This is the reason I am looking for the Forhan book. I was talking about flipping rods this weekend with a customer. He mentioned that he constantly has problems with the slack line wrapping around hookkeepers, reel handles, the reel, etc. when he lets go of the line he was holding for the flip. I have a vauge recollection of someone (possibly Rich) talking about using a spinning guide as a sort of stripper in front of the reel to help prevent this. I am going to play around with taping some on to my flipping rods just to see what it does, but I was hoping someone might remember something about this, or have some info to offer.

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com

Don't remember that in my hard copy of the book, but I may have an older version as some others have things in their book I don't see in mine. It's bad technique to let loose of the line, at least that was the way Stan Fagerstrom taught me.to do it. I was to follow the line, with my hand, right back to the levelwind just about.

I saw an episode of Scott Martin Challenge on WFN where it appeared that the flipping/pitiching rod he was using had a a spinning guide closest to the reel. I think it was a telescoping blank and the spinning guide looked to be about the end of the butt section. It looked like the remainder of the rod was wrapped conventionally. Unfortunately, like most shows the didn't show much except him fighting hooked up fish so I couldn't really see how or if he was making use of that guide.

Spencer, I'm with you on the technique thing. I also learned that it is incorrect to leave slack line. I sat in a class with Denny Brauer this weekend. He also talked about the same thing, but try telling a customer they are wrong with a technique they think they are good at.

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com

Design and placement of the hook keeperis critical. Fishermen handle the blank differently. The keeper may not always in the same position on the blank circumference. It will prove to be more beneficial if it is demonstrated correctly rather than telling someone they are wrong. I have many customers who make no real distinction between flipping and pitching. I have found that those with hook keeper problems are those who end up regularly pull of large length of line in back lash removal mode - in those cases I find it best if the keeper is on the back side of the blank from the hand they strip line. We will have an opportunity to watch closely as Rich Forhan details the procedures in his seminar at High Point.

Bill,
I know what your saying. From talking to the guy I would say that the hookkeeper is the least of his problem's. He is getting it caught up on the reel and reel handle.

Scott Sheets
www.smsrods.com

Scott the next time the guy drops by ask him if you can look under his shirt collar on the back side - if you see Braid Burn Striping you will know where to put the next hook keeper on his rods!

Scott;
I have one built that way with a guide mounted similar to this, it is mounted 10 inches in front to the face of the reel, but it is an 8mm casting guide. I did this for a couple of reasons
First; when using braids it does in fact keep the line away from the reels handle preventing tangles. My hook keeper is behind the reel so that is not a problem, but if it were in front of the reel it would also aid in this.

Second; and the main reason for the guide placement is to increase my flipping range by a couple of feet.
The only change I will make on the next one would be to increase the guide to a 10mm or maybe a 12mm double ft casting guide to provide a little more finger clearance between line and blank.

Full explanation of the "Power Guide" for flip stiks at the show - Sunday 2PM seminar. It's not in the book - came up with the solution after publication. When, where, how, why, etc., will be covered.

Scott, I add the spinning guide to all my flipping sticks, I put the guide about 5 inches in front of my reel and the line no longer gets wrapped around the reel handle. I posted a photo of one if your interested in how it looks. [www.rodbuilding.org]

Herb Bickings

At the show Rich told me to put a #16 single foot ahead of the reel on a flipper.

Chuck