There are so many types and makes of bite indicators on the market these days, so I have narrowed it down to three main ones that will cover all types of angling.
We have come a long way from the dough bobbins and silver foil, followed by monkey climbers which all did their job, except at range they were next to useless. The reason for this is purely that they were not heavy enough to put the line under enough tension, and in truth, if you are using a 2oz or 3oz lead then the indicator needs to be of a similar weight for the ultimate bite indication. So lets take a look at the modern alternatives
HANGERS - Hangers,danglers,bobbins all do the same job and are simular in design .Most have coloured sight bobbins and most have isotope inserts for night fishing. Where these improved over the monkey climbers is that they have add on weights, vastly improving on bite indication.Their only fault is in strong winds where they can be blown about giving false bites
SWINGERS - Simular in design to the hanger except these have the addition of a solid bar, so no more false bites in strong winds. Some have a sliding weight while others have the add-on weights, which I must be honest, I use for the bulk of my carp fishing.Also some have a bead/ball type clip, and others have a gate type clip which once again I prefer.So with the add-on weights, solid bar and free running gate, for me these are the ultimate bite indicators.
SPRINGERS - A relatively new concept in bite indication.Made from a flexible material, a cross between a hanger and a swinger with the addition of the flexible material it keeps the line under tension at all times, especially accentuating drop back bites.
My prescription this time has got to be the swinger
