Jim Hirt


Fishing Hooks Make the Difference

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt

The last article closed with a promise of exploring the different types of hooks I use on Lake Michigan and the techniques I use to sharpen them. Let's get to it. Should you have a question please e-mail me from my Website contact us page. Read all my articles and see video fish reports at

http://www.jimhirt.com

Inexpensive answer

This is a somewhat controversial issue for most fishermen. Everyone has an opinion I can only state what works for me. One thing I believe all will agree on is a sharp hook will catch more fish. There are many types of sharpeners out there. I have tried most of them. A simple $4.00 file is the system I keep coming back to.

How to start

Start with a check of the point by trying to stick the tip into your thumbnail. A hook that slides off your nail needs some work. Do not shortcut this process 10 hits and 9 fish is a good day 10 hits and 2 fish you wasted your time coming out on the lake. File three sides of the point and test again.

Check new hooks

New lures do not always have sharp hooks! After you have boated a fish check the hook for sharpness and that it didn't get bent out of shape. A word of caution if you loose the tip of the hook from repeated sharpening it's time to replace it. This is the first step for any type of fishing and I guarantee it will improve your number of fish in the box.

Hook shopping

When you shop for hooks buy quality extra strong hooks. It should say 2x or 3x on the package. There are cheap hooks that bend easily and won't hold a sharp point look for the best. A recent trend is to use red hooks this makes sense. Red will trigger most fish to bite. Badger Tackle includes VMC red hooks on all of their spoons. You may purchase them at

http://www.badgertackle.com

Singles or trebles

Always replace hooks with the same size you removed or the action will change. This leads us to the big question single hooks verses trebles. My rule is this stay with the original manufactures recommendation, they do the testing and that's good enough for me. Good luck. Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at

http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Jim Hirt

About The Author: Captain Jim Hirt

Company: Blue Max Charters

Area Reporting: Lake Michigan Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Bio: Please allow Captain Jim and his wife Anita, to entertain you and your guests with exciting Lake Michigan fishing or a relaxing cruise. We have over twenty years on the water experience and we will make every effort to provide a safe and enjoyable trip. Let us know if you require special accomodations so we can provide the services you need. We enjoy hearing your feedback. Please contact us via phone or email with your comments, questions or concerns. The captain is Coast Guard and state of Wisconsin licensed and insured.

414-828-1094
Click Here For Past Fishing Reports by Captain Jim Hirt