How Do You Barb & Sharpen Fishing Hooks?
One of the secrets of veteran anglers is sharpened hooks. Fish do not have soft mouths and in order for a nibble to lead to a hook up, a very sharp hook is needed. Fresh hooks, right out of the pack, are not really sharp and one that has been used a few times is definitely in need of sharpening. Sharpening hooks is a simple process and one that an angler should perform before baiting the first hook or making the first cast. Remove the hook, if new, from the packaging. If you are sharpening an existing hook, remove it from your fishing rig. Inspect the barb–if it’s bent, straighten it with the needle nose pliers. Holding the hook in either your hand or with the needle nose pliers, flatten the point of the hook by drawing the file, in one direction only, across the point. Hold the file at a 45-degree angle, and on one side of the hook, make 5 passes toward the shank (the long part of the hook between the bend and the eye). Be careful not to cut into the shank as it will weaken the hook.
