5/16/2008

Never use the top of fingernails to see if the hook is sharp. The white line that it makes will also show how the hook is becoming dull. The newer a hook is the fewer the strokes it needs to be sharp.
Most of the time, I sharpen my hooks right out of the package. Initially, you’ll only need to strike the file against each hook about four to five times. When you have to file the hook more than fifteen times then it’s time to put on a new hook. This technique works for any hook at any time.
Remember, just like fish, the larger the hook is the larger your file should be, and recall that to only file in one direction so you don’t dull the hook faster than it needs to be.
The end result of a “correctly” filed hook is what I call “Sticky Sharp”. If a fish touches a sticky sharp hook it’s hooked and all you have to do is worry about fighting it rather than losing it.

Take the time to stroke a hook that has been fished with for a while. The sticky sharp hook will sink deeply into fish on the first and only hookset you'll have to make.

© Timothy Kusherets 2006/07