Video Bob Loc: Norfolk, Va

This is in response to Bad Bobbys earlier Catch Alarms post. I've been a bank fisherman since my early teens (now 87). While living in N.M. in the 60's I did a lot of nite fishing usually setting up 4 - 5 rods at a time. Born with an "inventive mind" I began fabricating different kinds of "quick catch" rod holders with bells/lites etc that would alert me in the dark when one of my rods got a hit. Early on I got a lot of false hits from the wind & water currants tripping the trigger. Eventually solved that problem by incorporating a spring-loaded trigger adjustment on the unit.
Today after many modifications I've perfected & still use what I've dubbed my "Bank Buddy". Whether you're fishing in the dark or during the day, one only needs to keep their bank buddy within eyesight. Whether you're standing next to your fishing rod or 10 ft away chatting with a friend, once the unit is triggered your pole snaps back automatically hooking whatever took your bait.
At 87 my reflexes have slowed a bit to where my bank buddy now takes over allowing me enough time to get to my pole & reel in my catch. Over the yrs I have caught everything from small bait fish to 30 + lb cats. Great "fishing tool" for seniors & those with limited mobility.

Bunyan Loc: Colorado

What causes the hook on the yellow part of your rod to release, allowing the rod to be pulled up?

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

I seriously doubt that would be legal in California. And a spinning reel mounted on a casting rod, upside down? Whatever floats your boat I guess.

agatemaggot Loc: iowa

Good question, doesn't appear to have any kind of release method !

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

If I had to guess, the fish pulling the rod down unhooks the rod, and the freewheeling hook mechanism is counterweighted to rotate to the right side to free the rod. Then the spring can put pressure on the rod to set the hook.

Video Bob Loc: Norfolk, Va

The inverted T (trigger)on the end of the unit keeps your rod from being released. The left side of the T is notched on the end. After you bait & toss your line in the water, you take the slack out of the line & place it in the notched end of the inverted T. When a fish takes the bait, the trigger releases the rod hooking your catch. For nite fishing I attach a small pen lite on the tip of the rod.
Over the last 10, 15 yrs I've used my Bank Buddy in many lakes & stream thu out multiple states & have yet to been told that it was illegal.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Hey Video Bob did you get me and badbobby mixed up? He is the good looking one.

I did the catch alarms post.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

I see Bob, so in your photo its not "cocked", the line isn't in the fishing position. Lots of ingenuity there, good job.

Video Bob Loc: Norfolk, Va

Sorry about the mix-up. Had a mild stroke a few weeks ago that took a toll on my eyesight. Will have the wife edit my posts from here on out before I hit send. LOL

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

No worries VB. It's an honor to be compared to badbobby.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

Ya but, it irritates bb.

Jeremy Loc: America

Gravity. When a fish pulls down the T is heavier on one side so it fall to the right or away from the rod. Then the return spring yanks rod up. Barbed hooks seems to be only other thing needed.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Grasshopper just wants to see his master come back on line. I miss the Gentleman.

Slimshady Loc: Central Pennsylvania

I agree with that Plum. Maybe he’s painting the bus

kandydisbar Loc: West Orange, NJ

Me too