Going fishing, you need to prepare all the necessary gear. These include not only the rod, hook, feeder, etc. An important element of any tackle is the bite signaling device. The success of the entire enterprise depends on the correctness of his choice. How to choose the right signaling device, as well as the features of each type will be discussed in detail in the article.
Instrument Features
Bite alarms for feeder, spinning are on sale in different variations. However, the purpose of both the simplest and most complex device is to notify the fisherman that the fish in the river became interested in bait and, possibly, even got hooked.
If the fisherman has one fishing rod in his hands, he, of course, will notice the characteristic signals of the feeder, the tip of which will tilt due to the movements of the fish. However, this is practically not visible in spinning. At the same time, even a feeder requires a bite signaling device. This device increases the information content of tackle signals. If the fisherman has several fishing rods installed, it is the signaling device that will pay his attention to the bite. The effectiveness of fishing in this case is significantly increased.
If fishing is carried out at night, it’s not worth going to a pond without a signaling device. Even active bites will be difficult to distinguish in the dark. Some fish species are very careful. Bites in this case will be weak and barely distinguishable. Such behavior is characteristic, for example, for crucian carp. And this is one of the most common fish species in our rivers.
If the trophy carp caught on the hook, it can simply break the hook and leave if the fisherman does not take timely action. Do not miss the moment allows the bite alarm. The fisherman will be able to make a cut in time, reduce the likelihood of a clipping gear. The choice of such an essential attribute of gear should be approached correctly.
Species diversity
On sale are many varieties of bite alarms. The principle of operation of such devices may vary. This allows you to choose the device that best meets the requirements of the fisherman. All such gear can be divided into mechanical and electronic types. The simplest of them can be created independently.
Simplicity of design is distinguished by mechanical bite alarms. They give signals of a different nature. It can be movement or sound. Electronic species are today considered the most advanced. These are universal gears that can be used both in the daytime and at night.
When choosing a particular model, they are guided by the features of the fishing technique, as well as the species affiliation of the gear. So, summer and winter bite alarms can differ in their design and principle of operation. Electronics is particularly sensitive to environmental conditions. When choosing a particular model, you need to pay attention to whether it is intended for a particular type of fishing.
Signaling devices give visual or sound signals. There are also combined varieties. In the first case, the fisherman must constantly monitor the condition of the gear, periodically looking at the signaling device. If several rods are used, you can select sound warning devices. Each of the types of signaling devices on sale has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Mechanical devices
One of the most common types is a mechanical bite alarm. It is easy to make by yourself. The cost of mechanical indicators is acceptable for all fishermen. Several species fall into this category. The most popular are the pendulum, nod and bell.
The listed varieties have different modifications. However, the essence of such devices remains unchanged. The most common form of a pendulum is a small cylinder, in the center of which a long rod is inserted. There are rings on both sides of such an indicator, with the help of which the device is put on a fishing line and a retaining ring. The cost of the pendulum is about 50-70 rubles. Therefore, such devices usually have almost all fishermen in the set of bite alarms.
When the line is pulled, the sag of the pendulum is leveled. He snuggles up to the rod. Even small, careful bites become noticeable. Pendulums are made of bright plastic. The sensitivity of the device remains high both at near and far cast.
A nod is often used for winter fishing. If fishing is carried out in the summer, it is installed on a light fishing rod. Such signaling devices are also called lateral because of the features of their installation. To make such a tackle yourself is not difficult. When the line is pulled, the nod also begins to move, attracting the attention of the fisherman.
Sound mechanical signaling devices
Choosing inexpensive bite alarms, many fishermen prefer sound mechanical devices. These are all kinds of bells, the design of which may vary. A few decades ago, fishermen clung to a fishing line a simple small bell. It was heavy enough not to react to a slight gust of wind. However, when biting, the metal bell emitted the corresponding signal.
Today, the appearance of such gear has changed somewhat. They are used day or night for bottom gear. If a person has poor eyesight, this is perhaps one of the best options for fishing. Such rattles can be made independently. However, the cost of such a device in the store will be minimal. Therefore, many prefer this option of signaling devices.
Several types of bells are on sale. They can have a classic look. To imagine what this tackle looks like, you need to recall the large bell, which is often used in chapels. If you reduce it many times to the state where it fits easily in the palm of your hand, you can understand how such an indicator looks. If a device that is too light is purchased, it can only be used in completely calm weather. If there is a slight wind, this device will not be informative. He will ring, swaying from side to side on the fishing line.
Often fishermen get bells on clothespins. They look like two balls, inside of which there are small ringing elements. Balls are mounted next to each other on spiral legs. They are attached to a clothespin. Using the clamp, the bells are mounted on the fishing line.
Electronic devices
The electronic bite signaling device also responds to changes in line tension. In this case, it emits a characteristic signal. Electronics allows you to react sensitively even to minor bites. Devices of the presented type are in demand today. They are used for both night and day fishing.
The electronic bite signaling device is powered by batteries. They can be recharged at home before a trip to the pond. In some cases, ordinary batteries are installed in the device, which must be changed at regular intervals. In addition to the sound signal, many models start to blink when biting. For this, an LED is integrated in the design.
The cost of electronic devices will be higher than that of mechanical alarms. However, this does not reduce the popularity of this type of device.
It is worth saying that the sale includes direct and remote electronic devices for bite alerts. If the fisherman is constantly near fishing rods, he can choose the first version of the device. It is cheaper. Remote signaling devices during bite transmit a signal to the receiving device. If the fisherman left the fishing rods and rests with friends, he can control the bites even at a distance. The cost of remote devices is an order of magnitude higher.
Fireflies
Choosing bite alarms for a feeder or other bottom tackle, many fishermen pay attention to fireflies. These devices allow you to control the tension of the fishing line at night. There are several varieties of such indicators.
One of the simplest and most common varieties is the chemical firefly. It works due to the mixing of two components inside the rod. A chemical reaction produces light. To bring the firefly into action, the rod must be broken (slightly bent).
Electric fireflies are powered by a mini-battery. Some models have 2 LEDs. One of them is green. This means that the line is at rest. When it is pulled, the firefly lights up in red or orange.
Also used in fishing light-bite bite alarms. Included with the device is a flashlight. They are illuminated by an indicator. After that, he will emit a dim, but noticeable in the dark glow.
Installation Features
The bite alarm can be installed in various ways. If it is a feeder rod, it is mounted on top. Experienced fishermen argue that this principle is less informative with weak bites. However, it does occur.
You can also attach an indicator near the butt of the rod. The signaling device in this case must have metal plates or rings for installation. They are caught on the fishing line and the first ring of the rod. It turns out a little sag. When pulling the fishing line, such a device will move.
Some models can be mounted directly on a rod stand. In the process of fish hooking and fishing, the indicator remains in the same place.
Home-made pendulum indicator
Making a bite alarm with your own hands will not be difficult. This is an exciting process. One of the simplest options is a pendulum indicator. To make it, you will need a small piece of soft wire (about 30 cm). Its thickness should be medium. On the wire on one side you need to make a loop. Its diameter is 1 cm.
On the fishing line on the other hand put on a plastic tube. This can be a ballpoint pen, a tube for a drink and other similar items that are at hand. The length of the shaft is about 12 cm.
Next, you need to put on the tube a bright barrel. It can be an old bobber, a capsule from a toy from a famous chocolate egg with a surprise, a plastic box from shoe covers, etc. If the item is not bright enough, it can be painted with a suitable nail polish. Inside the box, you can put several small balls.
Next, put on a fishing line another small piece of tubule (1-2 cm). From this side, you also need to bend the wire into a loop. It should be perpendicular to the lower bend. The first loop will be attached to the rod ring, and the second to the fishing line. Sometimes bells are put on such an annunciator for more information.
Homemade nod
Wanting to make a bite alarm with your own hands, you can build a simple nod. To do this, you need to attach a soft tube to the end of the rod. To do this, use electrical tape or tape. This segment will be required to install a nod.
Next, you need to take a piece of soft, elastic wire. Its one end is fixed in the prepared tube. In some cases, the wire is bent several times. So she holds her shape better.
After that, the wire is bent at a right angle with respect to the rod. At its end you need to wear a bright element. It can be painted with bright varnish or paint. The end of the wire must be bent in the form of a loop. A fishing line will be passed through it.
In some cases, a nod is attached not to the tip of the rod, but between the first ring and the reel. This signaling device is still called a nod. It is located on the side of the rod, being an informative indicator when the line is moving.
Reviews of fishermen
According to reviews, the bite indicator does not have to be complicated. Most often, fishermen use simple mechanical devices. Their disadvantage is the response to gusts of wind. However, having become accustomed to such a device, one can easily distinguish the lateral vibrations of the pendulum on the fishing line from its rise upward when pulling the thread.
Simple mechanical alarms can be modified if necessary. At night, fireflies can be inserted into them. If you need to add a sound alert, the bells are set on the clothespin.
Many fishermen are accustomed to certain gear and do not want to change anything. However, there are those who like to try different innovations. For such fishermen, electronic devices will be the best option. The choice of device depends on the taste preferences of the fisherman. If it is convenient to fish using a mechanical indicator, do not purchase electronics. And vice versa. Any device significantly increases the effectiveness of the fishing process. Purchased and home-made indicators allow the fisherman to timely respond to the bite. The catch in this case will be much more abundant than without using the presented devices.
Having considered the features and types of bite alarms, you can choose the best option. Fishing will bring a lot of pleasure, and the catch will be rich and plentiful.