Sharpening hooks

[brugge]

hi, it might sound a stupid question but what is the best way of sharpening hooks, file or oil stone, also what is the best way of keeping them sharp when fishing?

[salokcinnodrog]

Best way of keeping them sharp when fishing?

 

Don't use them

 

You may find some waters your hook will go blunt just being cast into the lake, and sharpened hooks can be worse for that!

Anything can blunt a hook, snags, running over gravel, sticks, twigs or stones, or even sitting in silt.

Personally, I don't sharpen hooks, I use makes that are sharp enough out of the pack to bring tears to the eyes. If the brand is not that good, then find a brand or make that is.

 

[dayvid]

I use a Diamond Needle File.

Round Edge Joint 611F

 

[marker]

i use the jag hook sharpening system, only the vice and file though, no need for either of the stones, you can get your hook sharp enough without them  

[Carpbell_ll]

I use a hook doctor just to touch up the hook during the session, Jim Shelly is a big advocate of sharpening hooks with a file and vice, he has a FB video where he shows how he likes to use the tools, reckons it is one of his best edges resulting in more fish. Says in the video hook sharpening is part of the tutorials he gives.

[cyborx]

i just buy a set of Aldi diamond file specials, they have a wide selection all in one pack for about a £5er, last for years too

a jewelers vice like the one below is also cheap as chips.

 

Edited December 25, 2017 by cyborx

[cyborx]

you can find em on Ebay for less than £5

https://www.ebay.co.ukHollow-Hand-Vice

these are the files.

 

Edited December 25, 2017 by cyborx

[brugge]

thanks for all your replies, l will get a set of the diamond files it will save carrying round my 10'' flat file!

[TnCarper]

I use a Eze-Lap diamond file. Its not expensive, works great, and doesn't take up much space at all in my tackle bag.