R (3)

How to Sharpen a Hook!

The idea that sharp hooks stick more fish is a no-brainer, yet I’m always shocked by how few anglers make hook sharpening part of their routine. If it seems like a chore, well, it’s not. Here are a few ­pointers that will give you an edge on the water.

Make the Swap

Modern chemically or surgically sharpened hooks have needlelike points and fine cutting edges like a broadhead. These hooks tend to be more expensive, as they’re also made of high-­quality materials such as carbon steel. Because they’re so tough, it’s very hard to dull them in the first place. If they do lose their edge or point, a hook file will never restore the original sharpness; it’s more likely to chip the edges and make them worse. Just replace them.

Triple Bypass
Stainless and bronze hooks dull easily but sharpen well. In fact, you can often put a better point on these hooks than they’ll have out of the package. I make three quick passes with a hook file down each edge, moving from the bend toward the tip. After each round, check the tip for sharpness. The newer the hook, the fewer rounds it will take to achieve a good point. Should the tip curl over in the process, work the edge it’s curled toward a few extra times to smooth out the burr.

Ink Well
Many modern hooks feature a slick coating that reduces corrosion and helps them penetrate faster. Sharpening them usually removes that coating, making the tips susceptible to rusting. To stop corrosion, simply color the freshly sharpened tip with a permanent marker and let it dry. This trick will extend the life of your hooks.

Gregg Thomas

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Related

Tournament Tuesday: 2023 Challunge on the Chain Tournament

By Gregg Thomas | May 16, 2023
,

28th Annual Challunge on the Chain – The Oldest & Largest Muskie Tournament of Illinois – All details and rules…

Tournament Tuesdays: Monday Night Muskie League – First Meeting Monday, May 15, 2023

By Gregg Thomas | May 9, 2023
,

Team & Rules Meeting for the Monday Night Muskie League is set for next Monday, May 15, 2023 – Details…

Fox River Valley Meeting – Wednesday 5/10/23

By Gregg Thomas | May 8, 2023
, , ,

The Fox River Valley Muskies Inc Chapter will host their Monthly meeting with Austin Wiggerman as their guest speaker this…

GET THE NEWSLETTER

Join the List and Never Miss a Thing.

Layout 1

GET THE MAGAZINE

Subscribe & Save

Give a Gift | Subscribe Services