Trying to finish up a fly rod. I have installed a carbon fiber grip. My question is... Do I need to install a hook keeper on it. This is only my 3rd fly rod to build. I didn't put one on the other two but they did not have a carbon grip..

Many of us do not use a hook keeper on a fly rod as it usually means bringing the leader/tippet back within the guides. I wrap the leader around the reel base and put the fly onto one of the guides up the rod. This makes it much easier to then begin casting again without having to work the leadre knots through the guides. I also build custom fly rods and almost all my customers DO NOT want a hokk keeper.

Brad,
I typically add one to all my rods, fly or otherwise.
If the customer chooses to use it or not is his choice, not because of my exclusion.
I would add it unless requested to omit.

Eugene Moore

Sure...why would you not put one on? All due respect to Phil, but just because you leader is now within your guides, is totally irrelevant to me. I see his point, but still not a consideration to me as the edges of some reels could mar the leader.

Good luck!
Paul

I always ask and customers always want one on the rod. I never put them on my own rods because I wrap around the reel and hook onto the stripper guide to keep the entire leaders out. I do have to add that I have not ever thought about the concern that Paul has brought up about the reel possibly marring the leader. While I have not seen that happen it certainly is a probability. Thanks for bringing this to light Paul.

I don't put them on my own fly rods anymore cause of the ease and extra length afforded to attaching the leader to an opening in my style of fly reels. However if a customer wants one, they provide a great opportunity for a smart / handsome wrap on the butt section., They look very nice and add insignificant weight to the butt section.

I'm afraid I don't understand what a hook keeper has to do with whether or not you have a carbon fiber grip. Can you please explain?

I have seen where people would just put the fly in the cork grip instead of a hook keeper. With a carbon grip that is not an option.

Brad -
That's one really good reason to use carbon fiber grips - to keep people from destroying a nice cork grip. I normally install a hook keeper on fly rods not because they are necessary but because 1/ It's what people expect to see and 2/ keeps people (sometimes) from impaling a hook into the grips

I'm with Phil, that's a top tip for any fly guy, attach the fly to the stripper and loop the line around the reel. When you're ready to go, unloop the line from behind the reel and tap the rod, the fly will fall off and you'll be casting. Impresses friends as well.

Why don't you look for a hole punch kit for clothing laces. Just don't crimp it on, it'll have about a 1/4in" long shaft and about a 1/4" or smaller hole. Use your dremmel and bore a hole for it in the bottom edge of the carbon handle with the opening pointing down. Glue it in place and you've got a hidden hook keeper.