How to Make a Fishing Rig Hook
- 1). Select your hook shape and size to suit your rig. For instance, a Cod rig typically uses a hook with a 1/2-inch to 1-inch diameter bend. In this case, use a 5/32-inch diameter galvanized steel wire. Place it in a 1-inch wire-bending jig with a semicircle track. Or use a pair of 7-inch needle-nose pliers and standard bench-mounted vise.
- 2). Insert the wire into the bending tool, leaving plenty of additional length on one end. This will form the shaft of the hook and will be cut later after the bend is complete.
- 3). Heat the outside edge of the wire with a heat source, such as a heat gun, lighter or small propane blowtorch. Then place the wire into your metal-wire bender, and bend the wire around the jig with your hands or the pliers.
- 4). Another way to bend the wire is to insert it into the vise and clamp it securely. Heat the wire with the blowtorch or other heat source, and place a 1-inch diameter steel rod against the wire at the point of the bend. Using a pair of pliers, bend the wire around the rod to form the hook.
- 5). Cut the wire, leaving an additional 1/2 inch for the top loop. Place the hook into a vise so the top shaft is sticking straight up. Heat the top of the shaft with your heat source. Bend the top around and down to form a loop where the line will be tied to the hook. Remove the wire from the bending tool or vise.
- 6). File the end of the hook with a metal file until you form a sharp point. Use a hook sharpener to put a final sharp point on your new hook.
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