Have you ever missed a fish because you didn't see or hear it take line from your spinning reel? To create an early warning system, I use a basic, black, clothespin-type 'rigger clip (Perko trolling clip) available at www.captharrys.com or www.westmarine.com for less than $4. I crimp a short piece of heavy mono to the clip's eye and crimp a snap swivel to the other end of the mono. I run the mono through an eye fitting or cleat on top of my boat's gunwale and fasten it to the 'rigger clip, securing the clip to the boat. 
 
After I let out my bait, I take the running line and pin it in the clip. The line runs from the rod tip to the clip, then out to the bait. Be sure the line from the gunwale to the 'rigger clip stays taut so it provides immediate resistance to pop out the line on the strike. When the line releases, the clip falls to the gunwale, alerting you.
 
If you want the line from the rod tip to run directly to the bait, try pulling slack from between the rod guides, and place that part of the line in the clip.

Mike Leech
Fort Lauderdale, Florida