Traditional Hook Making

Two pieces of cuttlebone are cut to about 4 inches and carefully smoothed so they fit tightly together. This is very important — if the mold is not properly sealed, the melted lead will leak during pouring. The inside of the mold is then carved in the shape of a fish bone structure, inspired by the skeleton of a fish, especially the tail (caudal region) and spine arrangement.

The mold is carved to include: a central channel (like the fish spine), side channels (like fish bones or spines), and a pouring hole at the top (tail/hypural area). This allows the melted lead to flow evenly, forming up to 8 hooks in one mold.

Thin stainless steel wires are cut to about 1.5 inches each. Each wire is straightened and placed inside the mold along the carved “spine” lines. These wires will become the core of each hook.

The mold is tightly closed and secured using thread. Lead is melted using a spoon over a gas flame and then poured into the mold through the top hole. The molten lead flows through the carved channels, covering the wires and forming a structure similar to a fish skeleton.

After cooling, the mold is opened and the solidified structure is removed. This structure looks like a fish bone with multiple branches. Each branch (spine) becomes an individual hook. The hooks are separated using a knife and hammer.

Each hook is then trimmed to remove excess lead, filed into a fish-like shape using a triangular file, and sharpened carefully at the tip. Fishermen test sharpness by lightly touching the hook against the skin — if it grips easily, it is considered sharp enough.

The hook is polished using broken bulb glass for a smooth shine. The tip is slightly bent (about 3mm) to form the final hook shape. Excess wire is cut and adjusted. A small groove is made for tying the fishing line securely.

The finished Bilikatuwa hook is strong, sharp, and perfectly designed for stilt fishing without bait. Its fish-like shape and structure help attract fish naturally, making it highly effective.