Can a Sharpie Really Prevent Hook Rust? [Experiment Results]
- By: Pat Ogletree
- on
The hooks we use have an excellent corrosion-resistant coating on them. When you sharpen them, the coating comes off, exposing the bare metal and making them rust much more quickly. If you’re looking for a solution, you may have seen a hook rust prevention hack that involves using a Sharpie or similar permanent marker.
The general theory is that by painting the exposed metal with a Sharpie, you protect the metal and prevent rust from setting in.
Preventing Fishing Hook Rust with a Sharpie
Coach Pat tested this fishing hack to see if it holds any water. Here’s the basic methodology:
- Select three brand-new hooks straight from the package
- Use one as a control
- Sharpen one as normal
- Sharpen another and then paint the exposed metal with a black Sharpie permanent marker
- Wet the hooks in saltwater
- Wait 10 days and examine the results
Does Painting Your Fishing Hooks with a Sharpie Actually Prevent Rust?
In the end, using a Sharpie to prevent rust wasn’t as effective as a hook with no corrosion-resisting coating removed. However, there was a marked improvement over a sharpened hook without permanent market protection.
If you decide to use this method, remember that the marker will come off once you’re using the hook as fish hit your lure and you’re rubbing along structure.
No matter what, the best rust prevention for your fishing hooks (including those on your hard baits) is to rinse them with fresh water as soon as possible.
Do you have any tricks or hacks to prevent rust on fishing hooks after you sharpen them? Coach Pat is planning a follow-up version of this test, so let us know in the comments what you’d like to see him try!
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I have been using the Flambeau tackle storage trays and have been very satisfied with not having rusty hooks and such. The blue dividers they say have a protectant and are good for up to several years. Little to no rust even on resharpened hooks. Of course, we always rinse gear well and dry lures and hooks before returning them to the storage trays.
Well a little disappointed, but not too much. Wonder if a second coat of sharpie?
I always used WD-40 to prevent rust.
I know the formula has been changed from fish oils to petroleum hydrocarbons.
For me, WD-40 doesn’t seem to scare off the fish.
Interesting info. Thanks Pat
Really good stuff pat. These experiments are always interesting to me.
PSST: (whispers) Lanolin….just rub on with finger tips. Reapply after use. Thank me later.
Again Pat great info and great comments from all members. Thanks 🤙🏼
Very interesting indeed, I never would have imagined to keep a sharpie in my tacklebox
Same with me!
Does the scent/chemical form the sharpie affect bite?
If you give it enough time to dry after you sharpen them I wouldn’t think so.
Does the nefarious odor of the Sharpie affect the bite?
Good question! I wouldn’t put the sharpie on the hook at the water, only after I sharpened them at home so they would have enough time to out gas and rid the smell.