How to Make a Fishing Hook in 10 Easy Steps

Fishing equipment has definitely improved since the time of using making rods out of saplings, but that doesn’t mean that some good, handcrafted gear can’t still get the job done. Hooks are fairly simple to make, and require no more tools than you probably have lying around your house. So the next time you’re banging around in the garage, try making a few hooks to throw in your tackle box. Regardless of if you keep them for spares, or start incorporating them into you everyday fishing routine, these basic hooks are cost-effective and enjoyable to make.

You’ll need:

• safety glasses
• steel wire
• 2 pairs of pliers, preferably needle-nose
• hammer
• file

Optional:

• small torch
• lighter
• water

Instructions:

1. Glasses on, just in case.
2. Using your needle-nose pliers, cut a few inches of wire free from its coil. (It is easier to start with more than you need since you will be manipulating the wire into a different shape with your pliers, and will have an opportunity to cut off the excess father along in the process.)
3. Use the pliers to cut a sharp point at one end of the wire. If you would like to create a hook with a barb, cut a 45 degree angle about one inch down on the wire before creating the sharp point that will become the tip of the hook.
4. Holding the wire still with one set of pliers, use the other to begin shaping the hook’s U-shape.
5. Once your hook has formed its basic shape, you can now begin creating the eye of the hook. Using one of the needle-noses, simple grab the wire firmly in the place in which you want the eye to be, and twist the wire around the pliers once, creating a circle.
6. Use pliers to press the eye firmly shut.
7. There will be an excess of wire once the eye is created. Cut off the excess, preferably where it meets the shaft of the hook, and once again use your pliers to create a firm closing.
8. Now for the fine-tuning: place your newly formed hook onto a hard surface, and gently pound it flat with your hammer. This will create a sound hook that is properly aligned, sturdy, and easy to work with. You may also want to file the tip and/or barb at this time, too.
9. At this point, you have a fully functional hook. However, if you want to firm things up a bit, light your torch and using pliers to hold the hook at the eye, place the point into the torch’s fire. Repeat with the eye of the hook.
10. Toss the hook into the water to cool and firm it…then get fishing!

Needless to say it’s definitely worth it to just buy your hooks, but knowing how to make your own might come in handy!