In-Water Fish Dehooking Apparatus with Integrated Netting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional catch and release methods for fish often result in fish mortality due to stress, hook damage, and handling issues, especially when dealing with treble hooks, which can be dangerous and require landing the fish, making it difficult to release them safely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A catch and release apparatus featuring a rod with a frame and netting that allows for the removal of hooks from fish while they are still in the water, using a bracket that couples to a fishing device or net handle, enabling the hook to be ensnared and removed without landing the fish, thus minimizing handling and risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional forceps or similar devices are used to remove hooks, then hook removal can be achieved, but the fish must be landed and handled extensively, increasing stress and mortality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized net as an intermediary tool between the fish and the fisher. The net allows the fisher to control and dehook the fish without direct hand contact, eliminating the need to land the fish while providing a safe barrier against treble hooks and sharp teeth. This mediator enables hook removal in water, reducing stress and mortality.
2Ease of operation
If the fish is landed for hook removal, then the hook can be removed using conventional devices, but the fish experiences increased stress and handling damage
Solution Approach 1:
The net is designed to be self-contained with an integrated dehooking device that attaches directly to the net handle. This self-service design allows the fisher to perform hook removal without needing separate tools or landing the fish. The dehooking device is positioned within easy reach through the net, enabling complete hook removal while the fish remains in water.
3Productivity
If treble hooks are used on lures, then fishing effectiveness is improved, but the fish and hooks become tangled in the landing net, increasing difficulty and risk
Solution Approach 1:
The dehooking device is pre-positioned and pre-attached to the net handle before fishing begins. The J-shaped wire with its hook-catching barb is already in place, ready to immediately engage with treble hooks when the fish is brought to the net. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need to fumble with separate tools during the critical dehooking moment, preventing entanglement complications.
4Reliability
If conventional forceps are used for dehooking, then hooks can be removed, but the devices are cumbersome and require the fish to be removed from water
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the net function with the dehooking device function into a single integrated tool. The dehooking device is permanently attached to the net handle, combining the containment function of the net with the hook removal function of the dehooking tool. This unified design eliminates the need to switch between separate forceps and net, making the system more portable and easier to use while maintaining effective hook removal capability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for releasing fish from a hook while the fish is in water includes a rod having a first rod end and an opposite second rod end. A frame extends from the second rod end, and netting is wrapped around the frame and configured to ensnare the hook such that the hook can be removed from the fish thereby releasing the fish.