I've tried various methods of bite alerts/alarms when fishing for cats such as those clip-on bells they sell at Wallyworld and other places. The problem with these is that if you forget to take them off before making a cast, you're bell ends up hitting the water about 2 seconds behind your bait.

Here's a simple, and cheap method that works.

Go to your local craft store and get a "jingle bell" (don't know what else to call it other than that). They come in various sizes, it doesn't take much for them to make a sound (but not gentle waves), and they are loud enough that you can hear them well.

Use a paper clip or small safety pin and hook the bell through one of your rod guides.

Cheap, easy, and it'll stay on.

nice tip and i have another one . go to the dollar store and buy some glow in the dark sticks, large size are ok and then take some scotch tape and wrap it up close to your rod . self explanetory(sp) when they are to be used hehe

Yep, keep some in my "go bag". Great for night fishing!

This is the method i use at night except I use zip ties to hold them. I have found the greed and the orange/red seem to last the longest.... It is an awesome site at night watching that bright tip get yanked on.

I buy the glow sticks that clip to your rod tip. They stay on when you cast out. Have not had one fly off yet. I buy them at harbor freight in the small outdoor section they have. They last all night and into the morning. They are really cheap and you don't have to use zip ties or tape. I got tired of doing having to cut the zip ties or the tape.

I bought a bag of bells from hobby lobby for that same reason. It's a hassle to remove the bell, cast and put the bell back. I've lost my share of bells on casts. Hobby lobby always has coupons like 40% off too. I bought 100 glowsticks off ebay. The total price was $9.01.

hey cris .do you have a picture of these ? i wonder if they can be used with a bobber too ?

I think he means this http://www.harborfreight.com/glow-stick-strike-indicator-97386.html

the one's i got from ebay came 2 in a pack with mounting pieces for $9

Those are pretty cool. Wasn't aware that Harbor Freight sold fishing tackle. You can also get a similar item on eBay for $.22 each.

http://cgi.ebay.com/10xFishing-Fluoresce...=item4154acb4c5

I like the little jingle bell trick myself but you can also use highly reflective tape. Wrap the reflective tape at the tip of your poles and with your little lighting you can easily see your tip. I believe I am going to use both the bells and tape since I usually fish with no lights on.

thanks i dont think those will fit in a cigar bobber but a rubber band will keep them on there or a hot glue gun hehe

That's the one. Walmart used to carry them, but they stopped a few months ago. I happened to stumble on to them when I was looking for some cheap tools.