A Connecticut electrician will appear on the reality show "Shark Tank" on ABC on May 1 at 8 p.m. Greg Myerson is an electrician for the state Department of Transportation. But he also owns World Record Striper Co., which makes fishing tackle.
He will be shown "pitching" his invention, the Rattlesinker on the show, which give entrepreneurs opportunity to present their company or product to successful businesspeople, or "sharks," in the hopes of receiving an investment.
The Rattlesinker is a lure that includes a rattle that mimics the sound of various crustaceans, which can attract fish. Myerson developed this sinker based on the fact that striped bass, along with many other salt and freshwater species, initially rely on sound to discover prey. Years of observation led him to realize that crustaceans, like baby lobsters, crabs, crayfish and shrimp, were among the favorite foods of the many species he and other anglers targeted.
To create the sound, Myerson filled a 200-gallon tank with granite rocks and water. He placed lobsters in the tank and used an underwater microphone to record the sounds. The patented rattle consists of a small glass tube, with three or four metal ball bearings inside. The rattles are placed into hollow sinkers made of lead and vary in size and color.
An Associated Press article on The Day describes Myerson's experience with applying to the show, traveling, and setting up his pitch.
