Fishing Lure

The present invention relates to fishing lures and, more specifically, to an improved lure suitable for casting and trolling.

It is desirable when fishing, for example, from a lake shoreline for coho and other game fish to be able to cast a lure extremely long distances. Such generally requires relatively heavy lures and rods capable of handling such lures. However, such lures are not necessarily effective for certain species of fish and, furthermore, many sportsmen either lack or do not enjoy use of the type of rods required for casting heavy lures.

An object of the present invention is to provide a relatively small, lightweight lure capable of being cast long distances, the lure being of durable but inexpensive construction.

It is a further object to provide a lure capable of use as a trolling lure.

A still further object is to provide a lure construction enabling ease of adaptation by the user.

A fishing lure in accordance with the present invention comprises a one-piece body of generally torpedo shaped configuration having an elongated central body portion that includes first and second opposed end portions. Each end portion includes an elongated rod-like portion having a free end and a tapering portion integrally connecting the rod-like portion and the central body portion. Openings are provided near the free ends of the rod-like portions to receive split rings or other suitable means for affixing a hook at one end and the line to the other end. One of the rod-like portions has a spinning means, preferrably a propeller, and a colored collar or sleeve mounted therealong. A skirt is preferrably affixed to the other of the rod-like portions.

The one-piece body is preferrably of solid material with the surface being highly light reflective.

The generally torpedo shaped one-piece body in combination with the propeller type spinning means relatively low air drag. Relatively small size of the lure, coupled with the low air drag characteristics affords long casting opportunity.

The symmetric configuration of the one-piece body also enables several to be gauged in series, one or more of which may have one or more spinners. Thus, a variety of lure configurations are possible.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description and claims, and are illustrated in the accompanying drawings which show structure embodying preferred features of the present invention and the principles thereof, and what is now considered to be the best mode in which to apply these principles.

FIG. 1 is a side view showing a lure embodying the present invention; and

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken, as indicated, along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1.

With reference now to the drawings the lure 10 is shown to comprise a one-piece body that includes an elongated, generally cylindrically shaped, central body portion 12 having opposed end portions. In the presently preferred embodiment illustrated herein the end portions are identical in configuration and comprise tapering portions 14, 16, together with elongated rod-like portions 18, 20. The rod-like portions 18, 20 each have a transverse opening 22, 24 located near the free end thereof.

Spinning means in the form of a propeller 26 is mounted along rod-like portion 18 to spin thereabout as the lure travels through water. A sleeve 28 of colored material is also mounted on portion 18 between the propeller 26 and tapered portion 14. As the blades of the propeller spin, the color of the sleeve 28 creates a flashing of color. A split ring 30 passes through opening 22 and serves as a means of securing the propeller 26 and sleeve 28 in place as well as to secure the lure to a line. Another split ring 32 passing through opening 24 serves to connect a treble hook 34 to the lure. Finally, a skirt 36 of rubber or plastic material is suitably affixed to rod-like portion 20.

In the presently preferred form illustrated herein the lure dimensions are as follows:

Length L.sub.1 of the one-piece body is 11/2inch; the length L.sub.2 of each of the end portions is 3/4 inch; the length L.sub.3 of each of the rod-like portions 18, 20 is 5/16 inch; the diameter D, of the central body portion 12 is 7/16 inch; and the diameter D.sub.2 of the rod-like portions is 9/64 inch.

The one-piece body is preferrably formed of chrome plated steel or other material having a highly light reflective surface. In its presently preferred form the lure weighs slightly over 1 ounce.

A variety of lure configurations is possible by connecting one-piece body portions in series. For example, rather than tying a line to split ring 30, the split ring can be connected to another one-piece body so as to form a jointed lure.

Thus, while preferred constructional features of the invention are embodied in structure illustrated herein, it is to be understood that changes and variation may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.