DIY: Sharpen Hooks with A Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener After A Spring of Fishing the Spawn or a Summer of Walking the Dog in the Surf

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Water (especially saltwater) will do a number on the sharpness of your fish hooks which will greatly affect your hook up ratio. I toe the line between sharpening vs. simply replacing when rust is involved as once you see some rust, it is typically a losing battle.

BUT… I will eek out a few more trips by using the Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener‘s integrated fish hook sharpener. The portability of the Work Sharped Guided Field Sharpener (given everything it includes) is unmatched so whether its hunting season or I’m out fishing, I keep it in my pack or tackle bag.

Here is how I restore my slightly rusted hooks to them primed for the surf or the lake…

Materials Needed

• Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener
• Simple Green
• Central Machinery Ultrasonic Cleaner
• Split Ring Pliers
• Needlenose Pliers

Step 1: Prepare the Ultrasonic Cleaner

Add a 50/50 mixture of Simple Green and water to the reservoir of the ultrasonic cleaner.

Step 2: Remove the Hook and Split Rings

Use your split ring pliers and needlenose pliers to remove the rusted hook and split ring from the lure.

Step 3: Run A Cycle in the Ultrasonic Cleaner

To remove as much surface rust as you can, run a 480sec heated cycle in the ultrasonic cleaner.

Step 4: Rinse and Dry the Hooks

Remove the tray from the ultrasonic cleaner and dump into fresh water. Lay the hooks out on paper towel to dry.

Step 5: Setup the Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener

Switch the Work Sharp Guided Field Sharpener rod to the fishing hook setting.

Step 6: Sharpen the Hook

Run the hook 5-10 times down the groove of the sharpening rod. If the hook bites in your finger nail, its sharp!

Step 7: Reattach the Hooks

Reattach the hooks to the lure using the splitring pliers.

Once you get done, your hooks should be ready for one more go in the surf. Keep in mind that this only works for slightly rusted hooks. I’d opt to just put new hooks on if you are shutting it down for the season.