A bite indicator 10 comprises a detecting/monitoring unit 18 comprising a housing 12 including guide means 16 through which the fishing line is retained and guided on or towards a stylus 14. In use, the fishing line is urged towards the stylus 14 such that movement of the fishing line causes vibrational movement within the stylus 14. The stylus 14 is mounted within the housing 12 of the bite indicator 10. The bite indicator 10 includes sensing means which is arranged to sense the motion and specifically the vibration of the stylus 14 and the sensing means produces an electrical signal in relation to the vibrational movement of the stylus 14. Control means of the bite indicator 10 is arranged to monitor the movement of the stylus 14 and to selectively generate an alarm signal. The present invention monitors the behaviour of the detected signal over a period of time to trigger a bite alarm rather than solely detecting a signal value above a baseline threshold (or other single set value) to trigger a bite alarm. For example, the detection of the velocity of the fishing line above a set value may not be sufficient to trigger an alarm. The present invention may require the velocity to be above the threshold for a set length of time before an alarm is triggered. Similarly, the alarm may be triggered if a change in the velocity is detected within a period of time (which may indicate an acceleration of the fishing line). Furthermore, the cadence may be detected and used to trigger the alarm and such a behavioural pattern may be demonstrated by repetitive stop-start movements of the fishing line. Accordingly the present invention discriminates against general movement of the fishing line as compared to an actual bite.
