6 replies to this topic

[Betta132]

How rusty do you let hooks get before they get taken out of circulation? Obviously there's a point where it's just about falling apart, but what about hooks that are just a bit rusty?

Is there a way to get superficial rust off the outside, if the hooks are integrated into a lure and don't seem like they can be replaced?

 

[Sean Phillips]

Do you mean for actively fishing with them? If so, I'll let my hooks get a bit rusty before I replace them. However, once they get to the point where it just looks like you or a fish would get tetanus from it, that's the point when I throw them away. What lures are you fishing with that you can't replace the hook? Most modern ones have connecting rings where you can slide the hook off and pop a new one on, although I do have several very old lures where the hook is in the eye of some sort of screw that could not be easily replaced, in which case it's more of an antique than a lure you should be using at that point haha.

[BenCantrell]

Any rust and they're in the trash can.  Hooks are the cheapest part of your rig, no need to risk one breaking when you have a fish on.

[Matt DeLaVega]

Odd that you ask for rusty hooks for a project, then ask how rusty they can be before you cull them. Planning on using some? Too cheap to mess with.

[Betta132]

I occasionally find hooks or lures that seem to be in good enough shape to use, which is why I'm asking. I like having varied hooks in my kit, and found ones help with that.

I asked about the cleaning partially because I just recently found this lure: 

And I was thinking about trying to swap out that beat-up fish so I can use that little hardware rig inside it. For whatever reason, the little ring has its hook through an eyelet instead of a connecting ring. I've decided not to, though, because a quick Google search (it had a brand name on its spinner) revealed that it's probably rather old. I won't be selling it (ones in perfect condition apparently go for like 5 bucks, this beat-up thing is probably worth 50 cents), but I think I'll keep it for display instead of using it. I kinda like how it looks. 

[Matt DeLaVega]

You will get so bummed about lost fish that reusing rusty hooks will not be worth the low cost of decent hooks. If you decide to use a lure like that, throw a new hook on it so you don't kick yourself later for using it and losing a nice fish.

[Chris Lynch]

I'm with Ben on this one, hooks are cheap.  Any rust or sign of poor condition, it's garbage.  I don't consider a "found" hook as usable either, 99% of the time.