Bite alarm for feeder - when and where is it needed?

Fishermen have been using bite alarms for a long time. Previously, their diversity was limited to primitive bells. There is something similar now, but the main assortment of the modern market consists of electronic devices that provide a variety of signals:

• light;
• sound;
• message on a walkie-talkie or pager;
• combined.

The operating principle of the alarm has remained virtually unchanged. A fishing line is passed through the device, and as soon as a bite occurs, the mechanism senses it and is triggered. Moreover, there are devices that can independently perform cutting. Of course, you should understand that they are quite weak, and if you are fishing on a feeder, they will not hook a large carp.

Our rating includes the most popular products presented on the AliExpress site. Here you will find both the most primitive devices, reminiscent of good old bells, and modern electronic gadgets with a lot of useful functions. The alarm not only makes fishing more convenient, but also significantly increases productivity, since now you know exactly which fishing rod caught the trophy, even if you are at a considerable distance from it.

Types of alarms

Alarms can be divided into several groups, among them:

• electronic,
• mechanical.

The following group can be made up of devices, divided into methods of operation:

• Visual. Such alarms will give a clear sign that a fish has been hooked.
• Sound. They will signal that the fish is on the hook with a sound signal.

Let us examine in more detail the types of electronic and sound alarms.

Mechanical alarms

"Springer"

This device is quite simple in structure and use and reliable. It is a plastic cylinder equipped with a graphite rod that clings to a crossbar.

In this case, the fishing line is greatly stretched. The alarm “comes to life” when the fishing line begins to vibrate. It is recommended to use such an assistant at short distances when casting.

"Bat"

This very sensitive alarm device looks like a plastic cylinder. However, his job is a little different. Such a device is fixed next to the fishing line and crossbar, and the tension can be adjusted using weights.

With the help of such a signaling device, you will definitely catch a cautious and timid fish that tries the bait very carefully.

"Monkey"

This device is not very popular among fishermen and therefore is not used often. It is a rod that is enclosed in a plastic housing and moves along the scaffolding.

“Monkey” is very stable; it will not fall for false bites. However, the sensitivity of this alarm is still rather low.

"Swinger"

Such an assistant is also a rod enclosed in a plastic housing where the load moves.

It responds very well when the line is stretched, it perfectly detects bites, so fishermen often prefer this kind of alarm. So “swinger” is extremely common.

Electronic signaling devices

In the distant 60s, the development of electronic signaling devices began. They combined visual and audio signaling. One of the more popular bite alarms was Heron. The main disadvantage of this device was the need to connect it to an external battery.

Development did not stand still. Contacts with wiring have been replaced by small sensor blocks built into the alarm body. They are much more reliable and sensitive than older models.

Modern electric alarms can receive a bite signal through:

• Form

Such devices are attached directly to any convenient place on the fishing rod using adhesive tape. It can be used for both summer and winter fishing. The indicator body is made in the form of a small cylinder, weighing about 12 g. It is airtight and does not sink. The cylinder has an on/off button and sensitivity level settings for:

1. Predatory or large white fish;
2. Small white fish;
3. Winter fishing.

There are also auto functions (on-off) of the device when hooking. To save energy, there is an option to turn off the device if there are no bites for a long time (more than three hours)

The principle of operation of such devices is to remove information from the rod blank with a sensor built into the body. False signals from the wind and water disturbances are not recorded. The bite signal is given by sound (up to 50 m) and LED (up to 100 m).

• Fishing line

These are electrical signaling devices of a traditional form. They are produced with fasteners for installation on the rod blank, or installed on a rod pod or fishing rod stand. They consist of:

1. Housings;
2. Alarm roller;
3. Batteries (crowns);
4. Microcircuits;
5. Sound and light signaling device.

The body is made of plastic or metal. It has a special place where the power supply is installed. At the top there is a roller with a photocell for fishing line. Inside the case there is a microcircuit, LEDs and a sound signal speaker. On the surface there are on/off buttons, volume, sound tone selection, as well as a warning light button.

The case has a threaded mount for screwing onto a stand or rod pod. The alarm itself also doubles as a stand for the fishing rod. More expensive models have waterproof cases. For budget models, we can advise you to fill the board yourself with candle wax. This will prevent moisture from getting on the chip.

One of the most popular mechanical signaling devices is Megatex (picture below.)

The operating principle of such alarms is simple:

1. The case is screwed onto the stand. It is brought into working position (power is connected, it turns on). The desired sound tone and volume are adjusted (this is convenient when fishing with several rods).
2. The tackle is thrown, the fishing rod is installed on the signaling device. The line is wound onto the roller.
3. The slack is selected (swingers or mechanical bite alarms are needed to tension the fishing line), and the clutch on the reel is correctly set.

When bitten, the fishing line sends a signal through the roller to the photocell. In turn, it generates a signal with sound and light. This informs the fisherman that the bite has begun.

As a rule, electric alarms have 2 indicators. Red indicates a bite. Green or blue lights up when the device is turned on. It also burns for a few more seconds after the bite ends. This makes it possible to see which of the fishing rods the fish was biting on.

Rating of the top 3 models of electronic signaling devices

" Jay", an inexpensive, practical option. An extremely popular model recently is “Jay 3”. It ranks at the top of our rankings.

Attached to a fishing rod or winter fishing rod using adhesive tape. It has:

1. Protection against false signals (waves, wind, algae);
2. Removable CR1220 battery;
3. Metal waterproof, non-sinking body;
4. Energy-saving shutdown function;
5. When used from -40 to +100ºС, shelf life is up to one year.

Instructions:

1. Press the button, a beep will appear. When you release the button, a short signal means the device is turned on, a long signal means it’s turned off.
2. 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th presses – sensitivity levels are set.
3. 7th, 8th, 9th presses - setting melodies for bites.
4. 10th press – setting to turn on/off auto mode when hooking.
5. When you press and hold the button (20 seconds), the tone and volume of the sound are set.

Cheap signaling device "Barracuda" (barracuda) , made of black rubberized plastic.

It has:

1. Waterproof housing;
2. Adjusting volume and tone;
3. Light and sound alarm;
4. A crown battery (9 V) is used for power supply.

The control buttons are located on the front side of the alarm. The rubberized body allows you to use the device in any weather conditions. The board is covered with a waterproof coating.

The Chinese electronic signaling device "Hoxwell" has:

1. Light and sound indicator of inclusion;
2. Eight tone levels;
3. Volume control, silent mode;
4. Settings memory function;
5. LED bite direction scale;
6. Built-in signal transmitter;
7. Turn on night mode.

Hoxwell bite alarm

Barracuda bite alarm

Soyka signaling device
These are models protected from moisture, with side-mounted control buttons. The body is additionally protected by rubber pads along the seams of the joints. A crown battery is used for power supply. These models are also equipped with pagers.

Electronic alarms with pagers

Modern professional signaling devices are equipped with built-in signal transmitters. This is convenient for day or night fishing, being at a relatively large distance from the fishing rods. The bite signal is transmitted to the pager. The signal transmission distance reaches 200 m. The pager can notify the fisherman with a vibration, sound or light signal. Each set of alarms has its own pager. It can simultaneously receive signals from 4 devices.

Advantages of using models with a built-in signal transmitter:

1. Obtaining information about line tension at a distance from the fishing site.
2. Which rod did the bite occur on?

The pager is configured together with alarms, which allows you to select and control the signal. You must remember to charge the device in a timely manner so that you are not left without communication with the alarms while fishing.

Ready-made alarm sets

Such sets are equipped with a pager, usually 4 alarms, batteries and chargers (if necessary). The set is packed in a plastic case. The alarms are equipped with built-in transmitters for communication with a pager.

They also have special connectors for connecting electronic swingers. They have waterproof cases. Such kits are convenient to transport, easy to assemble and use. Ready-made alarm kits are quite expensive. However, they differ in the quality of the models and the virtual absence of fakes.

Homemade firefly for feeder

You can make a homemade bite alarm for the feeder that will glow at night. To do this you need:

• A plastic tube 5-7 cm long (can be used for polyurethane foam).
• White LED. It needs to be inserted into the tube and secured with glue.
• 3V battery. Place it in the heat shrink tube to ensure a seal.

Connect the LED to the battery; you can use hot glue for insulation. You can attach the alarm to the tip of the rod using adhesive tape.

There are ready-made battery-powered fireflies on sale that begin to glow when the tension of the fishing line changes. They are more effective because they signal directly when a bite occurs.

Sound alarms

This category of alarms includes various devices that signal a bite with sound. Their design is quite simple and are:

1. Bells on a clothespin;
2. Rattles;
3. Bells.

Such indicators are used on bottom gear at night. Sound alarms are also installed during daylight hours, when it is difficult to visually monitor a large number of gear. They are usually mounted on a fishing line or the tip of a donkey rod. (Pictures enlarge.)

Classic bell pendant

Bells pendant

Signaling bells from the company Salmo

Very often, the factory fastening of the bell is difficult to remove during hooking from the fishing line. This interferes with the normal rewinding of the tackle when fishing. Therefore, you can modify the alarm holder yourself. For this you will need:

1. Thin-walled rubber hose, approximately 3 cm in diameter.
2. A small bolt with a nut that will go into the bell ear

A ring 1.5 cm wide is cut from the hose. An incision is made on the ring and shaped into a hook. You need to make a hole in its long part. Through it, the bell is attached to the elastic band using a bolt.

You can make the bell yourself. For example, from decorations on the backs of old iron beds. They look like a cylinder with conical tips.

For production you will need:

1. Saw the cylinder in half;
2. Make a hole in the top;
3. Attach a nut to the self-tapping screw, tying it to a fishing line. This will be the tongue of the bell;
4. Self-tapping screw, screwed into the hole from the inside of the bell;
5. A wine cork is placed on the tip. An incision is made in the cork to attach the indicator to the fishing line of the fishing rod.

You can make a bell from an old telephone bell. We analyze the call, we get two cups. In the upper part, through the hole, a tongue is fixed. You can use a nut on a fishing line for it. To install the alarm on the fishing line, you can use a cork.

Hand-made bells differ from factory-made ones in their special sound. This allows you not to confuse their sound while fishing with their neighbors.

GARDNER A.T.T.

The smallest alarm in our testing. There are no buttons or the usual speaker on the case. The alarm transmits a bite signal only using a bright light-up wheel, or if a pager is connected, to it. Completely sealed and can even work underwater. The alarm automatically turns on when you take it out of the case, and vice versa.

New versions boast a transparent body that completely lights up when bitten. A unique product that has found its buyer and continues to do so.

Ease of Use: 10 Functionality: 6 Appearance/Materials: 8 Price: 8 Overall: 32

FOX MXR+

The Fox line of alarms has been in high demand among anglers for several years. For our test, we chose the mid-price model MXR+. The simple and compact design may or may not appeal to anglers. The front panel has volume and tone controls. The case is completely waterproof.

Based on the fact that many people have been using alarms for several seasons in a row, we can talk about their high reliability. The alarms will appeal to conservative fishermen who value reliability and minimalism.

Ease of Use: 9 Functionality: 9 Appearance/Materials: 5 Price: 9 Overall: 32

Visual alarms

Such products are designed for visual control of bites. They are divided into several types:

• plastic thin upper tips for the rod;
• fireflies (glow at night);
• swingers;
• side nods.

Such alarms have the following advantages:

• suitable for use day and night;
• can be used in conjunction with almost any equipment;
• ease of manufacture

The price of bite alarms for feeders can vary significantly depending on the type of device. If you make it yourself, it can be completely free if you use available materials.

Information about alarms

When and where is it needed?

These truly indispensable assistants for any fishermen are necessary at the moment when the angler is going to hunt for a fairly large fish: bream, catfish or carp, for example. After all, such a large fish can swim away in an instant, taking with it both the hook and the bait and breaking the tackle.

However, if you install a bite alarm on the feeder, you will always know when the fish is biting and can proceed with further actions.

So, such a device is simply irreplaceable during night fishing. Fishermen may doze off, or sit not on the shore itself, but, for example, warm themselves by the fire, but your assistant in the form of an alarm is guaranteed to inform you: a fish has been caught on the hook!

Below we will look at what types of alarms there are and which one is better to choose in order to save yourself from constantly watching the tackle and tugging every time the fishing line fluctuates.

EXCELLENT BUDGET ALARMS, BEST PRICES.

Set of 4 swingers in different colors. Compact and very sensitive bite alarm. The hinged design registers an accurate bite. The possibility of weighting eliminates swaying by the wind. Convenient system for adjusting the fishing line fixation force. PRICE 2300₽.

SET OF SWINGERS ON A CHAIN ​​17 A. Compact and very sensitive mechanical bite alarm. All elements are made of stainless steel. Equipped with a quick-release connector for attaching to a rod pod. A heavy bicycle-type chain eliminates swinging in the wind. Convenient system for adjusting the fishing line fixation force. Availability of a slot for an isotope. Set of 4 swingers in different colors. PRICE 2620₽. ELECTRON SWINGERS SET. 4 THINGS. SW-01 "SHARK". The illuminated swinger is the most versatile ever developed, convenient in the dark, visible from a long distance. Set of 4 swingers in different colors. Has a built-in LED. Made of stainless steel. Adjusting line tension. PRICE 3000₽. SET OF ELECTRONIC SWINGERS 4 PCS MAGNETIC PHOSPHORUS. The illuminated swinger is the most universal ever developed, convenient in the dark, visible from a great distance. Set of 4 swingers in different colors. Has a built-in LED and light-storage head. Made from stainless steel. Adjusting line tension. Adjusting the spring of the rotary mechanism. The magnetic line clamping system does not damage the line. PRICE 3000₽. SWINGER 17 S. Swinger 17 S EastShark. Adjusting line tension. Convenient line lock that does not damage the line. Made from stainless steel. Equipped with a quick release mechanism. Available in 4 colors. PRICE 615₽. BITE INDICATOR SWINGER-16 V. Design with double internal spring. Windproof design. Adjustable stainless steel clamping system. High quality aluminum housing. Quick release mechanism. Available in 4 colors. PRICE 615₽. SWINGER ON CHAIN ​​4 COLORS 18. Compact and very sensitive bite alarm. The hinged design registers an accurate bite. The possibility of weighting eliminates swaying by the wind. Convenient system for adjusting the strength of the fishing line. Available in four colors. PRICE 530₽. SWINGER ON A CHAIN ​​WITH REPLACEABLE HEAD 17 A. Swinger EastShark 17 A on a bicycle chain. The set includes replaceable bulbs of 4 colors + light-accumulating (for the dark). Possibility to change the weight of the swinger using stacked washers. The swinger is equipped with a quick release. Swinger length 25 cm. PRICE 615₽. SWINGER-16.The illuminated swinger is the most versatile ever developed, convenient in the dark, visible from a great distance.

Has a built-in LED. Made from stainless steel. Adjusting line tension. Adjusting the spring of the rotary mechanism. Convenient line lock that does not damage the line. Available in 4 colors. PRICE 565₽.

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