WO2017106935A1

WO2017106935A1 - Fishing hook and tackle arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2017106935A1
Application number: PCT/AU2016/051290
Authority: WO
Inventors: Anthony Gorden COX
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2015-12-24
Filing date: 2016-12-23
Publication date: 2017-06-29
Anticipated expiration: 2018-06-24

Abstract

A fishing hook suitable for use with bait, the fishing hook comprising an elongate member extending between a securing end for securing to a fishing line, and at least one hooking end configured for hooking a fish operationally, wherein the elongate member defines at least one bend and extends to a point at its hooking end, and wherein the elongate member at its securing end is configured for being secured to a fishing line and comprises a piercing formation configured for piercing bait.

Description

FISHING HOOK AND TACKLE ARRANGEMENT

Field of the Invention

[1] The present invention relates to a fishing hook and tackle arrangement and in particular to a fishing tackle arrangement for use in sports and recreational fishing using both live and dead baits.

[2] The invention has been developed primarily for use in/with sports and recreational fishing using live or dead bait, and will be described hereinafter with reference to this application. However, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to this particular field of use.

Background of the Invention

[3] Fishing hooks typically comprise an eye for engaging the fishing hook with fishing line, a substantially straight shank extending from the eye, at least one or more bends extending from the shank, a point at the end of each of the bends for piercing a fishes relatively hard mouth, and a barb for restricting removal of the hook from the fish's mouth. The distance between the shank and the point is called the gape, and the distance from the point to the lowest part of the bend is called the bite or throat.

[4] At present, when fishing for game fish, fishermen initially fish for live bait in the form of small (about 5 cm to 10 cm long) baitfish. The live bait is kept alive in storage tanks on board the fishing vessel until it is to be used. In use, the baitfish is attached to a curved hook by piercing the baitfish with the hook. The baitfish is then either dropped or cast overboard and allowed to swim around the fishing vessel, or trawled behind the fishing vessel.

[5] The movements of the live bait attract the targeted game fish. It is desirable for the baitfish to remain alive for as long as possible, to thereby increase the amount of time in which they can attract game fish, and to thereby use less baitfish.

[6] A single curved hook is typically used when fishing with live bait fish, even though hooks having multiple bends are known. This is because it is difficult to thread a hook having multiple bends extending from the shank, through a baitfish.

[7] It is difficult to insert a curved bend of a fishing hook through a live baitfish, as it can be very active in its movements, and possibly cause safety issues, possibly puncturing the fisherman's hands with the fishing hook. [8] It would also be desirable to provide a fishing hook that is capable of being used with live bait, and which provides multiple bends, together with their associated points and barbs.

[9] It is to be understood that, if any prior art information is referred to herein, such reference does not constitute an admission that the information forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, in Australia or any other country.

Summary of the Invention

[10] It is an aim of the present invention to provide a fishing hook which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the abovementioned disadvantages or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[11] It is further and/or alternative aim of the present invention to provide a tackle arrangement which overcomes or at least partially ameliorates some of the above- mentioned disadvantages, or which at least provides the public with a useful choice.

[12] According to a first aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a fishing hook suitable for use with bait, the fishing hook comprising an elongate member extending between a securing end for securing to a fishing line, and at least one hooking end configured for hooking a fish operationally, wherein the elongate member defines at least one bend and extends to at least one point at its hooking end, and wherein the elongate member at its securing end is:

i. configured for being secured to a fishing line; and

ii. comprises a piercing formation configured for piercing bait.

[13] In one embodiment, the elongate member defines at least one bend.

[14] In one embodiment, the elongate member defines at least one substantially straight shank.

[15] In a further embodiment, the elongate member defines a plurality of hooking ends.

[16] In one embodiment, the elongate member defines at least one point at the at least one at each hooking end.

[17] In one embodiment, the fishing hook comprises a plurality of bends extending to a point.

[18] In one embodiment, the piercing formation is a pointed formation.

[19] In one embodiment, the piercing formation comprises a blade.

[20] In one embodiment, the piercing formation is in the shape of a spearhead. Preferably the piercing formation is provided as an arcuate shaped spearhead. More preferably the piercing formation is a substantially flattened piercing formation. Preferably the spearhead shape is substantially triangular in shape.

[21] In one embodiment, the piercing formation is provided with at least one barb, preferably a plurality of barbs. Preferably the barb formation is located along the edges of the blade and/or spearhead shape. Preferably the barb is in the form of a serrated edge.

[22] In one embodiment, the piercing formation comprises a conical formation.

[23] In one embodiment, the fishing hook further comprises a connecting formation configured for coupling the fishing hook to at least one of a fishing line and a complementary connecting formation.

[24] In one embodiment, the connecting formation is selected from at least one of a recess and an aperture for securing the fishing hook to a fishing line.

[25] In one embodiment, at least one of said points of the at least one hooking end is associated with a barb formation.

[26] In one embodiment, the fishing hook further comprises at least one manual manipulation formation configured for assisting the fishing hook to be attached to a complementary connecting formation.

[27] In one embodiment, the fishing hook further comprises at least one manual manipulation formation configured for the facilitation of the attachment of the fishing hook to a complementary connecting formation.

[28] In one embodiment, the manipulation formation is selected from the group consisting of a cross piece, at least two substantially hemi-spherical protrusions, at least two oval and at least two ovoid shaped protrusions.

[29] In one embodiment, the bait is live baitfish.

[30] In one embodiment, the bait is dead baitfish.

[31] According to a further aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a tackle arrangement for fishing, the tackle arrangement comprising:

(a) a fishing hook comprising:

i. an elongate member extending between a securing end for securing to a fishing line, and at least one hooking end configured for hooking a fish; and

ii. a connecting formation at or towards the securing end configured for engagement with a complementary connecting formation coupled to a fishing line; wherein the fishing hook comprises a piercing formation at its securing end, the piercing formation being configured for piercing bait; and

(b) a complementary connecting formation configured for securing to the connecting formation.

[32] In one embodiment, the tackle arrangement further comprises a swivel on which the complementary connecting formation is attachable.

[33] In one embodiment, the complementary connecting formation is a clip.

[34] In one embodiment, the clip is configured to be resiliently movable to securely connect to the fishing hook.

[35] In one embodiment, the clip is movable between: (a) an open position in which a fishing hook is engageable and/or disengageable with the clip; and (b) a closed position in which the fishing hook is not removable from the clip.

[36] In one embodiment, the clip comprises a biasing formation for biasing the clip to its closed position.

[37] In one embodiment, the connecting formation is selected from at least one of a recess and an aperture.

[38] In one embodiment, the piercing formation is a pointed formation.

[39] In one embodiment, the piercing formation comprises a blade.

[40] In one embodiment, the piercing formation is in the shape of a spearhead. Preferably the piercing formation is provided as an arcuate shaped spearhead. More preferably the piercing formation is a substantially flattened piercing formation. Preferably the spearhead shape is substantially triangular in shape.

[41] In one embodiment the piercing formation is provided with at least one barb, preferably a plurality of barbs. Preferably the barb formation is located along the edges of the spearhead shape. Preferably the barb is in the form of a serrated edge.

[42] In one embodiment, the piercing formation comprises a conical formation.

[43] In one embodiment, the at least one hooking end comprises a bend in the elongate member extending to a point.

[44] In one embodiment, the at least one hooking end comprises at least one barb for operationally restricting the escape of a fish once hooked.

[45] In one embodiment, the swivel is at least one selected from the group consisting of barrel swivels and ball swivels. [46] According to another aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a fishing hook comprising:

(a) an elongate member extending between a securing end for securing to a fishing line, and at least one hooking end configured for hooking a fish; and

(b) a connecting formation at or towards the securing end, the connecting formation being configured for engagement with a complementary connecting formation coupled to a fishing line; and

wherein the fishing hook comprises a piercing formation at its securing end, the piercing formation being configured for piercing bait.

[47] According to another aspect, the present invention may be said to consist in a fishing hook comprising:

(a) an elongate member, the elongate member defining at least one barbed hook towards one end, and

(b) a shank towards another end; and

wherein the shank is configured to be secured to a fishing line; and

wherein the shank comprises a piercing formation configured for piercing bait.

[48] This invention may also be said broadly to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of said parts, elements or features, and where specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth.

[49] To those skilled in the art to which the invention relates, many changes in construction and widely differing embodiments and applications of the invention will suggest themselves without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The disclosures and the descriptions herein are purely illustrative and are not intended to be in any sense limiting.

[50] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed. Brief Description of the Drawings

[51] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[52] Figure 1: shows a close-up side view of a first embodiment of a piercing formation at a securing end of an elongate member of a fishing hook;

[53] Figure 2: shows a side view of a first embodiment of a fishing hook comprising the first embodiment of a piercing formation as shown in Figure 1;

[54] Figure 3: shows a close-up side perspective view of a tackle arrangement including the first embodiment of a fishing hook with a first embodiment of a piercing formation as shown in Figure 1;

[55] Figure 4: shows a side view of a fishing hook as shown in Figure 2, with broken lines indicating how it would be used with a baitfish in operation;

[56] Figure 5: shows a close-up top perspective view of a second embodiment of a piercing formation at a securing end of an elongate member of a second embodiment of a fishing hook;

[57] Figure 6: shows a side view of a second embodiment of a fishing hook comprising the second embodiment of a piercing formation as shown in Figure 5, indicating how it would be used with a baitfish in operation, and comprising a plurality of bends, each with an associated barb;

[58] Figure 7: shows a side perspective view of a tackle arrangement of Figure 3, including a trace attached to a fishing line;

[59] Figure 8: shows a top perspective view of a third embodiment of a fishing hook including a manipulation formation; and

[60] Figure 9: shows a top perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a fishing hook including a manipulation formation.

[61] Figure 10: shows a front perspective view of a fishing hook comprising a further embodiment of the piercing formation.

[62] Figure 11: shows a close up perspective view of the further embodiment of the piercing formation of Figure 10. Description of Embodiments

[63] With reference to the above drawings, in which similar features are generally indicated by similar numerals, a fishing hook according to a first aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 1000, while a tackle arrangement according to a second aspect of the invention is generally indicated by the numeral 2000.

[64] In one embodiment now described, there is provided a fishing hook 1000 for use with preferably live bait, such as a baitfish 5000 (as shown in Figures 4 and 6). The fishing hook 1000 comprises an elongate member 1005 preferably composed of a rigid material such as stainless steel, titanium or other metal, although alternative materials such as carbon fibre or the like are envisaged.

[65] The elongate member 1005 extends between a securing end 1100 which is preferably configured for coupling (directly or indirectly) the fishing hook 1000 to a fishing line 6000 (as shown in Figure 7), and a hooking end 1200 that is configured for hooking a target fish (not shown) in operation, once the fishing hook 1000 is baited with the baitfish 5000.

[66] The elongate member 1005 defines a substantially straight shank 1110 and one or more bends 1210. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2 and 4, a single bend 1210 is provided that extends from the shank 1110, while in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, three bends 1210 extend from the shank 1110. It is envisaged that any number of bends 1120 can be associated with, and extend from, a single shank 1110. In a further embodiment (not shown) it is envisaged that there are two hooking ends that extend from the shank 1110 but in series along the length of the shank, rather than extending from one end as illustrated in Figure 6.

[67] The shank 1110 is preferably located at or towards the securing end 1100, while the bends 1210 are preferably located at or towards the hooking end 1200

[68] Each of the bends 1210 preferably extends to a point 1220 at the hooking end 1200.

The point 1220 is configured for piercing the mouth of a target fish in operation, for example when a fisherman (not shown) strikes on the fishing line 6000.

[69] Each point 1220 is also preferably associated with a barb formation 1230. The barb formations 1230 are configured for restricting the removal of the fishing hook 1000 from the mouth of a target fish once it is hooked. [70] As mentioned previously, the securing end 1100 of the elongate member 1005 is configured for being coupled to a fishing line 6000. In this regard, the elongate member 1005 preferably comprises a connecting formation in the form of an aperture 1120 towards its securing end 1100. It is envisaged that a fishing line 6000 trace could be threaded through the aperture 1120 to be tied to the fishing hook 1000, or alternately the fishing hook 1000 could be used as part of a tackle arrangement 2000 as will be described in more detail below. In alternative embodiments (not shown) it is envisaged that the connecting formation could be a recess instead of an aperture, or comprise a clipping formation similar to that which will be described in more detail below with respect to the tackle arrangement 2000.

[71] Importantly, the securing end 1100 of the elongate member 1005 is configured for piercing bait, such as a baitfish 5000. In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 and 6, it is envisaged that the elongate member 1005 will define a piercing formation 1130 in the form of a point 1132 (referred to hereinafter as a "baiting point" to distinguish it from the point 1220 at the hooking end), and a blade formation 1134 used for cutting a passage through the middle of the baitfish 5000 in operation, into which the shank 1110 is receivable.

[72] In the embodiments shown in Figure 5, the piercing formation 1130 does not include a blade formation, and instead defines a pointed conical formation in the form of a substantially conical tapered baiting point 1132.

[73] In the embodiments shown in Figure 8 and 9, the fishing hooks 1000 include a manipulation formation 1122 in the form of a cross piece. The manipulation formations are located towards the securing end, and are configured for facilitating the manipulation of the fishing hook 1000 onto a complementary connecting formation of a tackle arrangement as will be described below. Whilst the manipulation formation 1122 is shown in Figures 8 and 9 as a cross piece it is envisaged that the manipulation piece can be provided in a variety of other formations such as simple hemispherical protrusions found on either side of the shank and oval or ovoid shaped protrusions that also run along the shank for a limited distance but provide the user with sufficient grip during the manipulation of the fishing hook when attaching the fishing hook to the tackle arrangement described below. Such protrusions could be introduced during the top forging of the spear head. In the embodiments shown in Figures 8 and 9 there also shown two alternate forms of the piercing formation 1130 in its conical format.

[74] In the embodiments shown in Figures 10 and 11, the piercing formation 1130 is provided in the form of a spearhead with a blade formation 1134 that runs along two edges, one on each side of the spearhead. The spearhead can also be barbed (not shown) in order to prevent the piercing formation from becoming dislodged from the bait fish once the bait fish has been stabbed. Preferably the spearhead formation of the piercing formation is substantially flat. This arrangement allows for ease of manufacture. As an example a section of the piercing end formation of the shank could be simply top forged in to the spearhead shape and the aperture 1120 simply punch pressed out. This allows ease of manufacture including sharpening of the blade formation 1134.

[75] In another aspect of the invention, and as shown in Figure 3, there is provided a tackle arrangement 2000 for use with the fishing hook 1000 described above. Since the baiting point 1132 is required to be detached in order to be used to stab through the baitfish 5000 in operation, the fishing hook 1000 will preferably be conveniently attachable to a fishing line 6000 as part of a tackle arrangement 2000 once the baitfish 5000 has been attached.

[76] Turning to Figure 7 the tackle arrangement 2000 comprises a complementary connecting formation, preferably in the form of a clipping formation

[77] The tackle arrangement 2000 comprises the fishing hook 1000 itself, as well as a complementary connecting formation in the form of a clip 2100, and a pivoting arrangement in the form of a swivel 2200. The clip 2100 is preferably resiliently movable between an open position in which the fishing hook 1000 is engageable and/or disengageable with the clip 2100, and a closed position in which the fishing hook 1000 is secured to the clip and prevented from disengaging. Preferably, the resiliency of the clip 2100 is such that it is biased towards its closed position, although this need not necessarily be the case. In an alternative embodiment, it is envisaged that the clip 2100 can include a biasing formation (not shown) such as a helical or leaf spring (not shown). In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the tackle arrangement 2000 can comprise a trace 2300 configured for resisting abrasion by the teeth of the target fish. Such a trace 2300 is preferably composed of an abrasion resistant and resilient material such as braided steel filament or carbon fibre, and is configured for being attached between the fishing line 6000 and the swivel 2200. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), the trace 2300 can extend between the swivel 2200 and the clip 2100.

[78] It is envisaged that the fishing hook 1000 can be attached to a known trace and swivel arrangement (not shown) to make up a tackle arrangement 2000. Swivel arrangements suitable for use with the fishing hook would be known to the skilled address [79] In use, it is envisaged that the fishing hook 1000 will initially not be connected to the clip 2100. A baitfish 5000 will be retrieved, and the securing end 1100 of the elongate member 1005 will be inserted into the baitfish 5000, preferably from its tail to extend through the top of its head, using the piercing formation 1130 and the substantially straight shank 1110 to pierce through the body of the baitfish 5000 in one long straight movement. Once the shank 1110 has been inserted through the baitfish 5000, the fishing hook 1000 is then connected to the clip 2100, preferably by handling the fishing hook 1000 at the manipulation formations 1122. The tackle arrangement 2000 is then tied onto the fishing line 6000. Alternately, the fishing line can be tied onto the swivel or the trace beforehand.

[80] In this way, a live baitfish can be easily and conveniently baited onto a fishing hook 1000, and the fishing hook connected to fishing line 6000 in a quick and convenient manner.

[81] The fishing hook of the present invention is suitable for a variety of fishing methods but preferably where there is a need for the lure, in this case the secured baitfish, to resemble a normal bait fish as seen by the predator fish. The advantage of the fish spike is that retains the bait fish in a rigid form thus resembling a natural presentation in the water environment.

[82] The fish hook can be manufactured in a variety of sizes suitable for different fishing requirements and also for supporting different sized bait fish.

[83] Interpretation Markush Groups

[84] In addition, where features or aspects of the invention are described in terms of Markush groups, those skilled in the art will recognise that the invention is also thereby described in terms of any individual member or subgroup of members of the Markush group.

Chronological sequence

[85] For the purpose of this specification, where method steps are described in sequence, the sequence does not necessarily mean that the steps are to be carried out in chronological order in that sequence, unless there is no other logical manner of interpreting the sequence. Embodiments

[86] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments.

[87] Similarly it should be appreciated that in the above description of example embodiments of the invention, various features of the invention are sometimes grouped together in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure and aiding in the understanding of one or more of the various inventive aspects. This method of disclosure, however, is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the claims following the Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments are hereby expressly incorporated into this Detailed Description of Specific Embodiments, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of this invention.

[88] Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

Different Instances of Objects

[89] As used herein, unless otherwise specified the use of the ordinal adjectives "first", "second", "third", etc., to describe a common object, merely indicate that different instances of like objects are being referred to, and are not intended to imply that the objects so described must be in a given sequence, either temporally, spatially, in ranking, or in any other manner. Specific Details

[90] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are set forth. However, it is understood that embodiments of the invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, structures and techniques have not been shown in detail in order not to obscure an understanding of this description.

Terminology

[91] In describing the preferred embodiment of the invention illustrated in the drawings, specific terminology will be resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to the specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as "forward", "rearward", "radially", "peripherally", "upwardly", "downwardly", and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[92] For the purposes of this specification, the term "plastic" shall be construed to mean a general term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic polymerization products, and generally consisting of a hydrocarbon-based polymer.

[93] As used herein the term "and/or" means "and" or "or", or both.

[94] As used herein "(s)" following a noun means the plural and/or singular forms of the noun.

Comprising and Including

[95] In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of the invention, except where the context requires otherwise due to express language or necessary implication, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used in an inclusive sense, i.e. to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments of the invention.

[96] Any one of the terms: including or which includes or that includes as used herein is also an open term that also means including at least the elements/features that follow the term, but not excluding others. Thus, including is synonymous with and means comprising.

Scope of Invention

[97] Thus, while there has been described what are believed to be the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will recognize that other and further modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit of the invention, and it is intended to claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the scope of the invention. For example, any formulas given above are merely representative of procedures that may be used. Functionality may be added or deleted from the block diagrams and operations may be interchanged among functional blocks. Steps may be added or deleted to methods described within the scope of the present invention.

[98] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Industrial Applicability

[99] It is apparent from the above, that the arrangements described are applicable to the fishing tackle industries.

Claims

THE CLAIMS DEFINING THE INVENTION ARE AS FOLLOWS:

1. A fishing hook suitable for use with bait, the fishing hook comprising an elongate member extending between a securing end for securing to a fishing line, and at least one hooking end configured for hooking a fish operationally, wherein the elongate member defines at least one bend and extends to at least one point at the at least one hooking end, and wherein the elongate member at its securing end is:

(i) configured for being secured to a fishing line; and

(ii) comprises a piercing formation configured for piercing bait.

2. The fishing hook according to claim 1, wherein the elongate member defines at least one bend, preferably a plurality of bends.

3. The fishing hook according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the elongate member defines at least one substantially straight shank.

4. The fishing hook according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the elongate member defines a plurality of hooking ends.

5. The fishing hook according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the elongate member defines at least one point at the at least one or the plurality of hooking ends.

6. The fishing hook according to any one any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the piercing formation is a pointed formation.

7. The fishing hook according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the piercing formation comprises a blade.

8. The fishing hook according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the piercing formation is preferably shaped in the form of a spearhead, more preferably an arcuate spearhead.

9. The fishing hook according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the piercing formation is substantially flattened.

10. The fishing hook according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the piercing formation is substantially triangular in shape.

11. The fishing hook according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the piercing formation is provided with at least one barb, preferably a plurality of barbs.

12. The fishing hook according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the piercing formation comprises a conical formation.

13. The fishing hook according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the fishing hook further comprises a connecting formation for securing the fishing hook to at least one of a fishing line and a complementary connecting formation.

14. The fishing hook according to claim 13, wherein the connecting formation is selected from at least one of a recess and an aperture for securing the fishing hook to a fishing line.

15. The fishing hook according to any one of claims 5 to 14, wherein at least one of said points of the at least one hooking end is associated with a barb formation.

16. The fishing hook according to any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the fishing hook further comprises at least one manual manipulation formation configured for the facilitation of the attachment of the fishing hook to a complementary connecting formation.

17. The fishing hook according to claim 16, wherein the manipulation formation is selected from the group consisting of a cross piece, at least two substantially hemispherical protrusions, at least two oval shaped protusions and at least two ovoid shaped protrusions.

18. A tackle arrangement for fishing, the tackle arrangement comprising:

(a) a fishing hook comprising:

(i) an elongate member extending between a securing end for securing to a

fishing line, and at least one hooking end configured for hooking a fish;

and

(ii) a connecting formation at or towards the securing end and configured

for engagement with a complementary connecting formation coupled to a

fishing line;

wherein the fishing hook comprises a piercing formation at its securing

end, the piercing formation being configured for piercing bait; and

(b) a complementary connecting formation configured for securing to

the connecting formation.

19. The tackle arrangement according to claim 18, wherein the tackle arrangement further comprises a swivel on which the complementary connecting formation is attachable.

20. The tackle arrangement according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the complementary connecting formation is a clip.

21. The tackle arrangement according to claim 20 , wherein the clip is configured to be resiliently movable to securely connect to the fishing hook.

22. The tackle arrangement according to any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the complementary connecting formation is movable between:

(a) an open position in which a fishing hook is engageable and/or disengageable with the clip; and

(b) a closed position in which the fishing hook is secured to the clip.

23. The tackle arrangement according to claim 22, wherein the complementary connecting formation comprises a biasing formation for biasing the clip to its closed position.

24. The tackle arrangement according to any one of claims 18 to 22, wherein the connecting formation is selected from at least one of a recess and an aperture.

25. The tackle arrangement according to any one of claims 18 to 24, wherein the piercing formation is a pointed formation.

26. The tackle arrangement according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the piercing formation comprises a blade.

27. The tackle arrangement according to any one of claims 18 to 26, wherein the piercing formation is preferably shaped in the form of a spearhead, more preferably an arcuate spearhead.

28. The tackle arrangement according to any one of claims 18 to 27, wherein the piercing formation is substantially flattened.

29. The tackle arrangement according to claim 27 or 28, wherein the piercing formation is substantially triangular in shape.

30. The tackle arrangement according to any one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the piercing formation is provided with at least one barb, preferably a plurality of barbs.

31. The tackle arrangement according to any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the piercing formation comprises a conical formation.

32. The tackle arrangement according to any one of claims 18 to 31, wherein the at least one hooking end comprises a bend in the elongate member extending to a point.

33. The tackle arrangement according to any one of claims 18 to 32 , wherein the at least one hooking end comprises at least one barb for operationally restricting the escape of a fish once hooked.

34. A fishing hook comprising:

(b) a connecting formation at or towards the securing end, the connecting formation being configured for engagement with a complementary connecting formation coupled to a fishing line;

and wherein the fishing hook comprises a piercing formation at its securing end, the piercing formation being configured for piercing bait.

35. A fishing hook comprising (a) an elongate member, the elongate member defining at least one barbed hook towards one end and (b) a shank towards another end, and wherein the shank is configured to be secured to a fishing line; and wherein the shank comprises a piercing formation configured for piercing bait.

36. The fishing hook of claim 35, wherein the piercing formation configured for piercing bait is selected from the group consisting of blades, spearheads, and conical formations.

37. The fishing hook of claim 36, wherein the blades and spearhead formations are substantially flattened, and preferably comprise at least one barb, preferably a plurality of barbs.