sam vimes
Well-known member
I like hook keepers on rods. I'm not overly keen on the whipped on metal flip out type. I've been less than convinced about where some manufacturers choose to locate them on the blank. I'd still rather have them than not. However, more than the odd good rod doesn't have a hook keeper at all. That leaves you with the choice of having one whipped on, or using the legs of the first line guide as a keeper. Some folks also seem to thing that using the eye of the guide is a good option. I've seen a few too many cracked, or pulled out, inserts to go along with that one. As for those that choose to hook into the top most piece of the rod handle, the less said the better!mg:
Anyway, I've finally found a simple non-permanent solution. I became aware that Fuji were doing the EZ Hook Keeper a while back, but they seemed rather expensive for a tiny bit of plastic (the photos generally make them look bigger than they are) and a nitrile O ring. I refused to buy one for quite some time as they were the best part of £5 without postage. On finding Guides and Blanks doing them for £2.30 I decided that I'd give them a go for three of my favourite keeperless rods. Not cheap, but hardly a huge expense for favourite rods. However, I was only too well aware that what appears to be the same thing (unbranded) can be had for pennies, provided you are prepared to wait for the slow boat from China. I'm looking forward to finding out if there's any difference whatsoever. I somehow doubt there will be.
Anyway, I've finally found a simple non-permanent solution. I became aware that Fuji were doing the EZ Hook Keeper a while back, but they seemed rather expensive for a tiny bit of plastic (the photos generally make them look bigger than they are) and a nitrile O ring. I refused to buy one for quite some time as they were the best part of £5 without postage. On finding Guides and Blanks doing them for £2.30 I decided that I'd give them a go for three of my favourite keeperless rods. Not cheap, but hardly a huge expense for favourite rods. However, I was only too well aware that what appears to be the same thing (unbranded) can be had for pennies, provided you are prepared to wait for the slow boat from China. I'm looking forward to finding out if there's any difference whatsoever. I somehow doubt there will be.