Hook Sharpening: How to Get Ultra Sharp Hooks 🔪
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- čas přidán 8. 05. 2014
- Detailed technique to sharpen your hooks and improve your fishing and catch rate.
🐟 Sharpening kit options:
JAG hook sharpening kit: amzn.to/3eBcDSa
Nash pinpoint sharpening kit: amzn.to/3BxWypv
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#matthewcollins #carpfishingexplained - Sport
Thanks Matt great advise, I started with sharpening my hooks last year, not in as much detail as you've gone to and it made a massive difference to my amount of catches
Massive bruH
With ALL Fishin
I've been sharpening my hook's for a few year's now after a good friend and great angler showed me how, I tend to do them first at home in the warm then store them in rig foam to protect the point, I always check them before each use/cast and my catch rate improved, It's incredible the amount of people that never check, More people need to see this video and act on it, Thank you Matt
+Lee Randall Thanks a lot Lee, that's really nice to hear, I'm glad we share the same approach on this. Cheers, Matt.
Even 8 years ago your videos are still amazing and informative
Thanks very much mate, we've tried to get better at making videos in the last couple of years but the technique is still valid today.
@Matthew Collins the quality has got better am not saying this is low quality ether I watch a video on a korda hook box the other day by Elliott gray the hooks he had hand sharpen all had 3 cutting edge's on the hook like a knife I have learnt how a hook should look after sharpening thanks so much for making me a better and safer fisherman matt
*Why and how to sharpen your hooks*
Here's my hook sharpening video on our CZcams Channel. In the video I explain why hook sharpening is so important, the kit you need, how to do it and how to test you've done a proper job. In my experience, whatever brand of hook you get, it will not be sharp out of the packet. It will be fine for some waters like runs waters, but when you go to a heavily pressured lake, the fish are very used to getting rid of rigs and a straight out of the packet hook is not good enough. This is what has made the biggest impact on my carp fishing in the last 3 years so have a go, it will transform your angling.
www.frenchcarpandcats.com
Thanks Matthew, very informative. Is that a petroleum jelly that you put on last to keep the hook from rusting?
Hi Moxie, thanks for your comment. Yes mate, Vaseline or similar works a treat. You only need a smear to keep the hook point razor sharp while in the water. They go black and blunt overnight otherwise. All the best with your carping, Matt.
Great info you're posting, Matthew. Keep 'm coming!
Hi Laurens, wow, thanks very much! Glad you like what I'm doing. More in the pipeline!
Watched most of your vids I'd like to say firstly your a decent bloke , your knowledge and your ability is second to none . If ever I got an opportunity to ever come there and fish I'd be there like a shot . Great job 👏
That's fantastic to hear, thanks very much 😊
Nice test after you sharp the hook. I didn't know that one. I will use it next time! Thanks 😁✌
cheers for the info i have just ordered myself one many thanks
Great instructive video, Matt, thanks for sharing. Instead of vasaline I use a candle.
Brilliant Video Matt!
just ordered my file & slip stone from Axminster, thanks for the tip!
I have also been reading about river carping on your website which have given me a better understanding about fishing the tidal thames around westminster, I know it will be hard but i aso know it holds some big carp 👌
Hi Garry, thanks very much for your comments! Glad you like the video and that you've ordered some quality bits. Get yourself a small tupperware style pot with a clip lid, fill it with lake water and keep your slip stone in that. It dramatically improves the cut performance of the stone and stops it from clogging. If the stone does get clogged with metal, just take a heavy file to it or a wire brush and that will keep it cutting like new. I'm glad that the blogs and videos on river carping have been of interest too. I love my river carping, it's very different. You'll learn loads, blank a lot but with luck you'll bank some very special fish. I wish you all the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.
Matthew. ... as new to hook sharpening thought it would give me a much better edge in my fishing.... the other great edge is your video..... I don't need to know about any other video on here... yours was the 1st I watched and only I need to watch......
and using proper metal sharpening materials what engineers use not selling gimmicks from fish companies..... vice.... file... stone...
thanks again Matthew. ...
tight lines buddy
+lennon Hello mate, thanks very much for your comment, means a lot. Here's another tip for you, if you use a proper engineer's water slip stone like I do then keep it in a pot of water in your tackle bag. The water will soak into the stone and acts as lubricant when hook sharpening. This prevents it from clogging with fine metal particles when you use it which means that it cuts perfectly every time leaving a razor sharp edge. I'm delighted that you liked the video and wish you all the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.
Thanks Matt, brilliant, brilliant tip. Do this all the time on my syndicate in Essex. The other guys don’t do this and then they wonder why I catch way more fish than them. Use your Beausoleil rig and that’s a little gem as well. Had the best fish in the Lake a 53lb 12oz Mirror so many many thanks Matt😁😁😁😁
Hi mate, thanks so much for the feedback, that’s great to hear! I'm delighted that you've been able to successfully apply these simple methods. Big congrats on nailing the biggest fish in the lake too! A UK 50.... Get in mate! If you really want to test your skills you need to book a trip to see us. Got some proper wily characters in here mind that know a thing or two about doing rigs! All the best with your fishing and thanks for sharing your success story with us. Cheers, Matt.
What syndicate in Essex are u on pal? I’m looking around
@@EricPollarrd
Hi Terry
It’s in a private estate outside of Dunmow on the Essex/Herts borders. Only 30 members and you have to be invited on it I’m afraid. But why not try my other Syndicate The Dell in Rainham. They have about 15 known mid/high 40’s and 3 fish that have not been caught for about 2 years that will be over 50 by now. They lost one of the biggest in the lake called Charlie’s mate this year at 51lb sadly. They had a fish kill due to KHV about 3 years ago and lost about 30 fish but the stocks are coming back now really well. At least 40 known 30’s, about 15 known 40’s and possibly 2 50’s now. Contact Priors Fishery £900 for the year.
Hope this helps you?
Kind regards
Simon
@@captpicard6894 cheers pal
fantasic videos! only just subbed and cant stop watching your videos
Thanks mate, glad you like what we do. We have plenty of footage yet to published and many more videos are planned. Enjoy! Matt.
Hi Matt, Great video, I have just started sharpening my hooks and I am sure its made a difference to My catch rate.I did the test on the end of the finger tonight with just the hook on its own, the one I had not sharpened fell off sooner than the one I had sharpened. I did this a few times to really check it and the results were the same.Regards Paul
Hi Paul, thanks very much for your comment mate. Glad you liked the video. As with many things it takes a long time to really master but it sounds like you're making good progress already. It's transformed my angling and the results of many of our clients. All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.
Great vid Matty!
Cheers mate ;)
Back again I was one of those that thought new was sharp enough This changed my mind thanks
+louis scott Hi Louis, thanks very much for your comment mate and I hope you enjoy the results as much as I have. All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.
Excellent video sir. Attention to detail is quite helpful....
Thank you very much :)
Hi Mate,just googled sharp hooks and found your brilliant information,which as opened my eyes after nearly 30years of carp fishing! I always thought the hooks I’ve bought over the years wasn’t as sharp as they could be so how many times have I got done by smarter fish after 30years😩but not anymore😁thanks Dan
Hi Dan, thanks very much for your comment. I'm delighted that you've seen the light as it were lol. I’ve been teaching this technique for 10 years now and I love to see the looks on anglers’ faces when they see what out the packet hooks look like compared to what's actually achievable with some simple hand tools. Once mastered, this technique is a complete game changer, but trust me, you will still get done! (I’m OK with that) At my lake in France it really is the difference between catching and blanking. The other great thing is that hookpulls are something that happen to other anglers. I just don't have them.... (maybe one a year?). If you don't see your results improve then you've missed a step somehow. A common mistake is to over sharpen the top versus the sides or vice versa and that will ruin the performance of the hook! I’d highly recommend you buy a proper loupe. Don't expect much from the JAG eye or the other junk they sell for under £10 on amazon. I bought this one some five years ago and wouldn't use anything else: www.quicktest.co.uk/acatalog/10X12-loupe-4-Element-10X12_5EL.html#SID=208. I wish you all the very best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.
Matthew Collins Thank you very much Matthew for your wisdom I have taken it onboard brother and sure i will improve my catch rate! Will look forward to the rest of your vids mate👊
@@danielwalker3535 You're most welcome mate and don't worry there are more videos in the pipeline! Cheers, Matt.
good video mate, defo give this a try
Hi Paul, thanks for your comment! All the best with your carping. Cheers, Matt.
superb......brilliant demonstration.....
Hey thanks Karl! Glad you liked it mate :) All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.
what every angler should do, great vid
Cheers man. It was great to see you bank those 4 carp in one night and that brace of thirties. There's no way you could have done that with a standard hook right?
Great video!
Thanks mate, glad you liked it! All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.
Im going to do this for my Savage Gear pike lures. Thanks for this advice!
Glad you enjoyed the video 😊
Brilliant instructions I've been getting done at my syndicate lake ordered all the components and sharperd my hooks 2 runs 2 carp landed thanks ,I was surprised by how blunt new hooks are when you look through magnifying glass
cliff charman Thanks very much for your feedback Chris! I'm delighted that you found the video interesting and useful and I'm delighted that you've put it into practice and seen the benefits straight away! All new hooks vary in sharpness and the only way to know is to use a proper magnifying loupe of at least 20 X mag. The look I get from customers faces when I show them what they are actually fishing with is usually one of shock and horror! Now you've discovered the biggest secret in carp fishing they'll be no stopping you now! Have fun, Matt.
I had a fishing tutorial and the instructor was very hot on hook sharpening. He said that you've no idea how many times a bait is picked up and then blown out by the carp. It's all about getting the fine details of the whole package right and hook sharpening was the last bit. On the lake we were fishing we were the only anglers that caught anything that day - he was spot on.
Hi mate, thanks for your comment. I couldn't agree more mate. I watched people get done time after time and catch nothing for many days. After a quick hook sharpening tutorial they usually always start catching multiple carp. Carp fishing is very simple, but attention to detail is paramount!
Thanks Matt, your fishery sounds lovely. Where is it? I myself am just returning to fishing following a 30 year absence. The extent to which things have changed is mindblowing!
Hello again mate. Sorry I didn't get back to you been very busy at the lake this winter. It's in NW France mate. Visit our website www.frenchcarpandcats.com for full details. All the best with your fishing, cheers, Matt.
Matthew Collins what grade is the tool file? Great vid by the way. Like blade boy said, details are paramount when you rely on the fish to hook itself
nice video. something I will start doing now im on a lake where bites are few and far between. I did have a little go a while back but only had a stone and I think it was to course and didn't have a clamp. will go look into buying the right tools (y)
cheers for the video and the detailed description :)
Johneturbo Thanks John, glad you liked it. Yeah you need the right tools. It takes a little patience and practice but it's well worth the effort. I've been doing it for 5 years now and I wouldn't leave home without my kit. Good luck with it. Matt.
I think think hook sharpness vary from brand to brand and the thickness of the wire in the hook.But agree some hooks you buy are not sharp enough and your video gives very good advice and proof they need sharpening. Your attention to detail and thinking will always give you that edge in fishing.nice video Matthew
+Carping Around Thanks very much for your comment mate, I'm very glad you like the video. Some hooks respond better to sharpening too I've found. It depends on the quality of the steel and the hardness of course. I have a lot of faith in the Korda widegape X in a size 4 as I use it for all my lake fishing. They take an edge very well and pretty strong but straight out the packet they aren't too clever. All the best with your carping, Matt.
Just ordered part of what i need for hook sharpening. Im fishing in the states where the fish arent pressured much but they have been picking up my rigs and not getting hooked. Hoping i can top my PB of 28 inches this summer
Hi mate, great to hear. If you can master hook sharpening then great but many anglers actually make their hooks worse by doing this. You need a really good quality eyeglass and a really good eye for detail. You also need really steady hands! Nowadays my default advice to anglers is to use a new hook every cast/drop. As long as the hooks are good to start with then this will definitely pay huge dividends. All the best with your season! Cheers, Matt.
Love your advice. So important whatever hook and rig you use. I used to buy fine needle files from a hardware store but your use of the stone perfects the process. Rusting has always been a problem though, especially on some big fish waters where you may want your bait in place for several days at a time. I can see why you use Vaseline as it will not stop the hook penetrating but I am just not convinced it will always be there protecting when the bait hits bottom, entry in the water could drag it off. I am experimenting with silicone solution. It stops rusting of the main sharpened part but you still have to me the very tip clear and unfortunately you have to wait for it to dry. You have to do it to hooks before you attach the rig. It also thickens the wire very slightly too.
I guess the only real answer is different non rusting metal. I don't know if they can make hooks in austenitic stainless steel and they would need to be coated as they would be way too bright. Titanium maybe...right at £20 for a pack of 5!
In the meantime the knowledge that my sharpened hooks will slowly be getting rusted up and less effective will bother me.
A friend of mine services reels and he tells me there are new greases which are magnetic and stay attached to metal better so I will try to source some. If that helps them stay sharp without impeding the hook I will be happy.
Hi James, thanks for your comments and I'm glad you like the video. I have found certain hooks rust quicker than others when using just Vaseline but nowadays there is a better solution.
Since I made this video, a friend of mine gave me a JAG Solution Pen that I've been using for over a year now. www.anglingdirect.co.uk/jag-the-solution-pens. I think the price of £8.99 is horrendous but I have to say when this one runs out in year or two, I will be buying another.
A thin coat gives you complete rust protection and adds very little thickness to tip as long as you blow it dry. Pricking the point into your skin will also clean excess solution from the tip of the point if you wish to be ultra critical. When dry, the solution is odourless and most importantly it's completely safe to be used in an aquatic environment (I would strongly suggest not to use magnetic grease for coating your hooks as it may not do the carp of the water much good). It will stay on until it gets honed off on the next re-sharpen so if you need something to last for a number of days on a spot, you no longer have to worry that it won't be there anymore. I've also found that as long as you leave it to dry properly then hooking it in a PVA bag, mesh or nugget won’t remove the coating from the point either which is a big plus.
Please note that I am not sponsored in anyway by JAG! I really do rate this product and wouldn't be without it. All the best with your fishing, cheers, Matt.
We had some grease at work that was used on tank tracks because it did not wash off
Super sharp and super smooth hooks, right out of the package, are made so by stropping - like a straight razor. Using the grain side of calf leather that is glued to a backer and charged with rouge, one strops the burrs out and smooths the metal for a very sharp, smooth and slippery point. The ultra-sharp point is the secret weapon! I mark my de-barbed/sharpened hooks with ear plugs to keep them rust-free. Rather than resort to a file I would simply buy new hooks and strop them into usability.
Brill once again, thank you 👍 👍
I'm itching get my tackle box out 😅
@@pedrolstation9159 Hopefully soon for you mate!
@@matthewcollinsangler 4th an 5th mate. Steady 48hours carp to 38lb average 20s so looking forward 😛
@@pedrolstation9159 Not long now, tight lines mate and enjoy 👍
Hi Matthew, I have watched and studied a lot of your informative film and am very impressed, I absolutely love it. However, three questions remain unclear to me. Question 1, which two outturn hooks do you use the most? Question 2, When you buy hooks you do inspect them very carefully but do you use the approved hooks or do you always sharpen them by hand? Question 3, if you fish on a heavily pressured lake, are you sharpening your hooks anyway? With kind regards from a fan from Holland.
Hi Leo, thank you for your clear and very precise questions (we may use them in a future video!)! Here are my answers:
A1) My favourite out-turned eyed hook is the Nash Chod Twister. I use them mainly in a size 6 and that’s good for everything from 10lbs carp up to 100lbs + catfish. I also use the standard Twister version with an Armourlink (supple) hooklink. The other pattern I use (but less frequently) in the Nash Chod Claw. Again in a size 6. I mainly use this when I’m using a multi rig made from Skinlink which has not been striped back. The eye on the chod claw is very large and it works well with the 35lb Skinlink which is a very heavy duty, Kevlar cored material.
A2) One of the reasons why I swapped over to the Nash pinpoint range of hooks for all of my angling is that they are quite simply the sharpest out of the packet hooks available. I inspect every one and normally use them straight from the packet. If one is slightly off then I will correct it using my sharpening technique or more usually, just give them a few gentle strokes with the hone (a very fine grit sharpening stone) and they are good to go.
A3) There are times when I am fishing my own lake when the carp fishing is extra hard. For example during the winter and sometimes during the summer when it is warm. At these times I will change to a size 8 because the 8’s are even sharper than the 6’s. I will also make them even sharper by finishing everyone by hand to the very finest level. When we made the video on hook sharpening I was using the Korda Wide gape X hooks. You might believe that these hooks are very sharp but trust me they are not. I caught lots of carp using them because I could make them much sharper. That’s okay for me because I was a toolmaker by training and have been sharpening my hooks for years. Since we made the video I've demonstrated the technique to hundreds of anglers. Hook sharpening is great if done well but in my experience 9 out 10 anglers are actually making them worse. My advice would be to spend all your money on new Nash hooks and make savings elsewhere. Hope that helps. Cheers, Matt
Great video and very helpful for refining the technique thank you Matt. For me this varies with hook pattern and therefore like you I have found the loupe an essential piece of kit to ensure the point is right on all sides and not over sharpened to something that will ping over too easily. I have just invested in a triplet lens 10 x Belomo loupe at 30 quid which is head and shoulders better than the cheaper versions, and has great reviews for all applications. Also the cheap ones claim more than 10x magnification which, apart from being unnecessary and a tricky focal length, cannot be accurate for their lens diameter. I have been using one claimed to be 20x but the 10x Belomo gives me more magnification, a pin sharp image with no blurring round the edges. Great recommendation with the file by the way, I have just switched to this and it is superb.
Hi Adrian, thanks for the feedback and glad you found a good loupe too. The cheap ones at £5 really aren't worth bothering with. I paid £30 with delivery for mine and it’s a 4 element lens with 10x magnification. It’s only 12mm across but you don’t need a big lens, you just need a sharp lens. Glad you like the file, it’ll last you for years! Cheers, Matt.
@@matthewcollinsanglerGreetings from Romania,Matt!
I want to get the exact lens you are happy with,or any other lens better than that,that you know of.
I would be very gratefull if you ll provide me with the name of the lens and the hand file.
Thanks in advance, Andrew!
I have a cheaper one that claims alot,but is trash.
@@andreipetrescu603 Hi Andrew, no problem. These days, this is the loupe and finishing file I use:
Nash pinpoint LED eye glass:
amzn.to/3ASNMlv
Nash pinpoint precision finishing file:
amzn.to/3EIzV28
I also use the Jag Products vice:
www.jagproducts.co.uk/product-page/sp-vice
All the best,
Matt
Carry out the final parts of the sharpening with the stone, by going away from the point and will get it even sharper.
Going towards the point throws a burr off of the point
good video , just noticed that you let go of the braid hook link on the packet hook when testing but didnt let go of the hooklink on your sharpened hook , any reason for this ? just a question not knocking , and i will be sharpening my hooks from now on . cheers steve.
Hi Steve, thanks for your comment mate and I'm glad you liked the video. That's a fair comment mate, a few folk think I've done this because it's some kind of magic trick but the truth is when I did the 2nd test it was so damn windy the rig was spinning all over the place when we were trying to film! If you've done a good job when sharpening the hook, it will hang upside down from your finger without being stabbed in, just by its own weight, without braid or baits. The only way is to do it and see for yourself. All the best with your fishing mate and I hope this edge works well for you. Cheers, Matt.
thanks for reply matt, i will be sharpening my hooks in about an hours time , off fishing in a couple days . lost one and landed a 20lb plus last time out . who knows , i might have landed both had i sharpened hooks , thanks again . steve.
It may take a few attempts to master the technique but it's definitely worth persisting with. All the best Matt.
thanks i will deffo be mastering
I think you need to update this video and post the final exam inside out of the wind. Excellent video but the test was extremely flawed. A photo of the final sharpened hook for comparison would be nice. Another test hanging off the finger nail works too. A sharpened knife will grip while an sharpened will slide off. Thanks for the video.
Hi Matt, thank for the reply, I got Myself a loupe to use off amazon, price £1.41. Took about three weeks to arrive, it is golden in colour and I do not know how they do it for the price. Shipped in from over seas I think. I think it is no good testing the point by pricking the fingers. ( I use the hook hanging test like you )I had 2 hooks that felt sharp, but on looking through the loupe, side view looked pin sharp, but top view looked round on the point. I have only just started fishing again, last time was 2007.The lake I fish, last week I had 9 carp out from the margins on 3 visits, the wind was in My face.Went yesterday and struggled to catch, ( got 1 out ) but the wind was blowing away from Me ( on My back )
Is it best to fish into wind when the wind is fairly mild, is what I want to ask you please ?The lake is quite small and has an island at one end, but I always fish the other end.
I always fish the margins with a cut down 6 meter whip to 3 meters in length with a 16 solid elastic fitted.The carp hook themselves against the elastic as I free line the bait with a KD rig.
Regards Paul.
Hi Paul, I know nothing about fishing for carp with a pole or whip so I can't advise you on anything with regards to that technique I'm afraid. Good loupes cost a bit more than the £1.41 you paid but if it's good enough for your needs right now, then great. If you want something better try this one: www.quicktest.co.uk/acatalog/10X12-loupe-4-Element-10X12_5EL.html#SID=208. Cheers, Matt.
I know this is now quite an old video so you may not see my comment. Have watched LOADS of your presentations and find them interesting and entertaining, being an ex teacher I understand how difficult that can be 🙂I love sharpening knives and find it therapeutic, have not tried sharpening my hooks yet.
I am wondering if the technology (sharpening implements) or indeed hook development has improved over almost a decade so that if I was to buy stuff I get the right things. Currently I have a Fly tying clamp i can use to hold the hook and both Diamond file and sharpening stones and Japanese Water stones up to 10,000 grit, however they might be a bit big and unwieldy for hooks as they are designed for knives and plane blades etc.
Would be grateful for any additional or modified due to the time line advice you can offer.
I am sure you have already helped me to catch Carp, started about 2 Months ago, currently PB is just over 19lb, the biggest fish I have seen where I go at the moment is 21lb.
Hi Chris, glad you’re enjoying the channel 😊 Yes this video is quite old but I still use pretty much the same gear. I’ve been demonstrating this technique for many years and I still use exactly the same method. The one thing that I would say is that many anglers that attempt hook sharpening are actually making their hooks worse. If you can master the art then it’s the greatest edge in fishing, if you're not sure of your technique, my default advice nowadays is to inspect them and change them as necessary.
Here’s an updated list of the gear I use:
Nash pinpoint precision finishing file:
amzn.to/3EIzV28
Vallorbe Swiss hand file (smooth cut, 150mm)
www.axminstertools.com/vallorbe-swiss-hand-files-ax22596?glCountry=GB&glCurrency=GBP
Jag Products vice:
www.jagproducts.co.uk/product-page/sp-vice
Nash pinpoint LED eye glass:
amzn.to/3ASNMlv
Hope that helps
Cheers, Matt.
Thanks very much for the quick reply. Currently Sat trying some of your techniques out. Not a beep so far. Water looks like Chocolate Milk though :-) just about to change tic tacs (tactics) round a bit. Will look at the kit once I am home.
@@matthewcollinsangler The LED Eye Glass has just arrived, proper eye opener, brand new hooks that feel extremely sharp to the finger have rounded or even flat points through the Glass. WOW or what 🙂still waiting for the finishing file to see if I can improve on the finish. Thanks very much for your help
@@chrisbartlett6022 Brilliant mate, glad you can see the value of the eyeglass, a real eye opener (😂). I know I bang on about it but there's nothing like seeing the difference in hook points for yourself, I get the same reaction when I show it to guests at the lake. Enjoy mate 👍
thanks matthew for the info great video !!!
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
great video, I already hook sharpen but not with that level of perfection, I'm going to buy the materials you suggest, do you recommend a particular size and tooth for the file?
Thanks! glad you liked it. These are the tools I use:
Slip Stone:
- This slip stone is superb and will last for years! If you use it dry, it will clog up with very tiny metal fragments and you'll notice black marks appear. This stops it cutting so well. Best to use it wet, leave it to sit in water for 3 minutes before use. From time to time I grind mine up to refresh the surface and keep it cutting well.
www.axminster.co.uk/traditional-shaped-water-slip-stones
Engineers file:
- This is one of the top brands of engineers files. I bought the 100mm (4") smooth. with one non cutting edge which is important. You'll need to buy a small simple wooden file handle too. It's more aggressive than the JAG file but it's wider and needs less pressure. I actually prefer it to the JAG one. Again this will last for years!
www.axminster.co.uk/vallorbe-swiss-hand-files
Do let me know how you get on. Cheers, Matt.
Matthew Collins
Thanks for the info, I'll try to remember to repost the results but I'm forgetful!
thebones lol. no worries, all the best, Matt.
ive got all my members on the jag kit they would not be without it now
Ah cool! They've seen the light then lol.
Hi Matt, great video again. Is this still relevant today almost 10 years later, or do you have a new up to date way of sharpening your hooks, especially for Barbless hooks?
Hi Steph, great question! My technique for hook sharpening hasn’t changed really since this video. What I’ve seen though is that, after demonstrating this technique on the bank to hundreds of anglers, 9 out of 10 actually make their hooks worse. I was a toolmaker so working with metal comes easy to me. Two years ago, I swapped over to the Nash pinpoint range in my fishing because they are the sharpest out of the packet hooks I’ve ever seen and I now recommend all our guests here to fish with them (straight out of the packet). You should still inspect every one as they are not all perfect but they are the best you’ll get. Watch my video on hook pulls (czcams.com/video/yPDZV9xY_UA/video.html) and this should give you a better idea of what I mean and how I sort through my hooks. If I do find one that is less than perfect I will just give it a lick with the Nash finishing file. You don’t even need the vice, just hold it in your fingers. The LED eye glass from Nash is good too. Small hooks are sharper than big hooks and nowadays I’m using size 6’s and 8’s rather than size 4’s. Hope that helps, Cheers, Matt.
@@matthewcollinsanglerI was looking for such a comment after i watched this clip.
As a butcher(for me ,sharpening any tool comes naturally),i myself was wondering how many of those who try hook sharpening, are actually doing a good job,because not many people are able to sharpen a knife,let alone a fishing hook that is at least 20 to 30 times smaller than a butcher knife.
I am sure that your prognosis of 9 out of 10 fishermen are doing more harm,is correct.
@@andreipetrescu603 Ah interesting! I was a toolmaker before so I know about working with metal. I see many anglers at my lake that make hooks much worse, and it's usually people like yourself, or engineers, dentists, people who deal with metal and precision who are the best hook sharpeners 😊
Dang the brits take carp fishing so serious, love it
Fairly certain though this video belongs on a fine jewelry channel
😊
Would this work with any size hook, even very large musky/pike size hooks?
Hi Troy, yes absolutely. As a general rule, smaller hooks are sharper but any size hook can be made razor sharp. I've caught plenty of 80lbs plus catfish on hand sharpened size 4s. I've sharpened 1/0 Owner hooks for catfish. It takes longer and you have to remove more metal with the file but if you've got the time and skill then you'll catch loads more of whatever it is you're fishing for ;) Good luck! Matt.
Hi Matt, thanks for an amazing time fishing at Beaujolais, after the hook sharpening exercise you taught us could you possibly provide me with the link where you purchased the file that you highly recommended please, thanks again see you soon!.
Hi Scott, nice to hear from you! Great to meet you last week and congrats again on your captures. The file I recommend is the Vallorbe Swiss hand file Size Small, smooth grade, which is available from Axminster Tools. I also use the Ice Bear Water Slipstone also from Axminster. In this blog post, you can find the links to the products www.frenchcarpandcats.com/how-to-sharpen-your-carp-hooks-with-video/
Hope that helps. Cheers, Matt.
@@matthewcollinsangler Ah now I know why you deleted my comment. You want to flog Axminster tools instead.
@@MrBillUp Hi Chris, no I didn’t delete your comment, in fact, I had done a response for it which is this:
Hi Chris, I know nothing about guitars but I can totally see how a rounded edge file designed for this purpose would be an excellent choice for the job. I’m an ex toolmaker and so I use the Vallorbe Swiss Toolmakers file. It’s smooth on one side and serrated on the other which is okay but you need to be very sure which way round the file is before you start. Thanks very much for sharing this tip! Cheers, Matt.
I don’t know what happened with your original comment so I couldn't post my answer! We’ve seen comments/questions disappear before, nothing to do with us. We don’t run an affiliate site, I don’t get commission on anything. Bit of a YT glitch. Anyway, thanks for your suggestion, it’s a great tip!
@@matthewcollinsangler Forgive me Matthew. I feel a right plonker now lol 🤣 I have no idea either why it vanished. The only reason I mentioned Crimson as a source is I am a Luthier by trade who does a spot of fishing.
Your tutorial on sharpening is the best I have seen, and when I see you using your file I knew I had the exact file to hand in the fret rounding file. It is perfect for the job.
One side is completely flat and the other rounded over. Both sides are smooth. This is to stop the file digging into the wooden fret board (finger board). It also has a very fine cutting surface so as to minimise any polishing that needs to be done. In fact a Fret Rubber (a rubber with a very fine grit) is all that is really need to get an ultra sharp mirror finish.
I thank you for replying, trust me that really shows a lot of class, and gains nothing but respect.
I'm off to use your tutorial to sharpen some hooks. Also thank you for your simple rig video. I'm going to put them in my rotation.
All the best. Chris.
@@MrBillUp Absolutely not a problem mate. Totally understand how from your perspective you’d see that as being a bit fishy lol. As you can imagine in my job I meet folk from all walks of life but I’ve never (knowingly) chatted to a Luthier! This video is very old now so apologies for the poor sound quality! Hook sharpening is certainly not for everyone but you have definitely got the skills for the job! Best of luck and good to know you've found some of my rig videos. Cheers, Matt.
i seen people swear by sharping with and against hook so i think that personal preference but the Vaseline tip is handy as would not think i loosing the water proofing on the hook (towards point makes burs against point no burs like sharping knife there are the arguments most use ) me it depends on point shape and how hands are ie cold or not
Hi mate, thanks for commenting. With my tools and technique there is no burr. It's razor sharp. If you get a burr then you need to use a finer tool to finish which is why I use a 1000 grit water slip stone. Nowadays I pre-sharpen hooks at home in the warmth, and have some spare rigs ready to go if one get damaged. Saves trying to do a good job with frozen fingers in the winter ;) Cheers, Matt.
How comes you held the braid when you done the finger test with the sharpened hook but not with the Unsharpened one?
Hi Tony, thanks for commenting. When we filmed this video, the wind got stronger and stronger and for the sharpened hook I had to hold the braid as it was spinning wildly! In practice it makes absolutely no difference to the results. A correctly hand sharpened hook will hang with or without a hook link and with or without baits. It's no trick and I did not stab it into my finger. If I did I would not pivot freely as it does! It's always better to inspect them with a good quality loupe anyway, this is just a quick test that you can do at night in the rain when using an eye loupe is very difficult. All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.
Matthew Collins thanks for your reply. I will be sharpening my hooks your way from now on. Think it’s a joke how much hook sharpening kits are though. Will get myself a file and stone I think
Hi Tony, glad you like the video, It will take some time to practice and get perfect results but it is the biggest edge in fishing for any species so it's well worth making the effort to learn it! If you follow this link to my blog on hook sharpening, you'll find links to some of the tools I use which come from engineering rather than the tackle trade: www.frenchcarpandcats.com/how-to-sharpen-your-carp-hooks-with-video/ This gear will probably cost about the same but it will last you a lifetime! All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.
Matthew Collins I’m sure I won’t have a problem as I’m a metal Fabricator
Hi Matthew. What grade or cut of file am i looking for? Cheers Dave
Hi Dave, thanks for your question. You'll need a nice smooth file. A short Swiss made engineers file is perfect for the job. For a full list of the tools I use and links to where to buy them please visit my blog on hook sharpening here: www.frenchcarpandcats.com/blog/blogstory.php?seq=63. All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.
Thank you, Great tip!!
even a sand papers works fine
#1.000 grit is very rough. There are stones available in #10.000 grit. You can also use hard wood and chromoxid polish compound to push it even further. Polished steel is more rust resistant.
Would 10k grid still do the job? Not too fine?
@@bertlindsay May be its overkill))) but its possible...my straight razor is polished with 30k grid compound....it is very sharp and smooth to the skin
I laughed at his comment my fish are pressured and a hook out the packet is not good enough they can eject it easily. And then you see his snowman on the hair of his hook now I use a longish hair at times but matt your hair would give the carp about three weeks reaction time to decide whether to eject it or eject it or even eject it my point being a sharp hook is all fine and well but id be checking my rig mechanics if I was you
The finger test was inaccurate, on the blunt hook you let all the line hook and everything drop ( not held in your thumb muscle) but the sharpened hook you keeot it in your hand .
Matt and myself have a very similar approach to our angling and both value the art of hook sharpening. Has anybody noticed a difference in their catch rates since practicing hook sharpening? would be great to hear feedback from everyone, cheers. :)
I can honestly say that if I turned up to the bank without my sharpening kit I turn round and go home!
yea man not ever not sharping my hooks again makes a big difference, think i would aswell matt no self doubt in your set up.
Carp fishing is all about the prep work. Tie a good rig, sharpen the hook, bait the spot, set the trap and catch carp. Simples!
What Grit is the Swiss file anyone know by chance?
Hi Joshua, thanks for your message. I also saw your message on our chat system but I’ll respond here. In this old video I use a Swiss toolmaker's file made by Vallorbe. It’s a smooth grade file which I find is just right for the job. You can buy this from a specialist engineering supply company. The hone is a 1000 grit water slip stone and you’;d have to find an engineering tool supplier for this. Companies like Nash also make tools for this job. The Nash hook file is called a precision dual diamond file and has two sides with a different level of coarseness on each. After getting the form you want, you then move onto the precision finishing file. I like the finishing file because you get two in a packet and they can be turned round when they wear out. I use the Nash finishing file and the LED eye glass every day in my angling. Hope that helps. Cheers, Matt.
@@matthewcollinsangler Wonderful,I was also able to find the links thru your old blog post. I appreciate your time and knowledge greatly. Have a wonderful day.
On your hook sharpness test at the end the brand-new (unsharpened) hook your let the braid drop, where as with the (Sharpened) hook u was holding the braid in your fingers taking the weight.
That's not a fair test in my opinion.
Good guide on sharping hooks though, Thanks.
Kevin Key Hi Kevin, thanks for you comment. When I filmed this it was quite windy and I had to stablise the hook link as it was spinning wildly. A well sharpening hook will pass the finger hang test with or without a hook link, with or without baits and whether or not you hold the hook link or not. I always do the test with baits on just before I cast out. My apologies if you thought I was cheating. I do this demo most week's at the fishery and always encourage people to try the test themselves as they think I'm performing some kind of magic with my hands! If you have a go at hook sharpening yourself and can't make the hook pass the finger hand test, I would suggest that the hook point isn't quite good enough and needs further work. All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.
Kamakuras are game changers.
Hi Darryl, I think you’re right actually although they aren't suitable for some of the fishing I get up to. I tested them this winter and sure they are very sharp out the packet. I can make a hook sharper than this and do so every time I fish but for the majority of situations they are plenty good enough. They are very delicate though and are basically only good for one fish and if fishing over rocky ground (like I do a lot of) they might actually only be good for one cast which could get expensive! My lake has very large catfish to 50kg+ in it and I wouldn't want to have a Kamakura on and connect with one of these! For most of the rigs I make for guests I hand sharpen the ESP cryogens which come up a treat. For my own personal fishing which cover massive French public lakes and rivers as well as my own tricky little venue I currently favour the Nash Claw in 6 or 4. Uber strong and pretty sharp straight out the packet. I still sharpen everyone but most out of the packet will catch your average carp no problem . At the end of the day it's horses for courses but in the right hands on the right waters the Kamakuras could be a real game changer. All the best with your fishing, Matt.
Anyone who says this dont matter is a noddy...fact dont matter if been fishing 100 years....it matters!! 100% matters.
Cheers mate, totally agree :)
süper süper süper
Thank you :)
Nise vd
Thank you 😊
great vids btw but,without being horrible, was that three successive umms intermittent by 1 err, then quickly accelerating to as many as 2 words between errs umm double and triples..ouch, sorry, but it starts to hurt.(it's a habit kids do to other kids to be gits...)
There is some debate about sharpening away from or toward the point. I firmly believe it is proper to go toward the point just as one would sharpen a knife toward the edge of the blade. This method greatly reduces or eliminates creating burrs. I really believe you are doing it incorrectly.
Hi Eric, thanks for your comment, completely understand your point. I've been a toolmaker all my life and have a lot of experience of how to achieve a burr free, ultra fine finish. I originally learnt hook sharpening from JAG Products. For me, if I sharpened towards the point, all that would happen is that the hook point would judder really badly which would ruin the point. I use the file to shape the point as fine as possible without burring over the point, then swap to the wet stone (1000 grit water slip stone). The hone removes very little metal but is able to achieve a super fine point without any burr as long as you get your angles right. It’s hard to show this well on a video so I do appreciate that it’s difficult to see how it works exactly. Anyway, that’s the reasoning behind my technique. Cheers, Matt.
Sharpen towards the bend
whats the name and number of the file please
TheLuckhurst Hi mate, thanks for the question. Follow this link to the blog article that accompanies this video: www.frenchcarpandcats.com/blog/blogstory.php?seq=63 In the blog you'll find the exact specification of the equipment I use and links to the various website to purchase the products from. The file is made by the Swiss manufacturer Vallorbe and is 4" long and rated as a smooth cut. Hope this helps, all the best with your carp fishing. Cheers, Matt.
..Not using some sort of line aligner, I wouldn't even bother going lead fishing.
i understand it is alot sharper but your test is not an acurate test when your holding all off the downward force of the sharpened hook by holding the string over your thumb. which you did not do on the unsharpened hook. but yes the hook is alot sharper im sure.
the first hook you let go of the braid with putty on the 2nd hook you kept it in your hand so no weight added not a very good test sorry to say
Yes, a few people have mentioned this and we’ll be updating this video soon with better filming. Thing is, when I did the 2nd test it was so damn windy the rig was spinning all over the place when we were trying to film! If you do a good job when sharpening the hook, it will hang upside down from your finger without being stabbed in, just by its own weight, without braid or baits. The only way to know is to do it and see for yourself 😊
Being underwater wont start a hook rusting. It will rust when exposed to air whilst wet. Underwater it isnt exposed to air is it.
Korda hooks are shite thats why , try J precision hooks out the packet and save your money on a sharpening kit by switching brands , the only thing korda hooks catch is the angler 👍
Yeah, you're right, there are better hooks and better brands now, I don't use the Korda ones anymore.
Sides before top and how u cud see the top side on is beyond me watch jason hayward do it on the jag channel .u can see that hook wasnt sharp before u started and why tie the rig first what if u slip n damage the hooklength . Vaseline try lanolin
Looked like u stabbed it in to your finger a bit but still good video man good info
Cheers mate :) No cheating honest :)
It was obvious that by holding the line you eliminated any weight being pulled on the hook. Nice video and all but the test is a definitely void. This isn't a matter of opinion but rather fact you stopped any weight pulling the hook. Sorry if I'm being harsh but when I feel i need to call out this test. Thanks for posting regardless but i'd advise doing such tests indoors.
***** Hi mate, thanks for your comment. In hindsight I didn't do a great job on this video of demonstrating the test so you're right. In a fishing situation the way I perform the test is to hold the lead in my right hand, place the hook on the middle finger of my left hand (make sure the hook link is slack) and if it the hook hangs upside down when I invert my finger, I fish with it. Only an incredibly sharp hook will do this. If you do give this a go I hope it works for you. Cheers, Matt.
It wasn't exactly a fair comparison between non sharpened and sharpened hooks. You let go of the rig for the non sharpened which made it fall off your finger and kept a hold of the rig when demonstrating the sharpened hook, and said you were performing the exact same test! Why? Is the difference in reality not that great?
Hi Richard, fair comment, I can see why you'd think that I may have momentarily had tension on the hook link but I can assure you that I did not as there is absolutely no need for it. In hindsight perhaps I should have done the test with the hook link hanging free in the same manner as I did the first time. If I remember correctly there was a bit of wind and the rig was spinning and wobbling too much so by holding the hook length an inch away but not under tension it stabilized the rig for the video. The only way to prove the effectiveness of the method and the test is to try it for yourself. I do this demo many times every year and encourage clients to my venue to do the test themselves to prove that there is no deception or slight of hand on my part. All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt
Now sharpen it the other way and you got it lol
nice vid, but your finger hang test was a bit unfair.
on the first test the hooklength was hanging free with the weight of the boilie pulling on it ,but on the second test you had the hooklength tucked behind your finger under a bit of tension to no doubt pull the hook point into your finger,,.
there was really no need for the deception as you could of proved your point without it..
Ken Mason Dear Ken, thanks for your comment. I can assure you there was no trickery, this hook would have passed the test whether I was holding the hook length or not. I've just re-watched the video myself. I can see why you thought I may have momentarily had tension on the hook link but I can assure you that I did not as there is absolutely no need for it. In hindsight perhaps I should have done the test with the hook link hanging free in the same manner as I did the first time. If I remember correctly there was a bit of wind and the rig was spinning and wobbling too much so by holding the hook length an inch away but not under tension it stabilized the rig for the video. The only way to prove the effectiveness of the method and the test is to try it for yourself. I do this demo many times every year and encourage clients to do the test themselves to prove that there is no deception or slight of hand on my part. All the best with your fishing. Cheers, Matt.
OH MAN.... that was NOT a equal test for both hooks. You dropped the line on the first test which gave extra weight for the hook to unhook itself... that was not a good test because you held the line on the sharpened hook.
On the test you let go of the line and one the sharpening one you held the line Not ideal
Hi James, thanks for your comment. During the filming the wind got up and I had to stabilise the rig by holding the line as it was spinning wildly! I know it's not a perfect demonstration of the test but it actually makes no difference. A correctly hand sharpened hook will pass this test either way. In fact when you get really good at this technique it will pass the test even without a hook link! Nowadays I just use a top quality 10x loupe to inspect them and if it's dark or raining I'll change rigs anyway and re-sharpen when I can see what I'm doing! All the best with your fishing, cheers, Matt.
On hook testing. The first time you didn’t support the hooklink material yet after sharpening you did. Hardly a comparable test. Silly 🤔🙄🙄
When we filmed this video, the wind got stronger and stronger and for the sharpened hook I had to hold the braid as it was spinning wildly! In practice it makes absolutely no difference to the results. A correctly hand sharpened hook will hang with or without a hook link and with or without baits. It's no trick and I did not stab it into my finger. If I did it would not pivot as freely as it does. It's always better to inspect them with a good quality loupe anyway, this is just a quick test that you can do at night in the rain when using an eye loupe is very difficult. Cheers, Matt.
What is the constant fucking hissing in this vid!!!
Sorry but you held the line on the second test.
Yeah I know mate, that’s what it looks like. Truth is we made this a long time ago and we weren’t that good at filming! The wind just picked up and I had to hold it in a bit, but the principle still works, just try it for yourself. TBH I don’t use this test anymore, I just trust what the eye glass tells me 😊
Wrong direction
No.
Your doing it backwards. Sharpen away from the point not towards the point.
Hi Kevin, thanks for commenting. You are absolutely right when you say sharpen away from the point. My apologies if this is not clear in the video. Cheers, Matt.
Still confused Matt, it seems you are filing towards the point in the video? Kevin is saying sharpen away from the point - which is correct?
filing towards the point is correct, ie smooth strokes of the file off of the point away from the hook. don't use too much pressure - you can't put back on what you've filed off.
Not sure what I waslooking at. But watched the video again and your doing it the right way. My apologies. Cheers mate
you lost me by saying bought hooks not sharp enough! nonsense
Its true!
what a load of shit the first hook that's not sharpened you release the rig out of your hand making the weight of the rig loose grip because of the weight the hook you've sharpened your holding the weight of the rig still in your hand this is Fraud By False Representation
+Gareth Winstanley even though you've 'edited' your comment, it is still indecipherable, sadly you may be illiterate?...lol
Excellent, many thanks. On reflection, this would account for me losing a couple recently, ones that got away because they were nearly hooked. Jag hook clamp ordered to make life easier and I already own the rest of the stuff in my tool box. Good work with the vids too, passing on knowledge is always helpful. Thanks again.
Hi, glad you liked the video. It takes a little time to master but it's so worth it. If you can get the hook to pass my finger hang test then it's good to go! All the best with it, Matt.