragged through the water. This can be done behind a moving boat, or from a stationary position by winding the line with a fishing reel (known as a retrieve), or even by swinging the line back and forth, such as when fishing from a pier. Fishing lures are artificial baits designed to simulate real prey animals using appearance, color, reflection, movement, and vibration and to attract the attention of predatory fish during retrieval, and most are equipped with one hook or multiple hooks in various styles.

[0003] It is often beneficial to be able to see how the bait moves during trolling and to see any fish approaching or biting the bait, and several attempts at underwater video cameras for this purpose have been proposed.

[0004] US2017 / 042136 and US2018 / 192624 are examples of lures with integrated cameras. Here, the hooks are attached directly to the camera housing, so they do not attach to the line in front of the lure and separate from the lure. It is assumed that the fish will bite the entire lure-camera assembly. The tongues and fins on these lure-cameras are designed to make the lure mimic the movement of a natural bait during trolling, which would result in very shaky video capture.

[0005] CN 216700109, US 9,507,243 and US 8,515,269 relate to cameras attached to a line in front of a lure and detached from the lure. These references describe shapes and fins designed to stabilize the depth and movement of the camera as it is pulled through the water. Summary of the invention

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a solution for an underwater fishing camera having improved stability and depth control during trolling that can mitigate, alleviate or solve the shortcomings of existing fishing cameras.

[0007] An underwater camera assembly is disclosed that is moved through water in a forward direction, such as by being pulled by a line, preferably in front of and detached from a lure that is attached to the same line or an extension of the line.

[0008] An underwater camera assembly that is pulled through water in a forward direction is disclosed. The camera assembly includes an elongated body having a front and rear portion and an upper portion and a lower portion, the body holding a camera in a waterproof manner, wherein the camera aperture is aligned with a rearward-facing window in the rear portion. The camera assembly includes a line attachment system, which is preferably positioned at the lower portion of the body and is configured to secure the body to a segment of the line. The camera assembly includes a front tongue that extends downwardly and forwardly from the lower portion of the front portion and is configured to exert a downward force on the body when the assembly is pulled through water in a forward direction. The camera assembly includes at least two stabilizers and optionally at least one stabilizer that extends laterally from the rear portion at symmetrical angles between 10° and 80° to the vertical direction, and the optional at least one stabilizer that extends laterally and in a vertical direction from the rear portion. In addition, the camera assembly preferably has positive buoyancy in fresh water.

[0009] In an exemplary embodiment, at least two stabilizers extend laterally from an upper portion of the rear end portion. In an exemplary embodiment, optionally at least one stabilizer extends laterally and in a vertical downward direction from a lower portion of the rear end portion.

[0010] Throughout this specification, "depth" refers to the vertical distance from the camera body to the surface of the water when the camera assembly is trolled, and "line" refers to the fishing line or other filament used to pull the camera assembly through the water. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The above and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of examples thereof with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0012] Figure 1 is an illustration of an elongated body holding a camera according to the present disclosure.

[0013] Figure 2A and Figure 2B 2A and 2B are perspective exploded views and assembled views of an exemplary camera assembly of the present disclosure. Figure 2C is a side view of an assembled exemplary camera assembly of the present disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C 1 and 2 are a perspective view, a side view and a front view, respectively, of a front tongue according to the present disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C 1 and 2 are a perspective view, a side view and a front view, respectively, of a stabilizer according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Various examples and details are described below with reference to the relevant drawings. It should be noted that the drawings may be drawn in proportion or not, and that elements of similar structure or function are represented by the same reference numerals in all drawings. It should also be noted that the drawings are intended only to facilitate the description of the examples. They are not intended to be an exhaustive description of the present disclosure or to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In addition, the illustrated examples do not need to have all the aspects or advantages shown. The aspects or advantages described in conjunction with a particular example are not necessarily limited to that example, and may be practiced in any other example even if not shown or not so explicitly described.

[0017] The drawings are schematic and simplified for clarity, and they merely show details which aid understanding of the present disclosure, while other details are omitted. The same reference numerals are used throughout for identical or corresponding components.

[0018] An underwater camera assembly that is pulled through water in a forward direction is disclosed. The camera assembly includes an elongated body having a front portion and a rear portion and an upper portion and a lower portion. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongated body can be described as or having at least a generally cylindrical shape having a length L and a radius r, see Figure 2A . With reference to the depictions of exemplary bodies in the accompanying drawings, it will be understood that this generalized shape is for the purpose of providing an approximate size for the body, and that deviations from a pure cylindrical shape are within the range of at least a roughly cylindrical shape. For example, the cross-section may not be circular but may be slightly oval or elliptical and may vary along the length of the elongated body. In addition, the outer surface may have recesses or protrusions that make it easier to grip and hold. Thus, the radius r may be considered an intermediate, average, or median parameter of the cross section. Moreover, the ends may be rounded so that the length may vary across the cross section. Thus, the length L may be considered an intermediate, average, or median parameter of the length across the cross section.

[0019] The body holds the camera in a waterproof manner with the camera aperture aligned with a rearward-facing window in the rear portion. The body can be a waterproof box for a self-contained camera that can be placed inside and removed from the body, or the body can be a housing for camera hardware that is fixedly mounted inside the body.

[0020] The camera assembly includes a wire attachment system configured to secure the body to the wire or wire, preferably in a manner that aligns the elongated body with a continuous section of the wire. In an exemplary embodiment, the wire attachment system is positioned at the lower portion of the body. In other exemplary embodiments, the wire attachment system may be positioned at the upper portion of the body or extend through the body, such as along the longitudinal center axis of the elongated body.

[0021] In an exemplary embodiment, the line attachment system includes an elongated tubular element, such as a tube, a pipe, or a hose. The tubular element can be attached to the body, such as the lower part of the body, in a manner extending at least approximately parallel to the longitudinal center axis of the elongated body. The line attachment system can be configured to fix the body to the line segment by passing the line segment through the elongated tubular element. A stopper larger than the inner diameter of the tubular element can then be attached to the line segment (at the position where it leaves the rear end of the tubular element) so that when the line is retracted, the stopper engages the rear end of the tube and pulls the camera assembly forward. The stopper can be, for example, a swivel, a split shot sinker, or a knot. If the line segment breaks, the camera assembly can slide off the line segment and rise to the surface of the water where it can be retrieved, so this configuration of the line attachment system is advantageous.

[0022] When the camera assembly is used, the main line or a separate line segment such as a leader attached to the main line or camera assembly (or to the tubular element or stopper, if present) extends rearwardly from the camera assembly and may be attached to the lure including the hook. Thus, during retrieval of the main line, the lure will follow the camera assembly.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the underwater camera assembly is not a lure, such as a lure including a fishing hook. In a preferred embodiment, the underwater camera assembly according to the present disclosure does not include a fishing hook, nor does it include a fishing hook that is attached to the main body (such as directly via a metal link). In an exemplary embodiment, the line attachment system is configured to secure the main body to the line segment by passing the line segment through the tubular element, and any fishing hook can be attached to the line segment, such as in the form of a lure. Thus, no fishing hook is directly attached to the main body, such as via a metal link.

[0024] Baits that utilize movement and vibration to simulate real prey animals, referred to herein as wiggling baits, present a challenge to fishing cameras that need to be pulled ahead of the bait and detached from the bait, because the movement and vibrations are transferred to the fishing camera attached to the same line. There are many types and categories of such wiggling baits, such as spinners, spoons, wiggling baits, plugs, spinning baits, twitching baits, minnow baits, swimming baits, etc. An important design feature of a fishing camera is that the camera is stable while being pulled through the water, that is, there is little or no wiggle, even when the wiggling bait is attached to the same line.

[0025] One way to reduce the swing is to give the fishing camera an inertial mass that is proportionally greater than the swinging lure. Thus, the jitter of the line caused by the swinging lure will cause a proportionally smaller swing of the camera. However, in sports and recreational fishing, the camera and lure will usually be cast with the rod. For a fishing rod, the casting weight is the weight interval (of LED, lure, camera, etc.) within which the rod is designed to work, or the minimum and maximum weights that the rod will enable the user to cast the maximum distance. Although most rods have a maximum casting weight of less than 100g, there are also dedicated large competition rods commercially available with casting weights of up to 800g. Therefore, when designing a fishing camera, there are opposing goals of making the camera as heavy as possible to reduce the swing transfer from the lure and as light as possible to ensure compatibility with the widest range of fishing rods possible. The present invention aims to provide a lightweight fishing camera with large fishing rod compatibility and reduced swing transfer from the lure. Thus, the camera assembly comprises a front tongue extending downwardly and forwardly from a lower portion of the front end portion; and at least two stabilizers extending laterally from an upper rear end portion of the body and optionally at least one stabilizer extending laterally and in a vertical downward direction from a lower rear end portion. Hereinafter, the term "stabilizer" or "fin" or "stabilizing fin" refers to the at least two stabilizers extending laterally from the upper portion and optionally at least one stabilizer extending laterally from the lower portion in a vertical direction, whichever is applicable.

[0026] Another reason for having a lightweight camera is to have a camera assembly that is positively buoyant in the water. In the case of a heavier camera, the volume of the camera may have to be larger, which may result in greater drag and higher visibility to fish. In an exemplary embodiment, the camera assembly preferably has positive buoyancy in fresh water. In the event of a line failure it will rise to the surface, giving the user a chance to retrieve the camera, so positive buoyancy is advantageous.

[0027] Another challenge in fishing camera design is depth control during trolling. Most lures will have negative buoyancy and a given hydrodynamic shape, which together with the trolling speed, the regularity of the trolling, and the angle of the line towards the water surface controls the trolling depth, i.e., how far below the water surface the lure will move. Attaching a fishing camera, especially one with positive buoyancy, to the same line in front of the lure and detaching from the lure will drastically change the depth control of the lure. To control the trolling depth, the camera assembly includes a front tongue that extends downwardly and forwardly from the lower portion of the front end portion and is configured to exert a downward force on the body as the assembly is pulled through the water in a forward direction.

[0028] As described above, the front tongue of the disclosed camera assembly provides two functions during retraction of the line and camera assembly:

[0029] a) it creates a downward force that is balanced by the upward drag and possible non-neutral buoyancy from the line and the camera assembly's stabilizers or vanes, so that the camera assembly reaches a given depth, and

[0030] b) It stabilizes the front end of the camera assembly to reduce swing transfer from the bait and increase the stability of the camera assembly.

[0031] The front tongue is known from the class of lures known as wiggling baits and is also often referred to as a lip, blade, leaf or spoon. The tongue of a wiggling bait causes two effects when the wiggling bait is retrieved:

[0032] 1) It creates a downward force that causes the oscillating bait to hesitate and reach a given depth, and

[0033] 2) It causes the oscillating bait to perform an oscillating motion that mimics the swimming motion of the bait fish, also known as the "game" of the bait.

[0034] The tongue in a wiggling bait has four main parameters: length and width (area), slope and construction. In general, the longer the tongue, the greater the working depth of the wiggling bait. The wider the tongue and the larger its area, the stronger the wiggling of the wiggling bait becomes. However, lateral disturbance forces increase significantly with area, and in case of insufficient stability, the wiggling bait may "flip" and lose its wiggling or even be pushed to the surface. The maximum wiggling effect is achieved when the downward slope of the tongue is perpendicular to the direction of movement. Equally important for the movement of a wiggling bait is the construction of the tongue. In order to better interact with the oncoming water flow, the forward-facing surface of the tongue of a wiggling bait is usually slightly concave.

[0035] Extensive testing has been performed with tongues of different configurations. If the downward slope of the front tongue is too gentle, the assembly will have difficulty initiating a dive and may "tumble" at the surface as it is pulled in. If the downward slope of the front tongue is too steep, the assembly may dive quickly but will appear as a wobbling lure with strong sideways movement that interferes with filming. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the downward slope of the front tongue relative to the longitudinal center axis of the elongated body is between 5 and 30 degrees, preferably between 10 and 20 degrees.

[0036] Another variation in the testing of the tongue configuration is to make the upper surface portion of the front tongue inclined surface symmetrically deflected laterally and downwardly, see Figure 3CIt has been found that these laterally downwardly sloping surfaces have a further stabilizing effect. Therefore, in an exemplary embodiment, the upper surface portion of the front tongue portion comprises an inclined surface portion which is symmetrically sloping laterally and downwardly from the front-facing central axis of the upper surface portion. The inclined surface serves to make the forward-facing upper surface portion of the tongue portion slightly convex. In an exemplary embodiment, the downward angle of the inclined surface portion is between 5 and 25 degrees, preferably between 10 and 20 degrees.

[0037] The dimensions of the tongue also varied during extensive testing of different tongue configurations. In an exemplary embodiment, the upper surface portion of the front tongue has a surface area A t =(2r) 2 ±20%, such as A t =(2r) 2 ±50%.

[0038] The camera components include:

[0039] at least two stabilizers extending laterally from the rear end portion, such as from an upper part of the rear end portion, at symmetrical angles between 10° and 80° to the vertical; and

[0040] - optionally at least one stabilizer extending laterally and in a vertical direction from the rear end portion, such as in a vertical downward direction from a lower part of the rear end portion.

[0041] The at least two stabilizers and the at least one stabilizer preferably extend from opposite upper / lower portions of the rear end portion of the main body, such as so as to form a "Y" shape or an inverted "Y" shape.

[0042] The stabilizer creates resistance to lateral movement and / or rolling of the rear end of the camera assembly, thereby reducing swing transfer from the lure and increasing stability of the camera assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, the stabilizer extends at least a length L from the rear end portion of the elongated body. s =2r±20%. In an exemplary embodiment, the stabilizing device has a width W s , which can be described as the length along the longitudinal direction of the camera body. In an exemplary embodiment, W s =r±50%.

[0043] In an exemplary embodiment, the at least two stabilizers have an angle of symmetry with the vertical direction of between 45 and 75 degrees.

[0044] For additional depth control and stability, and potentially to adjust the pitch caused by the downward pressure of the front tongue, weights can be added to the downward stabilizer (when present). Thus, in an exemplary embodiment, at least one stabilizer includes a means for holding a weight having a mass between 2 and 20 grams, preferably between 5 and 15 grams. This weight added to the downward stabilizer causes it to act as a keel to reduce roll and slightly increase the inertial mass of the camera assembly, which helps reduce swing transfer from the bait, as described above. However, too much added weight will increase the total weight of the assembly and reduce rod compatibility.

[0045] During use, the line bay becomes "hooked" by any stabilizing fin. Therefore, in order to enable the line to easily "unhook" itself by sliding along the leading edge of the stabilizing fin, the leading edge of the stabilizing fin may be tilted backwards.

[0046] Figure 1 An elongated body 2 is shown holding a camera 3 in a waterproof manner. The camera, preferably a video camera, may include an aperture 5, an image sensor 6, an electronic processor 6, and digital memory 7, wherein the camera aperture 5 is aligned with a rearwardly facing window 4 in a rear end portion of the body 2. The body is configured to be pulled in a forward direction indicated by arrow 9.

[0047] Figure 2A and Figure 2B are exploded perspective views (2A) and assembled views (2B) of an exemplary embodiment of a camera assembly. Figure 2C is a side view of an assembled exemplary embodiment of a camera assembly.

[0048] exist FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C An underwater camera assembly 1 is disclosed in the specification. The camera assembly 1 comprises an elongated main body 2.

[0049] For the purpose of reference on the main body, the elongated main body 2 comprises a front end portion FE and a rear end portion RE, as shown in FIG. Figure 2C The elongated main body 2 also includes an upper part UP and a lower part LP, as shown in FIG. Figure 2C The horizontal dashed lines in the figure are shown as divided.

[0050] For the purpose of indicating the length and radius of the at least generally cylindrical shape of the exemplary embodiment of the elongated body 2, Figure 2A Also shown is a cylinder having a length L and a radius r. The dimensions of the camera assembly are balanced so that the assembly is as small as possible to reduce its inertial mass, drag during retrieval, and visibility to the fish, but large enough to ensure easy operation by the user even when exploring at low temperatures and wearing gloves. In an exemplary embodiment, L∈[50mm; 200mm] and r∈[5mm; 20mm].

[0051] The body holds a camera (not shown) in a waterproof manner, with the camera aperture (not shown) aligned with a rearwardly facing window 4 in the rear end portion RE, see also the figure depicting the camera.

[0052] exist FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , the camera assembly 1 comprises a line attachment system 11 which is positioned on the lower portion LP of the body 2 and is configured for securing the body to a section of fishing line.

[0053] exist FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , the camera assembly 1 comprises a front tongue 10 extending downwardly and forwardly from the lower portion LP of the front end portion FE. The front tongue 10 is arranged on the body 2 so that when the assembly 1 is pulled through the water in the forward direction 9, the front tongue generates a downward force on the body 2.

[0054] exist FIG. 2A to FIG. 2C , the camera assembly 1 includes at least two stabilizers extending laterally from the upper portion UP of the rear end portion RE and at least one stabilizer 14 extending laterally from the lower portion LP of the rear end portion RE. At least two stabilizers 12 and at least one stabilizer 14 are included in all depictions of the camera assembly 1. An embodiment including only one of the at least two stabilizers 12 or the at least one stabilizer 14 is not shown. It should be understood that this is not intended to limit the claimed disclosure, and it is obvious to those skilled in the art that an embodiment with only the stabilizer 12 can be implemented without departing from the scope of the claimed disclosure. Accordingly, the description and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

[0055] FIG. 3A to FIG. 3C 1 and 1 , respectively, are a perspective view, a side view, and a front view of a front tongue according to the present disclosure. A portion of the front tongue 10 may be primarily used to attach the tongue to the body and create space for or integrate a wire attachment system. Thus, the portion of the front tongue that generates a downward force on the body when pulled in the forward direction may be assigned to the upper surface portion 18 of the front tongue 10. Figure 3A The width W t and length L t Width W t and length L t The surface area A of the upper surface portion 18 is defined t =W t x L t In an exemplary embodiment, the W of the front tongue t =2r±20% to provide the required downward force without destabilizing the camera assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, L of the front tongue t=2r±20% to provide the required downward force without destabilizing the camera assembly. In an exemplary embodiment, A of the front tongue portion t =(2r) 2 ±20%, such as ±50% to provide the required down force without destabilizing the camera assembly.

[0056] like Figure 3B As shown, the front tongue 10 has a downward slope indicated by the angle a relative to the central axis 16 of the elongated body. Preferably, a is between 5 and 30 degrees, such as between 10 and 20 degrees.

[0057] like Figure 3B As shown, in an exemplary embodiment of the front tongue portion 10, the upper surface portion 18 includes an inclined surface portion 20 that is symmetrically deflected laterally and downwardly from the front-rear center axis 22 of the upper surface portion 18. The inclined surface portion is deflected laterally at a downward angle b relative to the horizontal axis 24. In an exemplary embodiment, the angle b is between 5 and 25 degrees, such as between 10 and 20 degrees.

[0058] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C 1 and 2 are a perspective view, a side view and a front view, respectively, of a preferred stabilizer according to the present disclosure.

[0059] like Figure 4B As shown, the stabilizers 12 and 14 extend from opposite upper and lower portions of the rear end portion of the main body, respectively, so as to form a "Y" shape. In another embodiment not shown, the stabilizers 12 and 14 extend from opposite lower and upper portions of the rear end portion of the main body, respectively, so as to form an inverted "Y" shape.

[0060] The camera assembly includes at least two stabilizers 12 extending laterally from the upper portion UP of the rear end portion RE. The stabilizers 12 may or may not be guided along the radius of the body. Figure 4B As shown, the stabilizer 12 has a symmetry angle c relative to the vertical axis 24. In an exemplary embodiment, c is between 10 and 80 degrees, such as between 45 and 75 degrees.

[0061] The size of the stabilizer 12 is a balance between stabilizing the assembly by creating resistance to lateral movement and / or rolling, and creating more resistance to forward movement, increasing visibility to the fish and increasing the risk of snagging the line. Figure 4B As shown, the stabilizer 12 extends from the upper portion of the rear end portion of the elongated body by a length L s In an exemplary embodiment, L s =2r±20%. Figure 4A As shown, the stabilizer 12 has a width W s, which can be described as the length along the longitudinal direction of the camera body. In an exemplary embodiment, W s =r±50%.

[0062] In an exemplary embodiment, the camera assembly comprises at least one stabilizer 14 extending laterally from the lower part LP of the rear end portion RE. The stabilizer 14 is preferably guided along a radius of the body.

[0063] As with the stabilizer 12, the size of the stabilizer 14 is a balance between stabilizing the assembly by creating resistance to lateral movement and / or rolling, and creating more resistance to forward movement, increasing visibility to the fish, and increasing the risk of snagging the line. The stabilizer 14 preferably has a width and length within the ranges given above for the stabilizer 12.

[0064] exist Figure 4C In the exemplary embodiment shown, the camera assembly includes a counterweight 26, preferably metal, and the stabilizer 14 includes means for retaining the counterweight or is configured to retain the counterweight.

[0065] FIG. 4A to FIG. 4C The illustration of shows the stabilizers 12, 14 as part of a unit that can be opened / closed so as to be detachable from the body and to create space for or integrate a wire attachment system.

[0066] It should be noted that the word "comprising" does not necessarily exclude the presence of other elements or steps than those listed.

[0067] It should be noted that the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements.

[0068] Although features have been shown and described, it should be understood that they are not intended to limit the disclosure claimed, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure claimed. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

Claims

1. An underwater camera assembly (1) that is pulled through water in a forward direction, comprising: - an elongated body (2) having front and rear portions and upper and lower portions, said body retaining a camera (3) in a waterproof manner, wherein a camera aperture (5) is aligned with a rearwardly facing window in said rear portion; - a cord attachment system (11) configured to secure the body to a section of cord; - a front tongue (10) extending downwardly and forwardly from a lower portion of the front end portion and configured to exert a downward force on the body when the assembly is pulled through water in a forward direction; Characterized in that the underwater camera assembly comprises at least two stabilizers (12) extending laterally from the rear end portion at symmetrical angles between 10 and 80 degrees to the vertical direction.

2. The underwater camera assembly of claim 1, wherein the downward slope of the front tongue relative to the longitudinal center axis of the elongated body is between 5 and 30 degrees.

3. An underwater camera assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated body has a generally cylindrical shape with a radius r, and wherein the upper surface portion of the front tongue has a surface area A t =(2r) 2 ±50%.

4. An underwater camera assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the upper surface portion (18) of the front tongue portion includes an inclined surface portion (20) which deviates symmetrically laterally and downwardly from a front-rear central axis (22) of the upper surface portion.

5. The underwater camera assembly of claim 4, wherein the downward angle of the inclined surface portion is between 5 and 25 degrees.

6. The underwater camera assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the symmetry angle of the at least two stabilizers to the vertical direction is between 45 and 75 degrees.

7. An underwater camera assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongated body has a generally cylindrical shape with a radius r, and wherein the stabilizer extends from a rear end portion of the elongated body by at least a length L. s =2r±20%.

8. An underwater camera assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the camera assembly comprises at least one stabilizer (14) and a metal weight (26) extending laterally and vertically from a lower portion of the rear end portion, and wherein the at least one stabilizer is configured to hold the metal weight.

9. An underwater camera assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the front tongue and the stabilizer are detachable.

10. An underwater camera assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the underwater camera assembly is positively buoyant in fresh water.

11. An underwater camera assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the line attachment system is positioned on a lower portion of the body.

12. An underwater camera assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the line attachment system comprises an elongated tubular element, and wherein the line attachment system is configured to secure the body to the line segment by passing the line segment through the elongated tubular element.

13. An underwater camera assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein no fishing hook is attached to the body.

Images