GB2470904A

GB2470904A - Angling data processing apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2470904A
Application number: GB0909822A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Matthew Hazley; Clive Blackburn
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-06-08
Filing date: 2009-06-08
Publication date: 2010-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 2029-06-08
Also published as: GB2470904B; GB0909822D0

Abstract

An angling data processing apparatus for obtaining and recording environmental information in response to a bite event, comprising first input means for receiving indication of a fish bite event, second input means for receiving environmental data and processing means. The apparatus may include means for alerting a user to a bite event and a detector for detecting movement of an angling line or rod. The apparatus may comprise a display, a weather station and a means for recording the location of the bite event. An angling data processing system comprising a fish bite detector, environmental conditions detector, processor and data storage device is also disclosed, as is a method for gathering angling data and a method of comparing recorded environmental conditions with forecast conditions to predict the likelihood of a bite event.

Description

INTELLECTUAL

. .... PROPERTY OFFICE Application No. GB0909822.9 RTM Date:11 August 2009 The following terms are registered trademarks and should be read as such wherever they occur in this document: WiFi

UMTS

Bluetooth Intellectual Property Office is an operating name of the Patent Office www.ipo.gov.uk

ANGLING DATA GATHERING AND PROCESSING

The present invention relates to an angling data processing apparatus, an angling data processing system, a method of gathering angling data, and a method of determining an optimal opportunity for angling at a particular location.

The success of an angling session at a particular time and location depends upon various environmental factors. An angler may attempt to remember or manually record the environmental conditions during a particular angling session. If the angling session is successful for a particular set of environmental conditions, the angler may wish to undertake a further angling session when similar environmental conditions are present at a different time. Relying on memory or manual recordal of environmental conditions is unreliable or laborious. Further, remembering or manually recording the environmental conditions at the particular time at which a fish bite occurs is difficult or impractical as the angler will be preoccupied with landing their catch.

Objects of the embodiments of present invention to be described below seek to provide arrangements for conveniently and accurately recording environmental conditions during a fishing session.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided an angling data processing apparatus including first input means for receiving an indication of a fish bite event, second input means for receiving environmental data, and processing means responsive to an indication of a bite event received by said first input means and operable to automatically obtain and record environmental information from said second input means in response to the indication of the bite event.

In accordance with this aspect of the invention, in the embodiment to be described in more detail below, a fish bite event may be detected by a fish bite alarm which monitors movements of an angling rod or line to detect when the fish has been caught. When the data processor apparatus (the "receiver unit" in the embodiments) receives an indication that such a fish bite event has occurred, it automatically obtains environmental data from an appropriate information source, such as a weather station. The environmental data is advantageously stored in a database together with an indication of the time and location of the bite event so that the data may be conveniently consulted and shared subsequently.

When a fish bite event occurs the bite alarm may alert the angler in the usual way so that the angler can take the necessary steps to land the fish. The automatic obtaining and recordal of the environmental conditions at the time of the bite event is highly advantageous as the angler will be preoccupied with landing the fish.

The angling data processing apparatus may include wireless receiver means for receiving the indication of a fish bite event and/or for receiving the environmental data.

Alternatively, the first input means comprises a detector for detecting movement of an angling line and/or rod, and/or the second input means includes a weather station. That is, the detector and/or weather station may be in the same housing as the angling data processing apparatus.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided an angling data processing system including a fish bite detector for generating the indication of a fish bite event, an environmental conditions detection device for generating environmental information, and processing means arranged for data communication with the fish bite detector and the environmental conditions detection device, the arrangement being such that a fish bite event causes the processing means to obtain contemporaneous environmental information from the environmental conditions detection device and to store that information in a database.

The processing means of the system may additionally be operable to obtain and store environmental data at regular time intervals. In an embodiment, the processing means obtains and stores environmental data at regular predetermined time intervals, such as fifteen minute time intervals. This obtaining and storing of data occurs at the predetermined time interval independently of any other obtaining and storing of environmental data that occurs in response to a bite event. This allows a database of environmental data to be compiled for a particular location even when bite events do not occur.

According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of gathering angling data, including detecting a fish bite event and, in response thereto, measuring environmental conditions in the vicinity of and around the time of the fish bite event, and automatically recording the environmental conditions in a storage device.

According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of determining an optimal opportunity for angling at a particular location, the method including: recording the current environmental conditions in a storage device automatically when fish bites occur at the location; obtaining a forecast of future environmental conditions for the location; and comparing the recorded environmental conditions with the forecast environmental conditions to determine the degree of similarity therebetween to determine the likelihood of a bite event occurring during the forecast environmental conditions.

For a better understanding of the present invention, embodiments will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows the functional components of an angling data processing system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 shows a diagrammatic drawing of a bite alarm; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic drawing of an environmental conditions detection module, showing the functional components thereof; Figure 4 is a schematic drawing of a receiver unit for receiving data from the bite alarm and/or the environmental conditions detector unit; Figure 5 is a flow chart showing the steps performed by the angling data processing system according to a first embodiment; Figure 6 shows a flow chart of an alternative embodiment; and Figure 7 shows schematically a communication system for sharing the angling data obtained and recorded by the angling data processing system.

In the drawings like elements are generally designated with the same reference sign.

As shown in Figure 1, the angling data processing system includes three principal functional elements: a bite alarm 1, an environmental conditions detector unit or weather station 3 and a receiver unit 5. Each of these functional elements 1, 3 and 5 may be provided with a separate housing, or a single housing may include elements to perform the function of more than one of the functional elements 1, 3 and 5.

The bite alarm 1 and the receiver unit 5 are configured to allow data communication therebetween. Data communication between the weather station 3 and the bite alarm 1 and/or the weather station 3 and the receiver unit 5 is also provided for.

Figure 2 shows schematically the bite alarm 1. The bite alarm 1 includes an angling rod/line interface area 7 for receiving the rod/line and for detecting movement of the rod/line and for generating signals indicative thereof. The bite alarm 1 includes a processor 9 for interpreting the signals indicative of the movement of the rod/line and for determining whether they indicate that a fish bite event is occurring. If it is determined that a fish bite event is occurring, the processor 9 may activate a visual alarm by illuminating lamp 11 and/or an audible alarm by generating a sound from loudspeaker 13.

Additionally, the processor 9 transmits a bite event signal wirelessly by antenna 15. The processor may also include a timer 16.

Figure 3 shows in more detail the weather station 3. The weather station 3 includes the following detector elements: precipitation detector 17, air pressure detector 19, time/date indicator 21, windspeed and direction of detector 23, humidity detector 25, air temperature detector 27, moon phase calculator 29, water oxygen level detector 31, water temperature and flow rate detector 33, and fishing depth detector 35 The list of elements of the weather station 3 above does not imply that all of these elements are essential, and nor is it an exhaustive list of elements of the weather station 3. The weather station 3 may be provided with more or fewer elements, in dependence upon the environmental conditions that are required to be monitored, which will be selected according to the circumstances.

Each of these elements of the weather station 3 are in themselves conventional and will not be described in detail for the sake of brevity. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various elements will require probes or other apparatus to interface with the environment to detect the relevant environmental condition. Preferably the weather station 3 is positioned near to or adjacent to the bite alarm 1 so that the environmental conditions at the location of the fish bite are detected (rather than elsewhere).

The weather station 3 further includes an interface unit 37 and antenna 38 for communicating with other devices, in a manner that will be explained below.

Figure 4 shows in more detail the receiver unit 5. The receiver unit 5 includes an antenna 39 for wirelessly receiving data from other devices, such as the bite alarm 1. The receiver unit 5 further includes a processor 41 for interpreting signals received by the antenna 39 and for operating a display screen 43, indicator lamps 45 and loudspeaker 47. The processor 41 is also operable to record data to storage device 49. A user interface 44, for example a key pad, allows data entry and selection of functions.

The operation of the bite alarm 1, weather station 3 and receiver unit 5 will now be described in relation to the flow chart of Figure 5.

At step A the bite alarm 1 is activated, with the angling rod/line being connected in the appropriate way to the interface area 7 so that movement of the rod/line indicative of a fish biting can be detected by the interface area 7 and appropriate signals generated. The timer 16 of the bite alarm is also initiated. The timer determines when a predetermined time interval has passed, such as fifteen minutes.

At step B it is determined whether the predetermined time interval has passed.

At step C, if the predetermined time interval has passed, the processor 9 of the bite alarm 1 transmits a signal to the antenna 15 which is received by the antenna 38 of the weather station 3 and then passed to the interface unit 37 of the weather station 3. In response to the received signal, the interface unit 37 of the weather station 3 records the current readings from each of the elements 17 to 35 of the weather station 3 (or selected ones of those elements if desired) and configures the data in a suitable format for transmission, and transmits this data via an antenna 38 and over the air to the antenna 15 of the bite alarm 1. The processor 9 receives the environmental data from the antenna 15.

At step D the processor 9 of the bite alarm 1 transmits the received environmental data via the antenna 15 to the receiver unit 5.

The processor 41 of the receiver unit 5 receives and interprets the signals from the antenna 9. The processor 41 then records the environmental data from the weather station 3 in the storage device 49 -at step E. The timer 16 is then reset so that, at step B, the next occurrence of the predetermined time interval will be detected and steps C,D and E repeated.

In this way, the storage device 49 stores environmental data at regular intervals (fifteen minute intervals in the embodiment).

The processor 9 of the bite alarm 1 continually monitors signals from the interface area 7 and interprets those signals to determine when a bite event occurs -at step F. At step G if a fish bite event is detected the processor 9 of the bite alarm 1 transmits a signal to the antenna 15 which is received by the antenna 38 of the weather station 3 and then passed to the interface unit 37 of the weather station 3. In response to the received signal, the interface unit 37 of the weather station 3 records the current readings from each of the elements 17 to 35 of the weather station 3 (or selected ones of those elements if desired) and configures the data in a suitable format for transmission, and transmits this data via an antenna 38 and over the air to the antenna 15 of the bite alarm 1. The processor 9 receives the environmental data from the antenna 15.

The readings of environmental data from each of the elements 17 to 35 are obtained contemporaneously with the bite event. The readings are therefore an up-to-date and accurate representation of the current environmental conditions when the bit event occurred.

At step H the processor 9 of the bite alarm 1 transmits the received environmental data via the antenna 15 to the receiver unit 5.

At step I the processor 9 transmits a bite alert signal to the receiver unit 5.

The signals transmitted at steps H and I would be transmitted in quick succession or simultaneously.

The signals transmitted at steps H and I are received by the antenna 39 of the receiver unit 5.

At step J the processor 41 of the receiver unit 5 receives and interprets the signals from the antenna 39. If the signals are interpreted to indicate that a bite event has occurred, an alarm is generated. The alarm may be a visual alarm provided by illumination of lamp 45 and/or an audible alarm provided by the activation of a loudspeaker 47. The processor 9 of the bite alarm 1 may also generate an alarm by the illumination of lamp 11 or activation of its loudspeaker 13.

In response to the bite event, the processor 41 records the data obtained from the weather station 3 in the storage device 49 -at step K. Steps I and J may be performed before steps G and H. Data stored in the storage device 49 may be arranged as shown in the

following table:

BITE EVENT TIMER ENVIRONMENTAL

_____________ INTERVAL DATA

PRECIPITATION

AIR PRESSURE

TIME and DATE

WIND SPEED AND

DIRECTION

HUMIDITY

AIR TEMPERATURE

MOON PHASE

WATER OXYGEN LEVEL

WATER TEMPERATURE

AND FLOW RATE

FISHING DEPTH

______________ ____________ LOCATION

PRECIPITATION

AIR PRESSURE

TIME and DATE

WIND SPEED AND

2 DIRECTION

HUMIDITY

AIR TEMPERATURE

MOON PHASE

WATER OXYGEN LEVEL

WATER TEMPERATURE

AND FLOW RATE

FISHING DEPTH

______________ ____________ LOCATION

PRECIPITATION

AIR PRESSURE

TIME and DATE

WIND SPEED AND

A DIRECTION

HUMIDITY

AIR TEMPERATURE

MOON PHASE

WATER OXYGEN LEVEL

WATER TEMPERATURE

AND FLOW RATE

FISHING DEPTH

______________ ____________ LOCATION

________________ ______________ PRECiPITATION

AIR PRESSURE

TIME and DATE

WIND SPEED AND

3 DIRECTION

HUMIDITY

AIR TEMPERATURE

MOON PHASE

WATER OXYGEN LEVEL

WATER TEMPERATURE

AND FLOW RATE

FISHING DEPTH

_______________ _____________ LOCATION

PRECIPITATION

AIR PRESSURE

TIME and DATE

WIND SPEED AND

B DIRECTION

HUMIDITY

AIR TEMPERATURE

MOON PHASE

WATER OXYGEN LEVEL

WATER TEMPERATURE

AND FLOW RATE

FISI-IING DEPTH

______________ ____________ LOCATION

Each bite event is provided with an identifier ("A", "B" etc.), and the environmental data is stored in association with that identifier. In addition to the environmental data provided by the elements 17 to 35 of the weather station 3, the location at which the bite event occurred is also stored. The location data may be manually input by the angler by the user interface 44 at the commencement of the fishing session. Alternatively, the location data may be automatically detected by GPS, cellular radio triangulation techniques or by any other known means. The location infonnation may be provided by a separate functional element or an appropriate functional element may be incorporated into any one of the bite alarm 1, weather station 3 or receiver unit 5.

However obtained, the location information is recorded in the storage device 49 by the processor 41 when each bite event occurs.

As can be seen from the Table above, in addition to storing the environmental data when a particular bite event "A',"B" occurs, the storage device 49 also records the environmental data at each time or interval 1 It 2" ht3U etc. Environmental data corresponding to a current or previous bite event, or a timer interval, may be displayed by the processor 41 obtaining the relevant data from the storage device 49 and activating the display 43 to display the relevant data.

The wireless communication between the bite alarm 1 and the weather station 3 may be by any suitable means, such as WiFi, Bluetooth (RTM) or cellular radio (GSM, UMTS etc.).

Although in the embodiment described, the weather station 3 communicates with the bite alarm 1 wirelessly via respective antennae 38,15, data communication may be performed in other ways, for example by infra-red or other optical communication, or via an electrical cable connection. The weather station 3 may alternatively be provided within the housing of the bite alarm 1.

The wireless communication between the bite alarm 1 and the receiver unit may be by any suitable mechanism, such as WiFi, Bluetooth or cellular radio.

In the embodiment described the communication between the bite alarm 1 and the receiver unit 5 is wireless communication. However, other forms of communication may be used alternatively. For example, data may be communicated by infra-red (optical) signalling or by an electrical cable connector.

More than one bite alarm 1 may be connected to a single receiver unit 5. For example, a single receiver unit 5 may monitor for bite events at multiple bite alarms. A single weather station 3 will typically be sufficient to provide the required environmental information for multiple bite alarms, although more than one weather station 3 may be provided, with respective weather stations providing environmental information for different bite alarms.

The flow chart of Figure 6 shows an alternative embodiment. In this embodiment the weather station 3 is not arranged to communicate with the bite alarm 1 but is instead arranged to communicate with the receiver unit 5.

In the Figure 6 embodiment steps A and F are performed as in the Figure 5 embodiment. Steps corresponding to steps B to E are not shown but may also be performed if it is desired to record periodic environmental data.

However, when a fish bite event is detected at step F the next step performed, step Gi, is to transmit the bite alert signal from the bite alarm 1 to the receiver unit 5 (in the same manner as in step I of the Figure 5 embodiment).

At step Hi an alarm on the bite alarm 1 and the receiver unit 5 is activated in the same manner as in step J of the Figure 5 embodiment.

At step Ii the receiver unit 5 interrogates the weather station 3 to obtain environmental data therefrom. The processor 41 of the receiver unit 5 operates the antenna 39 to wirelessly transmit instructions to the weather station 3 which are received by the antenna 38 of the weather station 3.

At step Ji the interface unit 37 of the weather station 3, in response to the received instruction, records current readings from each of the elements 17 to 35 and arranges this data for transmission to the receiver unit 5 by antennae 38,39.

The processor 41 of the receiver unit 5 then records this data, together with location data, in the storage device 49 at step K, in the same manner as step K of the Figure 5 embodiment.

Communication between the weather station 3 and the receiver unit 5 may be by any suitable form of wireless communication or may be by other forms of non-wireless communication.

Data collected during a fishing session and stored on memory device 49 may be shared with third parties. Conveniently, the storage device 49 may be a removable memory card of a conventional type which can be read by a personal computer 51, as shown in Figure 7. The personal computer 51 may perform analysis of the data, for example to calculate when an optimum time might be to fish at a particular location. For example, the personal computer 51 may obtain data of the environmental conditions at a particular location from a publicly accessible database 53, which is accessed via the Internet 55. This environmental information could be forecast environmental information from a weather website or the like. The data processor apparatus 51 may operate an algorithm to compare the forecast information with the environmental data stored on the storage device 49 for the bite events to predict when bite events are most likely to occur. An indication to the user of the personal computer 51 can then be made as to the best time to fish at a particular location.

Data from the storage device 49 may be transmitted by the personal computer 51 via the Internet 55 to a shared database 57. The database 57 may be operated to compile and store environmental data for bite events from a multiplicity of users, each of whom operates a angling data processing system in the maimer described above. Other users may access the data on the database 57 using their personal computers 59,6 1, via the Internet 55. The pooling of the angling data on the shared database 57 is highly advantageous as it allows a multiplicity of anglers to obtain data showing the conditions under which successful fishing has occurred at a particular location.

Software may be provided to the users to run on their personal computers 5 1,59 and 61 to analyse data from the database. For example, this software may include instructions for causing a personal computer to determine an optimal opportunity for angling at a particular location by obtaining a forecast of future environmental conditions for the location; and comparing the recorded environmental conditions for the location with the forecast environmental conditions to determine the degree of similarity therebetween to determine the likelihood of a bite event occurring during the forecast environmental conditions.

In addition to recording environmental and local information in the storage device 49, information relating to the characteristics of the fish caught may also be recorded. For example, the weight and type of fish may be recorded.

This data may be input by any suitable means, such as by manual input of the data using the user interface 44 of the receiver unit 5.

The environmental data stored in the storage device 49 at each of the time intervals (irrespective of whether or not a bite event has occurred) is also useful. For example, this data could be used to determine if there was a pattern of environmental conditions during which no bite events occurred.

Although in the embodiments described a separate receiver device 5 is provided, it should be understood that the receiver device 5 and the bite alarm 1 may be provided as a single unit. That is, the single unit will include the interface area 7 for connecting to the angling rod/line, visual and audible alarms 11, 13 and the ability to receive and write data to the storage device 49. The processor of the combined device will perform the functions of processors 9 and 41, such that a bite event can be detected and appropriate environmental data received and subsequently written to storage device 49. The weather station may also be incorporated within the combined device but may be housed separately.

Claims

CLAIMS1. An angling data processing apparatus including first input means for receiving an indication of a fish bite event, second input means for receiving environmental data, and processing means responsive to an indication of a bite event received by said first input means and operable to obtain and record environmental information from said second input means in response to the indication of the bite event.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, including means for alerting a user to a bite event.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, including wireless receiver means for receiving the indication of a fish bite event and/or for receiving the environmental data.
4. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first input means comprises a detector for detecting movement of an angling line and/or rod.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein the second input means includes a weather station.
6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, including a display for allowing a user to view information derived from the recorded environmental information.
7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, including means for recording the location of the fish bite event.
8. An angling data processing system including a fish bite detector for generating an indication of a fish bite event, an environmental conditions detection device for generating environmental information, and processing means arranged for data communication with the fish bite detector and the environmental conditions detection device, the arrangement being such that a fish bite event causes the processing means to obtain contemporaneous environmental information from the environmental conditions detection device and to store that information in a data storage device 9. The system of claim 8, including means for alerting a user to a bite event.10. The system of claim 8 or 9, including wireless communication means for communicating the indication of a fish bite event and/or for communicating the environmental data.11. The system of claim 8, 9 or 10, wherein the fish bite detector comprises a detector for detecting movement of an angling line and/or rod.12. The system of claim 8, 9, 10 or 11, wherein the environmental conditions detection device includes a weather station.13. The system of any one of claims 8 to 12, including a display for allowing a user to view information derived from the recorded environmental information.14. The system of any one of claims 8 to 13, including means for recording the location of the fish bite event.15. The system of any one of claims 8 to 14, including means for sharing the data information with third parties.16. The system of any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the processing means is operable to obtain and store environmental data at regular time intervals.17. A method of gathering angling data, including detecting a fish bite event and, in response thereto, contemporaneously measuring environmental conditions in the vicinity of the fish bite event, and recording the environmental conditions in a storage device.18. The method according to claim 17, further including subsequently analysing the recorded environmental conditions to determine favourable angling opportunities.19. The method of claim 17 or 18, when said measuring step comprises sensing at least one of precipitation, air pressure, time, date, wind speed, wind direction, humidity, air temperature, moon phase, water oxygen level, water temperature, water flow rate and fishing depth.20. A method of determining an optimal opportunity for angling at a particular location, the method including: recording the current environmental conditions in a storage device automatically when fish bites occur at the location; obtaining a forecast of future environmental conditions for the location; and comparing the recorded environmental conditions with the forecast environmental conditions to determine the degree of similarity therebetween to determine the likelihood of a bite event occurring during the forecast environmental conditions.21. An angling data processing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or substantially as illustrated in any one of or any combination of the accompanying drawings.22, An angling data processing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or substantially as illustrated in any one of or any combination of the accompanying drawings.23. A method of gathering angling data, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or substantially as illustrated in any one of or any combination of the accompanying drawings.24. A method of determining an optimal opportunity for angling at a particular location, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or substantially as illustrated in any one of or any combination of the accompanying drawings.Amendments to the claims have been filed as follows: 1. An angling data processing apparatus including first input means responsive to a signal from a detector operable to monitor movement of an angling line and/or rod which is an indication of a fish bite event, second input means for receiving environmental data, and processing means responsive to the indication of the bite event received by said first input means and operable to obtain and record environmental information from said second input means in response to the indication of the bite event.2. Apparatus according to claim 1, including means for alerting a user to a bite event.3. Apparatus according to claim 2, including wireless receiver means for receiving the indication of a fish bite event and/or for receiving the environmental data.CO 4. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second input means includes a weather station.5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, including a display for allowing a user to view information derived from the recorded environmental information.6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, including means for recording the location of the fish bite event.7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the detector comprises a bite alarm that includes an angling rod/line interface area for receiving the rod/line and for detecting movement of the rod/line and for generating signals indicative thereof 8. An angling data processing system including a fish bite detector operable to monitor movement of an angling line and/or rod which is an indication of a fish bite event, an environmental conditions detection device for generating environmental information, and processing means arranged for data communication with the fish bite detector and the environmental conditions detection device, the arrangement being such that the fish bite event causes the processing means to obtain contemporaneous environmental information from the environmental conditions detection device and to store that information in a data storage device.
9. The system of claim 8, including means for alerting a user to a bite event.
10. The system of claim 8 or 9, including wireless communication means for communicating the indication of a fish bite event and/or for communicating the environmental data. Co11. The system of claim 8, 9 or 1, wherein the environmental conditions detection device includes a weather station.12. The system of any one of claims 9 to 11, including a display for allowing a user to view information derived from the recorded environmental information.13. The system of any one of claims 8 to 12, including means for recording the location of the fish bite event.14. The system of any one of claims 8 to 13, including means for sharing the data information with third parties.15. The system of any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the processing means is operable to obtain and store environmental data at regular time intervals.16. The system of any one of claims 8 to 15, wherein the fish bite detector comprises a bite alarm that includes an angling rod/line interface area for receiving the rod/line and for detecting movement of the rod/line and for generating signals indicative thereof.17. A method of gathering angling data, including monitoring movement of an angling line and/or rod which is an indication of a fish bite event and, in response thereto, contemporaneously measuring environmental conditions in the vicinity of the fish bite event, and recording the environmental conditions in a storage device.18. The method according to claim 17, further including subsequently analysing the recorded environmental conditions to determine favourable angling opportunities. Co19. The method of claim 17 or 18, when said measuring step comprises sensing at least one of precipitation, air pressure, time, date, wind speed, wind direction, humidity, air temperature, moon phase, water oxygen level, water temperature, water flow rate and fishing depth.20. The method of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein the step of monitoring movement of an angling line and/or rod which is an indication of a fish bite event includes using a bite alarm that has an angling rod/line interface area which receives the rod/line and which detects movement of the rod/line and which generates signals indicative thereof.21. An angling data processing apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or substantially as illustrated in any one of or any combination of the accompanying drawings.22. An angling data processing system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or substantially as illustrated in any one of or any combination of the accompanying drawings.23. A method of gathering angling data, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and/or substantially as illustrated in any one of or any combination of the accompanying drawings. Co