Great ideas! Thanks! That gives me a good starting point for other things to try!...Or, bicycle inner tube in a Prusik loop through a bolt snap? Coil the line and tuck it and the hook into the inner tube (i.e. a big rubber band). Tie one end of the line to the bolt snap and clip it to your crotch strap D-ring. When ready to deploy, just grab the hook and pull it out.
Caveat: This is just an idea. I've never tried it or used a reef hook, so take it for what it's worth.