Rod Support & Bite Indication

How to choose rod rests and bite indicators

In feeder fishing, bites are read from the sensitive quiver tip, so the position of the rod matters a great deal. A feeder arm attaches to a seatbox leg or a bankstick and holds the rod level or at the right angle to the line. That keeps the tip right in front of you and the rod quick to pick up when a bite comes.

Front and back rests hold the rod steady when you are ledgering or waiting longer for a bite. Banksticks are pushed into the ground and take rest heads, bite alarms or feeder arms. Rod holders with a ground spike are a simple, lightweight option for a lakeside swim or a jetty.

When you fish with more than one rod or after dark, a bite alarm signals a take with sound and light. A bobbin clips onto the line between the rod and the reel, and its movement shows whether the line is rising or dropping back. A bite bell is a traditional indicator that clips onto the rod tip and rings as the fish pulls.

Choose your rests to suit the ground. On soft banks, banksticks and spike holders go in quickly, while on stony ground or a wooden platform a stable stand or an arm fitted to the seatbox is the safer option.

A well positioned rod and clear bite indication make fishing more relaxed, and they help you connect with more of the fish that take your bait. Set your rods up in the same order and at the same height every time, so a bite is spotted at once and the strike comes without fumbling, even at dusk.