Fishing is an age-old activity that has been practiced across various cultures for hundreds of years. From fishing with nets to fishing with rods, hooks, and bait, the evolution of the activity has seen great advancements over time. In this article, we shall explore how fishing hooks, the most fundamental element of fishing, are made.
The Process
Fishing hooks are typically made of steel and are formed through a series of intricate processes. The first stage in hook-making is the creation of a wire coil. The wire is first cut into small segments, which are then bent to form a U-shape. The next process involves flattening the bent wire ends into a shape that can be easily sharpened.
The flattened wire metal is then passed through a machine which cuts it into tiny hooks. The machine has a die with pre-cut hooks shape that slices through the metal as it rotates, producing the hooks.
After this, the hooks proceed through a process of heat treatment where they are exposed to temperatures of up to 840 degrees Celsius. The heat treatment process is critical to ensure the hook remains strong and does not break while in use.
Sharpening
Once the hooks have been heat-treated, they undergo a sharpening process that ensures they are sharp enough to pierce through the fish’s mouth quickly. The sharpening process uses a grinding wheel that grinds the hooks into shape. The grinding machine spins and grinds each hook against the grinding wheel, giving the hook in the ideal shape and size.
Coating and Packaging
Finally, once the hooks have been sharpened, they undergo coating to prevent rusting. A thin layer of material such as nickel, silver, or brass is applied to the hooks by dipping them in a solution of the coating material. The hooks are then aired to dry and sorted based on their size and shape. The sorted hooks are then packaged and shipped out to retailers for sale.
Fishing hooks are an essential component of fishing. The process of making fishing hooks requires precision machinery to ensure they meet the required standards of strength and durability. With the right material, a sharp edge, and proper maintenance, a fishhook can last for years and gives fishers the best chance of catching their target fish.