Believe it or not, peg type rod tip bells for bite indication are still popular sellers even though our Great Grandfathers were using them. But we are now in the 21st century and it seems rod tip bite indication technology has well and truly moved forward in to the space age in the shape of SeaBite alarm.

This is a sophisticated piece of equipment. It attaches to the rod tip via a plastic foot that you simply tape or whip to the rod tip between the tip ring and first intermediate ring, but obviously on the non ring side of the blank. The body is moulded to slide in and click securely in to position on the foot. It should be placed with the on/off knob facing towards the rod tip.

The plastic body is cylindrical with a simple turn on, turn off button at the rear that is easy to grip, even with wet, cold hands. This also gives access to the batteries by simply pushing it to one side until it pops off. The body is also luminous, so it glows brightly in the dark when charged.

Where this alarm differs is that it is fully electronically operated and automatically adjusts its sensitivity to the prevailing sea conditions within 1 to 2 minutes of activation. Such is its sensitivity that it can detect the difference between even slight animated rod tip action created by a fish taking the bait which triggers the audible alarm and flashing light indicator. It will even detect drop back bites.  But it will not respond to any repeated rhythmical movement such as wave and wind action, or weed pulling on the line.

When subjected to repeated bite type movement the alarm will go in to mute, but the light indicator will continue flashing. This function is to eliminate the continual beep when playing fish. Once the alarm is in mute it will not reactivate until the light stops flashing.

WSF found the audible bite alarm clear to hear and the flashing indicator light easily seen at night.

The SeaBite alarm measures just 5cms long and is 1cm in diameter. It is ultra lightweight and barely if at all felt when fitted to the rod tip when casting. It can be used with rods fitted with both fixed spool and multiplier reels. And remember, the body clips easily in and out of the taped on foot, so you can opt to remove the bite alarm when casting if you so wish and re fit when fishing.

It is powered by four small L726 Alkaline Cell batteries and will last for ages, but obviously turn the alarm off when not in use for maximum battery life.

The packaging recommends that the SeaBite alarm is not immersed fully in water, but obviously can be fished with when raining without problem.

WSF has tested the SeaBite alarm and it works exactly as the manufacturers say, plus is tough, durable, long lasting, simple to use and highly effective. It’s a revolution in bite indication and is ideal for beginner and expert alike.

The SeaBite alarm will be available from a wide range of tackle retailers shortly. We are told it will retail for around £9.99, plus VAT. For further information and your nearest stockist visit www.seabite.com .

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