Abstract: An improved balanced fishing rod is disclosed having line-tension-responsive indicating means operable to produce a visual indication when tension on the fishing line exceeds a predetermined value. The indicating means includes a rechargeable direct-current voltage source having a pair of terminals sealed to the fishing rod, a charging diode enabling the voltage source to be recharged while remaining sealed to said fishing rod, and a light-emitting diode connected in parallel with the charging diode. The charging diode is reversely positioned with respect to the light-emitting diode so that an electric current emanating from the voltage source will pass through and light the light-emitting diode and not pass through the charging diode, while an electric current emanating from a charging battery will pass through the charging diode and not the light-emitting diode to recharge the voltage source without lighting the light-emitting diode.