How to Make Fishing Lure Hooks

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The ability to survive in the field involves the ability to secure food, water and shelter. In many locations, one of the best means to obtain food is by fishing. Many survival kits provide the basics to allow an individual to catch fish. However, there may be times when a kit or fishing gear is not available. In times like this it is necessary to improvise and make your own fishing lure hooks from items that you may have with you, depending on the situation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Wire
Multitool
Wooden branches

Step 1

Straighten the piece of wire with the pliers of a multi-tool. If a tool is not available, use sticks to help straighten the wire. Be careful to not overwork or bend the wire at this point as it may cause the wire to weaken and break.

Step 2

Form a hook with one end of the wire that will be used to hold bait. Bait such as grubs, leftover scraps of food and insects will be placed on the hook to attract fish.

Step 3

Form a bend or loop in the wire above the bend. A rule of thumb is to make the shank, or long portion of the hook, twice as long as the length from the point of the hook to the bend. Bend the wire with pliers or again used wooded sticks to help work the wire.

Step 4

Bend the working end of the wire back toward the shank and then out again toward the point of the hook to add support. Break or cut the wire about 1/2 inch from the point as this will serve as a type of weed guard for the point. Tie a length of twine or string around the shank at the location where the wire bends back in after forming the bend or loop.

Tips & Warnings

Use pliers or sticks to help form the wire to avoid accidentally receiving a puncture wound from the wire. Even a small puncture can prove dangerous in a survival situation.

Tie the short length of twine or string around the shank, below the bend or loop, to help provide additional strength to the hook.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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