CA2510718C - Hook-setting device for fishing - Google Patents

Abstract

A hook-setting device resists the force of a fish strike on a fly and also indicates a strike by its movement in the water. The device includes an open cup-shaped flange with a generally concave front surface that faces the fly, preferably with no structure between the front surface and the fly. The generally convex rear surface of the flange has a recess with a radial bottom wall including a slit. A float front end is received in the recess, and is fixed to the flange by an elastic gripping member that abuts against a front surface of the radial wall, extends through the slit and the float, and abuts against the rear end of the float. In addition to fixing the float to the flange, the elastic gripping member fixes the float-flange combination to the leader so that it does not slide on the leader.

Description

HOOK-SETTING DEVICE FOR FISHING

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention The present invention relates to fishing apparatus, and, more particularly, to a hook-setting device that may also function as a strike indicator.

Related Art Most recreational fishing apparatus and techniques currently being used may be classified into two general categories: 1) bait or lure fishing, using a rod and "spin"
or "cast" reel, fishing line, and bait on a hook or a lure with a hook; and 2) fly fishing, using a fly rod and reel, line, leader, and a fly having a hook. Bait or lure fishing is done by the vast majority of anglers, and is the traditional way for young people to learn how to fish. Fly fishing, which has a reputation for being difficult but rewarding, is done by a smaller segment of anglers, but is growing in popularity.
Fly-fishing techniques require apparatus and methods that are very different from those of conventional bait/lure fishing, especially in view of the significant differences between fly-casting (Figures 1-3) and spin-casting with the spin/cast rod and reel (Figure 4). The physics of these two methods of casting are different:
1) In fly-casting, the casting weight is the relatively heavy fly line 2, which therefore leads in travel through the air and pulls the relatively light fly leader 3 and fly 4 behind it during the rearward and forward steps of the cast (Figures and 2). In other words, the relatively heavy line 2, which extends between the fly rod 5 and the leader 3, travels in front of the leader 3 and the fly 4. As the line 2 reaches the surface of the water W, it flips out in front (upstream) of the angler, and lays out the leader 3 and fly 4 upstream, so that the fly is preferably the most upstream portion of the fishing apparatus (Figure 3). Thus, in a "whip-like"
manner, the end of the apparatus, which is the distal end of the leader and the fly, is flipped upstream to lie on the water and then starts floating downstream toward the angler. 2) In spin-casting, the lure or other bait 6 is the casting weight, so that the lure or bait 6 leads, rather than follows, in travel through the air (Figure 4) In other words, in spin-casting, the lure or bait travels in front of the line 7.

Therefore, the aerodynamics for the equipment used in the two types of fishing are different. In a fly cast, the side facing away from the fly is the side of an object attached to the fly leader that leads during the cast (Figures 1 and 2). In a spin cast, the side facing toward the bait or lure is the side of an object attached to the line that leads during the cast (Figure 4).
Halterman, Jr. (U.S. Patent 5,216,831) discloses a strike indicator which is reported to be "useful in fly fishing, ice fishing and light bait fishing, which provides slippage resistant attachment along a static fishing line." The Halterman, Jr.
strike indicator comprises a bifurcated strike indicator body with a stretchable tab slightly shorter than the strike indicator. The fishing line passes through a longitudinal slit and is held therein by the stretchable tab.
Calvin ( U.S. Patent 5,042,190) discloses a fly-fishing strike indicator that is moveable on a fishing leader but at the same time can maintain its position on the leader when a fly is cast. A knot of surgical tubing is made on the leader and a cover of thermoplastic, heat shrinkable tubing is slid over the knot to surround the leader and knot. The ends of the cover are then heated to constrict the ends loosely about the leader to form an air pocket between the leader and cover.
Constantin (U.S. Patent 6,421,950) discloses a strike-indicating fly line with a plurality of spaced apart bands along a section of the line visible to an angler. The bands and the spacing between the bands is such that they can be discerned in use by the angler, so that the angler can "see when the line stops drifting or changes direction, indicating a fish strike."
Wolfe (U.S. Patent No. 5,758,451) discloses a two-floatation-unit bobber system for bait/lure fishing, wherein an inner bobber is pulled by the fish strike out from the larger bobber. In order for the Wolfe bobber system to work, the inner bobber must distance itself from the outer bobber, and this is done by the inner bobber pulling the line through the outer bobber, with the outer bobber sliding along the line, as the inner bobber is pulled deeper into the water. The two bobbers becoming separated is a visual signal to the angler that a strike has occurred. The Wolfe bobber system floats "face-down" in the water, as is typical of bait/lure bobbers and floats.
Kramer (U.S. Patent 2,591,558) discloses a bait/lure fishing float that aims at limiting the drifting action of the float by providing a chambered body with fins and a closure member for the chamber. Kramer discloses a finned, substantially closed bell-shaped float, which "faces down" in the water and partially fills with water via a tubular member that opens only a small portion of the flat face of the float.
Teegarden (U.S. Publication US2002/0095853) discloses a wobble device that slides freely along a fishing line and provides a cup-shape facing away from the hook.
The cup-shape is reported to "impart a life-like wiggling motion to the natural and artificial fishing baits and lures, including flies, real and plastic worms, rubber baits, and other lures."
There is still a need for an improved apparatus for setting a hook and indicating a strike in fishing. There is especially a need for such a device that is effective in fly io fishing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention comprises a flange that is fixed, and generally transverse, to a fishing line or leader, and that is adapted to resist the force of a fish strike on a hook or fly. The flange preferably floats at or near the top of the water, by virtue of the lightness of the line or leader to which it is connected, the lightness of the flange itself, and/or a float that may be used with or that is integral with the flange. In the preferred, partially-submerged position of the flange in use, the surface of the flange facing the hook or fly has contact with the water sufficient to resist the fish strike, and yet a portion of the flange, and/or all or part of the optional float, may be visible to the angler for strike indication.
The flange surface facing the hook or fly preferably is generally concave and forms an open cup-shape that partially or completely fills with water, thereby providing resistance to the flange being pulled through the water in a direction the concave surface is facing. The open cup-shape resists the force of a fish strike on the hook or fly and helps to set the hook/fly in the fish's mouth.
The preferred flange for fly-fishing applications also features a generally convex surface facing away from the hook or fly. This generally convex surface is the leading surface of the preferred flange during fly-casting, reducing air resistance during the cast and contributing to proper laying-out of the fly at the end of the cast.
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a device that provides a hook-setting function and preferably also a strike indication function. A
further object is to provide an apparatus that is sufficiently light-weight so as to limit its interference with casting, and that has a shape that is effective for fly-casting.
In another aspect, there is provided a fly-fishing apparatus comprising a fly-fishing leader having a length; a fly connected to the leader; and a hook-setting device fixed to the leader, said device comprising a single cup-shaped flange having a central axis and a radial dimension, the flange being fixed to the leader so that said central axis is parallel to the length of said leader and said radial dimension extends transverse to the length of the leader;
wherein the flange has a generally concave front surface facing the fly and defining a flange interior space, and the flange has a generally convex rear surface with a recess comprising an axial side wall and a radial bottom wall, wherein a slit extends through said flange at said radial bottom wall and wherein a portion of the slit is located at said central axis; a single float having a front end, a rear end, a float axis extending between said front end and said rear end, a sidewall generally parallel to said float axis, and a float-slit extending between from said sidewall to said float axis from the front end to the rear end, wherein the front end of the float is received inside said recess so that the float axis is coaxial with said central axis of the flange; wherein said slit in said radial bottom wall of the recess and said float-slit receive a portion of the leader so that the leader extends coaxial with the flange central axis and the float axis; and wherein the hook-setting device further comprises an elongated elastic grip member having a grip front end and a grip rear end, wherein the elastic grip member extends through said slit in the radial bottom wall of the recess and through the float-slit to frictionally grip said portion of the leader received in the slit and the float-slit, and said grip front end abuts against a front surface of said radial bottom wall and wherein said grip rear end abuts against the rear end of the single float to hold the float in the recess, so that the elastic grip member fixes the float to said flange and fixes said float and flange to the leader.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Figure 1 is a schematic side view of a fly-fisherman performing the rearward portion of a fly-fishing cast, using one embodiment of the invented hook-setting device on the fly-fishing leader.
Figure 2 is a schematic side view of the fly-fisherman performing the forward portion of the fly-fishing cast, using the apparatus of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a close-up view of the end of a fly-fishing cast, wherein the device of Figures 1 and 2 is flipping over on the water and the fly is being "laid-out" upstream of the angler (not to scale).
Figure 4 is a schematic view of a bait/lure angler performing a conventional spin-cast, wherein the bait/lure is the casting weight and therefore leads in travel through the air.
Figure 5A is a side view of the hook-setting device embodiment of Figures 1 -3, in the water in use on a fly-fishing leader with a dry fly (not to scale).

Figure 5B is a side view of the hook-setting device of Figure 5A in the water in use on a fly-fishing leader with a wet fly (not to scale).
Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the hook-setting device of Figures 1 -5, removed from the leader or line, including one embodiment of a float.
Figure 7 is an exploded rear perspective view of the device of Figure 6.
Figure 8 is a rear view of the flange of the device of Figures 6 and 7, with the float having been removed.
Figure 9 is a side view of the device of Figures 6 and 7, with the flange shown in cross-section.
Figure 10 is a side view of the device of Figures 6, 7, and 9, turned 90 degrees from the view of Figure 9.
Figure 11 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the embodiment of Figures 6 -10, viewed from the direction indicated by the line 11 - 11 in Figure 6.
Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a hook-setting device according to the invention, removed from the leader or line, and including one embodiment of a float.

4a Figure 13 is an exploded rear perspective view of the device of Figure 12.
Figure 14 is a rear view of the flange of the device of Figures 12 and 13, with the float having been removed.
Figure 15 is a side cross-sectional view of the device of Figures 12 and 13, viewed along the line 15- 15 in Figure 12.
Figure 16 is a side view of the device of Figures 12, 13 and 15, turned 90 degrees from the view of Figure 15.
Figure 17 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a flange according to the invention, removed from the leader or line.
lo Figure 18 is an exploded rear perspective view of the flange of Figure combined with one embodiment of a float.
Figure 19 is a rear view of the flange of Figures 17 and 18.
Figure 20 is a side view of the device of Figure 18, with the flange shown in cross-section.
Figure 21 is a side view of the device of Figures 18 and 20, turned 90 degrees from the view of Figure 20, with the flange shown in cross-section.
Figure 22 is an enlarged, cross-sectional view of the device of Figures 18, 20 and 21, viewed along the line 22 - 22 in Figure 20.
Figure 23 is a rear perspective view of another embodiment of a hook-setting device according to the invention, removed from the leader or line.
Figure 24 is an exploded rear perspective view of the device of Figure 23.
Figure 25 is a rear view of the flange of the device of Figures 23 and 24, with the float having been removed.
Figure 26 is a side view of the device of Figures 23 and 24, with the flange shown in cross-section and viewed along the line 26 - 26 in figure 23.
Figure 27 is a side view of the device of Figures 23, 24, and 26, turned 90 degrees from the view of Figure 26.
Figures 28A, B, and C are schematic views of flanges curved on a 0.56 inch radius and having varying depths.
Figures 29A, B, and C are schematic view of flanges curved on a 0.75 inch radius and having varying depths.
Figures 30A, B, and C are schematic view of flanges curved on a 0.875 inch radius and having varying depths.

Figures 31A, B, and C are schematic view of flanges curved on a 1 inch radius and having varying depths.
Figures 32A and B are schematic view of flanges curved on a large radius and having shallow depths, and Figure 32C is a schematic view of flange with a flat portion, all resulting in "flat" flanges that may be less preferable or ineffective.
Figure 33 is a side cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the invented hook-setting device, without a float.
Figure 34 is a rear view of the device of Figure 33.
Figure 35 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the device of Figures 33 and 34, lo being fixed to a leader by means of the leader being tied around a central protrusion of the flange.
Figure 36 is a partial, cross-sectional view of the device of Figures 33 - 35, with the leader being tightened around the central protrusion of the flange.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Referring to the figures, there are shown several, but not the only, embodiments of the invented hook-setting device for fishing. The embodiments may have applications in all types of fishing, but are particularly well-adapted for fly fishing.
Therefore, the following detailed description focuses on applications of the preferred apparatus in fly fishing, but is not necessarily intended to limit the invention to fly fishing.
Two of the most difficult techniques for inexperienced fly fishermen/women are knowing when a fish has struck the fly and setting the hook. The fish often ejects the fly from its mouth before the person realizes that the fish has struck and can take action to set the hook in the fish. The preferred embodiments of the invention are particularly well-adapted for improving the problematic areas of hook-setting and strike indication, without interfering with proper fly-casting techniques.
As discussed in the Related Art section above, fly-fishing techniques are very sensitive to the type, size, shape, and weight of the apparatus being used. An object attached to a fly-fishing leader should be very lightweight, so that it does not interfere with proper fly-casting, including not interfering with the weight balance between the relatively heavy fly line and the relatively light fly leader and fly assembly. Therefore, the inventor believes that it is very important that a hook-setting device and/or strike indicator attached to a fly-fishing leader be specially designed to meet the important aerodynamic and weight considerations that may result in successful fly fishing.
The preferred embodiment of the hook-setting device 10, 110, 210, 310, 410 comprises a flange 11, 111, 211, 311, 411, that is fixed to a fly-fishing leader 3 at a distance from the fly 4. The flange extends generally transverse to the leader, and preferably extends all the way around the leader 3, or at least substantially all the way around the leader 3. In the embodiment 10 of Figures 1 - 3, 5A - 11, the flange 11 is a generally cup-shaped disc formed by a thin, curved wall 12 having a diameter substantially larger than the diameter of the leader. The flange 11 of the embodiment lo in Figures 1 - 3 and 5A -11 extends continuously 360 degrees around the leader 3, with an aperture 14 through the flange at its central axis for receiving the leader 3. The aperture 14 is through the wall(s) of a recess 16 that receives a portion of the float 50.
In the embodiment 110 of Figures 12 - 16, the flange 111 extends substantially continuously 360 degrees around the leader 3 (in this example, approximately 359 degrees), with the non-continuous feature being a narrow slit 118 from near the central axis to the outer perimeter 120, for aiding in installation of the flange 111 on the leader 3.
In the embodiment 210 of Figures 17 - 22, the flange 211 extends substantially continuously 360 degrees (in this example, approximately 345 - 359 degrees) around the leader 3, with the non-continuous feature being a slit 220 through the disc wall with slanted walls 222 forming a "trough" or "channel" in the flange with the bottom of the trough or channel being slit open.
The enlarged, crossed sectional views in Figures 11 and 22 illustrate the preferred thin, substantially-uniform-thickness wall of the flanges 11, 211, and the openings 30, 230 into the cupped interior 32, 232 that extends entirely or substantially across the entire diameter of the flange. The wall 12, 212 of the embodiments portrayed in Figures 11 and 22 is preferably, but not necessarily, about 10 -thousandths of an inch in thickness, and more preferably 10 - 20 thousandths of an inch in thickness. Thicknesses of 20 - 30 thousandths of an inch are believed to be attainable in a precise manner with injection molding, while thicknesses of 10 thousandths of an inch are believed to be attainable in a precise manner with vacuum molding. The inventor believes that polypropylene may be an effective material from which to make the flange, but other polymers, "plastics," composites, both natural and man-made, may be effective.
As may be seen from the drawings, each of the flanges 11, 111, 211 is curved on a single radius (in which case the flange could be called a "spherical cap") or curved on multiple radii that are very close to each other (in which case the flange could be called "generally a spherical cap"). Other shapes and wall thicknesses may be used.
For example, a flange with a non-circular perimeter and non-spherical wall may be used, such as the wavy or undulating flange 310 illustrated in Figures 23 -25.
However, the flange 310 in Figures 23 - 25 still has a thin wall with a generally concave lo front face and a generally convex rear face and may still be called "generally cup-shaped."
Disc walls other than those having a generally constant thickness may be used, especially if a varying or uneven wall thickness assists in achieving the desired strength and low-weight characteristics of the disc. For example, a disc wall may be thicker near the center and thinner near the outer perimeter, or may have thicker radial portions, between relatively thinner portions, reinforcing the wall.
However, whether the flange is a spherical or generally spherical cap with a circular perimeter, or whether it is a non-spherical disc with a non-circular perimeter, or even another overall shape, it is preferred to provide the flange with a rear surface that has a convex portion or, more preferably, that is substantially or entirely convex, for optimizing fly casting. Also, whatever the overall flange shape, it is preferred to provide the flange with a front surface that has a concave portion or, more preferably, that is substantially or entirely concave, for optimizing hook-setting.
The inventor has found that a rear surface with a convex portion, or that is substantially or entirely convex, is particularly effective for providing the desired aerodynamics of casting and layout of the fly and leader upstream of the strike indicator, with the leader between the fly and the indicator and preferably fully extended in a generally straight line. On the other hand, flanges with a flat or substantially flat rear surface do not properly lay out the fly and instead allow the leader and fly to "pile up" generally on top of, or near, the flange on the water. The inventor believes that the ineffective cast with devices having a flat or substantially flat rear surface is due to the air resistance offered by the flat or substantially flat surface moving forward during a cast.

The inventor has found that a front surface that has a concave portion, or that is substantially or entirely concave, exhibits superior hook-setting and strike indicating capabilities. The hook-setting device is fixed to the leader, at a distance preferably in the range of 2 - 6 feet from the fly. Once the fly is properly laid out upstream, with the leader and the hook-setting device downstream of the fly, the strike indicator remains generally that distance from the fly while the hook-setting device, leader, and fly travel downstream. This distance from the fly helps prevent the hook-setting device from being too close to the fly and giving the fly an unnatural appearance.
As illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, after the lay out of the fly, the preferred hook-setting device 10 is nearly instantaneously partially filled with water, and floats partially submerged (typically about 2/3 - 3/4 submerged) and generally vertically near the top surface of the water W. By "generally vertical" it is meant that the outer perimeter 20 of the flange (which may also be the "outer extremity" of the flange and the perimeter surrounding the "opening" of the cup-shaped disc) preferably lies in a plane that is generally vertical. As may be seen in Figures 5A and 5B, the use of a dry fly 4' vs. a wet fly 4 may also effect the orientation of the hook-setting device 10 in the water, but both the orientations shown in Figures 5A and B are herein called "generally vertical." Preferably, whether in use with a dry or wet fly (with nymphs being included in the term "fly"), the outer perimeter 20 of the flange will be in the range of greater than 45 degrees up to about 90 degrees relative to the horizontal surface of the water, and more preferably from about 60 - 90 degrees relative to the horizontal surface of the water.
The nearly instantaneous positioning of the preferred embodiments in the substantially-water-filled, generally vertical orientation is important because the most effective casts deliver the fly only about 3 - 4 feet upstream of a fish. Fish tend to face upstream, waiting for an insect to float downstream, and tend to strike upstream.
Therefore, a fly that is properly positioned nearly instantaneously, and that appears natural (at least in part because the hook-setting device is "out of the fish's view"), will more likely be struck by the fish, and will be struck quickly.
As the preferred hook-setting device is carried downstream by the flowing water, the force of the water against the concave surface will result in significant resistance to a fish strike. As most fish strike a fly in an upstream direction, this upstream force on the fly/hook will be strongly opposed by the downstream force of the water against the concave surface of the flange. This causes the hook to be set in the fish's mouth as soon as, or soon after, the fish strikes the fly, without requiring action by the angler.
Generally concurrent with the fish strike being resisted by the preferred flange, the hook-setting device will exhibit some movement that is inconsistent with the previous downstream travel of the device ¨ clearly signaling the fly-fisherman of the strike, so that the fisherman may then sharply raise the fly-rod, contributing additional hook-setting force to the fly. Thus, the preferred concave flange surface facing the fly 4, 4' is particularly well-adapted for both hook-setting and indication functions, as it provides substantial resistance and yet allows some movement to indicate a strike, lo especially upon a strike upstream.
In general, the diameter across the opening of the flange (diameter of the outer perimeter "DP") is selected to provide sufficient resistance in the water for hook-setting, but not too much resistance in the air during casting. The depth of the cup-shape ("DTH") is selected to provide the preferred rear face curvature for proper casting and the preferred front face curvature for hook-setting. The preferred flanges have a diameter DP that is preferably equal to or greater than 3/4 inch, more preferably between 3/4 inch and 1 3/4 inches, and most preferably between 1/1/8 and 1 3/8 inches. The depth DTH preferably ranges from about 0.2 inch to about 0.6 inch, and more preferably from about 0.3 inch to 0.6 inch. The radius R preferably ranges from about% inch to about 1 inch.
As explained earlier in the Description, other flange shapes, sizes, and curvatures may be used besides the "partial sphere" shapes illustrated by the "generally spherical caps" of Figures 1-3 and 5A - 22 and the "spherical caps"
of Figures 28 - 31. The "partial-sphere" shapes are preferred because they has been found to exhibit the strength, light weight, and effective aerodynamics and effective water capture needed for effective fly casting, hook-setting, and strike indication. A
cone is not preferred for the flange shape, because it tends to be too heavy when formed with an opening in the preferred range of diameters that are selected for good water capture.
Figures 28 - 31 include examples with diameter DP ranging from 13/16 inch (Figure 28C) to 1 11/16 (Figure 31A); depth DTH ranging from 0.21 inch (Figure 28C) to 0.60 inch (Figures 31A); and radius R ranging from 0.56 inch (Figures 28A -C) to 1 inch (Figures 31A - C). The flanges of Figures 29A - C and 30A - C are preferred; the flanges of 31A - C are still effective in many applications but less preferred as they offer more resistance during casting and a less-optimum lay-out; and the flanges of Figures 28A - C are effective in some applications but are less preferred as they may provide less-than-desired hook-setting resistance. Thus, the preferred flanges from Figures 29A - C and 30A - C are in the range of about 1 1/16 - 1 7/16 inches in diameter DP;
0.289 - 0.5 inches in depth DTH; and curved on about 0.75 - 0.875 inches in radius R.

Examples of Flanges Tested The present inventor has tested multiple flanges according to the invention for proper casting, lay-out, and hook-setting. These include:

Depth DTH of Flanges of Various Curvatures (R) and Outer Perimeter Diameters (DP) = A
Diameter 1 7/16 1 5/8 1 13/16 2 2 1/8 2 1/2 3 (Radius), (Approx. (Approx. (Approx. (1) (11/16) (11/4) (Approx.
inches 11/16) 13/16) 15/16) 2) Outer Depth Perimeter DTH, Diameter DP, inches:
inches 1 0.309 0.272 0.241 0.210 0.179 0.1483 <0.2 1 3/16 0.348 0.306 0.2714 0.2366 0.202 0.167 <0.2 11/4 0.386 0.339 0.301 0.2625 0.2239 0.185 <0.2 1 3/8 0.425 0.374 0.3315 0.289 0.2465 0.204 <0.2 For example, from the above table column A, one will note that four flanges with is a spherical curvature of approximately 11/16 inches (R) were made with different outer perimeter diameters DP (1 inch through 1 3/8 inches). This resulted in flange depths DTH ranging from 0.309 - 0.425 inches. In column B, four flanges with a curvature (R) of 13/16 inches were made with the same DP's, resulting in DTH's ranging from 0.272 - 0.374 inches. In column C, four flanges with a curvature of 15/16 inches (R) were made with the same DP's, resulting in DTH's ranging from 0.241 - 0.3315, and so forth as shown in columns D - G.
The inventor's testing, by fly-casting and -fishing with the flanges, indicated that the flanges in columns A - C were highly effective when each was made to weigh less than 20 grains. The flanges in column D were marginal in performance when made to weight less than 20 grains, and the flanges in columns E - G were poor in performance, when made to weigh less than 20 grains, probably due to their "flatness."
Flanges that are "shallow" or "flat" by virtue of having a large radius (R) and small depth DTH are less preferred because they tend not to cast well, either because they provide too much air resistance during the cast and/or they do not lay out the fly properly. For example, the flanges in columns E-G of the above Table are less preferred or entirely ineffective, and the shapes in Figures 32A and B are also less preferred or entirely ineffective, because they are too flat. The flange shape in Figure 32C is also less preferred, or may be entirely ineffective, even though it is an overall size similar to those in Figures 31A - C, because of the flat central area on its rear surface.
Many of the preferred flanges have protrusions or other non-concave portions in their front surfaces, for example, the recesses of the flanges 10, 110, 210, and 310, which are recesses when viewed from the rear of the flange but are protrusions when viewed from the front of the flanges. Also, the flange shown in Figures 33 -36 has a protrusion at its central axis that extends into the interior space of the cup-shape. In general, the protrusions provide additional structure to which a float may be attached, around which the leader may be fastened (for example, as shown in Figures 35 and 36) so that the flange is fixed to the leader and stays transverse to the leader, and so that the overall strength/rigidity of the flange may be increased.
Flanges may also have protrusions extending from their rear surfaces, and/or recesses in their front surfaces. For example, a buoyant portion may be integrally formed and protrude from the rear surface of the flange, or other protrusion(s) may extend from the rear surface to give the flange additional structure for attachment to the leader or to affect its position in the water, for example.

Referring in Detail to the Figures:
As illustrated in Figures 1-3, 5A and 5B, the preferred hook-setting device 10 is positioned on the leader 3 a distance from the fly 4, 4', preferably 2 - 6 feet from the fly, with the concave surface 34 facing the fly. The rearward and forward cast maintain the hook-setting device with its convex surface 36 traveling into the air, so that the device experiences minimal air resistance and causes minimal interference with the cast. When the line reaches the water, it flips the leader upstream, and the fly is laid out as shown in Figure 3. Figures 3, 5A and 5B are not to scale, in that they, for convenience, show the flange 11 as too large compared to the distance of the flange io from the fly 4; the preferred hook-setting device is preferably several feet from the fly and its diameter DP is only about 1 1/8 - 1/4 inches, compared to a typical leader's diameter of about 0.004 inches at its small distal end and about 0.21 inches at its larger proximal end.
Referring specifically to the embodiment in Figures 6 - 10, device 10 comprises a flange 11 and a float 50 connected to the flange 11 at or near the center of the flange.
The flange 11 features a generally cup-shaped disc wall 12, with a rear side/surface 36 that is generally convex, and a front side/surface 34 that is generally concave. The outer perimeter 20 of the flange 11 defines and surrounds an opening 30 into the interior concave space 32 of the cup-shape. The flange 11 comprises a recess 16 that receives an end 62 of the float 50 to position the float generally coaxial with the flange.
The recess 16 has a bottom wall 37, a side wall 38, and a slot 39 through the bottom wall 37 starting at the center axis of the flange, and extending radially to the side wall 38 and into an alcove 40 in the side wall.
The float 50 has an axial slit 52 from its outer side surface 54 to its center axis, all along the length of the float, and a removable grip member 60 that extends axially through the slit 52 to extend from both ends 62, 64 of the float. A first end 66 of the grip member 60 extends through the slot 39 in the bottom wall, and is held there by the enlarged "arrow" shape of the end 66. The grip member 60 holds the flange 11 and float 50 together, by the elasticity of the grip member 60 and its first end 66 abutting against the front surface 37' of the bottom wall and its second end 68 abutting against the outer end 64 of the float. Alternatively or additionally, the float 50 may frictionally grip the wall(s) of the recess 16, and/or be adhesively or otherwise fastened or connected to the flange 11.

The device 10 is attached to the fly-fishing leader by inserting the leader 3 through the slit 118 in the flange and along side or inside the slit 52 in the float. With the float 50 inserted into the recess 16, the user may grasp the leader 3 in a few fingers of each hand (typically the ring and little finger of hand). The user then grasps the flange 11, which holds the fist end 66 of the grip member, with one hand (typically thumb and first finger), and grasps the float 50 with the other hand (typically thumb and first finger). The user pulls the flange 11 and float 50 apart slightly, which stretches the grip member 60 and narrow its width, leaving room in the slit 52 for the leader. The user may then tighten the leader 3 between his/her hands, or otherwise manipulate the lo leader so that it slides radially further into the slit 52 along side the narrowed grip member 60. The user then twists the float 50 relative to the flange 11, which typically serves to twist the grip member around the leader to further grip and capture the leader 3 inside the float 50. The inventor has found that by following this procedure, and by keeping track of how many times he/she twists the float 50 relative to the flange 11 (preferably 3 - 4), he/she may more easily remove the leader 3 from the float 50 by twisting the float in the opposite direction that same number of times.
After following the above preferred procedure or other procedures, the leader passes through the float and the flange, and is gripped/captured inside the float by the twisting/circling of the resilient and rubbery grip member preferably more than once around the leader. The hook-setting device 10 will be unable to slide, or extremely unlikely to slide, along the leader and is therefore, fixed to the leader 3.
The grip used in the float and flange may be of the type known to anglers as a rubber grommet. Other elastic and/or rubbery grip members may be used, for example, a length of elastic tubing with or without caps or other enlarged ends, such as that shown in Figures 12 - 16. Elastic tubing without caps or enlarged ends may be generally as effective as the preferred rubber grommet, and such elastic tubing may typically be used without twisting it around the leader, by simply letting it take up space and "plugs" the slit of the float and/or flange and the leader is blocked from exiting the slot(s).
While the arrow-ended grip members are shown with flanges that have slits all the way from the outer perimeter to the center of the flange, and with flanges that do not have such slits, such grip members are preferred with flanges having the slits due to their thickness and the size of their arrow-ends. This way, the grip member may be stretched and slid "sideways" through the slit for easy initial installation.
Elastic tubing without caps or enlarged ends may be especially useful for flanges without slits from outer perimeter to flange center, as the ends of such tubing may be installed axially through an aperture with less resistance than the larger arrow-ends.
Also, while the generally flat, arrow-ended grip members may be shown in the Figures as being orientated in the float and/or flange so that their planes are parallel to the slit of the flange and the slit of the float, the arrow-ended grip member will typically be turned 90 degrees in the flange and float. This way, the plane of the grip member will be transverse to the flange slit and float slit, and, hence, the grip member will be unlikely to slide out "sideways" from the float or flange.
The float shape shown in the Figures is preferred, but other shapes and sizes may be used, with the goal of providing a device total weight of less than 15 grains (comprising a flange weight of preferably less than 10 grains, a float weight of about 2 grains, and a rubber grip member of about 1-2 grains). The float 50 gives sufficient buoyancy to the device to keep the device at or near the top surface of the water, with preferably about a 1/3 or less portion of the flange 11 above water and about a 1/2 portion of the float 50 above water, so that at least these portions are visible to the angler. If the flange 11 is made of a fairly clear and/or colorless material, even the portion above water may not be very visible, but preferably the float 50 is made of a closed-cell foam or other white or colored buoyant material, so that especially the portion above water will be visible. In some embodiments, a flange may be made heavier, so that it purposely sinks farther into the water than is shown in Figures 5A and 58. This may be done with heavier polymer or "plastic," forming the flange with thicker walls, and/or by removing the float.
In the embodiment of Figures 6 - 11, the leader 3 is inserted through the slot in the flange with the fly/hook 4 removed from the leader 3. While this may be less preferred from a convenience point of view, it is preferred for increasing strength and rigidity of the flange at a low flange weight because it allows a flange without a slit extending to the outer perimeter.
Figures 12 - 22 illustrate some, but not the only, embodiments that may include a slit 118, 218 all the way to the outer perimeter 120, 220 of the flange, for allowing the leader 3 to be inserted radially rather than axially into the flange 111, 211.
The device 110 of Figures 12 - 16 includes a flange 111 and float 50', which are connected together in a manner similar to that of the device of Figures 6 - 11, except that the grip member 160 is an elastic tube with capped ends (caps 162, 164 instead of arrow ends 62, 64). The flange 111 features a generally cup-shaped disc wall, with a rear side/surface 136 that is generally convex, and a front side/surface 134 that is generally concave. The outer perimeter 120 of the flange defines and surrounds an opening 130 into the interior concave space 132 of the cup-shape. The flange 111 comprises a recess 116 that receives a first end of the float and that has a bottom wall 137, a side wall 138, and a island wall 141 that upends from the bottom wall 137. The island wall 141 surrounds an aperture 114 in the bottom wall at the center axis of the flange, and its two generally parallel, spaced wall portions extend to the side wall 138 to create an opening in the side wall that communicates with a radial slit 118 in the flange. The radial slit 118 extends all the way across the flange from the recess 116 to the outer perimeter 120. The slit 118 opens at the outer perimeter 120 so that a leader 3 may slide through the flange from the outer perimeter to the center axis aperture 114. Thus, the leader need not be "threaded" through a small hole near the center of the flange (with the fly and hook removed, or with only a very small fly being used) but instead a middle portion may be slid radially into the flange with the fly and hook already attached to the distal end of the leader. The island wall 141strengthens and reinforces the flange, helping prevent it from breaking or from flexing out of operable shape in spite of the length of the slit 118.
The float 50' of the device 110 in Figures 12 - 16 is similar to that of Figures 6 -11, except that it has an enlarged slot region 63 in its bottom end that accommodates the island wall 141. A high density polystyrene float cooperating with this flange 111 will typically need this enlarged slot region in order to fit around the island wall; different float materials may not need this enlarged slot region because they may be more flexible and resilient. With this float and island wall configuration, the slit 52 of the float will regain aligned with the slit 118 in the flange and so the leader might be pulled out from the float slit 52 and the flange slit 118, if it were not for the grip member 160 being twisted/encircled around the leader.
The device 210 in Figures 17 - 22 comprises a flange 211 with a slit 218 all the way from the recess 216 to the outer perimeter 220. Slit 218 is defined along part of its length, near the outer perimeter, simply by a cut 219 through the disc wall.
The slit 218 is defined along another part of its length, nearer the recess, by slanted walls 222 extending into the interior cup space of the flange to form a V-shaped channel. At the "bottom" of the V-shaped channel, the slanted wall 222 bottom edges 223 are preferably on a plane that is co-planar with the bottom wall 237 of the recess. Also, the side wall 238 of the recess has a V-shaped opening 238' into the V-shaped channel.
This provides a flange structure that may be easier to mold than the embodiments in Figures 12 - 16, and that may be stronger and less likely to break or flex out of operable shape during use.
The hook-setting device 310 in Figures 23 - 27 comprises a flange 311 with four lobes 313 separated by four concave side portions 315. Still, the overall shape of the flange comprises a generally concave front surface 334 and a generally convex rear surface 336. A slit 318 extends from the central recess to the outer perimeter 320, and the float is held in the central recess by the elastic grip member 60. As in the other illustrated embodiments, the front side of the flange is substantially open, with an opening 330, into the generally cup-shaped interior space 332, extending preferably all the way across the outer perimeter 320.
The embodiments portrayed in Figures 1 -27 include a separable float, but other embodiments may include a buoyant portion that is permanently attached or even integral with the flange. Alternatively, a flange may be used without a float or float portion, for example, as shown in Figures 33 - 36. Embodiments such as the flange 411 in Figures 33 - 36 are preferably designed out of material with dimensions and thickness to float at or near the surface of the water without the additional float or float portion. The addition of a float or float portion, however, will increase the options for different materials, wall thicknesses, and sizes and shapes of flange, as the buoyancy of the device will not be so dependent upon the characteristics of the flange itself.
The flange 411 in Figures 33 - 36 comprises a hemispherical, open cup-shape, with concave front surface 434 and concave rear surface 436, and opening 430 that extends substantially all the way across the flange outer extremity. A central bore 414 extends axially through the protrusion 450, and a slit 418 extends from the outer perimeter radially toward, but not all the way to, the central hole bore. This way, the slit 418 does not communicate with the central hole bore, and a line or leader cannot be from the slit into the central hole bore. This way, there is a portion of the protrusion 450 around which the leader may be looped, as shown in Figures 35 and 36. A loop 3' of leader is inserted through the central bore 414 from the rear surface 436, and the distal end 3"of the leader (with the fly) is slid into the slit 418 and through the loop 3' of leader. The two ends of the leader 3" and 3") are pulled tight, capturing the flange 411 in such a way that the flange cannot slide along the leader 3 as long as the leader is kept tight around the protrusion portion.
Other techniques may be used to attach a flange, with or without a float, to a leader or line. Tying techniques other than those shown in Figures 35 and 36 may be used. Grip members techniques other than those shown in Figures 6 - 27 may be used, for example, a grip member extending through the center of an elongated protrusion 450 in the flange, without a float. Adhesives, or integral forming of the leader/strike indicator may also be used.
The preferred embodiments of the invented hook-setting device have been found to provide excellent casting, with sufficiently low weight and sufficiently low air resistance that a fly cast is not significantly interfered with. The preferred hook-setting device is fixed to the leader and does not move along the leader, after it is installed on the leader, and therefore does not move on the leader during the cast, after the cast, or otherwise during use. Therefore, there is no movement of the device on the leader during casting and lay-out, which movement could interfere with accuracy and distance.
Further, the curvature (R), the outer perimeter diameter (DP), and the flange depth (DTH) cooperate to provide excellent lay-out and water capture, which result in a high probability of a successful fish strike and of successful setting of the hook.
Typically, this resistance to the fish strike and consequent hook-setting occurs substantially instantly, that is, within less than about 0.5 seconds of the fish strike, because the flange is substantially filled with water as soon as it is laid-out, and there is no movement of the flange on the leader. The preferred flange, with or without a float attached to the rear of the flange, is preferably the only structure on the leader within about 6 feet of the fly. Preferably there is no structure on the leader between the front surface of the flange and the fly. Optionally, for example, there may be a small weight near the fly if the fly is to be a "wet fly", or there may occasionally be a second fly on the leader, but the fly fishing setup may consist only of the leader on the end of the line, a fly with a hook on the end of the leader, and the invented flange on the leader (with or without an attached float fixed to the rear surface of the flange), wherein the set-up is "operated" by a conventional fly rod and reel. There is preferably no bobber or float (other than the optional float on the rear surface of the flange), no structure that slides in one or more directions along the leader, and no structure that might be near the cup-shaped flange to interfere with it capturing water and resisting the strike to set the hook.
To illustrate the excellent hook-setting resistance that may be obtained with embodiments of the invention, despite their extremely light weight, various structures were tested for resistance in flowing water (10 foot/7 seconds flowrate). The testing was done by attaching a conventional fly line scale by Umpqua on a distal end of a leader, where a fly would normally be, and attaching the object to be tested to the leader 6 feet from the scale. The scale was hand-held in the flowing water, submerged but visible to the person doing the testing, and the leader with the object to be tested was allowed to travel downstream from the scale due to the force of the water.

Because of the force of the water, the leader was taught and the force of the water on the object being tested registered as a "weight" on the scale, in effect, measuring the resistance the object posed to the water. A leader, with no test object attached, was also tested and a zero reading on the scale (no resistance) was attained. A
generally cup-shaped flange according to the invention, was fixed to the leader at 6 feet from the scale as the test object. The cup-shaped flange had about a 1 7/16 inch radius, 1 3/8 inch DP, weighed 27 grains, and exhibited 15 - 25 grams (averaging 20 grams) resistance/pull on the scale. On the other hand, spherical shapes attached to the leader at 6 feet from the fly exhibited the following: 3/4 inch diameter sphere, weighing 33.1 grains exhibited 2-4 grams resistance (avg. 3 grams); a 1 inch diameter sphere weighing 60.3 grains exhibited 2-4 grams resistance (avg. 3 grams); a 1 5/8 inch diameter sphere weighing 109.4 grains exhibited 7 - 10 grams resistance (avg.
8.5 grams); and a 2 3/16 inch diameter sphere weighing 206.2 grains exhibited 7 -grams resistance (avg. 9-10 grams). Thus, the cup-shaped flange exhibited much greater resistance than a sphere, even though it might be much lighter in weight. In these experiments, the cup-shaped flange weighed less than any of the spheres, but exhibited 2 or more times, and up to more than 5 times, the resistance of the spheres.
The preferred embodiments allow the user to obtain a large resistance in the water for excellent hook-setting, with a minimum of weight.
Although this invention has been described above with reference to particular means, materials and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to these disclosed particulars, but extends instead to all equivalents within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (9)

1. A fly-fishing apparatus comprising:
a fly-fishing leader having a length;
a fly connected to the leader; and a hook-setting device fixed to the leader, said device comprising:
a single cup-shaped flange having a central axis and a radial dimension, the flange being fixed to the leader so that said central axis is parallel to the length of said leader and said radial dimension extends transverse to the length of the leader;
wherein the flange has a generally concave front surface facing the fly and defining a flange interior space, and the flange has a generally convex rear surface with a recess comprising an axial side wall and a radial bottom wall, wherein a slit extends through said flange at said radial bottom wall and wherein a portion of the slit is located at said central axis;
a single float having a front end, a rear end, a float axis extending between said front end and said rear end, a sidewall generally parallel to said float axis, and a float-slit extending between from said sidewall to said float axis from the front end to the rear end, wherein the front end of the float is received inside said recess so that the float axis is coaxial with said central axis of the flange;
wherein said slit in said radial bottom wall of the recess and said float-slit receive a portion of the leader so that the leader extends coaxial with the flange central axis and the float axis; and wherein the hook-setting device further comprises:
an elongated elastic grip member having a grip front end and a grip rear end, wherein the elastic grip member extends through said slit in the radial bottom wall of the recess and through the float-slit to frictionally grip said portion of the leader received in the slit and the float-slit, and said grip front end abuts against a front surface of said radial bottom wall and wherein said grip rear end abuts against the rear end of the single float to hold the float in the recess, so that the elastic grip member fixes the float to said flange and fixes said float and flange to the leader.

2. A fishing apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein the hook-setting device is fixed to the fly-fishing leader 2-6 feet from the fly.

3. A fishing apparatus as in Claim 2, wherein the flange is fixed to the leader so that no part of the hook-setting device slides along the leader during or after casting and no part of the hook-setting device slides along the leader during or after a fish strike.

4. A fishing apparatus as in Claim 2, wherein there is no structure on the leader between the flange and the fly.

5. A fishing apparatus as in Claim 3, wherein there is no structure on the leader between the flange and the fly.

6. A fishing apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said flange has a circular outer perimeter.

7. A fishing apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said flange has a non-circular outer perimeter.

8. A fishing apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein said flange is a spherical cap.

9. A fishing apparatus as in Claim 1, wherein the flange has an outer perimeter and the slit extends from the outer perimeter to said portion of the slit located at said central axis of the flange.