hook keeper for rods with EVA front grips

[bigjack]

This is an adaption to something that I saw one of the worlds best rod builders in Japan do to a custom rod on another site. when you use the hook keeper that is above the front grip for some thing like a lead head or bullet weight and you are running in some light chop the weight will bang against the rod blank and over time do damage. go to the hardware store and get a real small hollow metal tube like 1/32" and cut a 1/2" section and  on the flat part on the bottom of the front grip on the side opposite the reel handle push the tube into the EVA. You can now put your hooks in the hole of this down and you will not tear up the grip and the lead weight can bang against foam which causes no noise or damage.

[tomsr]

I have been using a red wire connector held in place with zip ties. works great, and you don't have to worry about grabbing the rod near the handle and getting stuck with the hook.

[marriemb]

custom rods do well but can be weak and fragile