Let’s be honest, tying spade end hooks by hand can be a right fiddle. Get it wrong and you’ve either kinked your hooklength or left a weak spot that’s bound to let go when it matters most. That’s where the the humble hook tyer comes in.
The matchman hook tyer is a pocket-sized gadget that brings consistency, neatness and speed to your prep, and once you’ve nailed the process, you’ll wonder how you ever got by without it.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to tying the perfect spade end hook with a matchman hook tyer.
TIE YOUR HOOKS TO THE BEST POLE FISHING LINES FOR YOUR HOOKLENGTHS.
How to tie a spade end hook with a matchman hook tyer
1 of 11Matchman hook tyer Step 1
Clamp the hook into the tyer by tightening the dial. Ensure the hook point isn’t showing as this can catch the line.
2 of 11Matchman hook tyer Step 2
Push in the metal prongs, note how the front one has a gap for the line to go under. Hold the line tight by putting a weight on the spool, or by pulling against the rod if you tie direct to the mainline.
3 of 11Matchman hook tyer Step 4
Run the tight line behind the two metal prongs.
4 of 11Matchman hook tyer Step 5
Pin the tag of line to the hook tyer with your thumb.
5 of 11Matchman hook tyer Step 6
With your other hand bring the tag of line behind the hook and the tight line.
6 of 11Matchman hook tyer Step 7
Pull the tag and the main piece of line tight to the hook near the base of the shank.
7 of 11Matchman hook tyer Step 8
Slowly rotate the hook tyer seven or eight times, moving up the shank of the hook towards its spade.
8 of 11Matchman hook tyer Step 9
Hook the tag of line behind the front prong and push both prongs in.
9 of 11Matchman hook tyer Step 10
Pull both lines tight before unscrewing the clasp and wetting the lines with saliva
10 of 11Matchman hook tyer Step 11
As you unscrew the clasp apply steady pressure on the line and slowly tease the knot down.
11 of 11Matchman hook tyer Step 12
Slide the knot up to the spade by pulling the line above it. Pull the knot tight and trim the tag off. Ensure the line comes off the front of the spade.