Abstract: The detector comprises a vibration or shock emitter (2) which is adapted to be fitted at the top of a fishing rod (1) and when actuated by the movement of the tip of the rod caused when a fish bites, sends vibration or shock signals along the rod. The detector further comprises a receiver (3) adapted to be situated in direct or indirect contact with the rod at a distance from the emitter and containing an electronic circuit including a sensor (S1) which receives the signals travelling from the emitter along the rod and converts them to electric signals which are processed in the circuit and used to actuate acoustic and/or visual warning means (L1,S2) for alerting the angler, whereupon the circuit resets itself after a predetermined time.