hook keepers

This may be a stupid question, but why aren't there hook keepers on 7wt rods and saltwater rods? Is it because the flies used are generally larger and you may stab yourself or something? I find it a PITA, myself, and put them on the rods anyway.

I like them. I've never stabbed myself. I'm not sure if those people are clutzy or careless...

To each his own.

I share your frustration. I have a couple of rods without hook keepers and the are PITA. All of the rods I build include hook keepers regardless of size. I think it is more a matter of economics, one less thing to wrap and seal... cuts the cost by a few dollars at most.

(But a few dollars here and there for a commercial or factory builder can add up to some money and effect price point...)

The way I see it, I have already wrapped 8-10 hook keepers after all the guides are on. I rarely use them, even on the rods I own that have them.

Brad

I don't put hook keepers on fly rods unless someone asks for one. I fish saltwater most of the time. Most saltwater fishermen I know tend to wrap the leader around the reel and hook the fly on the stripping guide post or higher. This keeps the line to leader knot outside of the tip top. This is done in order to make quick casts to moving fish. I guess I got used to doing it this way and even do it on smaller weight rods. I do put hook keepers on spinning rods.

I'm with dunfly on this one. I don't put hook keepers on any rod I build. I always hook the fly on one of the middle snake guides and loop the leader around the reel.

Ted