Loon Hook Hone Review

A while back I wrote extolling the virtues of the Loon Hook Hone, but now I’m into the full swing (*cough) of my winter season the benefits are really coming to the fore. Winter dredging, or getting deep with streamers, is a recipe for snagging, bumping or simply bottoming out. Your hooks take a hammering. Unlike in summer when the fish are on and we make full advantage of every opportunity, winter eats can be few and far between.

Some days you may work water thoroughly for just a couple of grabs. We all know to keep our knots and leaders in check, but how many pay attention to their hooks? The slightest burr or a solid connect on a rock can seriously dull your hook point. What if you could have converted that bump the other day into a bar of chrome? Sharp hooks convert more fish, that’s a given, but what do you do to keep your streamers sharp? Here’s my take...

• Fish More Stinger Style Flies - Taco Black

One of the many benefits of stingers is that you can simply switch out the hook when it dulls or opens up rather than binning the whole fly. I carry a spare packet of Gammies when on the water for just this reason. Use a Loon Hook Hone. It only takes seconds to rejuvenate a dull hook. Check it. 

• Draw the bottom edge of the hook along the hone, parallel to the shank a few times.
• Make a couple of strokes either side of the hook.
• Test it across your fingernail. If it sticks to your nail, go fish it! 
  

It’s a $25 insurance policy bound to make those long winter days much more enjoyable.