Do you have a hook file?

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Do you have a hook file?

April 3rd 2008 00:40

Here is a little gizmo that doesn't cost much but will give you lots of mileage.

Pictured to the right is a sharpening stone made especially for fish hooks. All you need to do to bring a dull hook back to life is run it along the groove at a 45 degree angle a few times and your hooks are as good as new.

There are several styles available from a simple model like I use to battery powered units where all you have to do is hold the hook. The only problem I had with those is that the battery was always dead when I had dull hooks!

Either the battery model or a manual one works out better than trying to bring your hooks back to life with a needle file like I used to do.

Using a file to sharpen hooks
It's not that much hassle to use a file to sharpen fish hooks. The strongest recommendation I can make is, "DON'T TRY TO CHANGE THE ANGLE OF THE POINT!"

Wear your glasses, use a magnifying glass or whatever it takes. Just make sure you follow the contour that's already there. Don't try to alter the point in any way other than making it sharp again!

I'd rather use something besides a file to sharpen hooks!

Following the old point, simply file one side a couple of strokes and then an equal number of strokes on the other side. Then, test the sharpness by dragging the hook lightly across your thumbnail. If the hook slides along, it's back to the drawing board because the hook needs to be sharper. A hook that is sharp will catch on your nail with very little pressure.

If you have a hook with more sides, you'll want to give each one attention. The thing to remember is to give each edge the same number of strokes with the file.

When I was a kid I ran across some hooks that had a conical point, much like a needle. I don't remember the company's name but, the hooks were the pits. Like a knife that won't hold an edge, these things were forever getting dull. I ended up throwing them away so, I don't know anything about sharpening this kind of hook or if they're still around. Sorry!

Until next time--watch yourself and watch your line!

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Posted By: James Rickard - Category: helpful products, practical ideas

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