How to Make Fishing Lure Hooks
- 1). Locate a limb with a sturdy branch extending from it. Hardwood such as oak, elm, hickory or other similar trees will typically have harder woods suitable for carving a hook. In a pinch you can use cedar, pine, poplar or other woods. The primary concern is that the wood is not green, is dry and not rotting.
- 2). Cut the limb so that you have a section that is easy to work with. Cut the limb at a point just below the junction of the smaller branch. Cut the smaller branch two inches from the junction.
- 3). Whittle the larger hook down to a size that is manageable for using as a hook. Use a pocket or fixed blade knife to perform the work. The limb will form the shank and the smaller branch the bend and point. Continue to work the diameter of wood down until you have a hook onto which a bait can be attached.
- 4). Smooth the hook with the knife so that you have a shank, bend and point. Cut a small indention about 1/2 inch from the end of the point that can help hold the bait in place.
- 5). Leave the hook attached to the main limb as you continue to shape the hook. This will allow you to more easily hold the hook while working. Determine the length of the shank and use the point of the knife to make a hole through the hook at the end of the shank for attaching a line or wire. Cut the hook free from the main limb, with your knife, when finished forming the hook.
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