If your spinning rod doesn't have a hook keeper where do you locate yours?

[michael1]

I haven't used a spinning rod in years and broke down and bought a 7' M Expride. Only downside of this rod is the lack of a factory hook keeper. I am going to go with a Fuji hook keeper and really have no idea or experience with spinning rods to have a good idea where to "position" the hook keeper. If you have the rod in your hand do you normally put it at 12, 3, 6 or 9 o'clock? Something different? Above or below the reel? If it helps in your description I have my reel set up with left handed.

 

Thanks in advance for the advice! Hoping to shorten any trial and error if possible. Those hook keepers are not the easiest to get on so I would like to put it on once and be done with it.

[MN Fisher]

I not only use Fujis on rods missing the keeper - I also use them on rods that for some strange reason have the keeper behind the reel-seat...wait-what?

 

I put them at the 3 o-clock position when the rod is normally held.

[michael1]

2 minutes ago, MN Fisher said:

I not only use Fujis on rods missing the keeper - I also use them on rods that for some strange reason have the keeper behind the reel-seat...wait-what?

 

I put them at the 3 o-clock position when the rod is normally held.

Again, for my situation we are talking about a spinning rod and the reel is set up for LH. By saying 3 o'clock you are saying the opposite direction as the reel handle in my situation, correct? My rod is a split grip, do you personally like above or below the reel?

[MN Fisher]

2 minutes ago, michael1 said:

Again, for my situation we are talking about a spinning rod and the reel is set up for LH. By saying 3 o'clock you are saying the opposite direction as the reel handle in my situation, correct? My rod is a split grip, do you personally like above or below the reel?

I'm a righty - so shifted all the handles on my spinners to the right side. If you want to keep it a lefty, then 9 O-Clock would be where I'd put it.

 

All my rods are split grip...still want the keeper between the reel and the first guide.

[fishwizzard]

On a spinning rod I keep my entire hand in-front of the reel stem with my pointer finger indexed on the blank. The keeper goes on the opposite side just above where my finger falls, or below my finger tip, tight to the for-grip. 

[J Francho]

If I need a hook keeper, I put one of those Fuji hook holders on.

[michael1]

27 minutes ago, J Francho said:

If I need a hook keeper, I put one of those Fuji hook holders on.

Yes, but where on the spinning rod would you place it?

[Bass90]

Forget the hook keeper and hook your bait onto the first guide ring. Make sure you hook it onto the frame of the guide and not the ceramic insert.

[Eric 26]

My preference would be to put it between the split grips. I use rod socks and hate having trebles getting hooked on them. I have two full cork handles and plan on putting them as low on the rod as possible for the same reason as above.

[ike8120]

I put mine above the reel seat, used a #3 split ring and a very small ty wrap.

[The Bassman]

1 hour ago, Bass90 said:

Forget the hook keeper and hook your bait onto the first guide ring. Make sure you hook it onto the frame of the guide and not the ceramic insert.

I've found this to be the best solution too, even on rods with keepers. BTW welcome.

[JustJames]

I got a few Fuji hook keeper on my spinning rod. I place at 9:00 or 12:00 as long as it far enough to not interfere with my index finger.

[michael1]

Just now, Bass_Fishing_Socal said:

I got a few Fuji hook keeper on my spinning rod. I place at 9:00 or 12:00 as long as it far enough to not interfere with my index finger.

When you say 9:00 are you saying on the same side as your reel handle or opposite?

[MN Fisher]

Just now, michael1 said:

When you say 9:00 are you saying on the same side as your reel handle or opposite?

For me at least

12 - same side as reel

3 - same side as handle

6 - opposite of reel

9 - opposite of handle

[redmeansdistortion]

4 hours ago, MN Fisher said:

I love the Fuji's.  So handy and so cheap.

[JustJames]

25 minutes ago, michael1 said:

When you say 9:00 are you saying on the same side as your reel handle or opposite?

9:00 as when I look at my watch, left side as same as my handle side most of the time.

I might try reel stand with hook keeper as @bulldog1935mentioned and a few of my friends like it.

 

added....

okay I went to check as this is my placement of hook keeper at 10:00 on both rod.

[islandbass]

3 hours ago, michael1 said:

Yes, but where on the spinning rod would you place it?

You can really put it anywhere the blank is “beefy” enough to accommodate it. As a general rule, somewhere between the first guide and the reel seat is good. There will be exceptions. For example on my salmon rods, the blank between the first guide and the reel seat is just too thick. So I put it between the first two guides. 
Also, if buy chance it gets in the way of casting, the 3 or 9 o’clock position is a good option. Or, 180 degrees from where the line is. Both work. 
 

I see you have a tendency like me to overthink simple things like this, lol. 

[MickD]

I've tried the 3 o'clock position with a drop shot keeper and the line keeps getting tangled on it. My son reported the same on a rod I made for him with that position. I've never had trouble on cast or spin with 180 degrees.  I don't really like the one rod where I put the keeper just in back of the reel seat.  Using the frame of the first guide is fine except that that guide will be inside rod socks.  I'm all on board with 180 just in front of the ramp/front grip.

[bulldog1935]

ok, I'll show one reel stand hook keeper

And this is the $5 hex-shaft version from Gomexus - Legalis, Revros, Emeraldas, Nasci, Sedona, Sierra, Sienna.  

(though they want $10 for the Shimano/Daiwa common that goes into reel body threads).  

 

 

 

[WRB]

Fuji hook hanger is removable, put where ever it works for you.

Tom

[J Francho]

8 hours ago, michael1 said:

Yes, but where on the spinning rod would you place it?

On the blank somewhere between the first guide and the butt. Depends on how I'm feeling. That's the beauty of them - put it where you want it. 

[ATA]

I am using this one, pack  of three from tackle warehouse

good for hook and drop shot

https://www.tacklewarehouse.com/Cal_Coast_Fishing_Cali_Clip_Hook_Keeper_3pk/descpage-CCFC.html

[Hulkster]

A rod without a hook keeper is just one of those things I just cant do. Like the purple Mojo rods from St. Croix...i just can't pull the trigger hahahaha