I sharpen a lot of hooks. In the past I tried battery powered sharpeners but the best thing is just a stone with a v-shaped groove in it. I got a great deal on some of those black finished salmon fly hooks and they all needed sharpening. Basically they are painted, so need major honing and I found the v file to be best. I sharpen hooks on spinnerbaits and scum frogs too.
I've used stones for smaller-medium sized hooks, big musky bait sized hooks I use a file. On big hooks I file a diamond shape, the two inside surfaces and the two outside surfaces - knocking off where the imaginary corners would be. They end up with the very point being pretty much a diamond shape - seems to cut in well.
Thanks for the tips guys! I want to sharpen some of my large Catfish hooks for live bait. I would also like to start sharpening the 20\0 Mustads i use for shark fishing. I think that diamond point is exactly what I need Tony.
For large hooks, I use a 6" Triangular file to remove most of the material. The Luhr-Jensen file works well too, but it is a finer cut. Stones are great for getting that final finish on the hook. I suggest using a Vise with smooth jaws to hold them so you can really get after it.
I sharpen the inside edge first with a 45* angle, and this usually removes the most material. Lightly touch the sides, and then the point with a very short 45* just to clean up the tip. If you make the cut too long on the tip, it will bend like a needle and be useless after 1 fish, if it gets that far.
Unfortunately, sharpened hooks rust like crazy unless you put something on them.
files for the rough work / big hooks; natural Arkansas whetstone (grooved) for intermediate / medium hooks; diamond-dust jewelers file for the touch-up / small hooks... plus, small diamond-dust nail file (not as fine, but much cheaper, smaller & better handle than the jewelers file) in my stream-side tackle bag
P.E.T.A. sucks!!!Plants are living things, too -- they're just easier to catch!
I used to sharpen a lot of hooks, now I just buy chemically sharpened ones - what situations are you planning to sharpen hooks for?
I sharpen a lot of hooks. In the past I tried battery powered sharpeners but the best thing is just a stone with a v-shaped groove in it. I got a great deal on some of those black finished salmon fly hooks and they all needed sharpening. Basically they are painted, so need major honing and I found the v file to be best. I sharpen hooks on spinnerbaits and scum frogs too.
I've used stones for smaller-medium sized hooks, big musky bait sized hooks I use a file. On big hooks I file a diamond shape, the two inside surfaces and the two outside surfaces - knocking off where the imaginary corners would be. They end up with the very point being pretty much a diamond shape - seems to cut in well.
Taping two round files (like you would use to sharpen a chain saw) together works well for larger hooks.
I'm going to give that a shot, Bubbajoe. Thanks!
Thanks for the tips guys! I want to sharpen some of my large Catfish hooks for live bait. I would also like to start sharpening the 20\0 Mustads i use for shark fishing. I think that diamond point is exactly what I need Tony.
For large hooks, I use a 6" Triangular file to remove most of the material. The Luhr-Jensen file works well too, but it is a finer cut. Stones are great for getting that final finish on the hook. I suggest using a Vise with smooth jaws to hold them so you can really get after it.
I sharpen the inside edge first with a 45* angle, and this usually removes the most material. Lightly touch the sides, and then the point with a very short 45* just to clean up the tip. If you make the cut too long on the tip, it will bend like a needle and be useless after 1 fish, if it gets that far.
Unfortunately, sharpened hooks rust like crazy unless you put something on them.
I've got just thing thing for you, remind me to bring it over next time I head over to your place.
Ya just Can't catch um from the couch.
files for the rough work / big hooks; natural Arkansas whetstone (grooved) for intermediate / medium hooks; diamond-dust jewelers file for the touch-up / small hooks... plus, small diamond-dust nail file (not as fine, but much cheaper, smaller & better handle than the jewelers file) in my stream-side tackle bag
P.E.T.A. sucks!!! Plants are living things, too -- they're just easier to catch!