How To Make Your Own Hook Keeper (DIY Fishing Rod Hack)
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
- Found In: *Tackle & Gear, Fishing Tips, Weekly Newsletter: 2-21-21
One of the biggest mistakes people make with their fishing rods is storing their hooks in the rod guides.
This can bend or nick them, and since your line is going through them, you definitely don’t want to do that.
The obvious solution to stopping that is to store your hook in the hook keeper…
But what if you don’t have a hook keeper?
There’s an easy solution for that!
In this video, you’re going to learn a simple way to make your own hook keeper.
It’s cheap, quick, and you can use items you probably already have around the house.
Check it out below!
DIY Hook Keeper [VIDEO]
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Here’s what you need to make this hook keeper:
- Small zip tie (I used a 4″ zip tie in this video)
- Split ring (you can use one from an old lure or get these split rings from our shop)
- Scissors
To make this hook keeper, just put the zip tie through the split ring and then fasten it to your rod.
The two places I like to attach it are:
- Where the original hook keeper was (if it broke or rusted off)
- Below the rear grip if you have a split grip rod
Conclusion
This DIY hook keeper can help save your rod guides from getting bent or nicked, and it’s really cheap and fast to make.
Have any other hacks or tips for fishing rods?
Let me know down in the comments.
And if you know someone who needs to put a new hook keeper on their rod, please TAG or SHARE this with them!
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melt the zip tie end with a lighter to take the sharp edge off of it.
Good stuff Chris!
Hello Fisheads! There are zip ties in the 6” range that have a loop incorporated in them.
Mostly used by boat riggers to secure wire harnesses.
Tight lines Gents!
Good stuff Guy! Thank you for sharing!
Good idea Tony! I just use a small rubber band.
Thanks Steve! Also a good idea!
Many thanks for the tip. I used a swivel because that’s what I had. Works just as well and perhaps better.
You’re welcome Joe! Good stuff!
If you cut (scissors, knife, wire cutters, etc) you will leave a sharp edge that will catch and cut on everything. An old electricians trick is to use a pair of pliers and grab the tag end inline as it leaves the lock end of the zip tie. Make a few turns and the tag end comes of leaving a smooth and rounded nub. Much better!
Yep or you can sand it down smooth with some sand paper.
Would recommend using a razor knife to cut the zip tie flush. If not cut flush it will slice your finger.
You could use a utility blade or sand paper to file it down smooth.
Great tip. Thanks
You’re welcome Jean!
Dude. Flush cutters. Zip ties are damn near arterial.
Yes, so I have heard haha.
Yep
You need to get some flush cut wire cutters. That little tail is waiting to take your blood. Cut it flush and protect yourself. Flush cut wire cutters are cheap and plenty good enough at Harbor Freight.
For sure!
Great idea Tony! Thanks
You’re welcome Marty!