초록 ▼

Disclosed is a fishing gear recovery device and methods of use. The fishing gear recovery device of the present invention includes a recovery line housing, which is preferably produced from flexible tubular plastic stock. Attachments points are provided in the recovery line housing for the attachmen

Disclosed is a fishing gear recovery device and methods of use. The fishing gear recovery device of the present invention includes a recovery line housing, which is preferably produced from flexible tubular plastic stock. Attachments points are provided in the recovery line housing for the attachment of a recovery line, and biodegradable connectors. Additionally, the recovery device includes a buoyancy providing element.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A fishing gear recovery device for recovery of fishing gear lost due to separation from an associated surface buoy, comprising:a) a free-loading recovery line housing produced from tubing stock for containing recovery line when the fishing gear recovery device is not deployed, the recovery line h

1. A fishing gear recovery device for recovery of fishing gear lost due to separation from an associated surface buoy, comprising:a) a free-loading recovery line housing produced from tubing stock for containing recovery line when the fishing gear recovery device is not deployed, the recovery line housing having a first unsealed end for loading and deploying the recovery line; b) attachment points in the recovery line housing for: i) a recovery line; and ii) a plurality of biodegradable connectors which, are replaceable on a rotating basis, one or more of the connectors being positioned to crimp the first unsealed end of the recovery line housing to prevent recovery line release when the recovery device is in a non-deployed state; and c) a buoyancy providing element positioned within the recovery line housing; wherein said biodegradable connectors do not degrade rapidly under conditions of use, but degrade over a period of at least days.2. The fishing gear recovery device of claim 1 wherein the recovery line housing is produced from a UV-resistant plastic.3. The fishing gear recovery device of claim 2 wherein the recovery line housing further comprises a first sealed end containing a heat crimp seal.4. The fishing gear recovery device of claim 1 further comprising a buoyancy providing element providing sufficient buoyancy to carry the fishing gear recovery device to the surface when released from a depth of about 180 feet or less.5. The fishing gear recovery device of claim 4 wherein the buoyancy providing element is produced from a high density foam.6. The fishing gear recovery device of claim 5 wherein the high density foam is selected from the group consisting of PVC foam, styrene foam and urethane foam.7. The fishing gear recovery device of claim 1 further comprising a buoyancy providing element providing sufficient buoyancy to carry the fishing gear recovery device to the surface when released from a depth of about 180 up to about 600 feet.8. The fishing gear recovery device of claim 7 wherein the buoyancy-providing element comprises a sealed, high-impact plastic housing containing a trapped gas volume.9. A method for recovering fishing gear lost due to separation from an associated surface buoy, the method comprising:a) providing a fishing gear recovery device, comprising; i) a free-loading recovery line housing produced from tubing stock for containing recovery line when the fishing gear recovery device is not deployed, the recovery line housing having one unsealed end for loading and deploying the recovery line; ii) attachments points in the recovery line housing for: 1) a recovery line; and 2) a plurality of biodegradable connectors which are replaceable on a rotating basis, one or more of the connectors being positioned to crimp the unsealed end of the recovery line housing to prevent recovery line release when the recovery device is in a non-deployed state; and iii) a buoyancy providing element positioned within the recovery line housing; b) attaching the device to fishing gear, prior to loss, using biodegradable connectors; c) replacing the biodegradable connectors on a rotating basis throughout the fishing season; and d) following loss of the gear, locating the deployed fishing gear recovery device and recovering the gear using the recovery line which tethers the fishing gear recovery device to the gear; wherein said biodegradable connectors do not degrade rapidly under conditions of use, but degrade over a period of at least a week.10. The method of claim 9 wherein the recovery line housing is produced from a UV-resistant plastic.11. The method of claim 9 wherein the recovery line housing has a first end and a second end, the first end containing a heat crimp seal.12. The method of claim 9 wherein the buoyancy providing element provides sufficient buoyancy to carry the fishing gear recovery device to the surface when released from a depth of about 180 feet or less.13. The method of claim 12 wherein the buoyancy providing element is produced from a high density foam.14. The method of claim 13 wherein the high density foam is selected from the group consisting of PVC foam, styrene foam and urethane foam.15. The method of claim 9 wherein the buoyancy providing element provides sufficient buoyancy to carry the fishing gear recovery device to the surface when released from a depth of about 180 up to about 800 feet.16. The method of claim 15 wherein the buoyancy-providing element comprises a sealed, high-impact plastic housing containing a trapped gas volume.