Common Man Survival

I used to heat when I made hooks from thicker hooks but found that heating made them too soft and hardening them (by quenching) made them too brittle. I bend out first so that I can reduce the height of the point when I bend it back in.

Likely a blacknose dace. I haven't had any luck catching any darters yet, they're absolutely beautiful (especially the rainbow darter)! Thanks for the comment.

Definitely catch and release as I don't believe these are good to eat. If they were, you'd have to catch at least 30 for a decent meal! Thanks for the comment.