Fishing sinker / lure

Abstract

A plastic sinker comprising: a plastic nose section in the form of a nose cone; a plastic tail section including a tubular portion and a vane portion; wherein: the tubular front portion of the tail section connects to the base of the nose section; and wherein the nose section has a cavity portion therein for holding a non-plastic weight.

Description

[0001] FISHING SINKER / LURE

[0002] Statement of corresponding applications

[0003] This application is based on the specification filed in relation to New Zealand Patent Application Number 804317, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0004] Field of Invention

[0005] The invention relates to a fisher sinker / lure for weighting a fishing line for assisting with longer casting but in some embodiments also capable of acting as a lure which attracts fish to strike the sinker / lure when being reeled in. In some embodiments the invention relates solely to a lure.

[0006] Background to the Invention

[0007] A fishing sinker is attached to a fishing line to weight the line for casting with a fishing rod and to descend to the bottom of the sea, river or lake being fished.

[0008] A sinker is attached at or near to an end of the line and typically a baited hook is attached to the line at a distance along the line from the sinker. As the line is cast through the air the bait can swing around the sinker which can greatly impede the efficiency of the cast and therefore the distance the fishing line reaches.

[0009] Due to its weight a standard sinker typically impedes the retrieval of a fishing line, when retrieving a line to check a bait or retrieving a hooked fish. A sinker can drag along the bottom of the sea, river or lake during retrieval and may be snagged or caught in rough terrain. This can cause the line to snap, resulting in the loss of the sinker and attached fishing tackle.

[0010] Typically, a sinker remains submerged during retrieval and has no lure function. Some sinkers such as that detailed in the applicants earlier PCT WO / 2022 / 265521 whilst they rise when being reeled can be prone to sinking rapidly if the reel winding speed is stopped or slowed. These sinkers are also time consuming, labour intensive and expensive to manufacture, and not conducive to commercial scale mass production.

[0011] It would be useful if there could be provided a sinker which can quickly and inexpensively be produced on a commercial scale.

[0012] It would also be useful if there could be provided a sinker which could act like a "popper' when being retrieved.

[0013] It would also be useful if there could be provided a sinker which can attract fish and act as a lure without any bait.

[0014] It would also be useful if there could be provided a sinker / lure which could be manufactured in different colours without requiring a painting or separate coating step.

[0015] It would also be useful if there could be provided a sinker which does not start to sink when the line retrieval speed is slowed down.

[0016] Object of the Invention

[0017] It is an object of the invention to provide a sinker that can fulfil one or more of the needs / new utilities outlined above or can address one or more of the above-mentioned disadvantages, or that at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[0018] Summary of the Invention

[0019] According to a one aspect of the invention, there is provided a plastic sinker comprising:

[0020] - a plastic nose section in the form of a nose cone;

[0021] - a plastic tail section including a tubular portion and a vane portion; wherein: the tubular front portion of the tail section connects to the base of the nose section; and wherein the nose section includes a cavity portion therein for holding, in-use, at least one non-plastic- weight (NPW) which is heavier than the plastic sinker sans the NPW.

[0022] The plastic sinker (or lure embodiment described below) may be made in various colours including:

[0023] Yellow;

[0024] Pink;

[0025] Orange;

[0026] Blue.

[0027] Other colours and colour combinations are envisaged so this list should not be seen as limiting.

[0028] In preferred embodiments, the plastic sinker itself may weigh substantially between 53.86g (1.9oz) - 59.53g (2.10oz) depending on the plastic used.

[0029] In one preferred embodiment the nose section itself may weigh substantially 21g sans NPW(s) and the tail section itself may way 37g.

[0030] In some embodiments the NPW may be made from a single piece of metal or other suitably dense material.

[0031] Preferably, the NPW is corrosion resistant.

[0032] In preferred embodiments at least two NPWs may be placed in the cavity. In such embodiments where two or more NPWs are used each NPW may weigh substantially 28.35g (loz).

[0033] Preferably, when used as a sinker the at least one NPW may provide between 4oz to 6oz of weight.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, where acetal plastic is used the weight of the sinker without a NPW therein is 58.12g (2.05oz).

[0035] Thus, in certain preferred embodiments two or more one-ounce NPWs may be used to provide the desired weight of a sinker between 4 ounces to 6 ounces. The plastic sinker may preferably be made from a plastic in the form of polyoxymethylene.

[0036] The density of polyoxymethylene is 1.41 g / cm3. Other plastics with similar densities and abilities to be injection moulded or 3D printed may also be employed.

[0037] The weights used for the NPW(s) may depend the density of the plastic used for the sinker.

[0038] The inventors have surprisingly found that the sinker having the features recited above can in preferred embodiments act like a sinker when cast and whilst waiting for fish to strike and become hooked on baited hooks located on a line released from the sinker upon resting upon the ocean floor until the sinker is retrieved when the sinker can act like a popper lure exhibiting positive buoyancy and can flutter at or near the surface to help attract fish.

[0039] Preferably, where the sinker functions also as a lure the cavity in the nose section may be configured to allow the at least one NPW to move therein and make a sound as the nose section is bounced around during retrieval. Thus, preferably the cavity may be dimensioned to provide a gap between at least one inner surface of the cavity and the outer surface of the at least one NPW. Thus, in such embodiments the cavity should does not provide a snug fit about the NPW(s).

[0040] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a fishing sinker substantially as described above wherein the sinker has a least two NPWs housed in the cavity.

[0041] The applicant has found having multiple NPWs creates a rattle like noise which can cavitate effectively through the water to attract fish when the sinker is retrieved.

[0042] Conversely, when the sinker is not required to provide a lure function the cavity may be dimensioned to provide a snag fit or a fit with little gap between the inner surface of the cavity and the outer surface of the at least one NPW.

[0043] Thus the inventors have surprisingly found that allowing the NPW(s) sufficient room to move in the cavity, and if more than one NPW provide room for adjacent NPWs to knock against one another, to create vibrations which cavitate through the water when the sinker is reeled in, and this to attract fish to the sinker / lure.

[0044] In some embodiments, the length of the tail section extending from the nose section may be 80mm to 140mm, or 90mm to 130mm, or 100mm to 120mm.

[0045] Preferably, the tail section extending from the nose section may be substantially 118.5mm in length. Preferably, the vane portion of the tail section may be substantially 100mm in length.

[0046] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastic sinker / lure substantially as described above wherein when assembled the length of the nose section is around 1 / 3 the length of total length of the sinker / lure including the tail section.

[0047] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a plastic sinker / lure substantially as described above wherein the nose section is around 60% the length of the vane portion of the tail section.

[0048] The term 'when assembled' as used herein refers to that portion of the sinker / lure which can be seen and measured externally and does not take into account any portion of the nose or tail section which may be inserted into the tail section or nose section, to achieve a connection therebetween.

[0049] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a sinker / lure substantially as described above wherein the vane portion in cross-sectional profile is semi-cylindrical, arcuate, elliptical or semi-elliptical - to help create a hydrodynamic lift force so as to assist with lifting towards the surface when the sinker is reeled in by user.

[0050] According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a sinker / lure substantially as described above wherein the cavity has internal dimensions larger than the external dimensions of the non-plastic weight.

[0051] In some embodiments, there is provided a method of fishing using a lure which includes the steps of retrieving the line, hook and sinker using the rod and reel, causing the sinker to lift to the surface of the water during retrieval; and causing the NPW to move within the cavity of the nose section because of the sinker bouncing on the surface of the water.

[0052] A method of constructing a sinker or lure the method comprising the steps of: a) manufacturing the sinker to have a nose and tail sections: wherein the nose section is configured to be capable of providing a weighting function and at least an aerodynamic function capable of reducing air resistance; and wherein the tail section has a hydrodynamic lift function to help create an upward force when pulled through water; b) manufacturing the nose and tail sections of a material which itself has a specific gravity less than that of aluminium.

[0053] According to a one aspect of the invention, there is provided a plastic lure comprising:

[0054] - a plastic nose section in the form of a nose cone;

[0055] - a plastic tail section including a tubular portion and a vane portion; wherein: the tubular front portion of the tail section connects to the base of the nose section.

[0056] Preferably, the nose section includes a cavity portion therein for holding, in use, a non-plastic-weight (NPW) which is heavier than the plastic lure sans the NPW.

[0057] Preferably, this lure only embodiment may use the cavity to hold additional oil which can contact the sponge provided attractant when being towed.

[0058] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise", "comprising", and the like, are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense in the sense of "including, but not limited to".

[0059] The entire disclosures of all applications, patents and publications cited above and below, if any, are herein incorporated by reference. Reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that that prior art forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour in any country in the world.

[0060] The invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of said parts, elements or features.

[0061] Further aspects of the invention, which should be considered in all its novel aspects, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading of the following description which provides at least one example of a practical application of the invention.

[0062] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0063] One or more embodiments of the invention will be described below by way of example only, and without intending to be limiting, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

[0064] Figure 1 is a side cross-sectional view of a fishing sinker / lure according to one preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the sinker of Figure 1.

[0066] Figure 3 is a top view of the nose section of the sinker in Figure 1.

[0067] Figure 4 is a rear perspective view of the nose section of the fishing sinker of Figure 1.

[0068] Figure 5 is a top plan view of the tail section of Figure 1.

[0069] Figure 6 is a perspective view as per Figure 2 but showing the flow of water over the sinker / lure when being retrieved when being used as sinker for surf casting, or when being trolled behind a boat when in being used as a lure.

[0070] Figure 7 is a photograph showing how bait is held to the sinker prior to, and during, cast.

[0071] Figure 8 is a photograph showing how a hook can be deployed in the nose section of a sinker / lure embodiment or in a lure only embodiment.

[0072] Figure 9 is a photograph showing how a hook can be deployed in the tail section of a sinker / lure embodiment or in a lure only embodiment. Brief Description of Preferred Embodiments of the Invention

[0073] A fishing sinker according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 5.

[0074] The fishing sinker 1 comprises a nose section 2 and a tail section 3 both made from acetyl plastic.

[0075] The nose section 2 having a substantially spherically blunted tangent ogive shape which defines the front profile 2f of the nose section 2 which has a notched flat 2n rear profile.

[0076] The nose section 2 has a cavity 4 which houses three non-plastic one-ounce weights (NPW) 5 made from lead.

[0077] As can be seen a front end 3f of the tail section 3 is attached to the downstream end 2d of the nose section 2.

[0078] The tail section 3 has a tubular portion 3p with a cavity 3c which has an aperture 3a therein. A sponge plug (not shown) covers aperture 3a and controls dispatch of the liquid fish attractant.

[0079] The tubular portion 3p has a face 3ts with an angle of around 105 degrees (sloped face) with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the sinker. This sloped face 3ts when reeling in the sinker, helps water flow more smoothly over the sinker, to assist with buoyancy. As in terms of the relative direction of travel of the sinker when being reeled in, the sloped face 3ts provides an upwardly sloped surface, and therefore minimises drag compared to that as would be provided by an orthogonal 90 degree face with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the sinker.

[0080] Without wishing to be bound by theory it is postulated that if you have a tubular portion with face having an angle of 90 degrees with respect to the longitudinal central axis of the sinker, the water that is redirected via the 90 degree face lacks sufficient aligned momentum with the eater it is being pulled through to have enough force to noticeably - to the naked eye - break the surface when subjected to the rearward force of the water that the sinker / lure is being pulled through.

[0081] In other words, the water hitting the orthogonal face is directed to move at an angle which then favours the water circling back on itself, after hitting the water it is being pulled through, and therefore, the water hitting the orthogonal face rarely, if ever, at least breaks the surface, such as would be visibly noticeable to the naked eye of an in situ observer.

[0082] Thus, the upwardly sloped portion 3ts can act in-use, during retrieval of a sinker, or also when being trolled behind a boat, as a ramp to push water up and over, the nose section as shown in Figure 6. The sloped portion 3ts shown is around 105 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis of the vane portion 3v. It is envisaged the sloped portion 3ts could also have an angle up to around 115 degrees to the longitudinal axis of the vane portion 3v.

[0083] The upwardly sloped portion 3ts - thus when at, or near, the surface - thereby helping create a splash effect (noticeable to fish (as well as human observers)) via the direction of travel of water passing over the sloped section, being in concert, when combined, with that of the direction of the water travelling over the sinker / lure . This is graphically represented by the arrows of water travel shown in Figure 6.

[0084] The plastic sinker also due to its relative light weight tail section tends have an angle relative to the surface, when being retrieved or trolled, which allows it to skim the surface of the water further creating a splash and wake effect.

[0085] The splash effect being a notable characteristic of "popper" lures.

[0086] The tail section 3 also has a vane portion 3v which is substantially C-shaped in cross sectional profile.

[0087] The tail section 3 connects to the nose section 2 via projections 4 on the front edge of the tail section 3. The projections 3e have a tapered front portion 3f and a flat back portion 3b. The projections 3e are located in a recess 5 in the nose section 2. The recess 5 having a tapered mouth portion 5a and a narrow throat portion 5b leading to a retention portion 5c.

[0088] The projections 3e have a tapered front end 3ef and a flat edge 3eb at the rear thereof. In use, the projections 3e are pushed into the recess 5 and once squeezed -via the tapered mouth 5a - past the throat 5b, are held in place by flat edge 3eb of the projection 3 being wider than the width of the throat 5b.

[0089] The vane portion 3v has an aperture 3d which attaches the sinker 1 to a main fishing line (not shown) on a reel (not shown). In use, a baited hook ((not shown) attached to the main fishing line via a secondary line (not shown) is placed in the vane portion 3v.

[0090] A person using the sinker 1 wraps the paper tape (not shown) around the vane portion 3c and over at least one baited hook (not shown). The paper tape has an adhesive applied to one side. The adhesive may be activated by moisture / liquid (water). The paper tape has adhesive on one side and the adhesive sticks to an opposite side of the tape as the tape is wound around the sinker and over the baited hook to hold the bait and hook on the elongate member. Once the sinker has landed in water and sinks to the bottom of the sea, river or lake, the tape adhesive dissolves so that the tape comes off the sinker to allow the bait to float away from the sinker 1 which anchors itself by its weight to the bottom.

[0091] The tape with adhesive is preferably biodegradable. A suitable available paper tape is plain natural Kraft water activated gummed paper tape. The adhesive / gum is vegetable glue.

[0092] The length of the elongate member extending from the weight is important for the correct flight of the sinker 1 during casting. If the elongate member is too long, the sinker may be caused to tumble or 'helicopter' through the air, which negatively impacts the flight and therefore distance the sinker can reach during casting. The inventor has found a length of up to around 140mm operates well. With much longer lengths the sinker tumbles during flight. The length of the elongate member 3 extending from the weight should be long enough to accommodate the baited hook without protruding from the distal end of the elongate. The elongate member should have minimum length of 50 to 100mm to receive the baited hook.

[0093] The sinker with above-described features and with the baited hook placed in the vane can - to the best of the applicant's knowledge at the present time - achieve casting distances exceeding conventional sinkers including WO / 2022 / 265521.

[0094] The invention has proved extraordinary allowing most people to achieve casting distances, of up to around 100m to 220m. This is exceeding the maximum distance to date with the sinker of WO / 2022 / 265521. By way of contrast the casting distance using other conventional sinkers that can be achieved by experienced anglers is typically around 75m to 99m.

[0095] When retrieving a line with hook and sinker a conventional sinker typically drags along the bottom of the sea, especially when fishing by casting from a shoreline (e.g. 'surfcasting' from a beach or fishing from a rocky headland). The inventor has found a surprising further benefit of the sinker 1 is that the sinker, due to its overall light weight construction, tends to rise to the surface of the water during retrieval, and bounce along the surface mimicking a "popper' lure.

[0096] The ability of the sinker 1 to act like a "popper" lure was unexpected as this did not occur with the applicant's all metal sinker design described in WO / 2022 / 265521.

[0097] In fact, when being reeled in the sinker / lure of the present invention, uniquely over the all-metal sinker in WO / 2022 / 265521 due to its relatively lightweight overall construction, exhibits a substantial side to side movement, creating a flutter like movement, replicating an injured fish. Furthermore, the present invention with the sloped section of the tubular portion also creates a splash effect a feature again not present in the sinker of WO / 2022 / 265521.

[0098] Since the nose section 2 when NPW(s) are included - particularly, when the tubular portion of the tail section is filled with liquid fish attractant - is much heavier than the vane portion 3, and with the fishing line attached to the attachment point 3a at the end of the vane portion 3v distal from the nose section 2, the nose section 2 and tubular portion 3p tends to hang below the distal end of the vane portion 3v, such that the vane portion 3v tilts upwards towards its distal end.

[0099] As the line is received, the upward inclination of the sinker 1 causes the sinker 1 to lift and rise to the surface of the water during typical line retrieval speeds.

[0100] The upwardly inclined vane portion 3v operates as a foil to lift the sinker 1 as it is pulled through the water, and this coupled with the lower overall weight of the sinker 1 enables it to act as a "popper' lure.

[0101] This prevents or reduces the chance of the sinker or fishing tackle / line being snagged or caught on rough terrain. It is hypothesized that to ensure the sinker lifts, the tail section 3 should have a length extending from the weight 2 of at least 80mm. If the tail section is too much shorter, the line attachment point 4 is too close to the weight 2 and / or the tail section 3 is too short to operate as a vane.

[0102] The width of the tail section 3 may be 30mm to match the maximum outside diameter of the nose section. The width / diameter of the tail section is constant along its length. For effective operation during casting and during retrieval, the tail section should have a length extending from the nose section of about 80mm to 140mm, or 90mm to 130mm, or 100mm to 120mm. In the embodiment shown the tail section has a total length of substantially 133.5mm.

[0103] In some embodiments, the sinker includes a cavity 3c for receiving a fish attractant. In the illustrated embodiment, the tubular part 3p of the tail section 3 extends from the nose section to present a rearwardly facing cavity 3c for receiving a fish attractant.

[0104] In preferred embodiments, a sponge material (not shown) covers the opening of the recess 3c to help control release of the liquid fish attractant from the cavity 3c.

[0105] In use, an angler dispenses liquid fish attractant onto and then through the sponge so that the attractant s can fill cavity 3c. In use with the sinker 1 submerged, the liquid attractant is slowly released from cavity 3c via the sponge material into the water in the vicinity of the baited hook(s). The rearwardly facing cavity 3c may have a volume of around 1 to 5 millilitres.

[0106] The sinker shown has apertures 10 in the nose section 2 which can in-use, if required, receive 'sand grabber' tines or spikes (not shown) as known in the art.

[0107] The sinker 1 has been found to have an enhanced ability to be recovered to the surface, so the sinker 1 can more easily - being more buoyant than known metal sinkers operate - as a popper fishing lure.

[0108] As once lifted of the bottom the sinker 1 of the present invention effectively becomes launched on a trajectory to the surface with minimal reeling required even if there are temporary lapses in reeling. This is most unlike what happens with the all-metal sinker described in WO / 2022 / 265521. It is believed without wishing to be bound by theory that the combination of the buoyancy (i.e., specific gravity or density) of the plastic used in the tail section together with the girth of the sinker / lure helps allow the sinker 1 (and lure only embodiment) to act like a "popper" lure during retrieval and skim laterally as well wobbling relative to the line across the surface of the water.

[0109] Some key characteristics of a "popper lure" provided by the present invention not provided by the lure in WO / 2022 / 265521 may include: surface action, to create a disturbance with splashing when retrieved or being trolled behind a boat;

[0110] The angled surface of the tubular portion of the tail section (which is forward facing during retrieval) provides a splash effect;

[0111] The sinker / lure of the present invention being made of plastic can come in various colours to attract fish and does not require a separate process step such as painting as would be required with WO / 2022 / 265521;

[0112] The shape and girth of the sinker / lure and specific gravity (i.e. relative lightnesss) of the plastic in combination means when being retrieved it can closely resemble an injured fish with lateral movement and a wobble effect; whereas the sinker of WO / 2022 / 265521 has a significantly higher specific gravity than plastic and consequently has little or no lateral wobble such as would exhibited by a distressed fish; and

[0113] The sinker / lure of the present invention is not prone to sinking once on the surface and can ride the aeration formed in the wake of a boat.

[0114] The sinker 1, (or the lure only embodiment sans the NPW(s) of the present invention), can appear to fish as a wounded fish swimming on the surface and can therefore attract more fish to attack the sinker 1.

[0115] To benefit from this effect as a lure, the sinker 1 may be provided with at least one hook attached to the sinker 1.

[0116] The sinker may have apertures 10 in the nose section 2 which can in-use receive 'sand grabber' tines or spikes (not shown) as known in the art. Alternatively, the apertures 10 in the nose section of the sinker / lure may be used to attach one or more hooks to the nose section.

[0117] Other apertures along the length of the vane portion 3v (not shown) may also be used to attach hooks directly thereto, or indirectly via short (i.e., 10mm - 30mm long) hook lines.

[0118] Figure 7 shows the sinker 1 in use with the vane portion 3v holding the bait 7b and hook 7h and is retained therein by paper tape 7tp. This sinker 1 also has tines 7t in the nose section and is attached to a fishing line (not shown) via snap and swivel 7ss arrangement.

[0119] Figure 8 shows the nose section 2 of the sinker / lure 1 having a hook H secured thereto via a split pin S passing though the aperture 10 in the nose section 2. Said split pin S securing a swivel 7ss and a snap 80s to which the hook H is secured.

[0120] Figure 9 shows the vane portion 3v of the tail section 3 having a hook H secured thereto via a split pin S passing through the aperture 3d in the vane portion 3v. Said split pin S securing a swivel 7ss and a snap 80s to which the hook H is secured. In -use the fishing line would also be connected to swivel 7ss.

[0121] Further Discussion of the Invention

[0122] The plastic used for the sinker / lure of the present invention may be any substantially water-resistant plastic including polypropylene and acetal plastics.

[0123] The cone shape of nose section has an aerodynamically favourably profile which may be selected from:

[0124] Conic;

[0125] Spherically blunted conic;

[0126] Bi-conic;

[0127] Spherically blunted bi-conic;

[0128] Tangent ogive;

[0129] Spherically blunted tangent ogive;

[0130] Secant ogive;

[0131] Elliptical;

[0132] Parabolic; Power series; and

[0133] Hack series.

[0134] However, it should be appreciated this list should not be seen as limiting.

[0135] Further information on the features of most of the above listed nose section aerodynamic profiles may be found at the following link:

[0136] The NPW may be made from a number of different materials which are heavier than the plastic of the sinker of the present invention.

[0137] Some non-limiting examples of materials from which the NPW can be made include one or more of: lead; tungsten; steel; mild steel; silver; gold; zinc; brass; bronze; titanium; manganese bronze; stainless steel.

[0138] In some preferred embodiments, the metal, metal composite or other material or composite used may be substantially rust resistant in salt water.

[0139] In some embodiments the NPW(s) may alternatively be made of concrete or other suitably dense material.

[0140] Although it is worth mentioning in some embodiments a possible benefit of using a metal which corrodes such as mild steel as the NPW, when the sinker which is stuck on the ocean floor say after the fishing line breaks, this corrosion effect could potentially allow the sinker to return to shore, once metal weight(s)have become sufficiently corroded for the natural buoyancy of the sinker to lift it to the surface. For example, polyethylene and polypropylene have a specific gravity in the range 0.90-0.96 g / cm3, so will float, once the NPW(s) have corroded.

[0141] In some further embodiments other metals or metal compounds / composites may be used which have been coated or otherwise protected at least for a period against corrosion by salt water. In some embodiments, the weight of the plastic sinker may be less than, or around, half the weight of the NPW(s).

[0142] In some embodiments, the length of the vane portion extending from the nose section may be 80mm to 140mm, or 90mm to 130mm, or 100mm to 120mm.

[0143] In a preferred embodiment the vane portion of the tail section may be substantially 100mm in length.

[0144] Preferably, the vane portion of the tail section may be 4mm thick.

[0145] In a preferred embodiment the tubular portion of the tail section may be substantially 33.5mm in length.

[0146] In a preferred embodiment the outside diameter of the widest point of the nose section and the tubular portion of the tail section may be substantially 30mm.

[0147] In a preferred embodiment the outside diameter of the vane portion of the tail section is substantially 30mm.

[0148] In a preferred embodiment the length of the tail section may be around 66% of the total length of the sinker / lure.

[0149] It should be appreciated that when the plastic sinker is made from other plastics than acetal that different dimensions may be necessary to take into account the characteristics of the plastic being utilised.

[0150] In some embodiments, the tail section comprises a tubular part attached to the nose section and a vane portion extending from the tubular part, the vane portion presenting the channel for receiving a baited hook.

[0151] In some embodiments, the cross section of the vane portion corresponds with a portion of the cross section of the tubular part. Preferably, the cross section of the vane portion may be substantially C-shaped in profile.

[0152] The C-shaped profile providing a vane effect in terms of hydrodynamic lift much like the wing profile of a plane wherein the upper and lower surfaces span different distances and subject the fluid to different speeds of travel dependant on the upper or lower surface it is travelling over.

[0153] In some embodiments, the sinker or lure may be formed via an injection moulding process.

[0154] In some other embodiments the sinker or lure may be formed via a 3D printing process.

[0155] In some embodiments, the tubular part extends from the nose section to present a rearwardly facing recess for receiving a fish attractant.

[0156] In some embodiments, a sponge may plug the opening of the rearwardly facing recess in the tubular portion of the tail section for receiving a liquid fish attractant to control release / retard thereof.

[0157] The present invention may provide one or more of the following advantages over the prior art:

[0158] 1. Ease of mass production including speed and lower per unit cost than solely metal sinkers such as that disclosed in the applicants earlier PCT Application WO / 2022 / 265521.

[0159] 2. Ability to function as a sinker and achieve the same or better casting distances than WO / 2022 / 265521 despite being made from plastic.

[0160] 3. Ability to provide a coloured sinker capable of attracting fish without the need for paint.

[0161] 4. Being predominantly made from a cheaper material than metal compared to the invention detailed in WO / 2022 / 265521 which is solely made from metal.

[0162] 5. Having the ability to provide a cavitation effect to attract fish when being reeled in.

[0163] 6. Coming up to the surface quicker due to the natural buoyancy of plastic.

[0164] 7. Providing a sinker which - apart from the NPW - is made from a lightweight material yet can still function as a sinker.

[0165] 8. Being lighter and having a wider girth than the all metal sinker of WO / 2022 / 265521 the plastic sinker of the present invention is more prone to reacting to hydrodynamic forces on the surface of the water both vertically and laterally helping to replicate a wounded fish and thus perform a more effective "popper"' lure function. Whereas the sinker of WO / 2022 / 265521 is prone to less lateral and vertical movement due to its increased weight and reduced girth of around 20mm. The specific gravity (which correlates to buoyancy) of Acetal plastic also known as Polyoxymethylene (POM) is around 1.42 g / cm3whereas aluminium (a so called light metal) by way of comparison is around 2.7 g / cm3- (i.e., nearly double the weight).

[0166] Where in the foregoing description reference has been made to integers or components having known equivalents thereof, those integers are herein incorporated as if individually set forth.

[0167] It should be noted that various changes and modifications to the presently preferred embodiments described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Such changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention and without diminishing its attendant advantages.

[0168] Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of example only and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions may be made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

Claims1. A plastic sinker comprising:- a plastic nose section in the form of a nose cone;- a plastic tail section including a tubular portion and a vane portion; wherein: the tubular front portion of the tail section connects to the base of the nose section; and wherein the nose section has a cavity portion therein for holding a non-plastic weight.

2. A plastic sinker / lure as claimed in claim 1 wherein when assembled the length of the nose section is around 1 / 3 the length of total length of the sinker / lure including the tail section.

3. A plastic sinker / lure as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein when assembled the nose section is around 60% the length of the vane portion of the tail section.

4. A sinker / lure as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the vane portion in cross-sectional profile is semi-cylindrical, arcuate, elliptical or semi-elliptical - to create a buoyancy force so as to act as a hydrofoil when the sinker is reeled in by user.

5. A sinker / lure as claimed in claim 1 wherein the cavity has internal dimensions larger than the external dimensions of the non-plastic weight.

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