If you watch a beginning fisherman and a seasoned fisherman, one difference you might notice between the two is that the experienced fisherman will usually spend a little time sharpening the hooks they are using. How and why should fishing hooks be sharpened?

To know why, look closely at a fishing hook right out of the package. Right at the point of the hook, you should be able to see how it curves in toward the shank of the hook, slightly. The hook is usually fairly sharp, but the angle means that it is harder to catch the fish, and the chances that the fish will spit the hook out before you can set it, increase.

The art of sharpening the hook is little more than carefully filing the point so it is straight, but still sharp. This can be done quickly with practice, however with smaller hooks it can also be a bit more difficult to do, than with larger hooks because of the size and lack of room to work with.

There are a variety of files that can be purchased specifically for hook sharpening, from triangular files to small flat ones. Round files can even be used, though most people find that they are a little harder to manipulate. In a pinch, an emery board can be used, and some fishermen have resorted to using the striking surface from a book of matches.

The sharpening method is much the same for all of these. Draw the file along the inside edge of the point, in one direction only, until the point is straight. Filing in both directions can take off too much of the metal, too quickly.

Next, make several passes on the side of the hook, in the direction of the shank, then repeat this process on the other side of the hook. Finally, make several filing passes on the facing side of the hook, in the direction of the point. The reason for filing both sides and the outside of the point is so any burs will be removed and the hook will be left needle sharp.

During the sharpening, make an effort not to draw the file against the shank of the hook, since this can weaken it. If the hook breaks because the shank has lost its strength, a fish can be lost.

Caution needs to be taken, because this leaves the hook well sharp enough to easily pierce skin and clothing. However, it also means that a fish, taking the hook, will be caught a greater percentage of the time, as the point will also enter the flesh of the fish's mouth more easily.

It is recommended that the hooks be kept someplace that is protected, such as a hook book or fly book. In the case of a fly book, this is wool or synthetic wool, sewn to canvas or leather on one side. The hooks slip easily into the wool, and the book can be folded to protect the sharpened points. Since the hooks are held only by the fibers of the wool, a light tug is usually all that is needed to remove them for use. Besides protecting the hook, the use of a book also helps with clutter that can happen if hooks are left loose.

Sharpening a fishing hook results in better success at the river, lake, or stream, and it isn't hard to do once the practice has been mastered. Once sharpened, the point can also be kept that way by simply using the file for one or two passes on all four sides. This method is suitable for all kinds of hooks, including egg hooks, bait hooks, lures, and flies.

Try it and see if your catch doesn't increase.

Learn more about this author, Rex Trulove.
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