Maya Ellison
Soft plastic lures are a popular choice for fishing due to their natural feel and variety, but they are not without their issues. While soft plastics are designed to be long-lasting, they are susceptible to wear and tear, and improper disposal of these lures can have negative environmental consequences. Soft plastic lures can break down into smaller particles, releasing toxins that accumulate in fish, and they do not easily biodegrade. This raises concerns about the impact on fish health and the broader ecosystem. Additionally, the mixing of different types of soft plastics during storage can lead to chemical reactions, resulting in a melted mess. Proper storage and disposal methods are crucial to address these challenges and ensure the longevity of soft plastic lures.
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What You'll Learn
Soft plastic lures are an environmental hazard
While soft plastic lures may not be the greatest threat to the environment compared to other plastics, they still contribute to the overall problem of plastic pollution. The soft plastic material is designed to be extra soft to mimic live bait, but this also makes it more prone to ripping and tearing, shortening its lifespan and increasing the likelihood of it ending up in the environment.
Some anglers dispose of their lures by throwing them overboard when they become too damaged, adding to the litter in our waterways. Even if a lure is designed to decompose, it may not comply with national testing standards for biodegradability, and the lure manufacturing industry has not developed its own standards for environmentally friendly alternatives. As a result, many lures can sit on lake and river bottoms for extended periods, breaking down and releasing toxins.
To address this issue, proper disposal methods, such as throwing used lures in the trash or recycling canister, should be followed. Additionally, anglers can minimize their environmental impact by using biodegradable, non-toxic lures from brands like Nikko and participating in bait recycling programs offered by some boat launches, fishing clubs, and retailers.
While soft plastic lures may not pose a significant threat to the environment on their own, the cumulative effect of their improper disposal can have detrimental consequences for fish populations and the wider ecosystem. It is essential for anglers to take responsibility for properly maintaining and disposing of their equipment to minimize their impact on the environment.
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How to store soft plastic lures
Soft plastic lures are a popular fishing tackle that has been growing in popularity over the last 20 years. They are preferred by many anglers due to their natural feel. However, soft plastic lures can be a challenge to store, and improper storage can lead to their destruction. Here are some tips on how to store them effectively:
Firstly, it is important to separate different types of soft plastic lures. Keep TPE lures with TPE lures and Plastisol lures with Plastisol lures. Avoid mixing different types of plastics together, as this can cause a chemical reaction that will ruin your lures. Direct sunlight, heat, or simply spending too much time in contact with each other will contribute to this.
Secondly, consider the containers you use for storage. Some anglers prefer to store their lures in tackle trays or boxes, keeping different types and colours of lures organised in separate compartments. Others opt for ziplock bags, which can be convenient for storing multiple lures of the same type and colour together. It is also important to keep Gulp! lures, which are in their own class of materials, in the liquid they are sold in, as they absorb liquid and will dry out otherwise.
Additionally, inspect your soft plastic lures frequently. Over time, they can become brittle, stretch, or rip, making them more likely to fall off your hook. After catching a fish, check your lure, and if it is worn or close to falling off, replace or repair it.
By following these storage tips, you can help ensure your soft plastic lures remain in good condition, prolonging their lifespan and effectiveness on fishing trips.
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Soft plastic lures and fish health
Soft plastic lures are popular fishing tackle, but they can pose a threat to fish health and the environment. Fish can ingest these lures off the lake or river bottoms, and this can have a negative impact on their health. Limited research indicates that some fish, like bass, can regurgitate plastic lures, but other fish, like brook trout, may not. Since soft plastic lures do not readily decompose in fish or in water, and they tend to swell over time, their accumulation in fish stomachs may alter feeding behaviours and adversely impact fish health. Anglers commonly report catching fish that contain soft plastic lures.
The plasticizers or phthalates added to make the lures flexible have been linked to a variety of adverse health effects. California has recently banned phthalates in children's toys, and some people are concerned about their impact on aquatic life. There is also the issue of constant hook removal, which can tear up the plastic lure or enlarge the hole, causing the hook to slip through. This can lead to the lure being lost or ending up in a fish's stomach.
To mitigate these issues, proper maintenance and disposal of soft plastic lures are essential. It is important to secure the hook to the lure properly to prevent it from falling off and ending up in the environment or being ingested by fish. There are several products available to secure lures, such as O-rings, bait stops, and heavy monofilament fishing lines. Additionally, it is recommended to remove lures from hooks after use and store them properly to prevent rusting and contamination from scents.
While soft plastic lures can have negative impacts on fish health and the environment, there are efforts to create more sustainable alternatives. Researchers have developed a fibre-reinforced fishing lure that is stronger and less damaging to the environment. This new lure is expected to prevent millions of pounds of toxic plastics from polluting waterways. Some companies are also using biodegradable, non-toxic plastics for their soft plastic lures. Proper disposal of used lures in trash cans or recycling canisters is also important to reduce environmental impacts.
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Soft plastic lures with and without salt
Soft plastic lures are a popular choice for fishing, known for their versatility and effectiveness in targeting inshore saltwater fish. They are available in a wide range of styles, colours, shapes, and sizes, allowing anglers to match their lures to the forage fish and specific water conditions.
When choosing the right colour for your soft plastic lure, consider the water conditions and lighting. White and chartreuse are versatile choices that work across different situations. Darker colours are often preferred for fishing in stained or low-light conditions, as they create a silhouette that helps fish see and locate the lure. For clearer waters, lighter and more natural colours are typically selected.
To enhance the attractiveness of soft plastic lures, anglers can add scent. This can be done by purchasing pre-scented lures, such as the Berkley Saltwater Gulp! Swimming Mullet, or by applying a scented spray to unscented lures. The Berkley Gulp! Alive Saltwater Spray Attractant is a popular option that comes in multiple formulas.
Now, regarding the breakdown of soft plastic lures, it is important to understand their environmental impact and proper disposal methods. Soft plastic lures can break down into smaller particles over time, but they do not completely degrade, contributing to plastic pollution in water bodies. It is essential to dispose of used lures properly, either in trash cans or recycling canisters, to prevent them from ending up in the water or on land.
Additionally, soft plastic lures should be stored correctly to prolong their lifespan. Different types of soft plastic lures, such as TPE and Plastisol lures, should be stored separately to avoid chemical reactions that can ruin the lures. Gulp! lures, which absorb liquid, must be stored in the liquid they are sold in to prevent them from drying out.
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Soft plastic lures and their durability
Soft plastic lures are a popular fishing tackle, favoured by many anglers over hard-bodied lures due to their natural, life-like feel. They come in a variety of colours, shapes, and sizes, and can be purchased with hooks attached or without.
While soft plastic lures are designed to be durable, they are not indestructible. They can wear out and become brittle, stretch, or rip, which increases the likelihood of them falling off the hook. To prevent this, anglers should inspect their soft plastic lures frequently and replace them with new bait if they appear worn. Proper storage is also key to maintaining the longevity of soft plastic lures. They should be stored separately, with lures made from the same material kept together. For example, TPE lures should be stored with other TPE lures, and Plastisol lures with other Plastisol lures. Gulp! lures, which absorb liquid, must be stored in the liquid they are sold in to prevent them from drying out. Mixing different types of plastics together can cause a chemical reaction, resulting in a melted mess of ruined lures. Direct sunlight and heat can also cause chemical reactions that ruin soft plastic lures.
While some soft plastic lures are marketed as biodegradable, there is little data to support these claims, and they do not meet existing national testing standards for biodegradability. As a result, soft plastic lures can pose an environmental hazard, with fish ingesting them and potentially suffering negative health consequences. Biologists have documented that soft plastics do not break down in the digestive systems of popular fish species, and most will not biodegrade if left in the water. Therefore, anglers should dispose of used lures in trash cans or recycling canisters, rather than tossing them into lakes or rivers.
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Frequently asked questions
Soft plastic lures are not the greatest threat to the environment compared to other plastics, but they can still be harmful when left behind. Fish can ingest these lures, which can negatively impact their health and the health of the fisheries. Soft plastic lures can also release toxins that accumulate in fish.
Soft plastic lures do not easily biodegrade and can sit at the bottom of a lake or river for weeks, or even years. They break down into smaller particles and never truly go away.
Soft plastic lures should be disposed of in a trash can or recycling canister. Some local fishing clubs and retailers also offer bait recycling programs.
To prevent your soft plastic lures from breaking down, avoid mixing different types of plastics together, as this can cause a chemical reaction that will ruin your lures. Also, be sure to store your lures separately and avoid direct sunlight or heat, which can cause them to melt.
