hey you rod builders -  how many of you still use the old-fashioned hook keepers?

i've used some on a few rods, tried them at different places, etc.,etc.   sometimes i think i like them, sometimes, i wonder why.  

i saw the "threadmaster ramp" flechero made on his latest rod & it looked super.  a keeper would have messed up the apperance,,,, but, they really do come in handy..  ... hey, we talk about women not being able to make up their minds........ Wheeeeeeeeeeeee

ronnie

Ronnie,

I didn't realize how much I used a hookkeeper until I left it off the first spinning rod I built. I am still experimenting with the epoxy ramps for no fore grip rods. What I did with the noodle rod was placed the hookkeper about 4" in front of the ramp and put the sticker between them. I kind of used the ramp and the HK to bracket the sticker and I think it looks like it should be there. Your milage may vary, but I think that's how I will go with the 3 rods I am working on now. Hookkeepers are a must for rods that I will fish with.

Ronnie

Have any of you ever tried a keeper like the ones on the Kistler rods? They are by far my favorite.....and Alpster,whenever I get you to do me a rod,I'll need one of those Kistler keepers on it!

i saw the "threadmaster ramp" flechero made on his latest rod & it looked super.

Thanks, I appreciate that.

I'm not a fan of hook keepers, never even used them on my factory rods... I had several Loomis rods over 10 years and not even once did the hook keeper get tried out. For single hooks, I always use the bottom of the reel... it is a perfect place and also keeps the hook point covered (by the spool). on the rare occasion I need to hook trebles, I just use the top of the reel, above the eye. On the reels that don't have ample space below the spool, I use one of the holes in the handle.

I have yet to a hook keeper one on a personal rod I've built, but have put a few on rods built for others.

I do use them on all my flyrods. (no damage caused by flies)

Like Flechero, I don't like the lure on a hook keeper hitting the rod. I use the Kistler hook keeper with plastics because it is "ready to go". I like the rubber rings, you slip over the rod, for spinner baits. The smaller rubber ring will not last long, but you can stick the hook point in the thick ring.

I take the lures off after fishing and tie the line off on the hook keeper.