Hi Graham.
Probably shouldn't admit to this one, as it won't do my credability any good. Not that I have really got any to lose, but you know what I mean.
During the early eightys I fished a park lake that was dodgy to say the least. My biggest fear, being a brave lad (read stupid), was somebody reliving me of my tackle whilst I slept in my bivie.
After much thaught I came up with an alarm system, incorporating tiny micro switches on the butt rests. This system worked like a charm, once armed, anyone attempting to lift a rod of its rest, was in for a rude awakening. Much back slapping ensued, as I bragged amongst freinds about my ingenuety.
One fatefull night it happened, one minute I was fast asleep the next minute my alarms going off. Armed with something substantial I came bounding out of my bivie to be confronted by, well, nothing! Worse still, the alarms still going off, at god knows how many hundred decibels. All the other angler were woke up, and started to shout abuse. whilst I franticly fumbled in the dark trying to stop the infernal noise. I eventually pulled the batteries out.
I have not dabbled with electronics since prefering to leave it to the profesionalls. But one lession I did learn from my experience, that I would like to pass on to any potential inventer is. Fishing being an outdoor sport. Make sure your inventions dont short out when it rains.