WO2025015387A1

WO2025015387A1 - Locking system for a fishing fly lure for use with a jig head

Info

Publication number: WO2025015387A1
Application number: PCT/AU2024/050779
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andrew Ettingshausen
Original assignee: Escape Lures Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Escape Lures Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2023-07-19
Filing date: 2024-07-19
Publication date: 2025-01-23
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-19

Abstract

The invention relates to a fly lure for fishing adapted for connection with a jig. The jig comprises a hook including a shank and an integral sinker, and the fly lure includes a body for receiving at least part of the jig therewithin, and lure material affixed to the body for mimicking a natural bait for a fish. The body is configured to cooperate with the part of the jig received therewithin to secure the body and the jig together and thereby connect the fly lure with the jig.

Description

LOCKING SYSTEM FORA FISHING FLY LURE FOR USE WITH A JIG HEAD

TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to fishing and, in particular, to artificial fishing lures.

BACKGROUND

[002] Angling is a fishing technique involving the use of a hook attached to the end of a line that is used to tether an individual fish in the mouth. The line can be manipulated by a fishing rod or using rodless techniques such as handlining.

[003] Modern fishing rods are equipped with a hand-cranked fishing reel that is typically mounted to the fishing rod. There are a variety of different types of fishing rod and reel configurations that are optimised for different types of fishing applications. The term “fishing tackle” encompasses the equipment required for fishing including the rod, reel and line.

[004] For most types of fishing applications, the fishing tackle used includes a rod with a handle at one end and a series of eyelets fixed to the rod along its length. A reel comprising a spindle is coupled to the rod near the handle and a length of nylon fishing line is wound onto the spindle. The fishing line passes from the spindle through the eyelets and a hook is attached to the end of the fishing line. Often a weight, called a sinker, is attached to the end of the fishing line adjacent to the hook.

[005] A lure comprised of natural or artificial bait is typically attached to the hook and a user holding the handle casts the fishing line by flicking the rod so that the hook with bait and sinker are launched out onto the surface of a body of water a distance away from the user. The sinker causes the hook with the bait attached to sink down below the water surface and sometimes to the bottom of the water. Fish are attracted by the bait and swallow the bait and the hook and are thereby tethered to the fishing line. The user recovers the fish by operating the cranked reel to wind the fishing line onto the spool. [006] A fishing jig is a type of weighted fishing lure that comprises a sinker attached to the shank of a hook. Fishing jigs typically include an eyelet for connection with fishing line. The eyelet is sometimes attached to the sinker and either aligned coaxially or transversely with the shank of the hook.

[007] Some types of fishing jigs include a sinker that is shaped in the form of a body or head of a small bait fish which is designed for use on its own as the lure. Other types of fishing jigs include a sinker that is not shaped in the form of a lure but rather is comprised of a relatively simple geometric shape that is designed to be obscured inside a soft lure such as a soft plastic artificial bait lure. Fishing jigs come in a variety of configurations of different combinations of sinker weights and hook types and sizes. Each fishing jig configuration may be adapted for use in different fishing environments and for different target fish.

[008] Soft plastic bait lures are typically comprised of a soft, flexible, elastomer formed in various shapes and colours to imitate bait fish or other aquatic invertebrates such as worms and are designed to be impaled directly onto a fishing hook like a natural bait. As such, soft plastic lures are particularly well adapted for use with fishing jigs which comprise both the sinker and hook formed integrally together. A user can select any one of a number of soft plastic lures and combine them with any one of a variety of fishing jigs comprising various combinations of sinker weights and hook types and sizes.

[009] In contrast, fly fishing is an angling technique that employs the use of a light-weight lure called a “fly” which mimics small invertebrates such as flying and aquatic insects to attract and catch a fish. Because fishing flies usually have low mass they cannot be launched far using conventional fishing rods, reels, lines and casting techniques. Instead, specialised fishing tackle and casting techniques are employed for fly fishing.

[0010] In fly-fishing, a fly rod and fly line is used. The fly line is more heavily weighed than fishing line used with other types of fishing tackle such as jigs. The mass of the fly line combined with the specialised fly-fishing casting technique are used to propel the fly line with the fly attached thereto out onto the surface of a body of water a distance away from the user.

[0011] Artificial flies are configured to imitate aquatic insects that are natural food of the target fish species the user is trying to catch. Artificial flies are constructed by fly tying, in which furs, feathers, thread or any of very many other materials are tied onto a fish hook. Artificial flies may be constructed to represent a variety of prey to freshwater and saltwater fish including aquatic and terrestrial insects, crustaceans, worms, spawn, small baitfish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals and the like.

[0012] Traditional artificial flies are not used with fishing tackle comprising light weight nylon fishing line and sinkers. This can be because the fish are repelled by the presence of a sinker near the fly.

[0013] Purpose designed artificial flies exist that include an integral jig comprising a sinker and a hook. However, such artificial flies typically do not permit the sinker or the hook to be replaced with other sinkers or hooks of different weights, types, sizes or configurations.

[0014] Accordingly, a need exists for an artificial fishing fly comprising a lure constructed by fly tying or similar, in which furs, feathers, thread or any of very many other materials are tied or similarly attached onto a weighted hook which permits the weight and hook or both to be replaced with a different weight and/or hook type or size or a combination thereof.

[0015] Any discussion of background art throughout the specification should in no way be considered as an admission that any of the documents or other material referred to was published, known or forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] In one aspect, the present invention provides a fly lure for fishing adapted for connection with a jig comprised of a hook with a shank and an integral sinker, the fly lure including: a body for receiving at least part of the jig therewithin; lure material affixed to the body for mimicking a natural bait for a fish, wherein the body is configured to cooperate with the part of the jig received therewithin to secure the body and the jig together and thereby connect the fly lure with the jig.

[0017] The fly lure of the invention, and embodiments described herein, is advantageous as it provides an artificial fishing fly lure constructed to include lure material, comprised of fly lure material such as furs, feathers, thread or any of many other materials that are tied or similarly attached onto the body which is adapted for connection with any one of a number of different configurations of the jig comprising different hook types, or sizes and different sinker types, sizes or weights of combinations thereof. Accordingly, the invention and embodiments thereof provides a fly lure that can be connected to any one of a selection of the jigs with different hook and sinker types, sizes, weights and configurations as selected by the user for the target fish and/or for the prevailing fishing conditions and/or for the type of water body. In embodiments, the fly lure also permits the jig connected thereto to be removed and optionally replaced with another one of the jigs.

[0018] In embodiments, the body is comprised at least in part by a material that is adapted to be impaled by the hook of the jig.

[0019] Preferably, the material includes a soft elastomeric material.

[0020] In embodiments, the body includes an outer wall surrounding at least a part of the soft elastomeric material and the lure material is affixed to the outer wall. The outer wall is preferably comprised of a rigid plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0021] Preferably, the outer wall is comprised of an elongated tube including a central passage extending between openings at opposite ends, wherein the soft elastomeric material is contained within the central passage wherein in use the shank of the hook passes through the central passage and at least part of the shank is embedded in the soft elastomeric material.

[0022] In embodiments, the central passage of the body is occluded by the soft elastomeric material which, in use, is penetrated by the hook of the jig.

[0023] In embodiments, the elongated tube includes a larger diameter section and a smaller diameter section separated by a flange, wherein the narrower section functions as a location to tie the fly.

[0024] In a preferred form, in use at least part of the sinker is embedded in the soft elastomeric material.

[0025] In embodiments, at one of the ends of the tube, the outer wall includes a groove to accommodate the shank during insertion of the hook through the central passage of the elongated tube.

[0026] Preferably, the outer wall includes two opposite grooves at the same end of the tube.

[0027] In preferred embodiments, the outer wall is comprised of a rigid polymeric material.

[0028] In embodiments, the outer wall includes one or more recesses for receiving a fish attractant or a scent composition.

[0029] In preferred embodiments, the body is comprised of an elongated tube including a central passage extending between openings at opposite ends, wherein the tube includes a part of a coupling for securing the body and the jig together.

[0030] Preferably, the coupling comprises a bayonet coupling.

[0031] Preferably, the bayonet coupling consists of a slot within the body, the slot comprising a longitudinal part for receiving a protrusion of the jig when the jig is received within the body in a longitudinal direction and a serif shaped part for receiving the protrusion when the jig is rotated relative to the body to thereby lock the jig within the body.

[0032] In further preferred embodiments, the body contains a resilient portion for pushing against the jig to bias the protrusion towards a closed end of the serif shaped part.

[0033] In embodiments, the coupling includes a threaded coupling.

[0034] Preferably, the threaded coupling consists of a helical channel within the slot for receiving a helical ridge of the jig when the jig is received within the body in a longitudinal direction and simultaneously rotated relative to the body to thereby lock the jig within the body.

[0035] In embodiments, the coupling consists of a series of annular channels within the body separated by rib comprised of a resilient material and a series of annular ridges on the jig that are adapted to pass over the ribs and to enter the annular channels to thereby retain the jig within the body.

[0036] Preferably, the ribs separating the annular channels or the annular protrusions of the jig or both include a shallow ramped surface on one side and a steep ramped surface on an opposite side.

[0037] In embodiments, the coupling consists of a keyway within the body comprising a longitudinal slot for receiving completely therethrough a shaft part of the jig extending transversely from the shank whereafter the jig is rotatable relative to the body whereby the shaft part abuts against an axial facing surface of the body adjacent to an end of the keyway thereby preventing inadvertent withdrawal of the jig back through the body.

[0038] Preferably, the body contains a resilient portion that is adapted to push against the jig to biases the shaft portion into engagement with the abutment surface. [0039] In embodiments, the lure material includes any one of more of a fur, a feather, a thread, a fibre or a filament, any of the aforesaid being natural or synthetic.

[0040] Preferably, the lure material is embedded in the body or is adhered or fastened to an exterior surface of the body.

[0041] In another aspect, the invention provides a combination of a jig and a fly lure for fishing, the jig comprising a hook including a shank and an integral sinker, and the fly lure including a body for receiving at least part of the jig therewithin, lure material affixed to the body for mimicking a natural bait for a fish, wherein the body is configured to cooperate with the part of the jig received therewithin to secure the body and the jig together and thereby connect the fly lure with the jig.

[0042] In preferred embodiments, the combination includes any one of the embodiments of the jig and the fly lure described above.

[0043] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of connecting a fly lure with a jig comprising a hook including a shank and an integral sinker, the method including affixing lure material to a body for mimicking a natural bait for a fish, and inserting at least part of the jig within the body, wherein the body is configured to cooperate with the part of the jig received therewithin to secure the body and the jig together and thereby connect the fly lure with the jig.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0044] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to embodiments of the invention illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

[0045] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a jig including a hook, a shank, a head portion formed at an end of the shank, a sinker provided on the shank intermediate between the head and the hook and an eyelet extending transversely from the head. [0046] Figure 2 illustrates a perspective view of a fly lure for fishing in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the fly lure including a body for receiving the jig of Figure 1 therethrough and lure material affixed to the body for mimicking a natural bait for a fish;

[0047] Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of the body of the fly lure of Figure 2;

[0048] Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of a combination of the fly lure of Figure 2 connected to the jig of Figure 1 ;

[0049] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a cross section of the combination of the fly lure and the jig head of Figure 4;

[0050] Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the body of the fly lure of Figure 2;

[0051] Figure 7 illustrates a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the body of the fly lure of Figure 2;

[0052] Figure 8 illustrates an end view and side views of the body of Figure 7;

[0053] Figure 9 illustrates a perspective view of still yet another embodiment of the body of the fly lure of Figure 2, the body including recesses for receiving a fish attractant or a scent composition;

[0054] Figure 10 illustrates another embodiment of the body of the fly lure of Figure 2, wherein the body includes a portion of a coupling mechanism for coupling with a jig;

[0055] Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a jig including a hook, a shank, a head portion formed at an end of the shank, a sinker provided on the shank intermediate between the head and the hook, an eyelet extending transversely from the head and a protrusion also extending transversely from the head comprising a portion of a coupling mechanism for coupling with the body of Figure 10 of the fly lure of Figure 2;

[0056] Figure 12 illustrates yet another embodiment of the body of the fly lure of Figure 2, wherein the body includes a portion of a coupling mechanism for coupling with a jig;

[0057] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a jig including a hook, a shank, a head portion formed at an end of the shank, a sinker provided on the shank intermediate between the head and the hook, an eyelet extending transversely from the head, the sinker including circumferential ribs comprising a portion of a coupling mechanism for coupling with the body of Figure 12 of the fly lure of Figure 2;

[0058] Figures 14A, 14B and 14C illustrate perspective, end and cross section view of another embodiment of the body of the fly lure of Figure 2, wherein the body includes a portion of a coupling mechanism for coupling with a jig;

[0059] Figure 15 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of a jig including a hook, a shank, a head portion formed at an end of the shank, a sinker provided on the shank intermediate between the head and the hook, an eyelet extending transversely from the head and the sinker being configured to comprise a portion of a coupling mechanism for coupling with the body of Figures 14A, 14B and 14C of the fly lure of Figure 2;

[0060] Figure 16 illustrates a perspective view of a combination of the body of Figures 14A, 14B and 14C of the fly lure of Figure 2 connected to the jig of Figure 15.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Figures 2 to 5 illustrate an embodiment of the invention including a fly lure 10 used for fishing and adapted for connection with a jig 50 as illustrated in Figures 1 , 4 and 5. The fly lure 10 includes a body 20 for receiving at least part of the jig 50 therethrough. Lure material 30 is affixed to the body 20 for mimicking a natural bait for a fish. The body 20 is configured to cooperate with the part of the jig 50 received therewithin to secure the body 20 and the jig 50 together to thereby connect the fly lure 10 with the jig 50.

[0062] The fly lure 10 of the invention, and embodiments described herein, is advantageous as it provides an artificial fishing fly lure 10 constructed to include lure material 30 comprised of furs, feathers, thread or any of many other materials that are tied or similarly attached onto the body 20 which is adapted for connection with any one of a number of different configurations of the jig 50 comprising different hook types, or sizes and different sinker types, sizes or weights of combinations thereof. Accordingly, the invention provides a fly lure 10 that can be connected to any one of a selection of the jigs 50 with different hook and sinker types, sizes, weights and configurations as selected by the user for the target fish and/or for the prevailing fishing conditions and/or for the type of water body. In embodiments, the fly lure 10 also permits the jig 50 connected thereto to be removed and optionally replaced with another one of the jigs 50.

[0063] Referring to Figure 1 , the jig 50 includes an integral hook 60 and a sinker 80. The hook 60 includes a shank 70 comprising a straight shaft section of the hook 60 and a bend 65 which is a section where the hook 60 curves back from the shank 70. At the distal most end of the bend 65 section there is a point 66 where the hook 60 tapers into a sharp end which pierces and embeds into a fish's tissue when the hook 60 is swallowed by the fish. Immediately adjacent to the point 66 is a barb 67 which is configured to grab the surrounding fish tissue and stops the hook 60 from sliding back out through the piercing.

[0064] The jig 50 also includes a head 75 which is provided at a proximal end of the shank 70. The head 75 of the jig 50 of Figure 1 is substantially bullet shaped. However, the head 50 could be formed in the shape of a fish head or some other geometric shape. An eyelet 77 extends transversely from the head 75 is comprised of a circular ring or loop to which a fishing line can be attached with a knot to tether the jig 50 to the fishing line. The weight or sinker 80 is formed onto the shank 70 at a location between the head 75 and the bend 65 of the hook 60.

[0065] Referring to Figures 2 to 5, the body 20 of the fly lure 10 is comprised, at least in part, by a soft portion 22 comprised of soft material that is adapted to be impaled by the hook 60 of the jig 50 such that the shank 70 becomes embedded in the soft portion 22 of the body 20 and the distal part of the hook 60 comprising the bend 65, the point 66 and the barb 67 and a portion of the shank 70 protrude from an end thereof.

[0066] The material comprising the soft portion 22 of the body 20 is a soft elastomeric material that is sufficiently soft to allow a user to force the hook 60 through the soft portion 22. In embodiments, the elastomeric material has a Shore hardness of between about 006 to about 0026. The elastomeric material can be comprised of a plastisol material.

[0067] In embodiments and as illustrated in Figures 4 and 5, the material forming the soft portion 22 is sufficiently soft as to be displaced by at least part of the shank 70 and the sinker 80 to thereby allow the shank 70 and the sinker 80 to be embedded within the soft portion 22.

[0068] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown an embodiment of the body 20 including an outer wall 25 surrounding at least a part of the soft portion 22. The outer wall 25 is comprised of an elongated tube 27 including an internal surface 39 defining a central longitudinal passage 28 extending between openings 26, 29 at opposite ends 21 , 23 of the tube 27.

[0069] The soft portion 22 of soft elastomeric material is contained within the central passage 28 of the tube 27. The soft portion 22 is preferably moulded inside the tube 27, such as by being provided within the elongated tube 27 in a liquid form and being allowed to cure therein. In another embodiment, the already cured soft portion 22 is cut or moulded to size to be inserted within the tube 27 and to be maintained therein with an adhesive or by friction between the soft portion 22 and the internal surface 39 of the tube 27. In an embodiment, the soft portion 22 is received within the tube 27 in an interference fit. In embodiments, the central passage 28 of the tube 27 is partially or preferably completely occluded along at least a portion of its length by the soft portion 22 which, in use, is adapted to be penetrated by the hook 60 of the jig 50. In such embodiments, the shank 70 becomes embedded in the soft portion 22 occluding the central passage of the tube 27 to thereby securely retain the hook 60 relative to the body 20. Preferably the soft portion is comprised of soft elastomeric, for example a silicon rubber.

[0070] As illustrated in Figure 3, the lure material 30 is affixed to an outwardly facing surface 24 of the outer wall 25 of the body 20. The lure material 30 includes any one of more of a fur, a feather, a thread, a fibre or a filament, any of the aforesaid being natural or synthetic.

[0071] The outer wall 25 is comprised of a rigid polymeric material. The material comprising the outer wall 25 is sufficiently rigid as to provide a base of sufficient structural integrity as to allow for the lure material 30 to be affixed thereto by tying with a thread or with an adhesive such as a resin. The material comprising the outer wall 25 is preferably a rigid plastic such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC).

[0072] In embodiments, the outer wall 25 has an internal diameter of about 10mm and a length of about 10mm. The thickness of the outer wall 25 is about 1 mm. In other embodiments, the outer wall 25 has an internal diameter of between about 8mm and 12mm, or between about 6mm and 14mm and a length of between about 8mm and about 12mm, or between about 6mm and 14mm. In embodiments, the thickness of the outer wall 25 is about 2mm or about 3mm.

[0073] In other embodiments, the lure material 30 is embedded in the body 20. In an embodiment, the lure material 30 is embedded in the soft portion 22 such as during a process of moulding the soft portion 22. In another embodiment, the lure material 30 is embedded in the rigid outer wall 25 such as during a process of moulding the outer wall 25. [0074] In another embodiment, an external tubing (not shown) is placed over the outer wall 25 and the lure material 30 is secured between the external tubing and the outer wall 25. Preferably, the external tubing is comprised of a resilient material or a shrinkable material. The external tubing is sized so closely surround the outer wall 25 and to compress a portion of the lure material 30 therebetween to thereby secure the lure material 30 to the body 20. In embodiments, the external tubing is comprised of a heat shrink tubing material and preferably an adhesive is provided between the external tubing and the outer wall 25 to further secure the lure material 30 therebetween.

[0075] In another embodiment, the elongated tube 27 includes a larger diameter section and a smaller diameter section separated by a flange, wherein the narrower section functions as a location to tie the fly.

[0076] In use, when the body 20 is impaled by the hook 60 of the jig 50 the shank 70 passes through the central longitudinal passage 28 within the elongated tube 27. The distal part of the hook 60 comprising the bend 65, the point 66 and the barb 67 and a portion of the shank 70 protrude out of the opening 29 at the distal end 23 of the tube 27. The head 75 protrudes out of the opening 26 at the proximal end 21 of the tube 27 where a fishing line can be attached with a knot to the eyelet 77 to tether the jig 50 and the fly lure 10 to the fishing line.

[0077] Referring to Figure 6, an embodiment of the body 20 of the fly lure 10 is illustrated where one of the ends 21 of the outer wall 25 surrounding the soft portion 22 includes a groove 32. As detailed below, the groove 32 is adapted to facilitate insertion of the hook 60 of the jig 50 through the soft portion 22 of the body 20.

[0078] The groove 32 comprises a gap in the otherwise annular end 21 of the outer wall that extends along at least a portion of the length of the body 20 to accommodate the shank 70 of the jig 50 when the hook 60 is initially inserted into the soft portion 22 and through the central passage 28 of the elongated tube 27. In use, the shank 70 will be held by a user transversely to the longitudinal axis of the central passage 28 and the point 66 of the hook 60 inserted into the soft portion 22 and the shank 70 enters the groove 32. After the point 66 and the bend 65 of the hook 60 pass completely through the soft portion 22 and out the other side the shank 70 can then be levered out of the groove 32 into substantial alignment with the longitudinal axis of the central passage 28.

[0079] Figures 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of the body 20 of the fly lure 10 wherein the end 21 of the outer wall 25 surrounding the soft portion 22 includes two of the grooves 32 located opposite each other. The grooves 32 are adapted to facilitate insertion of the hook 60 of the jig 50 through the soft portion 22 of the body 20 in the manner described above with reference to the embodiment of Figure 6.

[0080] The embodiments of Figures 6 to 8 in which the outer wall 25 includes one or more of the grooves 32 are adapted longer lengths of the body 20 and the outer wall 25 thereof. In embodiments comprising one of more of the grooves 32, the outer wall 25 has an internal diameter of about 10mm and a length of at least about 10mm, or a length of at least 12mm or at least 14mm or at least 16mm or at least 18mm or at least 20mm or any increment therebetween.

[0081] Referring to Figure 9, there is shown another embodiment of the body 20 of the fly lure 10 including one or more recesses 35 in the outwardly facing surface 24 of the outer wall 25 for receiving a fish attractant or a scent composition. The recesses 35 of the body 20 of Figure 9 are comprised of a series of round shaped openings in the outwardly facing surface 24 arranged in a linear array along a longitudinal length of the body 20. In use, a user can apply a fish attractant or a scent composition onto the outwardly facing surface 24 of the body 20 and the composition is accepted within the recesses 35.

[0082] Figures 10 to 16 illustrate a number of embodiments of the fly lure 10 in which the body 20 includes a part of a coupling for securing the body 20 and the jig 50 together. [0083] Referring to Figures 10 and 11 , an embodiment of the fly lure 110 in which the body 120 only is shown (i.e. without the lure material 30 attached to the outer wall 125 of the body 120) in order to show a bayonet coupling for connection with the jig 150. The bayonet coupling consists of a slot 124 within the body 120, the slot 124 comprising a longitudinal part 126 and a serif shaped part 127. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 , the slot 124 passes through the outer wall 125 of the body 120. Otherwise, the fly lure 110 and the body 120 of Figure 10 is the same as the fly lure 10 and the body 20 of Figures 2 to 5.

[0084] In use, the slot 124 is preferably adapted to receive the eyelet 77 extending transversely from the head 75 of the jig 50 of Figure 1. In another preferred embodiment, the slot 124 is adapted to receive a protrusion 176 extending transversely from the head 175 of the jig 150 of Figure 11 which is otherwise the same as the jig 50 of Figure 1.

[0085] In use, the hook 160 of the jig 150 is inserted into the longitudinal passage 128 within the body 120 and the protrusion 176 enters the longitudinal part 126 of the slot 125. When the protrusion 176 reaches the serif shaped part 127 the user rotates the jig 150 relative to the body 120 whereby the protrusion 176 enters the serif shaped part 127 of the slot 125 to thereby lock the jig 150 within the body 120.

[0086] The body 120 contains a resilient portion 122 within the longitudinal passage 128. The head 175 of the jig 150 engages the resilient portion 122 which pushes against the head 175 to bias the protrusion 176 towards a closed end of the serif shaped part 127 of the slot 124 to securely lock the jig 150 within the body 120. In another embodiment not shown, the protrusion 176 extends transversely from the sinker 180 on the shank 170 of the jig 150. The sinker 180 engages the resilient portion 122 which pushes against the sinker 180 to bias the protrusion 176 towards the closed end of the serif shaped part 127 of the slot 124 to securely lock the jig 150 within the body 120. [0087] In embodiments, the central passage 128 of the tube 127 is partially or preferably completely occluded along at least a portion of its length by the soft portion 122 which, in use, is adapted to be penetrated by the hook 160 of the jig 150. In such embodiments, the shank 170 becomes embedded in the soft portion 122 occluding the central passage of the tube 127 to thereby securely retain the hook 160 relative to the body 120. Preferably the soft portion is comprised of soft elastomeric, for example a silicon rubber.

[0088] Referring to Figures 12 and 13, another embodiment of the fly lure 210 is illustrated in which the body 220 only is shown (i.e. without the lure material 30 attached to the outer wall 225 of the body 220) in order to show a threaded coupling for connection with the embodiment of the jig 250 of Figure 13. The threaded coupling consists of a helical channel 224 in an internal surface 239 of the outer wall 225 defining the longitudinal passage 228 within the body 220. Otherwise, the fly lure 210 and the body 220 of Figure 12 is the same as the fly lure 10 and the body 20 of Figures 2 to 5.

[0089] Figures 13 illustrates an embodiment of the jig 250 in which the sinker 280 includes a helical ridge 276. In use, the hook 260 of the jig 250 is inserted into the longitudinal passage 228 within the body 220. When the jig 250 is received within the body 220 in a longitudinal direction and simultaneously rotated relative to the body 220, the helical channel 224 receives the helical ridge 276 to thereby threadedly couple the jig 250 within the body 220. The body 220 optionally contains a resilient portion 222 within the longitudinal passage 228 adjacent to the helical channel 224.

[0090] In another embodiment, the internal surface 239 of the outer wall 225 of the body 220 of Figure 12 includes a series of annular channels instead of the single helical channel 224. The channels are separated by a series of ribs comprised of a resilient material. Furthermore, the sinker 280 of the jig 250 includes a series of annular ridges instead of a single helical ridge 276.

[0091] In use, the jig 250 is inserted into the longitudinal passage 228 within the body 220 and the annular ridges on the sinker 280 of the jig 250 are adapted to pass over the ribs and to enter the annular channels to thereby retain the jig 250 within the body 220. The ribs separating the annular channels of the body 220 or the annular protrusions of the jig 250, or both, include a shallow ramped surface on one side and a steep ramped surface on an opposite side to enhance engagement between the jig 250 and the body 220.

[0092] In embodiments, including the embodiments of Figures 12 and 13, the central passage 228 of the tube 227 is partially or preferably completely occluded along at least a portion of its length by the soft portion 222 which, in use, is adapted to be penetrated by the hook of the jig. In such embodiments, the shank 270 becomes embedded in the soft portion 222 occluding the central passage of the tube 227 to thereby securely retain the hook 260 relative to the body 220. Preferably the soft portion is comprised of soft elastomeric, for example a silicon rubber.

[0093] Referring to Figures 14A to 16, another embodiment of the fly lure 310 is illustrated in which the body 320 only is shown (i.e. without the lure material 30 attached to the outer wall 325 of the body 320) in order to show a keyed coupling for connection with the embodiment of the jig 350 of Figure 15. The keyed coupling consists of a portion of the longitudinal passage 328 within the body 320 being provided in the form of a longitudinal slot 326.

[0094] In Figure 15, there is shown an embodiment of the jig 350 in which a shaft part 380 is provided on the shank 370 of the hook 360. The shaft part 380 is comprised of a weight or a sinker body that extends transversely from the shank 370. The shaft part 380 has a generally rectangular profile along the longitudinal length thereof. The longitudinal slot 326 within the body 320 also has a generally rectangular profile along the longitudinal length thereof to substantially match the profile of the shaft part 380 when the shaft part 380 and the longitudinal slot 326 are axially and radially aligned.

[0095] I n use, when the hook 360 of the jig 350 is inserted through the opening 326 at one of the ends 321 of the body 320 and into the longitudinal passage 328, the distal part of the hook 360 comprising the bend 365, the point 366 and the barb 367 and a portion of the shank 370 protrude out of the opening 329 at the distal end 323 of the passage 328. Simultaneously, the longitudinal slot 328 functions as a keyway for receiving the shaft part 380 of the jig 350 therethrough when the shaft part 380 and the longitudinal slot 326 are axially and radially aligned.

[0096] As illustrated in Figure 16, after the shaft part 380 has passed completely through the longitudinal slot 328, the jig 350 is rotatable relative to the body 320 whereby the shaft part 380 abuts against an axial facing surface 319 of the body 320 adjacent to a distal end of the longitudinal slot 328. Abutment of the shaft part 380 against the axial facing surface 319 prevents inadvertent withdrawal of the jig 350 back through the body 320.

[0097] The body 320 contains a resilient portion 322 within the longitudinal passage 328. The head 375 of the jig 350 engages the resilient portion 322 which pushes against the head 375 to bias the shaft part 380 into engagement with the axial facing surface 319 to securely lock the jig 350 within the body 320.

[0098] In embodiments, the keyed coupling consists of a longitudinal passage 328 within the body 320 being provided in the form of a longitudinal slot 326. The longitudinal slot 328 extends along the length of the body 320. The shaft part 380 is provided on the shank 370 of the hook 360 and can be any shape. Preferably, the shaft part is cross-shaped or star-shaped radially.

[0099] The longitudinal slot 326 within the body 320 substantially matches the profile of the shaft part 380, which is preferably star shaped, when the shaft part 380 and the longitudinal slot 326 are axially and radially aligned, such that when the hook 360 of the jig 350 is inserted through the opening 326 at one of the ends 321 of the body 320, the shaft part 380 passes completely through the longitudinal passage 328.

[00100] After the shaft part 380 has passed completely through the longitudinal slot 326, the jig 350 or the shaft part 380 is rotatable relative to the body 320 whereby the shaft part 380 abuts against an axial facing surface at a distal end of the longitudinal slot 326. Abutment of the shaft part 380 against the axial facing surface at the distal end of the longitudinal slot 326 prevents inadvertent withdrawal of the jig 350 back through the body 320.

[00101] The invention also provides a method of connecting a fly lure, such as the fly lure 10, 110, 210, 310 of any of the embodiments of the Figures with a jig according to any of the embodiments of the jig 50, 150, 250, 350 illustrated in the Figures. With reference to the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5, the method includes affixing lure material 30 to a body 20 for mimicking a natural bait for a fish. The lure material 30 includes any one of more of a fur, a feather, a thread, a fibre or a filament, any of the aforesaid being natural or synthetic and is affixed to the body 20 by tying with a thread or with an adhesive such as resin.

[00102] The method further includes inserting at least part of a jig 50 within the body 20, wherein the body 20 is configured to cooperate with the part of the jig 50 received therewithin to secure the body 20 and the jig 50 together and thereby connect the fly lure 10 with the jig 50.

[00103] Embodiments of the method include the steps for connecting any one of the embodiments of the fly lure 10, 110, 210, 310 and the jig 50, 150, 250, 350 described above and illustrated in the Figures.

[00104] Embodiments of the fly lure of the invention described herein, and methods of connecting the fly lure to a jig, are advantageous as they provides an artificial fishing fly comprising a lure constructed to include furs, feathers, thread or any of many other materials that are tied or similarly attached onto the body which is adapted for connection with any one of a number of different configurations of jig comprising different hook and/or sinker sizes. Accordingly, the invention allows for a user to connect the fly lure to any one of a selection of jigs with different hook and sinker sizes and configurations for the target fish and/or for the prevailing fishing conditions and/or for the type of water body. In embodiments, the fly lure also permits the jig connected thereto to be removed and optionally replaced with another one of the jigs.

[00105] While various embodiments of the invention have been set forth above, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the present invention cover such modifications and variations as fall within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

Claims:

1 . A fly lure for fishing adapted for connection with a jig comprised of a hook with a shank and an integral sinker, the fly lure including: a body for receiving at least part of the jig therewithin; lure material affixed to the body for mimicking a natural bait for a fish; wherein the body is configured to cooperate with the part of the jig received therewithin to secure the body and the jig together and thereby connect the fly lure with the jig.

2. The fly lure of claim 1 , wherein the body is comprised at least in part by a material that is adapted to be impaled by the hook of the jig.

3. The fly lure of claim 2, wherein the material includes a soft elastomeric material.

4. The fly lure of claim 3, wherein the body includes an outer wall surrounding at least a part of the soft elastomeric material and the lure material is affixed to the outer wall.

5. The fly lure of claim 4, wherein the outer wall is comprised of an elongated tube including a central passage extending between openings at opposite ends, wherein the soft elastomeric material is contained within the central passage wherein in use the shank of the hook passes through the central passage and at least part of the shank is embedded in the soft elastomeric material.

6. The fly lure of claim 5, wherein the elongated tube includes a larger diameter section and a smaller diameter section separated by a flange, wherein the narrower section functions as a location to tie the fly.

7. The fly lure of claim 5, wherein in use at least part of the sinker is embedded in the soft elastomeric material.

8. The fly lure of claim 4, wherein at one of the ends of the tube, the outer wall includes a groove to accommodate the shank during insertion of the hook through the central passage of the elongated tube.

9. The fly lure of claim 8, wherein the outer wall includes two opposite grooves at the same end of the tube.

10. The fly lure of claim 4, wherein the outer wall is comprised of a rigid polymeric material.

11. The fly lure of claim 4, wherein the outer wall includes one or more recesses for receiving a fish attractant or a scent composition.

12. The fly lure of claim 1 , wherein the body is comprised of an elongated tube including a central passage extending between openings at opposite ends, wherein the tube includes a part of a coupling for securing the body and the jig together.

13. The fly lure of claim 12, wherein the coupling comprises a bayonet coupling.

14. The fly lure of claim 13, wherein the bayonet coupling consists of a slot within the body, the slot comprising a longitudinal part for receiving a protrusion of the jig when the jig is received within the body in a longitudinal direction and a serif shaped part for receiving the protrusion when the jig is rotated relative to the body to thereby lock the jig within the body.

15. The fly lure of claim 13, wherein the body contains a resilient portion for pushing against the jig to bias the protrusion towards a closed end of the serif shaped part.

16. The fly lure of claim 12, wherein the coupling includes a threaded coupling.

17. The fly lure of claim 16, wherein the threaded coupling consists of a helical channel within the slot for receiving a helical ridge of the jig when the jig is received within the body in a longitudinal direction and simultaneously rotated relative to the body to thereby lock the jig within the body.

18. The fly lure of claim 12, wherein the coupling consists of a series of annular channels within the body separated by rib comprised of a resilient material and a series of annular ridges on the jig that are adapted to pass over the ribs and to enter the annular channels to thereby retain the jig within the body.

19. The fly lure of claim 18, wherein the ribs separating the annular channels or the annular protrusions of the jig or both include a shallow ramped surface on one side and a steep ramped surface on an opposite side.

20. The fly lure of claim 12, wherein the coupling consists of a keyway within the body comprising a longitudinal slot for receiving completely therethrough a shaft part of the jig extending transversely from the shank whereafter the jig is rotatable relative to the body whereby the shaft part abuts against an axial facing surface of the body adjacent to an end of the keyway thereby preventing inadvertent withdrawal of the jig back through the body.

21. The fly lure of claim 20, wherein the body contains a resilient portion that is adapted to push against the jig to bias the shaft portion into engagement with the abutment surface.

22. The fly lure of claim 1 , wherein the lure material includes any one or more of a fur, a feather, a thread, a fibre or a filament, any of the aforesaid being natural or synthetic.

23. The fly lure of claim 22, wherein the lure material is embedded in the body or is adhered or fastened to an exterior surface of the body.

24. A combination of a jig and a fly lure for fishing, the jig comprising a hook including a shank and an integral sinker, and the fly lure including a body for receiving at least part of the jig therewithin, lure material affixed to the body for mimicking a natural bait for a fish, wherein the body is configured to cooperate with the part of the jig received therewithin to secure the body and the jig together and thereby connect the fly lure with the jig.

25. The combination of claim 24 including the jig and the fly lure of any one of claims 1 to 22.

26. A method of connecting a fly lure with a jig comprising a hook including a shank and an integral sinker, the method including affixing lure material to a body for mimicking a natural bait for a fish, and inserting at least part of the jig within the body, wherein the body is configured to cooperate with the part of the jig received therewithin to secure the body and the jig together and thereby connect the fly lure with the jig.