As an angler, if you want to catch more fish and stay sharp on the water, then you need to have sharp fishing hooks. They are among the most crucial pieces of equipment for any angler. But how to sharpen fish hooks in the best possible way is the question.
A good hook with sharp edges will allow the anglers to catch fish without having to get their hands dirty. The biggest advantage of a sharp fishing hook is it can reduce the cost of your fishing equipment. You will not need to replace those worn-out hooks on your baits.
The methods for sharpening fish hooks and the reasons that every angler needs to know how to sharpen fishing hooks will be covered in the post that follows. After reading thoroughly, you will get to know the importance of good sharp hooks in increasing your chances of catching more fish.
How to know when to sharpen a Fishing Hook?
Fish have a natural tendency to want to swim, and hooks tend to want to capture fish. Therefore, whenever you feel prepared for fishing, then sharpen your hooks. Well, that is not the case, especially for those anglers who do fishing regularly.
There is a very simple method or test that can help you determine the time to sharpen your hook.
It is easy! All you need to do is keep an eye on the “sharpening angle” of your hook every day or two and take note of how long it takes before it starts getting dull again! You’ll get a better idea of when exactly you need to sharpen up the fishing hook.
To check whether your hook is sufficiently sharp, try using it on some soft material first. If it does not penetrate the material easily, it probably isn’t sharp enough.
Fingernail Test
The fingernail test is a simple way to check the sharpness of your hooks. You can use it when you are fishing in the field or at home. It is easy and fast.
The nail should be cut on the side of the nail that will not touch the fish, and then using your thumb press down on one end of the hook and bend it in half. If you can bend it without breaking or tearing it, then your hook is sharp enough for fishing.
Ways of Sharpening Hooks
How to properly sharpen a fishing hook can be done in several ways. Some of them are as follows.
1. Use a sharpening stone
Use a sharpening stone to sharpen your hooks. A sharpening stone is simply a flat piece of sandstone or granite that has been cut down to a specific size. You can use a knife to do this, but a sharpening stone works much faster and easier.
Place the hook over the stone and rub it back and forth until the point of the hook becomes sharper. If you have a lot of time, you can even use a whetstone instead of a sharpening stone.
2. Use a file
A file is similar to a sharpening stone, except it is made out of metal. Files are great if you want to make sure, your hooks are perfectly straight. Your thumb and index finger should be used to hold the hook and place it over the file. Gently move the file back and forth across the hook until it is completely straight.
3. Use a drill
If you do not have access to either a sharpening stone or a file, then you should try using a drill. For drilling holes in wood, utilize drill bits, which are tiny drills. You can use these same tools to sharpen your hooks, but they are not nearly as effective as sharpening stones or files.
4. Use a knife
You can also use a knife to sharpen your hooks if you do not have any other options. Simply place the hook in your hand and move the blade along its length. Make sure you keep pressure on the handle while doing this.
5. Use a Sandpaper
Sanding is another method of sharpening a hook. Take off any excess line from the hook and put the hook over the sandpaper. Move the sandpaper back and forth across the hook until the point of the point gets sharper.
6. Use Emery Paper
Emery paper is similar to sandpaper, except it uses emery cloth instead of sandpaper. Take off any excess lines from the hook and put it over the emery paper. Move the emery paper back and forth across the point of the hook until it becomes sharper.
How to Sharpen Fish Hooks- Steps
After knowing all the different methods and ways to sharpen a fishing hook, it is time to learn how to sharpen hooks by following these simple steps.
Step 1: Choose the right type of hook
The first step in sharpening any kind of fishing hook is choosing the right type of hook. There are numerous varieties of hooks out there, each designed for specific purposes.
You should choose a hook that best suits your fishing style. If you are going after a small game, then you will want something strong enough to hold onto the prey while you reel them in. On the other hand, if you are trying to catch larger fish, you will need a lighter hook that will not break off easily.
Step 2: Clean the hook
After choosing the right type of fishing hook, you will need to clean it. To do this, use a wire brush to get rid of any dirt or trash on the hook. Then, soak the hook in water until it is completely dry.
Step 3: File the point
Next, file down the tip of the hook to make sure it is smooth and even. A good way to do this is to place the hook on a piece of sandpaper and run it back and forth over the hook.
Step 4: Sharpen the shank
Once the hook is ready, you will need to sharpen the shank. To do this, place the hook on a flat surface and grind away at the end of the shank using a grinding stone. Be careful not to grind the hook’s tip-off.
Step 5: Finishing the hook
After you have done sharpening the hook, you need to finish it. This is done with finishing oil. Using a cotton swab, apply the finishing oil to the hook. Give the oil around 10 minutes to sit. After the oil has sat, using a paper towel, remove the extra oil.
Step 6: Test the hook
Finally, test the hook to ensure that it works properly. Use a sinker to cast the hook into the water after attaching the line. Try to catch something and see if it functions properly. If not, go through the entire procedure again.
Conclusion
The process of sharpening fish hooks is very simple and easy, you can do it without any special tools or equipment.
This is a great skill to have, especially if you are going to be using them in salt water. If you do not know how to do it properly, you could end up cutting yourself badly. If you want to get the best out of your fishing experience, you should learn how to sharpen fish hooks.
