dull hook

As I sort my lures, I sharpen dull hooks and replace those that are damaged or rusted.

You might cast over them for a week without getting a hit and when one does respond you don't want to lose it because a dull hook cannot penetrate its tough jaw.

Only Donny was there, sitting disgruntled upon the most comfortable rock he could find, sulking because the others had taken all the fishing-tackle that was of any account, and had left him to make shift with one bent, dulled hook, a lump of fat pork, and a dozen feet of line.