Sharpen Your Hooks!

It’s such a simple idea, but one that many fly fishermen miss. When we create these flies, we are often starting with laser sharpened hooks. However, after the fly is taken in and out of the fly box a few times; gets stuck in our vest, snags on rocks, branches, the net, and certainly after we catch a few trout… Well, the hook has seen better moments. Fishing with a dull hook, especially those of us out there that use barbless, can usually mean the difference between an up-close release and a long distance one!


Sharpening hooks is easy. I use a hook sharpener that you can pick up at nearly any fly fishing shop. I also know some that use something as simple as an emery board. Make a point to check your hooks while on the river and before each trip.

Lefty Kreh recommends a very simple test to determine the sharpness. Simply drag the point of the hook slowly across your thumb nail… If it catches, you are good to go. If it doesn’t, sharpen it!