I usually put my keepers just in front of the reel seat, but I'm considering putting one onto the blank behind the reel seat, in the area of the split grip. This will allow a rod sleeve to be put onto the rod while a lure is in the keeper without fouling the sleeve. This is a casting build, not spin. Where do you find the best place so that it will not be in contact with the hands during any reasonable baitcasting manipulation of the rod. Distance behind the grip and what rotational position, 0 being on top. thanks

Michael,

On casting rods, I put mine at 90 degrees on the reel handle side of the blank. I typically use a drop shot or Kigan hook keeper with the end of the hook keeper about 1/8"-3/16" in front of the butt grip. It puts the keeper in a place where single hook lures are out of the way when you pick up the rod and puts them in a place where you can unhook them and have your reel hand ready to take up the slack and cast. The hook keeper on the side also tends to keep it out of the way of your fingers during a two hand cast.

The only issue is with large cranks or stick baits with trebles. A hook keeper in the split puts a hook close to where I grab the rod when picking it up. For that reason I tend to leave the hook keeper off on my cranking rods and just use the reel frame, but I don't use rod socks or such.

Here's an example, albeit a far from perfect wrap and finish :). I think that one was done during my third ever attempt at applying finish.
[www.rodbuilding.org]

A second picture of that rod and a few other early builds with their keepers visible with reels mounted.
[www.rodbuilding.org]

Joe



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/25/2015 09:26PM by Joe Vanfossen.

Michael,
If I don't have a split grip, I put the hook keeper about 1 inch in front of the reel seat at 90 degrees to the reel seat. I put the hook keeper so that it points toward the side of the rod that is not the side which has the casting hand.
i.e. I want the client to pick up the rod as if he were casting. But, instead of casting he grabs the hook, lure or jig with his non casting hand and hooks the hook into the hook keeper.

If I have a split grip, I put the hook keeper about 1 inch in front of the butt grip at 90 degrees with the same rules that I use for the in front of reel seat position.

Be safe

It doesn't matter if it is a casting or a spinning rod; I follow the same hook keeper position.

On casting rods of any style I like the underside of the butt guide, using a "drop shot" style keeper.
That gets included in the butt guide wrap.
Keeps it out of the way but still handy.
For spin rods in front of the foregrip aand to one side, usually the left with any style keeper

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

I know you didn't ask about spinning outfits but will throw this out there for anybody else that might have to learn the hard way like I did, on a spinning outfit never put the keeper so that it is on top of the rod anywhere in front of the reel. On casting or retrieving in slack line situations the line can flip up and catch on the keeper and hang there. Always put the keeper on the bottom of the rod so any line that might catch it will just fall away and not get caught.

Ken, I have one at 90 degrees just in front of the foregrip, and it now and then does exactly as you mention. It's an open back drop shot keeper. Will move it one of these days.

Ron, one reason I'm trying to move back on the rod is so a rod sock can be used without fouling with the lure. I don't expect to leave trebles on the rod, but if I have a simple finesse rig on, would like to keep it on, slide on the sock, and put it into the rod locker. Without fouling.

Roger and Joe, thanks for the ideas-will wait a while for more, but most likely will go with your recommendations. thanks to all.