WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR...

1 SNAG EARS

Snag ears help prevent your rod being pulled off the rests if you’re fishing near snags and need to have your reel ‘locked-up’ so that line cannot be taken. Snag ears used to have to be purchased seperately but some new alarms have them built in as standard.

2 SENSITIVITY

More advanced alarms feature adjustable sensitivity. This enables the user to fine-tune the set-up to register more subtle bites where less line is taken. Alternatively, the sensitivity can be turned down in windy conditions to help prevent false indications.

3 VISUAL WARNING

All alarms feature at least one LED that lights up when the roller wheel or motion detection device is moved. Choosing different-coloured LEDs can make it easier to see which alarm has registered a take. Some alarms also feature LEDs in the snag ears for added visual indication.

4 DETECTION

The majority of alarms use a roller wheel. When the line is pulled over the wheel, causing it to move, the alarm bleeps. Others use a vibration system that detects the smallest of line movements.

5 VOLUME AND TONE

You can adjust most alarms to be loud or quiet and high-pitched or deep-toned, depending on your personal preference. It can make identifying which alarm has registered a take much easier if they all have a slightly different tone.

6 RECEIVERS

Many bite alarms work with a remote receiver that can be carried at all times, so runs are never missed. This also enables you to mute the alarm head and keep the receiver in your bivvy at night so you don’t disturb every other angler on the lake.