Swings, monkeys

Kibble indicators are used to identify a bite when fishing with a bottom or carp rod. They come in different types. Some are free-hanging on the line, others are more complex. In the past, fishermen would simply hang a wine cork on the line, tied with a string, to indicate a bite. Nowadays, there is no need to do that, the shops are full of better and more convenient solutions.

Monkeys

Bite indicators are actually very simple - they are plastic weights that hang on the line, also known as monkeys. This is the simplest solution, but not the worst, as the low weight of the monkey and the free hanging nature of the hook are the least suspicious to the biting fish. It does not feel any resistance when gently pulling the bait. Monkeys are used in still water when catching bream or crucian carp with a bottom line. Simply tie one end of the strike indicator, or rather the string, to the rod holder of the pole and hook the monkey onto the line. The rod is placed in a horizontal position and the indicator hangs and exerts a slight tension on the line with its weight. The indicator shall either go up or down during the nodding motion, depending on which way the fish is pulling the line. The cost of the monkey is under a euro, so it is definitely not worth making them yourself from bottle corks, as you can also add a chemical light to the ones you buy, or fill them with the extra weight needed when the wind blows.

For fishing

The more modern bite indicators, known as swings, work on a similar principle. Swings can be used with or without an electronic bite alarm, just like the plastic monkey. Instead of a string, the swing has a metal rod, one end of which is placed on a peg and the other hooked onto a line. A sliding weight is placed in the middle of the bar to apply different tensions to the line. The swing can be used with or without an electric light. Swings with a light cost a little more and the light will only come on if the swing is used in conjunction with an electronic alarm, which has a special socket for the plug of the swing cable. Swings also come with a chain or chain instead of a metal cord. These are more sensitive, but like the monkey, they sway more in the wind and may give false indications of strikes. You can buy all kinds of swivels for bottom fishing and carp fishing in all colours online.