And when you sit beside the water, and are waiting until you see that tell-tale twitch upon your line, you will get to know the patience and excitement that is involved in fishing. Bite alarms put some of that guesswork out of the equation. They allow you to kick back and have a chat with a friend or concentrate on your gear all the time watching the next fish. Not every bite alarm is constructed in the same way. The choice of which one to pick is heavily dependent on where and how you fish.
The Bite Alarm in Action
A bite alarm is a little electronic gadget that fits on your rod rest. As the fish picks the bait and pulls the line the alarm makes a sound (and typically a light) to indicate that something is taking place. There are alarms that are wirelessly linked to a receiver, and thus you can hear it even when you are a few metres away.
It can be as simple as a fishing alert system, but the number of options available in the market nowadays is enormous. There is a model to suit all with basic single alarms that cost less than a takeaway meal to smart multi-channel systems that connect to your phone.
Match It to Your Style of Fishing
The answer to a question is simple before you purchase, ask yourself the following question: Where do I fish most of the time?
Carp fishing: Here you will probably desire more sensitive alarms that can respond to light bites. A multi-alarm system using a wireless receiver is the best as you may have multiple rods out simultaneously.
Coarse or river fishing: One, dependable alarm of good volume control and bright LED is generally sufficient.
Night fishing: Find alarms that have in-built LED lights or glow lights. A voice that is not ear-shattering at 2 a.m. is good, as well.
Sea fishing: Strength is paramount. Select corrosion and waterproof alarms. The sea is not merciful.
Every type of fishing has its rhythm and the alarm that suits one fisherman perfectly may make another one insane.
Options to Consider
After you have decided what kind of fishing you want to do, consider features. Some of those that count:
Sensitivity: Allows you to adjust the sensitivity of the alarm. Convenient when fishing in the wind or rapid water.
Volume and tone: You can customise sound to make alarms distinguishable in case you have more than one rod.
Waterproofing: It goes without saying, but it is necessary. When you fish in any conditions look to IP-rated devices.
Receiver range: Wireless systems are excellent in cases when an angler wants to move out of the system.
Battery life: The battery life of the device can run out quickly during a prolonged session, so read reviews before purchasing.
The current alarms are quite sophisticated and one does not have to pay a fortune to achieve good performance.
Budget vs Quality
It is all too easy to purchase the least expensive alarm you can, and it is okay to do so at times, particularly when you are new at it. However, when you fish frequently, you should spend a little more. The distinction is generally reduced to the quality of the build and reliability. Less expensive alarms may provide inaccurate readings or be out of service after a rainy weekend.
A mid-range alarm that can be adjusted and reasonably waterproofed is often the sweet spot. There is no need that you should leap to the top-of-the-line models unless you are fishing on a professional level or have many rods.
Matching It to Your Setup
Assuming that you already have a rod rest, ensure that you fit the alarm on it. The majority of them are universal in design, though it is worth investigating. There are also alarms that are coupled with glowing swingers or bobbins, which are tiny accessories that enable you to see bites better, particularly in the dark.
When you are fishing out with a friend, you can use your alarms with a different tone. In that manner, you will be aware of whose rod is buzzing when the fish start biting.
So Which is Best?
The selection of a bite alarm is not simply a matter of selecting the loudest bite alarm or the most expensive brand. It is about locating a tool that suits your style of fishing. The right alarm makes you feel secure, you can rest, concentrate and have a good time in the session knowing that you are not going to miss a hit.
So, whether you are an amateur who only spends weekends fishing or one who spends all day and night by the water, you should invest time to select an alarm that suits your taste. It is one of those little pieces of equipment that can have a huge impact.