Chloe Zhang
Soft plastics are commonly used as fishing lures and baits. There are several ways to store soft plastics, and the method you choose will depend on your fishing style, needs, and budget. Some anglers prefer to keep their soft plastics in their original packaging, while others opt for storing them in zip lock bags, plastic trays, or boxes. The key considerations when storing soft plastics are preventing damage and discolouration, maintaining shape, and ensuring ease of access when needed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soft plastics storage options | Hard tackle tray, Ziploc bags, Zippered case, Plano Stowaway boxes, Original packaging |
| Pros of hard tackle trays | Safe and dry storage, cost-effective |
| Cons of hard tackle trays | Baits get dirty, damaged, or bent, colours may run |
| Pros of Ziploc bags | Smaller, stackable, see-through, cost-effective |
| Cons of Ziploc bags | Not as protective as original packaging |
| Pros of zippered cases | Simple, trouble-free planning and packing |
| Pros of Plano Stowaway boxes | Adjustable compartments, store a variety of baits and hooks |
| Pros of original packaging | Maintains shape, holds smell, prevents colours from bleeding |
| Other tips | Use oil-based attractants to keep lures slimy, Separate by colour, Wipe down packages |
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What You'll Learn
Keep them in their original packaging
Keeping soft plastics in their original packaging is a good way to prevent them from getting damaged. Soft plastics are prone to melting and disfiguring, so storing them in their original packaging can help to maintain their shape. This is because the packaging is designed to keep the bait in a certain position and to prevent the colours from bleeding.
However, the bags that soft plastics come in are usually stiff and bulky, so it can be helpful to transfer them into Ziploc bags. These are easier to store as they take up less space and are transparent, so it is easier to identify the contents. It is important to keep these bags out of the sun, as the lures can dry out and become deformed.
If you want to keep the smell of the bait in, or prevent the colours from bleeding, it is best to keep them in their original packaging. Alternatively, you can add an oil-based fish attractant to Ziploc bags to keep the lures slimy.
Overall, keeping soft plastics in their original packaging is a good way to prevent damage and disfiguration, but it can be bulky and hard to identify the contents.
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Use Ziploc bags
Ziploc bags are a popular choice for storing soft plastics, and for good reason. They offer a convenient and flexible solution for anglers looking to keep their baits organised and protected. Here are some tips on how to make the most of Ziploc bags for storing your soft plastics:
Firstly, it's important to keep your soft plastics in their original packaging if possible. This helps to prevent the colours from bleeding and reduces the risk of different plastics melting together. By keeping the original packaging, you can also easily identify the type of plastic and its intended use. Place these original packages into Ziploc bags to protect them from damage and to consolidate multiple packages into one bag, saving space. The sandwich-sized Ziploc bags are particularly useful for this purpose, as they are easy to see through and can be rolled up to save space.
When using Ziploc bags, it's crucial to keep them out of direct sunlight. Soft plastics are sensitive to heat, and Ziploc bags made of low-density polyethylene can begin to degrade at temperatures around 190 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, store your Ziploc bags in a cool, dry place, such as a garage or a tote, to ensure the longevity of your soft plastics.
Additionally, consider using Ziploc bags in conjunction with other storage solutions, such as tackle boxes or backpacks. For example, you can use Ziploc bags to separate different types of soft plastics within your tackle box, making it easier to find what you need when you're out on the water. Alternatively, if you're constantly on the move, a backpack with dedicated compartments for soft plastics can be a convenient option, allowing you to grab what you need quickly without having to rummage through multiple bags.
Finally, when using Ziploc bags, it's important to use a trusted brand like Ziploc itself. Off-brand bags may be flimsy and not hold up over time or with repeated use. By choosing a reliable brand, you can ensure that your soft plastics stay securely contained and protected from the elements.
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Categorise by colour
Colour is a key consideration when storing soft plastics. Firstly, it is important to keep lures of the same colour together, as different colours may bleed into one another, causing discolouration. This means that lures of the same colour can be stored together in one bag, but different colours should be kept separate.
One way to organise your soft plastics is to divide them into two categories: light and dark. Light colours include greens and natural shades, while dark colours include blues, blacks and purples. You can then further divide these categories by shade, for example, having one box for various shades of purple, one for other darks like green and black, and one for light colours.
If you have a lot of different colours, you can store them in separate Ziploc bags, which are easier to see through than the original packaging. You can also use a worm binder to save space and keep your lures organised.
Some people prefer to keep their soft plastics in their original packaging, especially if they are designed to keep the bait in a specific position or to keep the bait smelling a certain way. However, this can make it harder to find what you need in a hurry, and the original packaging can be stiff and bulky.
Another option is to use a tackle tray with compartments for different colours. This allows you to get very technical and specific with your organisation, with one tray for crawfish, one for worms, and so on. However, this method requires you to take the lures out of their packaging, which can cause them to bend or become damaged.
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Use Plano Stowaway boxes
Plano Stowaway boxes are a great storage solution for soft plastics. These small plastic containers are available in a range of sizes and compartment configurations to suit your needs. Some have as few as six compartments, which are ideal for smaller soft plastics like Senkos and swimbaits. Others offer larger, lengthwise compartments that can be adjusted to create anywhere from 5 to over 30 compartments, perfect for larger soft plastics like big worms, lizards, or even Hula Grubs.
One of the key benefits of using Plano Stowaway boxes is their customizability. The adjustable compartments allow you to store a variety of baits and even make room for specialized hooks. This flexibility ensures that you can adapt the boxes to your specific needs and changing inventory. Additionally, the boxes are designed to keep your soft plastics secure and organised. With fixed and customisable dividers, you can be confident that your soft plastics are neatly arranged and won't slide around, preventing deformation.
Another advantage of using Plano Stowaway boxes is their durability and protection. The boxes are made of sturdy plastic and feature secure latches, ensuring that your soft plastics remain safely stored. Some boxes within the range are even waterproof, providing added protection for your gear. These waterproof boxes can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for up to 30 minutes, giving you peace of mind during fishing trips.
Plano Stowaway boxes are also a popular choice due to their convenience and portability. Their compact size makes them easy to carry and store, whether in your boat, vehicle, or storage room. Additionally, the clear plastic construction of some boxes, like the Plano ProLatch, allows for quick identification of the contents, saving you time when preparing for a fishing excursion. The boxes are designed to stack securely, optimising storage space and making it simple to locate the specific soft plastics you need.
Overall, Plano Stowaway boxes offer a versatile, durable, and organised solution for storing soft plastics. With their adjustable compartments, sturdy construction, and portability, these boxes are a trusted choice among fishing enthusiasts. By utilising Plano Stowaway boxes, you can effectively manage your soft plastics inventory and ensure your gear remains in optimal condition for your next fishing adventure.
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Store in a climate-controlled environment
Soft plastic lures are made from different types of materials, such as plastisol and TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). When storing soft plastics, it is important to prevent them from melting together, which can be done by keeping lures of the same colour together and storing them in a climate-controlled environment.
When storing soft plastics, it is important to keep them in a climate-controlled environment. Berkley, a manufacturer of soft plastics, recommends storing their products in a climate-controlled environment, as they will melt at 100 degrees Fahrenheit. While one source disputes this claim, stating that they have never had their PowerBaits melt in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, it is still advisable to follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Storing soft plastics in a climate-controlled environment helps to maintain the integrity of the lures. Extreme temperatures can cause the plastic to deform, melt, or become brittle. By storing them in a controlled environment, you can prevent these issues and extend the lifespan of your lures.
Additionally, a climate-controlled environment can help to regulate moisture levels. This is especially important for certain types of soft plastics, such as Gulp! baits, which will dry out if not bagged. By storing them in a climate-controlled space, you can maintain the optimal humidity levels to keep your lures in prime condition.
When using a climate-controlled storage unit for soft plastics, it is important to organise them properly. Separate your lures by type and colour to make it easier to find what you need when you're out on the water. You can use Ziploc bags or original packaging to store the lures and prevent colours from bleeding together.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many different ways to store soft plastics, each with their pros and cons. Some people prefer to use hard tackle trays, but this is not ideal as the plastics can get damaged, dirty, or bent. Some good alternatives are Ziploc bags, Plano Stowaway boxes, or keeping the plastics in their original packaging.
Organisation is critical, especially if you have a lot of soft plastics. One way to organise them is by type, for example, having one box for worms, one for lizards, and so on. You can also organise them by colour, separating them into light and dark colours.
It is important to store soft plastics correctly to prevent them from melting together. Keep lures of the same colour together and do not mix different types of soft plastic lures. You can also use an oil-based fish attractant like menhaden oil or Pro-Cure to keep the lures slimy and prevent them from drying out and becoming deformed.
