Abstract: A detecting apparatus that is mountable remote from a fishing rod for monitoring fish strikes. The detecting apparatus includes a rod and line engaging means that is attachable to a portion of the fishing line or rod that experiences movement upon a fish strike. Coupled to the engager means is an insulator which is normally positioned between contact pieces of an electrical indicator circuit, but is pulled from between the contact pieces to energize the circuit in response to movement of the engager means when the fishing line is struck. Upon a fish strike, the engager means further completely disengages from the fishing line or rod, permitting the rod to be used without the hindrance of the strike detector apparatus.