There is very little point in spending time and money choosing the best fishing bite alarms if you are not going to look after them.

Although fishing bite alarms cost between £20 & £100 they all have one thing in common, they all contain electronic components.

Electronic components like to kept warm and dry, they do not like being stuck on the end of a bank stick in pouring rain or freezing conditions.

Changes in temperature can also cause condensation to form inside the bite alarm, I.e., Moving the bite alarm from the cold into a nice warm car!

Manufacturers like Good Fishing LTD take great care to ensure the case is as waterproof as possible and coat the electronics with varnish to protect against condensation.

But we also recommend that at the end of every fishing trip you take the following precautions.

1. Wipe the case over with a dry cloth and remove any dirt that has stuck to the case.
2. Remove or open the battery slide to allow air to circulate inside the case.
3. If you have been fishing in wet or cold conditions place the bite alarm in the airing cupboard overnight.
4. Never force dry with hairdryers or place the alarm in an oven.
5. Never spray with WD40 or any similar product.
6. If you do not intend using the bite alarm for some time remove the battery.

Always take care when screwing your bite alarm onto a bank stick or rod pod, never over tighten.

If the bite alarm does not align itself up on your rod pod, use a locking nut. Don't force it, remember the case is plastic and can be broken, the bolt is brass and very strong.

Most fishing bite alarm manufacturers can supply covers to protect your alarms, we recommend that you use them, but never leave them on for long periods if the alarm is still damp, as this will kept the dampness in.