Christy Renee Harris

US Patent:

20060075678, Apr 13, 2006

Filed:

Oct 13, 2004

Appl. No.:

10/965464

Inventors:

Charles Schammel - Port Orange FL, US
Christy Harris - Port Orange FL, US

International Classification:

A01K 85/00

US Classification:

043042090

Abstract:

An artificial eye assembly is used to replace the natural eyes of a dead baitfish with a set of artificial eyes, thereby improving the attractiveness and hydrodynamic performance of the baitfish as it is trolled in the water. The eye assembly is preferably installed after removing the natural eyes during the rigging process in preparation for trolling. The artificial eye assembly provides the baitfish with a natural and attractive appearance for increasing the likelihood of a strike. A variety of different attachment structures are disclosed for securing the eye assembly to the baitfish. In one embodiment, the eye assembly includes two eye members, each of which includes a lip portion that forms a seal around the perimeter of each eye socket for inhibiting the entry of water. The seal reduces the rate of deterioration of the baitfish resulting from the removal of the natural eyes.