Sharpening hooks

[showmebob]

Since its a little slow on the site right now I thought I'd give all you experts a chance to share your finely tuned skills.

What do you all think about sharpening hooks as opposed to just tying on a new one?

What is your favorite way of sharpening a hook? Using what tool?

How do you judge when its really sharp enough?

I use a diamond stone with a shallow v formed into it and drag it across the inside of the hook at the same angle as the barb. Also I run it along the outside a little but not too much. Seems to work ok for me. I tried an electric sharpener but didn't like it at all.

Lets hear it from all you sharp minds out there!

[donkey]

I used ta sharpen em when I used J-hooks. Circle hooks are a lil difficult to get in the groove.
I just change hooks, since I seldom lose em anymore.

[Whiskers]

In the winter time when I get bored, I usually go through my tackle boxes and sharpen the hooks on my lures.I also use a diamond stone with the groove in the center.I don't bother with my regular fish hooks.After i catch a fish or two on one or get snagged I put on a new hook and stick the old one in a box for the grandkids to use.One or two casts is about all they get out of a hook anyway before it gets lost.

[showmebob]

Thanks for the feedback Donkey and Whiskers. Seems like there are a lot of "casual members" here. I really expected lots more feedback. Maybe folks are just too busy this time of year. Seems like there is a lot of members who do not exercise their typing skills. If they don't start soon they'll get rusty just like an old hook! Keep em sharp!