FOND DU LAC, Wis.— Jared Ott hopes to see his recent invention available for purchase in bait shops someday.
"It would be awesome," said Ott. "It would be an incredible feeling to see something I’ve put so much time and energy into being used by people and making a difference in their outdoor experience."
As part of his curriculum at the STEM Academy in Fond du Lac, Ott needed to come up with a product idea that solved a problem. To find his product, he thought of one of his favorite pastimes, fishing.
"When I go fishing, I always have the problem that the fish steal all the worms," said Ott. "It seems like it’s one right after another that they keep taking them."
It’s a problem many Wisconsinites can relate to. Cleaned-off fish hooks mean less time catching fish and more time messing with worms.
"My solution was to add a little hook to the shank of the original hook to hold the worm on so the fish couldn’t steal it," said Ott. "There are more points of contact and it’s a better presentation for the fish."
Ott came up with the idea two years ago as a sophomore. He credits the school for helping him pursue his new hook the last two years.
"I’m just thrilled that the community that is in this school has allowed him to progress with it," said Tim Scottberg, STEM Academy principal. "To see his excitement continue on all the way and to see the fruit of his labor, which is really cool."
Ott utilized CAD software and 3-D printing available at the school to create his prototype. He was also encouraged to apply for a patent, which he successfully did with help from people connected to the school.
"I’m able to protect myself in the market and get a start," said Ott. "Right now I’m trying to find other bigger companies I can license the patent to so that I can actually make a little bit of money off my idea and then they would be able to produce the hooks."
Ott wants to eventually own his own business but will attend Michigan Tech next year to study mechanical engineering. For now, he makes the hooks in his father’s basement workshop, one at a time.
The hook works for worms and leeches. Ott demonstrated his creation at his parents’ pond which is filled with small panfish, the bane of worm anglers. Each cast brought a barrage of hits from the small fish and the bait held up well. Ott makes a bare hook or jig head design and has handed some out to those close to him. One of his friends pulled in an 8-pound catfish using his hook.
"One time I caught six fish off the same worm without having to get a new worm," said Ott. "If I had a normal hook they would be able to come and take the ends. Eventually, they might work the worm down. With this, I get more chances at least to try and get that fish."
Ott’s hook (he’s still looking for the perfect name) lets him keep his pole in the water longer. He spends less time getting his hands dirty with worms, and more time fishing. It appears as if he’s solved his original problem.
The Link LonkMay 19, 2021 at 02:00PM
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Fond du Lac student creates new fish hook - Spectrum News 1
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