Rods without a hook keeper

[Brad in Texas]

I really like the Fuji hook keepers, too. And, I think it looks much better, aesthetically, than one wrapped on at the factory, not that you can really see those all that well.

In addition to flipping the Fuji open and attaching the hook the expected way using the hook point, you can also use it to secure a drop shot sinker by "closing" or flipping it down over the line just above the weight, or a baited hook for that matter. So, two alternative ways to use them depending on what you have tied on.

I got mine when I traded for a rod recently, would have them on all my rods as a strong preference over those that come stock on many rods.

Brad

[BRONZEBACK32]

I only have one rod (megabass) without a hook keeper and I prefer it.

Fuji is what I use and love it.

[Mike and Pike]

Metal, about the same price as the plastic ones or a wad of zip ties, fold out or in for hook or drop shot keeping and looks as if it actually belongs on a rod more than $30 from Wallyworld...one foot for easy wrapping. Probably a $10 total investment with about 20 minutes total in sweat equity.

[Mike and Pike]

Now, aesthetics are truly in the eye of the beholder...

[Jeffbro999]

I've never had a good experience with those o-ring Fuji keepers. Everyone I've had, the ring has broken. If a rod doesn't have one, I just use a guide foot and haven't had any issues with that.

[Brad in Texas]

Agreed on the aesthetics comment!

I have the one of the plastic ones with the O-Ring attachment in a bright red. It works very well using both connection techniques.

This other metal version looks pretty good, too.

Most of my rods are St. Croix rods and they have those little inverted double stirrups, not sure who supplies these, but they work fine, too.

Brad

[papabassin]

That's some nice handy work there no doubt. Nicely done and a very, very clean look. But honestly, I still prefer the Fuji EZ Keeper. To me, it screams JDM and quality. Not only do I love how it looks, I love how I can place it where I want, then move it if I want, then change the color if I want while still protecting and maintaining the integrity of the rod. Afterall though, you are right...beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

[cortman]

I agree with papabassin- all due respect mike & pike I actually prefer the looks of the Fuji keeper! Especially if you get it in a color to match the rod or reel.

[Mike and Pike]

That's some nice handy work there no doubt. Nicely done and a very, very clean look...

Thanks . That was my first spinning rod I had made after a number of fly rods. And it was a Sage blank of all brands.

[papabassin]

That's some nice handy work there no doubt. Nicely done and a very, very clean look...

Thanks . That was my first spinning rod I had made after a number of fly rods. And it was a Sage blank of all brands.

Nice! That's impressive.. It really does look great. A really nice alternative to those who don't like Fuji EZ Keepees or some of the other ideas tossed around in this thread.

[Mike and Pike]

And, I needed understated. Had the colors thing covered.

[goldrod]

On a daiwa ringa I just use the drag star with holes most other times I use the reel handle and lastly on the sv103xs I use the holes in the frame of the reel...

[Agentboost]

Fuji user here also, every now and then you will need to replace the o ring once you notice them drying out and cracking.

[accodn2ryan]

So far I haven't had issues with the fuji ez keeper on my rod. Even if the o ring does end up breaking on me, I ended up buying another one just in case.