Not sure if this belongs here or in the rod/reel forum, but...I just got a new split grip St Croix premier (a Cabela's exclusive) and the hook keeper is exactly where my finger contacts the blank. Very uncomfortable. I have another rod w/ the same setup, and it cuts into the finger joint when fighting fish. It needs to go. The way I see it, I have 2 options:

1) Get it removed by an expert who can get through the coating and undo the wraps

2) snip it off with wire cutters, then file down the sharp points using a small, delicate file or rasp, being careful not to file into the blank.

What should I do here? are there other options I haven't considered yet? Thanks for any input.

I have a rod with a similar problem, the hook keeper is in a bad location. Whenever I'm fishing in windy conditions (almost always here in Kansas) the line would tangle in the hook keeper on the cast.

I chose option #2. I snipped the keeper off as close as I could and, using a small fine-cut flat file and a lot of care, filed it flush with the rod. The whole process took about 5 minutes and worked like a charm.

Tom

I never use them anyway. I had one that gave me fits too, broke it off flush and wrapped over it with tape, a perfect rod now.

To remove it completely heat the epoxy with a hair drier or heat gun holding your hand behind the rod to avoid over heating. Use a razor blade and carefully cut throug the finish and thread where the foot of the keeper lies under the thread. This keeps you from cuttinginto the blank. The thread and finish will peel off fairly easily. Reheating any left over finish should allow you to scrape it off with a thumbnail.