Proper storage of plastic lures extends their usability and ensures they remain in top condition, ready to attract fish at a moment's notice. Incorrect storage can lead to warped shapes, faded colors, and even chemical degradation. Whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, understanding how to store your plastic lures correctly can save money and frustration. Here’s a detailed guide to keep your lures in excellent condition.
1. Why Proper Storage Matters
Plastic lures are more delicate than they appear. Exposure to heat, moisture, and sunlight can break down their materials, making them brittle or discolored. This affects the performance of the lure, leading to missed catches and wasted time.
Soft plastics can also leach oils, causing them to stick together or melt into a blob if stored improperly. When this happens, the lures lose their original shape and action, reducing their effectiveness. Investing time in proper storage ensures they remain functional and retain their color.
Keeping lures organized also makes fishing trips more efficient. When every lure is easy to find and in good shape, you’ll spend more time fishing and less time sorting through tangled or damaged gear.
2. The Impact of Heat and Sunlight on Plastic Lures
Heat is one of the biggest threats to plastic lures. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can cause the material to warp or soften, altering the lure's design and performance. Leaving your tackle box in a hot car or under direct sunlight can ruin an entire collection in a single afternoon.
Sunlight also plays a role in degrading plastics. UV rays cause colors to fade and the material to weaken over time. This is especially problematic for bright or translucent lures that rely on vibrant colors to attract fish.
Storing lures in a cool, shaded area helps maintain their integrity. If you fish in hot climates, using an insulated tackle bag or storing your lures indoors between trips can prevent unnecessary damage.
3. Choosing the Right Storage Containers
The type of container you use for storage affects how well your plastic lures are preserved. Clear plastic boxes with adjustable dividers are popular because they keep lures visible and organized. However, not all plastic boxes are created equal—some can react chemically with soft plastics over time, causing the lures to melt or stick.
Using containers made from polypropylene or polyethylene prevents chemical reactions and ensures safe storage. Waterproof tackle boxes are another great option, especially for anglers who fish in saltwater environments, as they keep moisture out and prevent rust on metal components.
If you prefer soft bags, choose those with individual plastic sleeves or compartments. This prevents lures from sticking together and makes it easy to swap them out quickly during a fishing trip.
4. Separating Soft Plastics by Type
Storing different types of soft plastic lures together can lead to problems. Some plastics contain oils that leach out over time, causing colors to bleed and materials to degrade. Mixing lures of different colors or materials can result in a mess that’s difficult to salvage.
Organize soft plastics by color and type to avoid contamination. Many anglers use small, resealable bags or plastic dividers to keep lures separate. For example, keep paddle tails in one section and worms in another to maintain their individual shapes.
This system also makes it easier to find what you need quickly. When each type of lure is organized, you can grab the right one without digging through a tangled mess, saving time and frustration on the water.
5. The Role of Lure-Specific Bags
Some brands sell soft plastic lures in their own resealable packaging. These bags are often infused with scent or lubricant to maintain the lure's softness and attraction. Keeping lures in their original packaging preserves these qualities and extends their lifespan.
If you remove lures from their original bags, consider transferring them to similar resealable bags with individual compartments. This protects the lures from sticking together while retaining any scent or lubrication they may have.
Using lure-specific bags also helps maintain order within your tackle box. Grouping lures by brand or type ensures you always know where to find what you need, even when conditions change mid-trip.
6. Preventing Rust and Corrosion
While plastic lures themselves won’t rust, the hooks, weights, and other metal components attached to them are vulnerable to corrosion. Saltwater fishing poses a particular risk, as even a small amount of salt residue can lead to rust.
To prevent corrosion, rinse your lures and tackle with fresh water after every trip, especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater. Let everything dry completely before storing it away to avoid trapping moisture inside your tackle box.
Adding silica gel packets or anti-rust strips to your tackle storage provides extra protection. These products absorb moisture and prevent condensation from forming, keeping your metal components in top condition.
7. Avoiding Lure Sticking and Melting Issues
Soft plastic lures can sometimes stick together or even melt if stored improperly. This usually happens when lures are packed too tightly or exposed to heat for an extended period. Different types of plastics can also react with each other, causing them to degrade.
To avoid these problems, give each lure enough space to lie flat without pressing against others. Using individual compartments or separators within your storage containers helps maintain the shape and condition of each lure.
Regularly checking your lures for signs of sticking or melting ensures that problems are caught early. If you notice any issues, separating the affected lures from the rest of your collection can prevent further damage.
8. Labeling and Inventory Management
Labeling your storage containers helps you stay organized and ensures you always know where to find each type of lure. Use waterproof labels or markers to write the contents on the outside of each box or bag.
Some anglers go a step further by keeping an inventory of their lures. This can be as simple as a notebook or as detailed as a digital spreadsheet. Recording which lures work best in specific conditions helps refine your selection and ensures you have the right tools for every trip.
Maintaining an organized system also makes it easier to spot when you’re running low on specific lures. Having an inventory list ensures you stay prepared without carrying unnecessary duplicates.
9. How to Store Lures During the Off-Season
During the off-season, it’s important to store your lures properly to prevent damage and ensure they’re ready for use when fishing resumes. Start by cleaning all your lures and tackle thoroughly to remove dirt, oils, and salt residue.
Store lures in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources. Placing them in sealed containers or tackle bags with anti-rust strips prevents corrosion and degradation.
Checking on your lures periodically during the off-season ensures they remain in good condition. Rotating them occasionally helps maintain their shape and prevents any lures from developing flat spots or warping.
10. Establishing Good Storage Habits for the Long Term
Developing good storage habits ensures your plastic lures stay in great condition for years to come. Getting into the habit of cleaning and organizing your lures after every trip makes future outings more enjoyable.
Consistent maintenance also reduces the risk of unpleasant surprises, like discovering a melted lure or rusted hook in the middle of a fishing trip. Taking small steps regularly saves time and money in the long run.
By making proper storage part of your fishing routine, you’ll extend the life of your lures and improve your overall fishing experience. Prepared anglers are more successful on the water, and having well-maintained gear gives you the confidence to tackle any challenge.
Conclusion
Properly storing plastic lures ensures they remain effective, colorful, and ready to perform when you need them. Avoiding heat, moisture, and improper storage techniques protects your investment and makes every fishing trip more enjoyable.
For personalized advice or high-quality fishing products, reach out to us at (915) 769-0097. We’re happy to help you make the most of your gear and keep your lures in peak condition.
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