WO2005084432A1

WO2005084432A1 - Fishing lure

Info

Publication number: WO2005084432A1
Application number: PCT/SG2004/000048
Authority: WO
Inventors: Wei Hon Loy
Original assignee: Wei Hon Loy
Priority date: 2004-03-09
Filing date: 2004-03-09
Publication date: 2005-09-15

Abstract

Fishing lures (20, 120, 220, 320, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900) simulating a live bait are provided. Each fishing lure has one or more water inlet (40, 132, etc.) channels and one or more water outlet (50, 134, etc.) channels. The effective flow area of the aggregate outlet channels is smaller than the effective flow area of the aggregate inlet channels. The water flowing into the inlet channels out of the outlet channels is put under pressure as the fishing lure is moved in a body of water. The water jettisoned from the outlet channels (50,134, etc.) create a trail of pressure waves or turbulence, and these pressure waves increased the presence of the fishing lure to a predator. Other means for increasing the presence of the lure include a propeller disposed at the inlet or outlet channels; a dynamo attached to such a propeller together with any combination of a light source, buzzer, electric poles and solenoid; and a resonant cavity with mechanical and/or magnetic beads.

Description

FISHING LURE

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to fishing lures and more particularly to fishing lures with increased presence.

BACKGROUND Besides visual, auditory, olfactory, gustatory and tactile stimuli, fishes respond to vibrations and magnetic or electric variations to locate prey or navigate in their habitats. Anglers using conventional fishing lures exploit some of these stimuli to attract their catch.

Fishing lures are commonly used as an alternative to, or in addition to, baits. These lures are attached near the end of a fishing line and may have one or more fishing hooks attached to the lures, so that fishing hooks catch a fish biting a fishing lure. Fig. 1 shows a typical fishing line 10 with a fishing lure 12, which has a body 13, a bib 14 placed at a dipping angle A relative to the fishing line, and one or more attached fish hooks 15. A fishing lure may be cast and retrieved, or trolled behind a marine vessel. The angle A ofthe bib 14 determines the depth of dive ofthe lure 12 when moved in the water. For example, the bigger the dip angle A, the shallower the dive. The shape and size ofthe forward edges ofthe bib 14 determines the side-to-side vibration or wobble, and such side-to-side movement may be called fast or slow action depending on the periods ofthe vibration. At best, a fishing lure can only imitate the presence and/or movements of live bait.

Other accessories that may be used with a fishing line include a swivel 16 to prevent the fishing line from being twisted, a snap clip 17 for quick release of a part ofthe fishing line, and a sinker 18 to facilitate casting and sinking ofthe fishing lure.

The capacity of landing a catch with a lure may depend on many factors, such as the anglers' skills and knowledge ofthe targeted catch, all within the limitations of conventional fishing lures. For example, conventional lures may: not be attractive enough for a fish to strike; appear merely as a foreign body, not simulate movements of preys in the aquatic environment; move in the water in an erratic fashion so as to drive fish away; and - lack many of the stimuli for fish to respond positively.

Thus, a need clearly exists for a lure that better simulates live bait.

SUMMARY In accordance with one aspect ofthe invention, there is provided a fishing lure, comprising a lure body. The body has at least one water inlet channel and at least one water outlet channel formed in the body. The at least one outlet channel is in fluid communication with the at least one inlet channel and has an effective aggregate flow area that is smaller than the effective aggregate flow area ofthe at least one inlet channel.

The body may resemble a real or imaginary bait, such as, a crustacean, a minnow, a stingray, a featherback, an insect, or similar live bait. The fishing lure may further comprise an anchor coupled to the body for attaching a fishing line to a first end ofthe body and another anchor coupled to the body for attaching a fishing hook at another position on the body.

The fishing lure may further comprise a bib coupled to one end ofthe body.

The inlet channel maybe formed in an upper portion ofthe body. Alternatively, two or more inlet channels may be formed in opposite sides ofthe body. Two or more outlet channels may be formed in opposite sides ofthe body. The outlet channel may be formed in an upper portion of the body. The lure body may have an internal cavity extending between the inlet and outlet channels. The internal cavity may have a tapering form from the inlet channel to the outlet channel. The body may have at least one other internal cavity not in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet channels.

The fishing lure may further comprise at least one internal body disposed in the cavity to resonate in the cavity to produce sound. The internal body may comprise plastics material. The internal body may comprise magnetic material. The fishing lure may further comprise at least a magnet disposed in the one or more fluid communication channels.

The fishing lure may comprise at least one propeller disposed in at least one of the inlet and outlet channels. The fishing lure may also comprise a dynamo coupled to the propeller. The fishing lure may still further comprise a light source, buzzer, electric poles or solenoid coupled to the dynamo, and/or any combination thereof.

The different effective aggregate flow areas ofthe inlet and outlet channels are arranged to create pressure waves or turbulence in the wake ofthe body in response to movement of the fishing lure through water, by water entering the inlet channel, being put under pressure within the body, and exiting the outlet channel.

The lure body may resemble a crustacean, with one end ofthe body corresponding to the tail ofthe crustacean, and when, in use, the pressure waves may simulate the response of a crustacean in distress.

The lure body may resemble a minnow, with the first end corresponding to the head ofthe minnow, and the pressure waves may simulate the turbulence caused by a minnow's swimming behaviour.

In accordance with another aspect ofthe invention, there is provided a method of luring fish. The method comprises the steps of: providing a fishing lure defined by the above aspects, and moving the fishing lure in water, wherein water passing through the inlet and outlet channels creates pressure waves or turbulence.

The method may further comprise the step of providing at least one propeller at at least one ofthe inlet and outlet channels. The method may also comprise the step of providing a dynamo coupled to the propeller. The method may still further comprise the step of providing a light source, buzzer, electric poles or solenoid coupled to the dynamo, and/or any combination of these devices operable to be powered by the dynamo.

The lure body may have an internal cavity extending between the inlet and outlet channels. The internal cavity may have a tapering form from the inlet channel to the outlet channel. The body may have at least one other internal cavity not in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet channels.

The method may further comprise the step of providing at least one internal body disposed in the cavity to resonate in the or a cavity to produce sound. The body may comprise plastics material. Further, the body may comprise magnetic material. The method may further comprise the step of disposing at least a magnet in the one or more fluid communication channels.

In accordance with yet another aspect ofthe invention, there is provided a fishing lure, comprising: a body; intake means for intaking water into the body; and outlet means for outletting water from the body, the effective flow area ofthe outlet means being smaller than the effective flow area ofthe intake means, wherein movement ofthe body in water causes water taken in at the intake means to eject from the outlet means leaving a trail of pressure waves or turbulence. The fishing lure may further comprise rotation generating means for generating a rotation by way of water passing through the body, the rotation generating means being located near at least one ofthe intake and outlet means. The fishing lure may further comprise means for generating electricity coupled to the rotation generating means. The fishing lure may further comprise means for emitting light coupled to the electricity generating means.

The fishing lure may further comprise means for generating sound or vibrations coupled to the electricity generating means.

The fishing lure may fiirther comprise means for generating an electric field coupled to the electricity generating means.

The fishing lure may further comprise means for resonating sound in a cavity formed in the body. These means may further adjust the centre of gravity ofthe lure body.

The fishing lure may further comprise means for producing a magnetic field. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Embodiments ofthe invention are described hereinafter by way of non-limiting examples, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:-

Fig. 1 is a side view of a known fishing lure connected to a fishing line;

Figs. 2A and 2B are perspective and top plan views of a fisliing lure according to an embodiment ofthe present invention;

Fig. 3 is a side view a fishing lure according to another embodiment ofthe present invention; Fig. 4A is a bottom perspective view of a fishing lure according to a further embodiment ofthe present invention;

Fig. 4B is a side view of a fishing lure according to yet a further embodiment ofthe present invention;

Figs. 5A to 5D are side elevation, side cross-sectional, top plan, and top cross-sectional views, respectively, of a fisliing lure according to still another embodiment ofthe present invention;

Figs. 6A to 6D are side elevation, side cross-sectional, top plan, and top cross-sectional views, respectively, of a fishing lure according to yet another embodiment ofthe present invention;

Figs. 7 A to 7C are side elevations of fishing lures according to further embodiments of the present invention;

Figs. 8A to 8D are side elevation, side cross-sectional, top plan, and top cross-sectional views, respectively, of a fishing lure according to still another embodiment ofthe present invention;

Figs. 9A to 9D are side elevation, side cross-sectional, top plan, and top cross-sectional views, respectively, of a fishing lure according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

Fig. 9E is a side cross-sectional view of a magnetic bead practised in the lure of Figs. 9A to 9D;

Figs. 10A to 10D are side elevation, side cross-sectional, top plan, and top cross- sectional views, respectively, of a fishing lure according to yet another embodiment of the present invention; and Fig. 10E is a side cross-sectional view of a magnetic bead practised in the lure of Figs. lOA to lOD.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figs. 2A and 2B show a fishing lure 20 shaped and sized to resemble a shrimp or prawn. A shrimp or generally any crustacean generally moves forward by walking on the waterbed or swimming with their swimmerets. When threatened, a shrimp recedes with the head facing the predator and the tail flicking water towards the predator. The fishing lure 20 simulates such behaviour of a shrimp under threat.

As shown in Fig. 2, the fishing lure 20 has a body 22 and a bib 24 located rearwardly relative to the head ofthe lure 20. The bib 24 extends forward and downward with respect to a fishing line 30 attached to an anchor ring 26 at the bib 24. The bib 24 is designed to subtend an angle A, for example of about 40° with the fishing line, and the bib 24 imitates the tail of a shrimp. While a specific angle A is noted for this embodiment, it will be appreciated by one skilled in the art that other angles may be practised without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe invention. At the end ofthe lure 20 resembling the head of a shrimp is an anchor ring 28. A fishing hook 32, preferably a treble hook, may be attached to the anchor ring 28. Optionally, another fishing hook 34 may be provided at the lower portion ofthe lure 20, about midway between the anchor rings 26 and 28.

The body 22 ofthe fishing lure 20 has four inlet channels 40 near the dorsal part ofthe body 22 towards the end ofthe lure with the bib 24. These inlet channels 40 are in fluid communication with three outlet channels 50 at the dorsal part of the head. Each inlet channel 40 is about 1 mm in diameter, while each outlet is about 0.8 mm in diameter. The effective flow area ofthe outlets 50 is smaller than the effective flow area ofthe inlets 40. While specific diameters are set forth in this embodiment ofthe invention, variations to the shape and size ofthe inlets and outlets may be practiced without departing from the scope and spirit ofthe invention. Preferably, one or more channels are formed between the inlet(s) and the outlet(s), which tapers between the inlet(s) and the outlet(s) to provide a frusto-conical cavity. In this way, when the fishing lure 20 is moved through the water, the tension in the fishing line causes water to enter the inlet channels 40, and due to the compression ratio between the inlet and the outlet channels, water jettisons out ofthe outlet channels 50 and these water jets simulate the pressure waves coming from the tail of a distressed shrimp. The rearward movement and pressure waves from the outlet channels 50 stimulate a predator to strike or attack the fisliing lure 20 as if the lure 20 were a distressed shrimp. Upon striking the fishing lure 20 by biting, the fishhooks 32 and/or 34 would pierce into the mouth ofthe predator thereby restraining the predator to the fishing line. In field tests where the waters were turbid and a lure 20 could not be detected by the predator's sense of sight, it was shown that the fishing lure 20 in accordance with the embodiment ofthe present invention had a greater success of landing a catch than a conventional lure.

The fishing lure 20 shown in Figs. 2A and 2B resembles a shrimp or prawn. The shape and dimensions ofthe lure 20 may be changed to resemble a crayfish or a lobster.

The fishing hook 32 or 34 may be a treble hook. A treble hook has more hooking points for catching on the predator. However, other types of fishing hook, for example a single or double hook, may be used depending on the choice of the angler and targeted catch.

Fig. 3 shows a fishing lure 120 that is shaped and sized to resemble a minnow in accordance with another embodiment ofthe invention. The fishing lure 120 has a body 122 and a bib 124 near a first end ofthe body 122, which resembles the head ofthe minnow. An anchor ring 125 is attached to the first end ofthe body 122. Another anchor ring 126 is provided near the second end ofthe body 122, which resembles the tail ofthe minnow. A hook 128 is attached to the anchor ring 126. Optionally, another hook 130 may be provided near the lower part ofthe body 122 about mid-way between the anchor rings 125 and 126. Inlet channels 132 resembling the gills ofthe minnow allow water to enter the body 122, and water jets out through a plurality of outlet channels 134 as the lure 120 is moved through the water. As in the above embodiment, the effective flow area ofthe plurality of outlet channels 134 is smaller than the effective flow area ofthe inlet channels 132.

Typically, a minnow swims for short distances, stops swimming, and darts out again. As the fishing lure 120 is intermittently retrieved, tugged, or jerked to imitate the swim- and-stop movements of a minnow, water entering the inlet channels 132 is put under pressure in the lure body and jettisoned out ofthe outlet channels 134 like streams of water under pressure. These water streams create pressure waves that can be detected by a predator, inducing a strike on the fishing lure 120 that could land a catch.

Fig. 4A shows another fishing lure 220 sized and shaped to resemble a stingray in accordance with a further embodiment ofthe invention. The fishing lure 220 has a body 222, a bib 224 extending at a downward angle to the fishing line, and an anchor ring 223 at an end ofthe body 222 opposite the fishing line attachment. A fishhook 225 is attached to the anchor ring 223. Above the anchor ring 223 is an elongate, flexible member 226 resembling the tail of a stingray. Near the anterior and dorsal part ofthe lure 220 are two inlet channels 227 positioned on opposite sides ofthe lure head. Water entering these inlet channels 227 is put under pressure in the lure body and jettisoned out through a pair of outlet channels 228, although other embodiments may have only one outlet channel or more than two outlet channels. At each one or more outlet channels 228, a propeller 229 is located of a size matching that ofthe outlet channels 228, which, for example, is about 8 mm in diameter. As the fishing lure 220 moves through water, the water enters the inlet channels 227 and is jettisoned out through the outlet channel 228. The outflowing water from the outlet channels 228 causes the propeller 229 to rotate. The rotation ofthe propeller 229 creates a trail of turbulence behind the fishing lure 220. This created turbulence increases detection ofthe fishing lure 220 by a predator, and the use ofthe fishing lure 220 increases the chances of landing a catch.

Fig. 4B illustrates a fishing lure 320 in the form of a featherback. As illustrated, the fishing lure 320 has a central inlet channel 322 on the dorsal part ofthe lure 320 near its head. The inlet channel 322 leads out to four outlet channels 326 on each side ofthe lure 320. At least one 328 ofthe outlet channels on each side ofthe lure 320 may be larger than remaining three outlets 326, and a propeller 329 similar to that described above is located at the exit ofthe channel 328. As in the other embodiments, the effective flow area ofthe inlet channel 322 is larger than the effective

area ofthe combined outlet channels326, 328. The propeller 329 again produces turbulence.

The propellers 229, 329 in the above embodiments generate increased turbulence in the wake of the fishing lure 220, 320. This increased turbulence simulates that created by a school of fish, and this increases the likelihood of detection of the fishing lure by predators.

Figs. 5 A to 5D show a fishing lure 500 in the form of a featherback. This fishing lure 500 has a head 522, a bib 524 located near the head 522, and a body 520 as an integral unit. A central inlet channel 532 is located in the dorsal part ofthe lure 500 near its head 522. The inlet channel 532 is connected by a tapering cavity 540 to at least two outlet channels 536 on each side ofthe lure 500. The cavity 540 forks into two branches to the outlet channels 536, as shown in top plan view in Fig. 5D. At least two ofthe outlet channels 536 on opposite sides ofthe body 520 each have a propeller 550 located near them in the cavity 540 to produce turbulence. Indentations 534 are formed in the sides ofthe fish body 520 located rearwardly ofthe outlets 536. Anchor rings 526 and 527 are attached to the tail portion and the bottom middle portion ofthe body 520. An anchor ring is provided at the head 522 for connection to a fishing line. The effective flow area ofthe inlet channel 532 is larger than the effective flow area ofthe combined outlet channels 536. Beads 570 (e.g., 3 such beads) to produce noise maybe located in an internal cavity in the head 522 ofthe lure 500. An internal air cavity 580 may be present near the dorsal part ofthe lure body 520.

Figs. 6A to 6D show a fishing lure 600 in the form of a featherback like the one of Fig. 5. For the sake of brevity of description, features of Fig. 6 have corresponding reference numerals to the counterpart features of Fig. 5. For example, the head 622 in Fig. 6 corresponds to the head 522 ofthe lure 500 in Fig. 5. The configuration ofthe lure 600 in Fig. 6 is the same as that in Fig. 5, except that in the lure 600 there is a single propeller 650 located near the inlet 632, rather than having two propellers 550 located near the outlets 536, as in Fig. 5. By providing one propeller 650 near the inlet channel 632, the turbulence generated may be less intense than that created by providing each propeller near each ofthe outlet channels. However, the distance between the inlet and outlet channels are less than about five times the diameter ofthe channel (as can be seen in Fig. 6D), there is no significant decay in the intensity ofthe turbulence as water flows from the inlet channel to the outlet channel(s).

In another embodiment ofthe invention, as shown in Fig. 7 A, a propeller 650 is connected to a dynamo 690. As the fishing lure 600 is retrieved, trolled or jerked, water entering the inlet channel 632 rotates the propeller 650, which in turn operates the dynamo 690. The electric output leads 692, 694 ofthe dynamo 690 are connected to separate anchor rings 626, 627. When the fishing lure 600 is in use, the surrounding water acts as a conductor with a certain amount of electrical resistance, and a small current flows between the separate anchor rings 626, 627. The electric current flow between the anchor rings produces an electric field around the lure 600. This electric field can be sensed by a targeted predator and this enhances the chances of landing a catch.

In a further embodiment ofthe invention, as shown in Fig. 7B, the electric output leads ofthe dynamo 690 are connected to a solenoid 696 located in the air cavity 680. In use, the electric current generated by the dynamo 696 is converted to a magnetic field around the solenoid 696. This magnetic field can be detected by a targeted predator and this enhances the chances of landing a catch. The solenoid 696 need not be located in the cavity 680; it may, for example, be insert moulded into the body 620 ofthe lure instead.

In a variation, the electric output leads ofthe dynamo 690 may be connected to one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) located within the body ofthe lure. A predatory fish may be attracted by the light from the LEDs, and this also enhances the chances of landing a catch. Alternatively, instead of LEDs, a buzzer giving out a noise level of, for example, 40 dB to simulate an injured fish, maybe used.

This fishing lure 600 does not require a battery to power the electric field, solenoid, LEDs or buzzer, and the fishing lure 600 may last as long as the dynamo 690 is operable, if not indefinitely.

In a further variation, as shown in Fig. 7C, the dynamo 696 is insert moulded into the body 620 ofthe lure 600. The axis ofthe dynamo is not in a straight line with the axis ofthe propeller 650, but the axes are connected by a flexible coupling, for example, a spring or a connector with a plurality of radial slits, or a non-contact coupling.

In yet further variations, it is possible that any combination of LEDs, buzzer, electric poles and solenoid are provided in a single lure driven off one or more propellers.

Figs. 8 A to 8D show a fishing lure 700 again in the form of a minnow. This fishing lure 700 has a head 722, a bib 724 located near the head 722, and a body 720 as an integral unit. Central inlet channels 732 are located under, or towards the bottom sides of, the lure body 720. The inlet channels 732 are connected in a forked manner to a tapering cavity 740 to at least two outlet channels 734 (e.g., 5 outlets in Fig. 8) on each side of the lure 700. Anchor rings 726 and 727 are attached to the tail portion and the bottom middle portion ofthe body 720. An anchor ring is provided at the head 722 for connection to a fishing line. The effective flow area ofthe inlet channels 732 is larger than the effective flow area ofthe combined outlet channels 734. In this embodiment, beads 770 may be placed in an internal air cavity 780 of the body 720 to produce noise. Another air cavity is located beneath the cavity 740. The beads 770 may be made of plastic, for example. The beads 770 may each be of about 3-mm diameter. Depending on the sizes ofthe lure 500 and cavity, the bead sizes may vary, with each bead varying from about 2 mm to about 5 mm in diameter. These beads are selected so that they resonant within the cavity to give out a muted noise that is detectable by the prey. This lure 700 provides a maximised turbulence system. Figs. 9A to 9D show a fishing lure 800 in the form of a fish. Fig. 9E depicts a magnetic bead 870 that may be used inside the lure 800. This fishing lure 800 has a head 822, a bib 824 located near the head 822, and a body 820 as an integral unit. A large internal air cavity 880 is located in the head region 822. While not shown in Fig.9, beads may be placed in this air cavity 880 (similar to the beads 570, 670, 770 in the embodiments of Figs. 5, 6 and 8). Central inlet channels 832 are located on the dorsal part ofthe lure body 820. The inlet channels 832 are connected by a large internal cavity to at least two outlet channels 834 (e.g., 3 outlets in Fig. 9) on each side ofthe lure 800. Anchor rings 826 and 827 are attached to the tail portion and the bottom middle portion ofthe body 820. An anchor ring is provided at the bib 824 for connection to a fishing line. The effective flow area ofthe inlet channels 832 is larger than the effective flow area of the combined outlet channels 834. In this embodiment, magnetic beads 870 (e.g., 4 such beads) may be placed in the internal cavity ofthe body 820 to produce a magnetic field. TThe beads 870 may be made of plastic 872, for example, encapsulating a magnetic core 874. These beads 870 are selected so that they produce a dynamic magnetic field and resonate within the cavity 840 to give out a muted noise that is detectable by the prey.

The mechanical beads (similar to the beads 570,670,770 used in the embodiments of Figs. 5, 6 and 8) and the magnetic beads 870 have different physical properties, and they are selected to produce different pitches and tones of mechanical vibrations within their respective resonant cavities. The fishing lure 800 thus generates a combination of stimuli that may increase the chances of landing a targeted catch.

Figs. 10A to 10D show a fishing lure 900 in the form of another fish. Fig. 10E depicts a magnetic bead 970 that may be used inside the lure 900. This lure 900 has a head 922, a bib 924 located near the head 922, and a body 920 as an integral unit. A large internal air cavity 980 is located in the head region 922. While not shown in Fig. 10, mechanical beads may again be placed in this air cavity 980. Central inlet channels 932 are located on the opposite sides ofthe lure body 920. The inlet channels 932 are connected by a large internal cavity 940 to at least two outlet channels 934 on opposite sides ofthe lure 900. Anchor rings 926 and 927 are attached to the tail portion and the bottom middle portion ofthe body 920. An anchor ring is provided at the bib 924 for connection to a fishing line. The effective flow area ofthe inlet channels 932 is larger than the effective flow area ofthe combined outlet channels 934. In this embodiment, magnetic beads 970 (e.g., 4 such beads) may be placed in the internal cavity 940 ofthe body 920 to produce a magnetic field. The beads 970 may be made of plastic 972, for example, encapsulating a magnetic core 974. These beads 970 are selected so that they produce a magnetic field and resonate within the cavity 940 to give out a muted noise that is detectable by the prey. As mentioned earlier, the vibrations created by the mechanical and magnetic beads may be of different pitches or tones.

As can be seen from Figs. 10A to 10D, the external surface ofthe body 920 ofthe lure 900 has longitudinal grooves 921 and lateral grooves 923. The longitudinal grooves 921 promote streamline flow of water along the length ofthe body 920 and aids in diving ofthe lure 900. The lateral grooves 923 create some turbulence at the sides of the body 920 and help to cause the lure 900 to wobble.

In the above embodiments ofthe fishing lure 800, 900 of Figs. 9 and 10, a plurality of magnetic beads 870, 970 are described. The cavities enclosing these magnetic beads are large relative to the total volume ofthe beads themselves. These beads can therefore move freely inside the cavity and generate a magnetic field that varies in a random manner. This randomly varying magnetic field creates, for the predator, a sensation similar to that due to the presence of a school offish, and this enhances the chances of landing a targeted catch with the use of fishing lure according to the present invention.

The beads of the various embodiments can also be used to determine the centre of gravity, that is different numbers of beads can be used in different lures, thereby causing them to have different centres of gravity.

In another variation, a magnet, for example an elongate magnet with an intermediate hole and a shaft through the hole, is provided in the fluid flow channels. The flow of water in the channels causes the magnet to rotate about the shaft and this creates a dynamic magnetic field which can be detected by a targeted predator. The above described fishing lures maybe made of wood. In the case of a wooden lure, the lure may be formed in an integral piece. The inlet channels, outlet channels and the intermediate fluid communication channels joining the inlet and outlet channels may be formed by progressive drilling or boring, i.e. the smaller outlet channels are first drilled or bored and the larger inlet channels are then countered drilled or bored. When the fishing lure is formed in two halves, the inlet, outlet and intermediate channels are formed in each half. When the two halves are brought together, for example by gluing the two halves together to foπn a complete fishing lure, these channels cooperate to form continuous fluid flow from the inlet channels, intermediate communication channels and out through the outlet channels. In the case of these wooden lures, the anchor rings, for example anchor rings 26, 28 are open-loop self-tapping screws, each open loop may be bent to form a closed loop.

Other resilient materials are also possible, for example, plastics or urethanes. Fishing lures of plastic materials may be injection moulded, and the anchor rings, for example split rings in the form of figure-of-8, maybe inserted during moulding, such that one component ring is embedded in the body whilst the other component ring extends outside the body, Preferably, the material for use with the mechanical beads may be of a harder type, so that the mechanical vibration ofthe beads with the cavity wall can be amplified to a certain extent.

The average density of the lure body material may be less than, approximately equal to or greater than the density of water. This allows a wide range of lures according to the present invention to be made to resemble different types of bait for any targeted catch.

While a few embodiments ofthe fishing lure have been described and illustrated, it is understood that many changes, modifications and variations could be further made to the present invention without departing from the inventive concept embodied. For example, to increase the presence of the fishing lure, the lure may incorporate any combinations ofthe fluid communication channels, propellers, resonant cavity and beads, dynamo, electric and magnetic poles.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fishing lure, comprising: a lure body , said body having at least one water inlet channel and at least one water outlet channel; wherein said at least one outlet channel is in fluid communication with said at least one inlet channel; and said at least one outlet channel has an effective aggregate flow area that is smaller than the effective aggregate flow area of said at least one inlet channel.

2. A fishing lure according to claim 1, wherein said body is shaped to resemble the appearance of real or imaginary bait.

3. A fishing lure according to claim 2, wherein said body is shaped to resemble a crustacean, a fish, an insect, or other live bait.

4. A fishing lure according to claim 1, wherein said body resembles a minnow, a stingray, or a featherback.

5. A fisliing lure according to any one ofthe preceding claims, further comprising an anchor coupled to said body for attaching a fishing line to a first end of said body.

6. A fishing lure according to any one ofthe preceding claims, further comprising an anchor coupled to said body for attaching a fishing hook to said body.

7. A fishing lure according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the anchor for attaching a fishing hook is provided at a different position from said anchor for attaching the fishing line.

8. A fishing lure according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a bib coupled to one end of said body.

9. A fishing lure according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one inlet channel is formed in an upper portion of said body.

10. A fishing lure according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein two or more inlet channels are formed in opposite sides of said body.

11. A fishing lure according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein two or more outlet channels are formed in opposite sides of said body.

12. A fishing lure according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein said at least one outlet channel is formed in an upper portion of said body.

13. A fishing lure according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein said body has an internal cavity extending between said at least one inlet and outlet channels.

14. A fishing lure according to claim 13, wherein said internal cavity has a tapering form from said at least one inlet channel to said at least one outlet channel.

15. A fishing lure according to claim 13 or 14, wherein said body has at least one other internal cavity not in fluid communication with said inlet and outlet channels.

16. A fishing lure according to any one of claims 13 to 15, further comprising at least one internal body disposed in a or the cavity to resonate in said cavity to produce sound.

17. A fishing lure according to claim 16, wherein said at least one internal body comprises plastics material.

18. A fishing lure according to claim 16 or 17, wherein said at least one internal body comprises magnetic material.

19. A fishing lure according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means that determine the centre of gravity, the means that determine the centre of gravity being variable between lures.

20. A fishing lure according to claim 19 when dependent on at least claim 16, wherein the means that determine the centre of gravity comprise said at least one internal body.

21. A fishing lure according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least a magnet disposed in said one or more fluid communication channels.

22. A fishing lure according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one propeller disposed in at least one of said inlet and outlet channels.

23. A fishing lure according to claim 22, further comprising a dynamo coupled to said at least one propeller.

24. A fishing lure according to claim 23, further comprising a light source coupled to said dynamo.

25. A fishing lure according to claim 23 or 24, further comprising a buzzer coupled to said dynamo.

26. A fisMng lure according to any one of claims 23 to 25, further comprising electrodes coupled to the electric outputs of the dynamo, wherein said electrodes are mounted at different positions on the outside ofthe lure body.

27. A fishing lure according to any one of claims 23 to 26, further comprising at least one solenoid coupled to the electric outputs ofthe dynamo.

28. A fishing lure according to any one ofthe preceding claims, wherein the different effective aggregate flow areas of said at least one inlet and outlet channels are arranged to create pressure waves or turbulence in the wake of said body in response to movement of said fishing lure through water, by water entering said at least one inlet channel, being put under pressure within said body, and exiting said at least one outlet channel.

29. A fishing lure according to claim 28, wherein the lure body resembles bait with a tail, one end of said body corresponds to the tail ofthe bait, and the lure is arranged such that, in use, said pressure waves simulate the response ofthe bait in distress.

30. A fishing lure according to claim 28, wherein the lure is arranged such that, in use, the pressure waves simulate the turbulence caused by the swimming behaviour of the bait which the body resembles.

31. ^"A method of luring fish, said method comprising the steps of: providing a fishing lure as defined in any one of the preceding claims; and moving said fishing lure in water, wherein water passing through said inlet and outlet channels creates pressure waves or turbulence.

32. A fishing lure, comprising: a body; intake means for inta ing water into said body; and outlet means for outletting water from said body, the effective flow area of said outlet means being smaller than the effective flow area of said intake means, wherein movement of said body in water causes water taken in at said intake means to eject from said outlet means leaving a trail of pressure waves or turbulence.

33. A fishing lure according to claim 32, further comprising rotation generating means for generating a rotation by way of water passing through the body, the rotation generating means being located near at least one of said intake and outlet means.

34. A fishing lure according to claim 33, further comprising means for generating electricity coupled to said rotation generating means.

35. A fishing lure according to claim 34, further comprising means for emitting light coupled to said electricity generating means.

36. A fishing lure according to claim 34 or 35, further comprising means for generating sound or vibrations coupled to said electricity generating means.

37. A fishing lure according to claim 34, 35 or 36, further comprising means for generating an electric field coupled to said electricity generating means.

38. A fishing lure according to any one of claims 32 to 37, further comprising means for resonating sound in a cavity formed in said body.

39. A fishing lure according to claim 38, wherein the means for resonating sound further adjust the centre of gravity of said body.

40. A fishing lure according to any one of claims 32 to 39, further comprising means for producing a magnetic field.