WO2000047042A1

WO2000047042A1 - Fish attractant

Info

Publication number: WO2000047042A1
Application number: PCT/CA1999/000782
Authority: WO
Inventors: Desmond F. Barnes
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1999-02-08
Filing date: 1999-08-26
Publication date: 2000-08-17
Anticipated expiration: 2001-08-08
Also published as: AU5367499A; CA2261358A1

Abstract

A fish attractant is described consisting of a gassified particle which preferably emits an irregular noise when immersed into water. The attractant is, in one embodiment, contained within a water soluble, gelatin capsule. An easy to use, effective fish attractant system is described which can provide improved fishing results.

Description

Fish Attractant

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to fish attractants that can be used in combination with an artificial lure to enhance the appeal of the lure to fish. In particular, this invention relates to a fish attractant that will generate noise to attract fish, and to a fish attractant capsule that can be readily used in combination with standard fishing lures.

Description of the Related Art

Sport fishing is a widely practised, and common activity throughout the world. Each year, literally billions of dollars are spent in the sport fishing industry. A sizeable percentage of this money is spent on the purchase of fishing lures which are desired to attract fish by resembling bait; particularly in appearance. Other lures are used which are made to attract fish by the "behaviour" of the lure as moves through the water. In general, these materials are termed as fish "attractants" by the industry.

A variety of materials have been added to fish lures to enhance the ability of a live or artificial lure by appealing to the visual or auditory senses of the fish. Further, other materials are added which appeal to the olfactory and taste senses of fish, and can be considered to be taste-based fish attractants. These taste-based attractants can includes materials which are typically based on a variety of oil and water based materials, and include liquid materials such as flavoured, oils such as cod liver oil, menhaden oil, herring oil or salmon oil, or perfumes and the like. Other taste-based solid fish attractants include materials such as salt, or food products such as garlic. Solid based attractants are typically used by attaching the solid material to the lure. A common practise is to provide a lure with a open compartment adapted to receive the solid attractant. These lures may be described as "tube" baits in that the lure has a tube which is open to the water so that the attractant is slowly dispersed, or dissolves in the water.

Liquid based attractants are usually used by coating of the lure, live bait, or the like, with the fish attractant. When used in this fashion, the attractant may be a solid or a liquid material which is typically dissolved or suspended in a suitable liquid medium. When the bait or lure is submerged, the attractant is released into the water. Liquid attractants may also be used in a tube bait style of lure provided that the liquid is not released too quickly from the lure. Fish attractants are also known wherein the attractant appeals to the auditory senses of the fish by generating a noise which attracts the fish. This type of attractant provides advantages over visual or taste-based attractants in that the attractant can be use in water having poor visibility, and in that the attractant provides a noise source which can be located exactly by the fish rather than an attractant which has been dispersed through a general area of the water.

One known system of solid, noise-based attractants comprises a mixture of sodium bicarbonate and citric acid in a soft, malleable, waterproof wax shell (US Patent No. 5201138). When pierced and placed in the water, the composition reacts to liberate carbon dioxide gas bubbles to puzzle and attract fish. A similar system is also known wherein an effervescent material such as Alka-Seltzer (Trade Mark) is added to the lure, or tube bait (e.g. a bait with a hollow inner chamber, open to the water in which various materials can be inserted)

In US patent No. 5415862, a liquid attractant is described wherein a variety of different types of fish attractants are combined. In particular, however, the system described in this patent comprises an oil-based carrier liquid in which carbon dioxide gas-generating particles are suspended. These particles are inert in the oil-based medium used for the attractant, but react to emit gas when the system is immersed in water. This reaction is caused by, for example, the reaction of an acid ^'reagent such citric, maleic, tartaric or benzoic acid, with an alkali metal bicarbonate such as ammonium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, or the like. When immersed in water, the two reactants are slowly released from the oil-based reagents and react with each other to produce a slow steady effervescence of bubbles which are released into the water. This effervescence produces a stream of bubbles which not only visually attracts fish, but the effervescence produced also creates an audible noise to act as a further fish attractant. However, this effervescent noise is typically a steady, continuous, quiet "hissing" noise.

In US 5415862, it is also described that the two reactants can be combined in a water soluble polymer matrix, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, which will slowly dissolve to allow the reactants to combine and produce the effervescence of gas bubbles. However, the attractant effect of the soluble polymer system would be similar to the liquid based system.

Similar fish attractant systems are known in the prior art which include solid, water dissolvable materials wherein the attractant is released as the material dissolves. However, these types of systems are normally used with taste-based, embedded solid or liquid attractants.

Other noise-based fish lure systems are known which comprise mechanical devices which create a noise as the lure passes through the water. However, these lures must be moved in order to generate a noise. When left still, they do not produce noise. Accordingly, the fish must be attracted to a moving target. While the prior art fish attractant systems provide attractants which have met with some success, it is desirable to provide alternative fish attractants which can provide improved fish attractant properties.

Further, while liquid attractant systems can be used under some circumstances, it would be desirable to provide a solid attractant system which eliminates the need for use of liquid attractants since liquid system can be more difficult to use, under typical fishing conditions, than solid based systems.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a fish attractant.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a fish attractant which operates by the production of a noise, and in particular, by producing a noise pattern differing from the noises produced by prior art, noise generating attractants. It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a fish attractant which is utilized as a solid based system.

It is a yet still further object of the present invention to provide a fish attractant which is utilized as a solid based system which system permits the rapid change from one attractant to another.

Summary of the Invention

Accordingly, the present invention provides a fish attractant comprising a water soluble material which contains occluded gas pockets within said material, and wherein said pockets contain a compressed gas, such that as said water soluble material dissolves, said compressed gas is released and produces audible noise. Preferably, this noise is an intermittent, irregular noise, but may also be a steady constant noise.

The intermittent, irregular noise may be described as a "popping" noise which occurs randomly, as the compressed gas is released from the material. The popping noise may be from either the rapid release of gas, or from the fracturing of the material.

In a second aspect, the present invention also provides a solid fish attractant system comprising a hollow, solid, capsule which capsule contains a liquid or solid fish attractant material. Preferably, the capsule is water soluble. One type of preferred capsule is a gelatin capsule.

The fish attractant may be any known fish attractant which will not dissolve the capsule. This includes the intermittent noise producing attractants described hereinabove with reference to the present invention, as well as any other known fish attractant. A preferred form of hollow, water soluble capsule is a gelatin capsule commonly used for medicinal purposes. These capsules are readily available, easily filled, and easily sealed in order to avoid accidental loss of attractant from the capsule. Typically, the capsule is a two part device wherein each part is a hollow cylinder with a conical end and an open end. The attractant is inserted into at least one part of the capsule, and then one half of the capsule is inserted into the other part of the capsule in order to provide a leak-proof seal. Commonly available capsule hold a volume of about 0.25 to 1 ml of material, and are approximately 5 to 10 mm in diameter and 20 to 25 mm in length. Other sizes are available. Generally, this volume is sufficient to hold approximately 0.25 to 1 gram of fish attractant, although the amount of attractant can be varied by selecting a different size of capsule.

The capsules are solid in contrast to the malleable wax devices described in US 5201138. However, this means only that the capsules have sufficient strength to maintain their shape, and not deform, under some limited pressure. However, the capsules may be flexible so that they can deform under pressure.

The capsules have the advantage that they can be easily handled under common fishing conditions, and easily inserted (or removed) from common tube baits.

In a further aspect, the present invention also provides a fish bait system comprising a fish bait and a solid fish attractant system as described hereinabove.

In a yet still further aspect, the present invention also provides a method of fishing comprising inserting a solid fish attractant into a fish bait to create a fish bait system, and then using said fish bait system to catch fish.

Description of the Preferred Embodiments

Under common fishing conditions, it is desirable to be able to quickly and easily add fish attractant to a bait, and in particular, a tube bait or other bait that has been modified to accept a fish attractant capsule of the present invention. Baits may be modified by boring a suitably sized hole into the bait using a coring device. Alternatively, the fish attractant capsule can be attached to the exterior of commonly available lures or hooks by use of attachment means such as glues, clips, elastic bands and the like.

Using the fish attractant capsules of the present invention, the angler has a selection of different materials that can be utilized in the tube bait. For example, one capsule may hold a mixture of garlic and an effervescent bicarbonate combination, while another capsule holds a noise generating fish attractant of the type described hereinabove with respect to the present invention. Any suitable fish attractant may be used provided that the attractant does not prematurely dissolve the capsule. Attractants which can be used include the attractants described hereinabove with respect to the prior art, including garlic, Alka-Selzer or other effervescent materials, pellets of fish meal or squid, or the like, salt, anise, various amino acids, synthesed pheromones, and the like, as well as non-aqueous, liquid attractants. The capsules are preferably water soluble in order that they can release the fish attractant by dissolution of the capsule. Also, water solubility of the capsule will ensure that the capsules do not collect in the environment. During use, the capsule can be allowed to dissolve on its own, or it may be punctured prior to use. By puncturing the capsule, either a water soluble or non-soluble capsule can be used.

The capsules can also be colour coded to allow easy identification of the type of attractant being used.

In use, the bait is filled with one attractant capsule. Each capsule will have effect for a specific length of time depending on the nature and amount of attractant used, and on the dissolution rate of the water soluble capsule. It is typically desirable to have the fish attractant capsule provide for the release of fish attractant (or generate a fish attractant effect) over a period of from 0.1 minutes to 60 minutes. More preferably, the capsule releases fish attractant, or provides for a fish attractant effect, for a period of from 1 to 30 minutes, and most preferably, the capsule releases fish attractant, or provides for a fish attractant effect, for a period of from 5 to 20 minutes.

When the effect of the fish attractant capsule is completed, or if the angler decides to switch fish attractant types, the remains of the previous attractant (if any) can be readily removed from the tube bait and a new (and possibly different) fish attractant capsule can be inserted. In this manner, an angler has available a system in which all of his fish attractant needs are met by having a small number of easily handled gelatin capsules carrying in, for example, a plastic bag. The angler thus has the option of selecting a desired effect, choosing the appropriately filled capsule, and conveniently changing the attractant properties of the lure simply by changing the capsule.

This system provides significant operational advantages over prior art systems requiring the use of liquid attractants, which can leak from containers or that can be spilled, or other solid attractants which are typically a collection of powders, hard pressed tablets, or loose materials which are pressed into the tube bait.

A particularly preferred type of fish attractant is a noise generating attractant, and in particular, a noise generating attractant which contains a compressed gas (hereinafter a gassified attractant). These gassified attractants may be made by a variety of techniques including a system wherein a heated, viscous, molten mass is stirred under above atmospheric pressure in order incorporate gas pockets (or voids containing pressurised gas) in the molten mass. The mass is then allowed to cool and solidify under pressure so that the gas contained in the gas pockets is sealed within the mass. The mass can then be broken into small pieces suitable for use in the present invention.

Suitable materials for use as the molten mass can include any water soluble material, or any material which will be affected by water so as to release the compressed gas from the attractant. While many water soluble polymers might be used, a preferred material is a food product or other biodegradable material in order to minimize any impact on the environment. A preferred form of material is a gassified caramel material which can be produced according to the process as described in US Patent No. 4837039 or US Patent No. 5279842. Gassified candy is commonly available as a confectionery product, and is sold under the Canadian or US trade mark "Pop Rocks". A most preferred embodiment of the present invention is the use of this gassified candy product as a fish attractant, or as a fish attractant contained within a gelatin capsule.

The noise generated by the gassified attractant of the present invention is dependent on the nature of the material selected as the molten mass, and is dependent on the size of the voids in the mass. The size of the voids in the mass can typically vary from 0.1 mm to 1 mm, while the size of the particles of gassified attractant can typically vary from 0.2 mm to 10 mm, and more preferably from 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm. It has been found that use of gassified attractant consisting of particles of less than 0.5 mm typically tends to produce an effervescent sound similar to the bicarbonate effervescent materials. As the particle size increases to, for example, above 0.5 mm diameter, the particles typically produce a louder, sharper noise. Generally, the larger the particle, the louder the sound.

Other processes for producing the gassified attractant can be utilized in order to provide materials which behave in a similar fashion. This can also include methods wherein the molten mass is stirred under reduced atmospheric conditions in order to produce sealed gas pockets of gas at a reduced pressure. The gassified attractant can also be modified or treated in order to delay the release of the compressed gas. Delaying methods can involve the use of less soluble materials, or could involve the use of coating agents, such as oils including oils such as coconut oil, on the particles of gassified attractant. The gassified attractant utilized can then consist of a mixture of different particles types in order to provide for noise generation over an extended time.

The gas used to produce the gassified attractant can by any suitable gas.

Preferably, the gas selected is non-toxic and will have little or no effect on the environment. Suitable gases include compressed air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide, all of which are commonly available.

In a further feature of the present invention, the gassified attractant can be used in combination with any of the prior art fish attractants in order to provide additional fish attractant properties.

Having described specific embodiments of the present invention, it will be understood that modifications thereof may be suggested to those skilled in the art, and it is intended to cover all such modifications as fall within the scope of the appended claims. Additionally, for clarity and unless otherwise stated, the word "comprise" and variations of the word such as "comprising" and "comprises", when used in the description and claims of the present specification, is not intended to exclude other additives, components, integers or steps.

Claims

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:

1. A fish attractant comprising a water soluble material which contains occluded gas pockets within said material, and wherein said pockets contain a compressed gas, such that as said water soluble material dissolves, said compressed gas is released and produces audible noise.

2. A fish attractant as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said noise is a randomly occurring, intermittent, irregular noise.

3. A fish attractant as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said water soluble material is a food product or a biodegradable material.

4. A fish attractant as claimed in Claim 3 wherein said water soluble material is a gassified caramel material.

5. A fish attractant as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said occluded gas pockets have a diameter of between of 0.1 mm to 1 mm.

6. A fish attractant as claimed in Claim 1 having a particle size of between 0.2 mm to 10 mm.

7. A fish attractant as claimed in Claim 1 having a particle size of between 0.5 mm to 4.5 mm.

8. A fish attractant as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the gas contained in said occluded gas pockets is air, nitrogen or carbon dioxide.

9. A fish attractant as claimed in Claim 1 additionally comprising garlic, an effervescent material, pellets of fish meal or squid, salt, anise, an amino acids, or a synthesed pheromones or combinations thereof.

10. A fish attractant as claimed in Claim 1 wherein all or part of said water soluble material has been treated in order to delay release of said compressed gas.

11. A fish attractant as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said water soluble material has been treated with coconut oil.

12. A solid fish attractant system comprising a hollow, solid, capsule which capsule contains a liquid or solid fish attractant material.

13. A solid fish attractant system as claimed in Claim 12 wherein said capsule is water soluble.

14. A solid fish attractant system as claimed in Claim 13 wherein said capsule is a gelatin capsule.

15. A solid fish attractant system as claimed in Claim 13 wherein said gelatin capsule is between 5 to 10 mm in diameter and between 20 to 25 mm in length.

16. A solid fish attractant system as claimed in Claim 12 wherein said fish attractant is a fish attractant comprising a water soluble material which contains occluded gas pockets within said material, and wherein said pockets contain a compressed gas, such that as said water soluble material dissolves, said compressed gas is released and produces audible noise

17. A solid fish attractant system as claimed in Claim 16 wherein said water soluble material is a gassified caramel material.

18. A solid fish attractant system as claimed in Claim 17 wherein said capsule is a gelatin capsule.

19. A solid fish attractant system as claimed in Claim 12 wherein said attractant comprises garlic, an effervescent material, pellets of fish meal or squid, salt, anise, an amino acids, or a synthesed pheromones or combinations thereof.

20. A solid fish attractant system as claimed in Claim 12 wherein said capsules are colour coded to indicate the composition of the fish attractant contained in said capsule.

21. A solid fish attractant system as claimed in Claim 12 wherein said fish attractant system provides for the release of fish attractant, or generates a fish attractant effect, over a period of from 0.1 minutes to 60 minutes.

22. A solid fish attractant system as claimed in Claim 21 wherein said fish attractant system provides for the release of fish attractant, or generates a fish attractant effect, over a period of from 5 to 20 minutes.

23. A fish bait system comprising a fish bait and a solid fish attractant system as claimed in Claim 12.

24. A fish bait system as claimed in Claim 23 wherein said fish bait is a tube bait, or a bait which has been modified to accept a solid fish attractant as claimed in Claim 12.

25. A method of fishing comprising inserting a solid fish attractant as claimed in Claim 12 into a fish bait to create a fish bait system as claimed in

Claim 23, and then using said fish bait system to catch fish.

26. A method of fishing as claimed in Claim 25 wherein said solid fish attractant is punctured prior to, or after, insertion into said fish bait.