A lure retriever for retrieving a snagged fishing lure attached to a fishing line includes a hollow central body member having a first threaded end and a second end, and a longitudinal slot extending through part of the central body member, at least one chain member connected to the central body member, and a first end cap having a complementary threaded surface to enable threaded connection to said first threaded end and having a longitudinal slot extending at least through part of the first end cap and wherein when the first cap is connected to the first threaded end the slots can be both positioned in alignment to permit line passage therethrough and nonalignment to prevent line passage therethrough.