What do you use and how do you sharpen your hooks ?

[stiff tip]

most generaly ,afine basterd file for larger hooks ,and store bought hook hone ,works best . spray w/ lite oil or wd40 after use .a good capt ; or fisherperson sharpens all there hooks ,makes sense.w hen i fish w/bait i use bronze hooks ,they rust out easer

[tattoobob]

I don't know what the hook sharpener I have is called, but it is 2 round files welded together and has a handle, I paid $15.00 for it and it works the best as fas as I have found.

remember to dress the sharpened hook with a sharpie to help it not to rust, I also use red.

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by tattoobob

I don't know what the hook sharpener I have is called, but it is 2 round files welded together and has a handle, I paid $15.00 for it and it works the best as fas as I have found.

remember to dress the sharpened hook with a sharpie to help it not to rust, I also use red.

It's a Donmar product I think. There are copies of it out there as well.

[Pete_G]

Donmar aka Checkpoint.

http://www.saltwateredge.com/PROD//TL46

[tattoobob]

Thats the one

[Clogston29]

I also like the dr slick file. The braid one puts a great point on about 10 hooks and is useless after that.

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Clogston29

I also like the dr slick file. The braid one puts a great point on about 10 hooks and is useless after that.

I don't know what they did to that Braid file. I still have a couple of old ones and while it looks the same it sure doesn't last like the old one. The long lifespan of the old one was half the reason I liked it so much.

But, that's the way it seems to be with almost anything that good...

[gone fishin]

I found out that you need to sharpen hooks while fishing the ditch almost constantly. Bounce the bottom a couple of times and there is a round ball at the end of the hook if you are lucky enough to get it back. I carry a small file such as the one discussed here and check the knot and hook every few casts. Takes just a minute, but it saves lost hookups.

Plugs are a little more forgiving, but they too get beat on the rocks.

I'll bet slip and mac agree with me on this one.

[NIB]

Originally Posted by stiff tip

most generaly ,afine basterd file

Thats what I use.I got used to yrs ago because u had to remove alot of material on mustads to get a point on em.I oil it up an put it in a old plastic lure bag like a gibbs bag fold it up an stick it in a plug slot in the bag.easy to find.simple fast.Nothing works better i've tried em all.

[Striper1]

I guess I'm the only one who uses a v notch stone ???

and I use a magic marker on the tip after I sharpen it

[Mr. Sandman]

I use to sharpen my hooks every trip but nowadays I actually sharpen my hooks a lot less. I just replace them. I have been buying lots of owners, gamis and 6x vmcs in all sizes and as soon as they are dull I just replace them. I don't like a tarnished hook on my plug or lure. I want it new. I spend a few hundred $ per year on hooks. I mail order in bulk packs whenever I can. I don't even like a tarnished hook on a plug even if it is pretty sharp. If I have the time I will replace it. There is something about a new sharp hook gives me a real good feeling of confidence, when there are those lethally sharp owners on a plug, lure or hooked thru an eel or bait, you feel confident. That feeling is worth paying for. Yep they are expensive, but when you set the hook it sinks in solid. Those suckers will really set. Moreover they stand up to abuse with pliers when the action gets heavy. I tend to keep the short shanked 6X VMC's (which are great hooks for the $ and available in bulk) on my boat lures that see lots of heavy action and I replace these sometimes as often as every trip (but many times they last couple weeks) as the cost is low. I still like the owners the best though and fish with these on my best lures. I keep a Plano box (one in the truck and one on the boat) stocked with all sizes of OWNER (single and trebles), VMC(trebles) and Gami (single hooks) with a good back up supply at my house.
Most people see that box of hooks on board and usually make a comment like..."jezzz, you are pretty serious about hooks eh?."

I figure, you spend a ton of time and expense in the planning and in the execution of fishing trips, and can only fish for a few months of the year that I am not cheaping out on hooks or line when I finally get out there. Just replace it as soon as it is worn.

Be honest, don't you just hate it when you buy a decent plug and it has a cheap ass wire hook that you wouldn't use if you life depended on it? (Case in point, sluggo stock hooks) I would prefer baits either come with a quality hook or none at all. I think most of the plug builders on this site follow that mantra. At least all of the plugs that I have purchased from the guys and shops on this site have. I am not offended if a plug comes without hooks, I am pleased I get to pick what I want.
I know many of the production plug makers have to target some "price point" and the hook usually is what gets cheaped out on but why not just leave it off altogether? Most shops are happy to rig it right for you and will put on something that is appropriate for your application.

[macojoe]

I never thought hooks made a difference, then I tryed some Gammys and wow!!
I buy good hooks and change often and on all my jigs i use a hook sharpener. Its Orange and has 2 rods that sharpen the hook, Never leave home with out it!