Choosing the right Bite Alarm

We get quite a few people come into our shop and say they want to start night fishing but only want a cheap set of alarms because they don’t go fishing that much. We start showing them some different alarms with receivers and they say, Oh I won’t need a receiver, I'll just turn the alarm up to its loudest.

Now I don’t know if it's just me but when someone does this at a fishery it shows a lack of respect to other anglers and also to the safety of the fish. Fair enough you may annoy a couple of anglers and if you do I bet one or two of them will let you know but let's say you’re in a deep sleep bivvied up 5 yards away from your alarm, will you hear them? If not there is a fish with your rig and line attached going at a rate of knotts heading no doubt for a snag, island or someone else's lines.

You won’t believe the amount of times I’ve had people come into the shop saying they woke up with no line on their spool because they didn’t hear their alarms. They spend lots of money on making sure they use safe leaders, rigs and leads that can drop off but they ignore the basics, seeing or hearing the bite!!

So let's look at what you may need depending on your fishing style.  

Day anglers fishing on a runs water or a fishery where you know you're going to have a good chance of catching a fish or two, have a look at the Nash Siren S5 bite alarm or the Fox Mini Micron Alarm.

These small compact bite alarms offer amazing value for money and they are more than up to the job you want them to do. They aren’t a complicated alarm to use, just switch them on, sit back and wait for them to sound, registering a bite.

If you want something that offers you a bit more in sensitivity and street cred have a look at the Delkim EV-D. These alarms are fitted with the patented vibratory sensing system that only Delkim do.

Please note that these alarms don’t come with the option of adding a receiver or sounder box to them, so if you are looking at adding a receiver at a later date please don’t buy these and their price reflects that they don’t have remote technology installed in them.

For those of you that do the occasional night fishing or are a bit more serious about your carp fishing, Nash and Fox both offer the same style of alarms mentioned above but with remote technology fitted inside.

The Siren S5R Alarms and Fox Mini Micron X will offer all the same as the two alarms mentioned above, good price and reliability but also you can buy a receiver for them. This allows you to be notified of a bite in your shelter when sleeping or you're not watching your rods.

A little step higher on the price scale are the Fox Micron MX Bite Alarms that are slightly larger but to be honest with you I really don’t believe that the jump in price will offer you more benefits than the first two I mentioned just above.

If you want exceptional value for money, have a look at Korum KBI-Compact 2 and 3 rod sets that also come with a remote receiver supplied in a protective case. Also the Korum KBI-R 2 and 3 rod Presentation Sets that come with two or three alarms depending on choice, One remote receiver and the bobbins/hanger to go with them. These alarms are ideal for the start up carper or for those of you that just want more bang for your buck. 

If you are more serious about your carp fishing and looking to upgrade or just want the best you won’t go far wrong with the Legendary Delkim TXi-D alarms, Nash Siren R3 or New for 2022 Nash Siren R4 Bite Alarms.

I know that Fox does the RX Plus Micron alarm and you can get other roller alarms like Steve Nevilles Alarms, ATT’s and others but the above are my top three because I’ve used them and they offer more than just a magnetic roller for bite detection. As for the Delkim alarms they use the tried and tested Vibratory System that has led the way in bite indication for many years. Your line runs over a stylus which picks up every fibration and movement that the line makes but with the sensitivity adjustment you can eliminate some of this. They are made here in the UK and their customer service is impeccable.

It’s rare that you do have an issue with any Delkim product because of the high standard they are made to. The Delkim TXi-D is the upgraded version of the iconic Delkim TXI. Some people say they can be a bit complicated to use at the start but I suppose it's like all new things, they can take some getting used to.

Next are the Nash Siren R3 bite alarms that have motion sensing software built in. This monitors the speed in which the wheel rotates so if it’s slow and no difference in speed is detected the alarm won't sound but as soon as the motion increases or decreases it will spring to life.

These are the alarms of my choice which I use because I’ve learnt to trust these alarms as this system can help to eliminate a lot of the false indications and when the R3 sounds I take note of what's going on and don’t just say, that’s the wind.

Whilst I am writing this I’m waiting for my New Nash Siren R4 Bite Alarms to come and I’m really looking forward to trying them out.

At CPS Tackle, we're passionate about helping every angler find the perfect equipment for their needs. Whether you're just starting out or looking to upgrade your kit, our range of bite alarms offers something for everyone. From reliable budget-friendly options to top-of-the-line models with advanced features, we have you covered.

Don't let a missed bite ruin your next fishing trip. Visit us in-store or online to explore our selection, get expert advice, and ensure you have the right gear for a successful and enjoyable fishing experience. Contact CPS Tackle today and let us help you make the most of your time on the water. Tight lines!