Anybody here make their own hook keepers? I was looking at other rods online and noticed the hook keepers on the kistler rods you know the helium ones "lighter than air". I really liked theirs the way you dont have to unhook a soft jerk bait to use the hook keeper. The keepers actually hooks your hook!! I was thinking you can get real gold wire for pretty cheap. and bend your own!! anyone else do this? If you do what do you use?

Travis, Yes and check this post for more details:

[www.wmi.org]:\asp_ini\rods_reels_3way.ini&no_nav=

You might want to take a look at the new keeper on the Shimano Crucial line of rods. If offers a slight improvement in design that captures the hook a little better and keeps the hook from dropping out if the tension is taken off the line....like when you flex the tip a little when storing the rod.

Good luck,

mark

Travis, not sure if that link worked. You can get it if you go here and type "36245" in the Search Title window.

[www.wmi.org]

People have been using double foot snake fly guides for years on custom rods here in the Pacific Northwest for a no snag, easy on/off hook keeper. For casting rods I usually just drill an 1/8" hole in the tip of the trigger reelseat like Rich Forhan does on his rods.