Rods without a hook keeper

[Rodney Smith]

Is it a problem to have a rod without a hook keeper? I don't really want to get a Fuji or other add on hook keeper.

[Mike L]

No problem... just depends on where you want to put it. 

For both spinning and baitcasters you can put it on the foot of the first guide. Keep in mind I said the foot, NOT in the guide itself. Also for spinning you can hook it on the bail.

 

On a baitcaster you can put it on the bar just above the level wind if there is enough room, or drill a hole just big enough for the hook size you normally use just above the point of the trigger

 

 

 

 

Mike

[OnthePotomac]

I have a couple of rods on which I have put these and they work very well.

http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/fuji-ez-keeper

[Raul]

Half of my rods don't have a hook keeper and if there was a problem I wouldn't have them.

[islandbass]

Not at all. One of the benefits of a rod not having a hook keeper is your rod won't get scratched up by the hook. 

 

The Fuji hook keepers work well and don't look too bad but you still run the risk of scratching the blank. 

 

If that is an anal concern for you and because you mentioned that you didn't want to go the Fuji way, you can attach your hook to the rod at the butt section with a strip of Velcro long enough to wrap around it at least a couple times or more.  That's what I do. Blank stays scratch free from hooks. It's my solution to this situation.   The purpose for the Velcro to wrap twice or more is that the first wrap secures it to the rod and the second and following wraps give you wiggle room to accommodate your hook or lure. 

[badgerboyng]

A lot of people keep their hooks like this, you just have to be VERY careful not to jab the line guide with the point of the hook. Just hook it on either side of the line guide, above the level wind. I've also seen people place the hook on the handle on casting reels. On spinning reels, you can put the hook on the bail. 

[BassNJake]

 

 

I am a left hand retrieve guy and have had issues with hook keepers that are mounted on the left hand side.

I always allow my bait to fall on slack line.

So after the cast I usually pull line out with my left hand as the right hand holds the rod.

Pulling the line out with the left hand puts the slack line on the left hand side where it often catches the hook keeper.

 

I now have electrical tape over the hook keepers on the left hand side and I use the holes that are in the handles of my reels.

 

 

[fishnkamp]

Bass Pro also has an answer tha will not scratch a blank and I roll them up over the handle and rod seat till they sit just in front of the reel seat but on the side so nothing gets in the way.

http://www.basspro.com/shop/en/bass-pro-shops-xps-hook-holders

 

[buzzed bait]

i almost prefer they don't come with a keeper and then can add a fuji keeper onto them.  i have a couple of rods that i just despise the location of the hook keeper and would have preferred none at all.

[MassYak85]

21 minutes ago, buzzed bait said:

i almost prefer they don't come with a keeper and then can add a fuji keeper onto them.  i have a couple of rods that i just despise the location of the hook keeper and would have preferred none at all.

Same here, some are too small for some hooks, some are poorly placed, and in the worst case, some will even foul up the line if it goes slack. I prefer the Fuji keepers to most stock ones. 

[fishwizzard]

I will be the odd man out who hates the fuji keepers.  I fish t-rigged plastics 3/4 of the time and they are awful for that.  Whatever this style is is my favorite.  

[r83srock]

6 minutes ago, Bunnielab said:

I will be the odd man out who hates the fuji keepers.  I fish t-rigged plastics 3/4 of the time and they are awful for that.  Whatever this style is is my favorite.  

I like those as well.

[bagofdonuts]

I've cut them off before if there in a location that bugs me. 

[Quarry Man]

i like the kind on the cabbalas tournament zx, you can keep texas rigged baits rigged and secured and treble hooks too. it is not in the way too!

[kickerfish1]

Fuji keepers or a zip tie