Fuji hook keeper questions

[michael1]

I have a new rod that does not have a hook keeper on it and I am considering a Fuji hook keeper. Certainly cheap enough to try but I have a couple of questions of those of you who have used them. Do they last very long or break fairly often (the rubber band part or the plastic clip) or easily? Also in ANY WAY does it damage the rod be it wearing where the rubber band is holding on the rod tightly or fading the rod from being out in the sun? Anything else to consider? Would you recommend them or not?

[thunderblack]

Have used these for years. No damage and all installed on high end rods. Only ones that break are the cheap knock offs. Go w/ Fuji brand.

[MN Fisher]

Just a heads up - these are on special on Amazon for $3 each

https://www.amazon.com/Fuji-EHKM-BC-Keeper-Black-Chrome/dp/B003HH5O86/ref=pd_day0_hl_200_1/136-6643560-8245451?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B003HH5O86&pd_rd_r=3e4b657e-999e-46d8-a14c-b8ecfa10a6ce&pd_rd_w=lWGjC&pd_rd_wg=5FmXy&pf_rd_p=531c5da2-92c8-47a3-8df6-cb5fa8f00603&pf_rd_r=BRFGJBQX7ECSN92C97XS&psc=1&refRID=BRFGJBQX7ECSN92C97XS

[bunz559]

I have one on each of my non-keeper rods. They work great and no damage. 

[Junger]

I've been using this one from Boom's. It has a small magnet so when the hook is near the keeper it snaps onto it then you can reel in the excess line.

 

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B07DRJ5QTC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[michael1]

Out of curiosity where do most guys "position" it? If you have the rod in your hand do you normally put it at 12, 3, 6 or 9 o'clock? Something different?

[thunderblack]

I like these because you can do whatever you like. No right or wrong. I typically do a 9 o'clock position about 3-6" from the top of the reel seat but whatever works for you. I'll even use these on a rod with a hook keeper if its not the type or placement I like. Just depends on what technique you are using and what's most comfortable to ya.

[fishwizzard]

I am a huge fan of the Fiji keepers, I use them on most all my rods. I fish a ton of t-rigged plastics and they can’t be beat for that. 

[Dens228]

I use the Fuji.  I position it on the side of the rod opposite my reel handle. 

[swhit140]

The Fuji ones are the way to go, best quality. I've tried the cheap ones and they don't cut it. I don't know if the cheap ones have every lasted 6 months. The Fuji ones will give you a long time of use/service.

[OnthePotomac]

I am also a user on rods which need one and get around 3-4 years on the O ring before it grows tired and breaks.  I took a new O ring to Lowes when I began using the keepers and bought a few reserve O rings in the right size  I carry in the boat.  Don't buy the fat O rings though LOL.

[ResoKP]

14 hours ago, fishwizzard said:

I am a huge fan of the Fiji keepers, I use them on most all my rods. I fish a ton of t-rigged plastics and they can’t be beat for that. 

Do you put Fuji keepers on your unfinished/raw blanks rods like Megabass US Destroyer?
I can't imagine it not leaving a mark on the blank. It has to leave a mark the moment you flip up/down the keeper right?

 

I bought a few of these keepers but scared to put it on rods with raw blanks...

[fishwizzard]

3 minutes ago, ResoKP said:

Do you put Fuji keepers on your unfinished/raw blanks rods like Megabass US Destroyer?
I can't imagine it not leaving a mark on the blank. It has to leave a mark the moment you flip up/down the keeper right?

 

I bought a few of these keepers but scared to put it on rods with raw blanks...

Yep, I have two USA Destroyers and they both have Fujis on them. The plastic those things are made out of is so soft that I never had a second thought about it causing any sort of scratching, especially at a place on the blank where hooks and metal terminal tackle will be in such close proximity.

[michael1]

4 minutes ago, fishwizzard said:

Yep, I have two USA Destroyers and they both have Fujis on them. The plastic those things are made out of is so soft that I never had a second thought about it causing any sort of scratching, especially at a place on the blank where hooks and metal terminal tackle will be in such close proximity.

I'd think the rubber band would be what would rub more and would be the bigger worry. Am I wrong?

[garroyo130]

4 minutes ago, michael1 said:

I'd think the rubber band would be what would rub more and would be the bigger worry. Am I wrong?

Not really any rubbing it shouldnt be moving around ... 

[fishwizzard]

10 minutes ago, michael1 said:

I'd think the rubber band would be what would rub more and would be the bigger worry. Am I wrong?

 

I messed with the contrast a lot to get the marks to show up, the keeper is usually right between my ring and middle finger.

 

The majority of what you can see cleaned off with a mild alcohol solution. I have never actually moved the keeper and fish some fairly dirty water, so I believe it was just accumulated crud. I’ll try to get a better picture if the sun comes out but the marks are almost gone and I think if I stepped up to a stronger alcohol solution I could probably get them off too but I’ve always been wary of putting solvents on the unfinished blank.

 

You have to get a larger O-ring, but if you were especially worried you could do a single wrap of self-amalgamating tape on the blank and then add the keeper on top of that.

[ResoKP]

1 hour ago, fishwizzard said:

You have to get a larger O-ring, but if you were especially worried you could do a single wrap of self-amalgamating tape on the blank and then add the keeper on top of that.

You are actually a genius.

 

Thank you for the picture. That was exactly what I was afraid of. I'll try putting the keeper over a thin sheet of fabric or self fusing silicon tape of some sort. Could be a little difficult putting on the keeper as the rubber o-ring is tough to stretch out..

[fishwizzard]

1 hour ago, ResoKP said:

You are actually a genius.

 

Thank you for the picture. That was exactly what I was afraid of. I'll try putting the keeper over a thin sheet of fabric or self fusing silicon tape of some sort. Could be a little difficult putting on the keeper as the rubber o-ring is tough to stretch out..

Not a genius, just a guy with a fondness for tape.

 

You might want to get an upsized o-ring, If you would like and can give me a poke if I don’t remember, I can measure the two rings that come in the kit tonight so you have an idea of what to buy.

 

You also might be able to find a rings made of a another material that might not cause any marking.