I have watched the Adam penning tutorial on hook sharpening and thought it was very well explained - was that hook sharpening though? Or was it just making the hook work better as he hardly touched the point which i totally got. I have watched other vlogs where people in my mind have gone totally over the top with it. Then there's the nick helleur podcast who dislikes hook sharpening? I also think there's a place to use such a hook ie on a water that's hard with a low stock - not a runs water. Just wondering what other people's opinions are on the whole sharpening thing?
In reply to Post #1
A sharper hook will convert more pick-ups to fish on the bank. For me it really is that simple. Anyone that doesn't get that isn't worth arguing with imo.
As for NH's comments about damage, in my experience that's a complete load of b*llocks.
A sharper hook will convert more pick-ups to fish on the bank. For me it really is that simple. Anyone that doesn't get that isn't worth arguing with imo.
As for NH's comments about damage, in my experience that's a complete load of b*llocks.
In reply to Post #2
I concure Yonny
I think NH just likes to go against the grain to emphasise he's a rebel, or he's just pissed he didn't think of it
I concure Yonny
I think NH just likes to go against the grain to emphasise he's a rebel, or he's just pissed he didn't think of it
In reply to Post #2
In reply to Post #1
I sharpen but much more relaxed about it these days, I check the hook before putting it out and if needed a quick file, doesn't take long.
Makes a difference for me and I would want a sharp hook whether fishing for one bite or several.
I sharpen but much more relaxed about it these days, I check the hook before putting it out and if needed a quick file, doesn't take long.
Makes a difference for me and I would want a sharp hook whether fishing for one bite or several.
In reply to Post #5
There's a Terry Hearn article on carpology on hook sharpening for anyone interested.
There's a Terry Hearn article on carpology on hook sharpening for anyone interested.
In reply to Post #1
I haven't watched it, but all I really wanted to do with a hook is get the point sharp, if you look at them really close up you see lots have a blob of coating at the end, it takes seconds to do a few strokes which won't alter the shape but improves the sharpness.
Lately though I'm going a bit further with it after having a good run on Jason Haywards hooks
I haven't watched it, but all I really wanted to do with a hook is get the point sharp, if you look at them really close up you see lots have a blob of coating at the end, it takes seconds to do a few strokes which won't alter the shape but improves the sharpness.
Lately though I'm going a bit further with it after having a good run on Jason Haywards hooks
In reply to Post #1
I also watched the Adam Penning video and really like what he said around the hook penetration being paramount.
I have done it for a few years and I think it gets more bites, and I have never seen it to create more damage in the mouth. However I can understand NH's comment about them being so far sharpened that the tip could snap in the mouth.
My preference now Is to sharpen at home with a Jag file and then use the gardner rubber blocks to touch up on bank if needed.
I have a 4k Microscope camera for work which would be perfect to check points with and compare (similar to how Yonny did the last reports) just waiting for the IT team to install the software onto my PC
I also watched the Adam Penning video and really like what he said around the hook penetration being paramount.
I have done it for a few years and I think it gets more bites, and I have never seen it to create more damage in the mouth. However I can understand NH's comment about them being so far sharpened that the tip could snap in the mouth.
My preference now Is to sharpen at home with a Jag file and then use the gardner rubber blocks to touch up on bank if needed.
I have a 4k Microscope camera for work which would be perfect to check points with and compare (similar to how Yonny did the last reports) just waiting for the IT team to install the software onto my PC
In reply to Post #8
The idea is to just touch them up and reduce the thickness below the point. I think nick has a problem because of people taking it to the extreme and using the files incorrectly creating a knife has he described it. I am going to purchase a jag kit after thinking about it all but I will be using it responsibly.
The idea is to just touch them up and reduce the thickness below the point. I think nick has a problem because of people taking it to the extreme and using the files incorrectly creating a knife has he described it. I am going to purchase a jag kit after thinking about it all but I will be using it responsibly.
In reply to Post #9
Whilst on the subject of sharpening what is the best instrument to use the Gardner hook stone looks good is it better than the jag sp file? Also vices ngt one looks great value for £6?
Whilst on the subject of sharpening what is the best instrument to use the Gardner hook stone looks good is it better than the jag sp file? Also vices ngt one looks great value for £6?
In reply to Post #10
I use a Swiss jewellers cut 4 pillar file.
I use a Swiss jewellers cut 4 pillar file.
In reply to Post #11
Jag vice does the job can't comment on the Gardner gear as not used it.
Jag vice does the job can't comment on the Gardner gear as not used it.
In reply to Post #1
Not on a runs water type fishery I can't be bothered
One where a bite is hard to come by yes
Not on a runs water type fishery I can't be bothered
One where a bite is hard to come by yes
In reply to Post #10
The jag kit is excellent, I'm happy with forceps and a decent file but I know the jag vice and file would be easier to use.
I think you want a file as it sounds like you want a long smooth taper rather than just honing the point
The jag kit is excellent, I'm happy with forceps and a decent file but I know the jag vice and file would be easier to use.
I think you want a file as it sounds like you want a long smooth taper rather than just honing the point
In reply to Post #10
I use the Jag SP file with an NGT vice, it works just fine.
I use the Jag SP file with an NGT vice, it works just fine.
In reply to Post #15
Think this is the route I will go to be honest.
Think this is the route I will go to be honest.
I use the jag file and vice and the eye glass to sharpen the hook before casting out. Then use the Gardner point doctor to retouch the point when recasting and to remove any corrosion. If the point is obviously damaged then it gets changed for a new hook / rig.
In reply to Post #17
Been sharpening my hooks for a few years now, however the corrosion always concerned me until I bought one of those anti corrosion crayons, quick few strokes with the crayon, flash a lighter over it and job done .
Good bit of kit 👍
Been sharpening my hooks for a few years now, however the corrosion always concerned me until I bought one of those anti corrosion crayons, quick few strokes with the crayon, flash a lighter over it and job done .
Good bit of kit 👍
In reply to Post #18
Anti corrosion crayon ? Tell me more! Where are they for sale? 
Anti corrosion crayon ? Tell me more! Where are they for sale?
In reply to Post #19
Specialist Sharpened Hooks sell them 👍
Specialist Sharpened Hooks sell them 👍
In reply to Post #20
I will have a look 👀 thanks guys
I will have a look 👀 thanks guys
In reply to Post #20
So do the tackle box
https://www.tacklebox.co.uk/terminal-tackle/hooks-and-hook-accessories/specialist-sharpened-hooks-anti-rust-sticks.html
So do the tackle box
https://www.tacklebox.co.uk/terminal-tackle/hooks-and-hook-accessories/specialist-sharpened-hooks-anti-rust-sticks.html
In reply to Post #22
Are they just wax sticks or something else?
Are they just wax sticks or something else?
In reply to Post #23
Not sure mate....this thread just reminded me i was going to buy some...so done a google.....
Not sure mate....this thread just reminded me i was going to buy some...so done a google.....
In reply to Post #23
Repackaged Crayola
Repackaged Crayola
In reply to Post #25
Surely not?
Surely not?
In reply to Post #26
That's what was suggested to me. when you think about it's quite likely. Wouldn't be the first time regular stuff has been repackaged as fishing gear.
That's what was suggested to me. when you think about it's quite likely. Wouldn't be the first time regular stuff has been repackaged as fishing gear.
In reply to Post #28
In reply to Post #25
They certainly do have the appearance of kids crayons 🖍, but they work remarkably well too 👍
Thinking about it they probably are just wax, by rubbing it on the hook point then flicking a flame over it you are just adding a thin layer of wax over the hook . May be worth trying a piece of candle!
They certainly do have the appearance of kids crayons 🖍, but they work remarkably well too 👍
Thinking about it they probably are just wax, by rubbing it on the hook point then flicking a flame over it you are just adding a thin layer of wax over the hook . May be worth trying a piece of candle!
I have been using the grandkids crayons for a while (a yellow one) on hooks that I have sharpened and it's better than the lip Vaseline I was using before
In reply to Post #28
Notice the dark green have sold out.... They do look very similar if they aren't the same thing
Notice the dark green have sold out.... They do look very similar if they aren't the same thing
I've been sharpening hooks this afternoon and found a GREAT tip. I'm using two types of hooks so I bought a packet of each that had been professionally sharpened and looked to copy (using the magnifying glass) the profile the best I could. I was clearly not taking off enough metal before I made the comparison.
Knowing what good looks like has made a HUGE improvement to how I now sharpen them.
Knowing what good looks like has made a HUGE improvement to how I now sharpen them.
In reply to Post #33
Which ones are you copying mate? Some of them remove far too much imo.
Which ones are you copying mate? Some of them remove far too much imo.
In reply to Post #35
Yes. They are imo awful mate.
http://www.carpforum.co.uk/Articles/ArticleEngine.asp?AID=14
Yes. They are imo awful mate.
http://www.carpforum.co.uk/Articles/ArticleEngine.asp?AID=14
In reply to Post #36
Interesting read, thank you mate
Interesting read, thank you mate
In reply to Post #37
👍👍
👍👍
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