[lipslicker]

ceramic may be hard but is also brittle so they could be chipped. I like these style lure keepers as they stand off from the rod and the hooks lie in line, fold out of the way when not needed (image from https://www.veals.co.uk/acatalog/HTO-Lure-Keeper-5161.html).

They aren't going to chip from a lure hooked in them though.

 

[Bronzhaii]

The pictured 'hook keeper' is a Fuji product to encourage people not to use the ceramics inserts as a hook keep. They also manufacture various folding metallic options.

The point is while the various ceramic inserts used in rings are 'hard', they are also brittle, and prone to cracking if stressed in the wrong way - as might occur when clipping a hook over an insert and winding up tight - stressing the ring in a direction it is not designed to work.

The other equally very valid point is that not all rods are built with Fuji guides, and so some very, very inferiour ceramic inserts are found on some rods.

Just a thought.

 

[Gazza1212121]

Just stick the hook in your cork handle! :stirpot:

 

[Gar-Goyle]

I use these little rubber things from bass pro, slide this up your shaft from the butt end ( ! ) and i put them at top of reel seat. Doesn't interfere with casting and keeps lure away from blank. Lure in picture is a 1/2 oz phoebe spoon.

 

[swansea Jack]

I rarely take rod apart completely, once it's set up. Draw some slack from the reel, take the rod apart and lie the tip to the butt. Reel the slack in and cover each end with a cheap rod sock. Ready to go for next time.

I do the same but every two or three trips I cut it off and retie

 

[Samuel Vimes]

Long handles - Waste of rod! everything below the reel is only being used when casting.

Softer/medium rods - I've owned loads of rods and I find that stiffer/faster ones just suit me better

Fat handles - I just hate them! YUK!!

 

[Banksea]

I don't like the recess in the end of some rod handles.
They just get clogged with sand and grit or mud whenever you stand the rod butt on the ground.
My Hto and Graphite leader have it, but my MC N-One has a far more sensible rounded cork butt end.

 

[doc_d]

I don't like the recess in the end of some rod handles.
They just get clogged with sand and grit or mud whenever you stand the rod butt on the ground.
My Hto and Graphite leader have it, but my MC N-One has a far more sensible rounded cork butt end.

I've asked Richard to copy this butt for my Century build I think its faux EVA Cork too which is probably better.

 

[swansea Jack]

I've asked Richard to copy this butt for my Century build I think its faux EVA Cork too which is probably better

As Banksea says its a pain you might like to have a rethink

 

[doc_d]

Um. No. I meant the rounded N-One butt which Banksea (and I, on my 8'6" N-One) like, not the one that collects grit - I asked not to have any split on the rear grip at all

 

[36381]

hello mark been away ur take on rods is spot on.
short handles cant standem.
if it feels short then its not naturel.

i dont mind cork on a salmon spinner along with a tweed jacket and flatcap green wellies.

dont like short rods.

and i dont like the endless promo of some rods esp the hypocrasy and bull that goes with it.
when the guides cost way way more than the blank theres a problem.
i like the money in the blank
pacbays suit me fine so do torzites so do ks.

and i dont like blanks that snap too easily be it user error or faults or just not being strong enough. assuming u can get a replacement the faiths gone in the rod.

 

[Barry Wilson]

Winding lure clips through eyes too fast is surely a good way to chip em.Also like the idea of a clean new knot.

 

[Guest]

Short handle? You may as well use fly rods lol

Rod eyes? Too small or too big is no good

Short rods? For Japanese girls and guys or boat fishing

Long rods? You have to be a 6ft6 upwards

Blanks? I like my blank that cast lures and landing fish without breaking

Too stiff or too soft won't do it all, stiff rod tip for a reason and soft rod tip for another reason,

All in all you won't find a rod would do it all, but for UK bass you can easily narrow your favourite lures, take as an example, a rod rated between 7g and 35g you can fish with HP and SP lures plus some light weight small jigs and that should be more than enough for any size UK bass,

Spinning rods is a hard choice, but will never buy a short handle,

Remember, Bass is light game so be gentle lol