OBJECT OF DESIRE
A BITE alarm head that doesn’t make a noise? When first launched, that was the apparent madness which the ATTs represented, but in the intervening years they’ve garnered a big cult following, and for very good reason too.
Initially produced by Specialist Tackle, these days the ATTs brand comes under the Gardner Tackle umbrella and they’ve gone from strength to strength ever since.
With simplicity of design at the core of the ATTs ethos, the tiny alarms boast no buttons or jack plugs, meaning there’s no chance of water ingress in these traditional weak spots.
A recent upgrade to the ATTs means they are now available with an under-lit roller wheel, which lights up when you get any action, making them both uber-cool to look at, and less likely to blind you in the middle of the night when you get a run – which can happen with some other bite alarms with standard lights.
So, you might be wondering what I meant earlier when I said they make no sound? Herein lies the unique nature of the ATTs, as they only work with the receiver, which the sound comes from and which can also be set to vibrate mode. The ‘secret squirrels’ among the big carp fraternity love the ATTs for this reason, as it allows them to happily catch carp without the other anglers around the lake being any the wiser to what’s happening.
The ATTx Deluxe receiver uses just two AA batteries, and offers an improved range over previous models, as well as excellent signal penetration through surrounding foliage and superb water resistance.
Back in the early days, the criticism was that if the battery in the receiver died then, effectively, you would be none the wiser in the event of a bite. The low-battery warning sensor in the receiver dealt with that in an instant.
I’ve long admired these cracking little bite alarms and, although I haven’t ever owned a set myself, several of my angling mates do and they rave about them. The combination of a super-compact head, bomb-proof technology and extremely reasonable price all adds up to perfection in miniature. Trat yourself to a set and you won’t be dissappointed.