Using spinnerbait wire I tried making up some hook keepers like the ones Kistler uses on their casting rods but found it surprisingly hard to do, at least consistently. Does anyone know of a commercial source for these?

Thanks,
David

quite east really Jig form them.
get a piece of board and some small nails a hammer a blowtorch and a couple of pairs or pliers

Bend one until your happy with the shape.. lay it on the board.. place the nails all round it on the inside of ALL curves.. cut off a section of wire (longer than you need) heat it GENTLY then holding it with the pliers "form" it round the nails leave to cool trim to length
Jobs a good un. basicly how the "industry" does it only on a much larger scale

Give it a shot trial and error will give you the optimum nail positions then you can replicate as many as you need or want in one shot

Allen

how many are you looking for? It is my understanding that Kistler has an excusive on them. But I know some one that had gotten a hold of some before that happened. He might be willing to part with a few.

David

I have been making this type of hook keeper for 5 or 6 years and what I use is the Jigging Spoon Form or CC-Form wire. You can make two hook keepers from one wire form.

Once you get wire form the way you want, make sure you file or flatten the end where the thread starts on the keeper. I use a hammer to flatten each side then file or use a sharpening stone to clean up rough and sharp edges same as prepping a guide. I sent this design to a manufacturer a few years back to see if they would produce them. Allen is right you can also make a jig to form your wire.



If I can help you in any way let me know. Here is a web site from “Do-it Molds” that shows the wire I use.

Lynn



[do-itmolds.com]

I make them all the time with heavy duty paper clips and a pair of needle nose pliers.......The only down side is that paper clips are not stainless and will eventually lose their shine. They work great tho....

Steve Buchanan

Steve's Custom Rods

Thanks guys!!! I'll try making up a jig as Allen suggested.

David