What do you guys use to sharpen and touch up your hooks while you're out? I could use a good and easy to carry file but can't seem to find one in stores that seems decent. 

Rarely do I ever have to sharpen a Gamakatsu, 
but when I do...sounds like a commercial... I just
have a piece of sharpening stone. Nothing fancy
nothing complicated.

4 minutes ago, Darren. said:

Rarely do I ever have to sharpen a Gamakatsu, 
but when I do...sounds like a commercial... I just
have a piece of sharpening stone. Nothing fancy
nothing complicated.

If it works, that's what matters right? I'm just having issues with size. Everything is too big and cumbersome. 

Just now, WI_Angler1989 said:

If it works, that's what matters right? I'm just having issues with size. Everything is too big and cumbersome. 

True, most are. I consider mine on the "too big" size, too.

4 minutes ago, Darren. said:

True, most are. I consider mine on the "too big" size, too.

I may have to just get over it... still, I don't have one at all yet. I've got a really nice 2x6 Arkansas stone haha may be overkill 

I use premium hooks that won't ever get any sharper than they are in the pack. So when they get dull, which rarely happens, I throw away and grab a new one.

Since I started using Gamakatsu hooks, I've lost a lot fewer fish. I used to hate using T rigs on spinning gear because I just didn't get good leverage on the hookset, but no more.

If you dont find one, let me know. I have several,ill send ya one. Very compact.

13 minutes ago, KDW96 said:

If you dont find one, let me know. I have several,ill send ya one. Very compact.

That would be awesome! I'm game if you are

http://www.fishusa.com/product/Eze-Lap-Diamond-Hook-Sharpener

 

I use this, it's the size of a ink pen, and works great

47 minutes ago, WI_Angler1989 said:

That would be awesome! I'm game if you are

Just pm me your address, ill get it out asap

7 minutes ago, KDW96 said:

Just pm me your address, ill get it out asap

Awesome, just did! Thanks so much! You solved my problem pretty quick there haha

Here's what I use and how I use it:

 

I've collected a number of diff files, used for diff size hooks. Really any fine file will work.

For large hooks, the best I've found is the Luhr-Jensen Hook File. 

For medium hooks I'm still using a couple Chinese files I picked up somewhere cheap. They still do the trick.

For small hooks -trout flies- I use a diamond hook sharpening file. It has a groove down it that helps keep a small hook in place.

I keep them hung from a lanyard, vest, or backpack and handy at all times, and I test my hooks on a thumbnail every now nd then. Hook sharpness really matters.

The going method is to hone three sides. In the past, doing that with saltwater flies, I've eventually honed the points down to nubs. But, I've found that three sides isn't necessary. I can get a nail biting point by swiping one side (of the three). Next time I swipe the second side. If I still have the hook, or fly, I then swipe the third.

4 hours ago, WI_Angler1989 said:

If it works, that's what matters right? I'm just having issues with size. Everything is too big and cumbersome. 

 

I bought the Dr. Slick Hook File 4" and expected the file portion to be 4", but it turns out the whole thing is 4" long. Not what I was expecting, but I have grown to love it.

4 hours ago, Brayberry said:

http://www.fishusa.com/product/Eze-Lap-Diamond-Hook-Sharpener

 

I use this, it's the size of a ink pen, and works great

Exactly what I use. Smaller than an ink pen when you fold it up and store it!

I use a similar one, but the stone is reversible. One end is D shaped with a grove down the center of the flat portion.  The other end is round and tapered for use on hooks that have a bend at the point.  It even has a pen-type clip so you can keep it in your pocket. 

http://www.rapala.com/rapala/fishing-tools/all-other-fishing-tools/hook-sharpener/RHKS-1.html

I have and use several Eze-lap sharpeners, but the Rapala sharpener does a better job for me.

 

oe

Get a Leatherman Wave . It has a diamond file and is the best hook sharpener I ever used .   I carry a Leatherman  Charge , it also has a diamond file , every-time I go fishing and use it all day long .