If you are like me and live in Canada or in the Northern United States where there is still ice over the water, and the ice is not thick enough to be on safely, but too thick to break through with the boat. So what do you do when you get that itch to go fishing?
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| One option for sharpening fishing hooks is a battery-powered hook sharpener. |
You watch all the fishing shows you can, read all the magazines and Bass Pro Shops 1Source blog posts you can handle, and sit there, waiting for a chance to get out and fish. Is there anything else that you can do to help your fishing in the spring?
There are lots of things that need to be done before you get out on the water. Planning your tournament schedule, studying maps for the bodies of water that you will be fishing, getting new items for the boat, buying new tackle. All are important, but I want to focus on something else that is just as important, and that is getting your tackle ready for the upcoming season. We will look at what can be done to your fishing hooks to make your season more successful.
Hooks
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| Anglers may also opt for a manual file when sharpening fishing hooks. |
Arguably, the most important piece of tackle that you have in your tackle box is hooks. You can have all the fancy electronics, a speedy and flashy Nitro bass boat, the latest rod/reels and the latest lures. But if your hooks are dull, the amount of hook-to-landing ratio will be far less.
There are many hook sharpeners and fishing hook files on the market. Both do a good job. Whether you get a manual file or a battery-operated one, use it during this down time because sharpening your hooks will help increase your chances of catching and landing fish. If your hooks are rusty, don’t sharpen them; replace them and, always remember to sharpen your new hooks too.
I use both sharpeners, but I also keep one with me in the boat at all times. Sharpening your hooks is not just something that is done in the off-season. Hooks need to be sharpened throughout the season. Hooks bang on rocks and stumps and become dull. I think it’s a good idea to keep a hook sharpening tool with you while out in the boat so you can keep them sharp all the time.
I know that this may seem like this is something that you don’t need to do; however, this small effort will make your time on the water more enjoyable. At the end of the day, you want to be able to say that you caught fish and didn't lose any.
by Peter Larmand
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