sharpening hooks.

[skunked_again]

how are some ways to put a good point back on hooks out on the water?

[PondHunter]

I have a few hook sharpening tools. One is the Luhr-jensen file. It works well on larger hooks. I also like to use a triangular needle file. It is small enough to fit most hooks and works on larger ones as well. The third is a commercial hook sharpener that is really a piece of steel coated with a diamond abrasive and it works well too, but it is mainly for final sharpening as it doesn't remove alot of material.

[Jig Man]

E-Z Lap pen style

http://budk.com/Brands/Eze-Lap?sourcecode=GONBBK&gclid=COex_ZOYmaICFQ0M2god6T7YXA

[Marty]

Lots of sharpening tools will work well. I use a standard file with a handle, like the Luhr-Jensen mentioned above. Because I'm a klutz, I tend to avoid the small files because something will slip and I'll end up with a hook in my hand.

[iceintheveins]

A little file hone is good to touch up hooks, but sharpening hooks is pretty tough for me, I sometimes ruin them, but by the time they need a lot of sharpening, it's best to just replace them.

[K_Mac]

E-Z Lap pen style

http://budk.com/Brands/Eze-Lap?sourcecode=GONBBK&gclid=COex_ZOYmaICFQ0M2god6T7YXA

This is the one I use most. The small grooved stones work well also.

[Paul Roberts]

Get a short (~5") fine file from a hardware store.

Most advice is to sharpen three sides: the two insides and the top. This is needed for very large hooks, but is overkill for "normal" hooks.

I use the EZ-Lap too, but for very small hooks -trout flies. Great sharpener for that.

I make one swipe along one of those three sides. All you need is a point that will stick, not slide, on your thumbnail. When that point dulls I swipe the next side ... .

I like straight points as they are easy to sharpen. Beaked (curved in) points are tougher to get at and have shorter points so can't be sharpened as many times.

I am sold on quality hooks, and want them serviceable for as long as possible. I've had hooks I've sharpened enough that their wasn't enough point left to make a sharp tip on. Then

i chuck it.

[Red Bear]

hooks are cheap enough that i just toss older ones and buy new ones

[bear7625]

A little file hone is good to touch up hooks, but sharpening hooks is pretty tough for me, I sometimes ruin them, but by the time they need a lot of sharpening, it's best to just replace them.

When your out on the lake, a small hone for a quick touch up is all you need. You should inspect hooks at home before you go out.

[BobP]

X2 for the EZ-Lap sharpener.  It's a small grooved steel rod coated with diamonds that gets the job done great - and fast.

[skunked_again]

hooks are cheap enough that i just toss older ones and buy new ones

not the ones that have $20 swim baits attached to them.