Those yellow handled files in the BPS are the best available almost all tackle stores. Just file away from you and don't make to thin on the end. Most shop files are to course.

Shapening hooks is becoming a lost art.

Garnet

Glad to hear that I'm not the only one who dislikes that hook.  I wonder if it would be better to remove it altogether and solder something decent on it.  

Great thread and information. I've got at least 5 Silver Minnows tucked away in a corner of my tackle box that I never use (like a lot of the things the Bait Monkey seduced me into buying over the years.) Sounds like it would be perfect for the weed choked areas of the Potomac during the late summer months. I'll definitely try this out.

Johnson Silver Minnows, Jitterbugs, Jelly Worms, Big-O's.

Old baits that have been busting bass for a long time.  I had several of each when I was a kid, now all I have left are two black Jitterbugs.  The rest have been replaced, lost or forgotten.

I'm gonna have to get some more Silver Minnows.  I love fihsing weeds, grass and pads.  Would be a good bait to try again.

Brad

Take the weed guard pull it up as high as possible then make the last 1/2 to 3/8 inch go strait towards the hook piont and just pass the pionted. This helps to move the weeds away from the hook and it gives more area for the fish to move the weed guard.

Garnet

I have a diamond hook sharpener that I think I got at Wal-mart.  It's a blue pencil shape with a pocket clip. you loosen a screw and the sharpener (round, has a groove and comes to a point) comes out of the blue sleeve. a couple of passes is usually all it takes.

I test the sharpness of hooks by tapping it lightly to my thumbnail.  If it skips off, the hook ain't sharp.  If it sticks, it is.

good luck and have fun

avid

For hook sharpening I use a Dremel tool with a small grinder. Be sure to use the lowest speed and use a light touch. The sandpaper drums work great for removing any rust that might have formed on hooks too.

Just dawned upon me, what knot does everyone use on this?  I have been using a cinch and palomar knot.  I think if I use the rapala knot, the Johnson silver minnow would have more wobble / action.