Sharpening Your Hooks

  Sharp hooks catch more fish!!! Sharper hooks penetrate better!!! Why don't more anglers carry honing stones or flat files in their tackle boxes for touching up hook points. Most people don't bother to sharpen their hooks because they say it is too much trouble. More fish are lost due to dull points than anything else. That's why it's important to sharpen your hooks carefully.

The Triangle Sharpening Method:

1.Flatten the outside edge of the point using a hook file, beginning with the barb and working toward the point. When working toward the point take care that you do not produce a curled metal burr or a rounded point.

2. File one side of the point, beginning at the barb. Remove enough metal so the side is flat and slanted toward the inside of the point.

3. Turn hook and file other side of the point in the same way. When complete, the point should be three-sided.  

4.After you have those hooks sharpened to a razor sharp point simply take a black permanent marker and color the tip from the point to just below the barb. By doing this it will help in preventing rust. Thus prolonging the life and edge of your hooks.