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[cool][font "Poor Richard"][#005000][size 4]To sharpen my hooks I use a very fine file and touch the point off also with a very fine stone. I always check my hooks before using whether it be new or used. How about you?[/size][/#005000][/font]
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Sharp hooks are a must, and i'm like you, I sharpen my hooks before any fishing trip; except the new ones. I use mostly Gamakatsu or Owner hooks, which are needle sharp right out of the box. Trust me, it doesn't get any sharper than those bad boys. But, when you're using a large hook for something like Wahoo or some other kind of offshore fish, the larger hooks in excess of 4 or 5 alt aren't that sharp out of the box, and need to be sharpend. There is a hook sharpener that is battery powered you might want to look into. They work really well, and save some time and frustration involved with sharpening specialized/akward shaped hooks like tuna hooks or kale hooks.
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Except for irons & trolling hooks I gave up sharpening a LOOONG time ago. Those pricey little black chemically sharpened designer hooks are the neatest thing since fiberglass & extruded nylon monofilament. I'm lazy...[cool]
For trollers & jigs I use a cheapo medium bastard file to make a nice triangular point that scratches the thumbnail. I just make sure to douse the file with WD-40 once in awhile. A little rust doesn't hurt.
I'm not real fussy about brands, but I like the Owner ringed Flyliners a lot, especially for smaller baits. I'm convinced ringed hooks make a difference. For larger baits I like the Gamakatsu & VMC cause they're made with a bit lighter wire than the Owner Gorillas. Still plenty strong for my uses, tho.
Fishslayer
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Hey there Fishslayer,
How do those "ringed" hooks work? I've never used them. I thought about it one time, but I never gave them a spin.
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