Small Plastics Storage: Fishing Essentials

how to carry small plastics for fishing

Soft plastics are a great way to catch quality fish at a reasonable price. However, storing them can be a challenge due to the number of bags required. One option is to keep them in their original packaging and place them in a small container or box. Another option is to transfer them to ziplock bags, which can then be placed in a larger container or box. Some anglers prefer to keep their soft plastics in a waterproof tackle box, which makes it easier to see and access the baits. To prolong the lifespan of soft plastics, it is important to store them in a climate-controlled environment and prevent them from drying out or melting. Proper storage and organisation of soft plastics can save time and improve efficiency when fishing.

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Use zip-seal bags

Zip-seal bags are a great way to store and carry small plastics for fishing. They are easily available at any grocery store and come in various sizes, such as the 1-gallon and 2-gallon bags. You can also use the sandwich-sized Ziploc® bags to store your baits.

One of the benefits of using zip-seal bags is that they help keep the plastics organised and easily accessible. You can store the plastics in their original packaging inside the zip-seal bags. This way, you can avoid cluttering your boat with loose packages of baits while still having all the colours and sizes you need. Label each zip-seal bag with a permanent marker to easily identify the contents.

If you're using soft plastics, it's essential to keep them in an airtight container to maintain their quality and effectiveness. Zip-seal bags are an excellent option for this purpose. You can also soak the plastics in an attractant liquid before sealing the bag to enhance their scent. Additionally, storing the plastics in zip-seal bags can help prevent them from drying out, melting, or leaching colours.

When using zip-seal bags, consider the size and quantity of the plastics you'll be carrying. For example, if you have many small plastics, you can put multiple kinds in each bag section. On the other hand, if you have larger plastics, you might need to use bigger bags or explore other storage options to ensure they fit comfortably.

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Keep plastics in original packaging

Keeping your soft plastics in their original packaging has several benefits. Firstly, it helps to keep the smell in, which is important for attracting fish. Secondly, it prevents the colours from running and bleeding into each other, ensuring your baits remain in optimal condition. It is also a good way to easily identify the type of bait and know when to re-stock.

Some anglers choose to keep their plastics in the original packaging and then place them in a larger container, such as a Plano box, to keep things organised and tidy. This method allows you to separate different types of baits, such as craws, beavers and senkos, into individual containers. It also helps to protect the plastics from the elements, such as heat or cold weather, which can cause deterioration.

Additionally, keeping the original packaging can be useful for storing unused baits. You can simply put them back in their respective packages and store them in a cool, dry place until your next trip. This helps to extend the lifespan of your baits and saves costs on constantly buying new ones.

However, one downside to consider is that the original packaging can sometimes be bulky and take up valuable space, especially if you have a large variety of baits. In this case, transferring the baits to smaller, sandwich-sized Ziploc bags can be a solution. These bags take up less space, are easier to see through, and can be labelled for convenience.

Ultimately, keeping your plastics in their original packaging can be a great way to maintain the quality of your baits and keep your fishing tackle organised. It may not be the most space-efficient method, but it certainly has its advantages and can be tailored to suit your fishing needs.

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Use a Plano box

Plano boxes are a popular choice for storing fishing gear. They are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, with adjustable compartments to store lures, hooks, and tackle. The Plano Stowaway, for instance, is a smaller box with fixed compartments, ideal for small swimbaits. If you're looking for something bigger, Plano offers larger boxes with adjustable compartments that can accommodate almost any bait.

Using a Plano box is a great way to keep your small plastics organized and accessible. One approach is to separate your plastics by type and colour, placing them in labelled Ziploc bags and then storing those bags in your Plano box. This method helps you quickly grab what you need for the day without having to sort through a mess of loose plastics.

Additionally, you can use the Plano box to store your specialty plastics with their terminal tackle. For instance, you could store your Bruiser McMinnows and Bruiser Ned Heads in one Plano box, making it easy to rig up a Ned bait without having to search through multiple containers.

Plano boxes are also useful for storing your most commonly used plastics. Evaluate the plastics you have and identify the ones you use the most. Then, place those frequently used plastics in a Plano box, clearly marked and organised. This approach ensures you have your go-to plastics readily available and can spend more time fishing and less time searching for the right bait.

Overall, using a Plano box is a durable and customizable solution for carrying small plastics for fishing. By utilising different sizes and compartments, you can efficiently organise your plastics and make the most of your time on the water.

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Use a mesh laundry bag

Using a mesh laundry bag is an effective way to carry small plastics for fishing. This method is ideal for those who want to simplify their fishing equipment and streamline their bait collection. Here are some steps and tips for using a mesh laundry bag for your fishing needs:

Firstly, it is important to choose the right mesh laundry bag. Consider the weave of the bag; a tighter weave will offer more protection for your plastics, while an open mesh provides less protection but allows for better water flow during washing. Look for a bag with a zipper closure, as zippers are more reliable and secure than drawstrings or plastic clips, which can be loud and prone to breaking.

Before filling your mesh laundry bag, it is recommended to evaluate your plastics. You may realize that you only need a small selection of colours and types of plastics, so consider sticking to the tried-and-true options and removing any odd ball choices that you rarely use. This will help you streamline your collection and make it easier to find what you need while fishing.

When packing your mesh laundry bag, it is best to separate your plastics by type and colour. Place each type of plastic in its own zippered mesh laundry bag, ensuring you don't pack the bag too tightly. You can keep the plastics in their original packaging or transfer them to smaller Ziploc bags to save space. Label each bag clearly to easily identify the contents.

Using mesh laundry bags to carry your small plastics offers several benefits. The bags provide protection for your plastics while allowing water and soap to pass through, making it ideal for washing your plastics. Additionally, the bags help keep your plastics organised and easily accessible, saving you time on the water.

By following these steps and tips, you can effectively use mesh laundry bags to carry your small plastics for fishing, simplifying your setup and improving your fishing experience.

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Store by colour

When it comes to storing and carrying small plastics for fishing, colour plays a significant role in organisation and efficiency. Here are some detailed tips and techniques to store your small fishing plastics by colour:

Assess Your Colour Needs

Before organising your small plastics by colour, it's essential to evaluate which colours you frequently use. Experienced anglers suggest that anglers often use only a fraction of the plastics they carry. Therefore, it's advisable to go through your collection and identify the colours that are tried and true. If you haven't used a particular colour in a while, consider storing it separately or donating it. This will help you streamline your collection and make storing by colour more manageable.

Separate by Colour Groups

Once you've curated your collection, start organising your small plastics by colour groups. You can have separate containers or compartments for different colour families, such as darks, lights, and brights. For example, you can have a box for purples, one for other dark shades like green and black, and another for light colours. This way, you can quickly grab the right colour for the lake or fishing conditions you're targeting.

Use Clear Containers or Bags

To easily identify the colours, store your small plastics in clear containers or bags. This way, you can see the contents at a glance without having to open each container. Clear zip-seal bags or sandwich-sized Ziploc bags are excellent options as they keep the plastics organised and easily accessible. You can also use larger containers with multiple compartments to separate different colours of small plastics.

Label and Categorise

Labelling your containers or bags by colour will help you find the right shade quickly. You can use permanent markers to label zip-seal bags or attach labels to containers. Additionally, categorise your small plastics by type and colour. For example, you can have separate sections or containers for worms, craws, creatures, and so on, within each colour group. This dual categorisation will make finding the right plastic even easier.

Store in a Climate-Controlled Space

To maintain the quality and longevity of your small plastics, store them in a climate-controlled space when not in use. Extreme temperatures can cause the plastics to melt or dry out. Keep them in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or a room with temperature control, to ensure they remain in top condition for your next fishing trip.

Storing small plastics for fishing by colour is an effective way to stay organised and efficient on the water. By following these tips, you'll be able to quickly find the right colour and type of plastic bait you need, spending more time fishing and less time searching through your tackle.

Frequently asked questions

You can store soft plastic baits in their original packaging in zip-seal bags. You can also use a Plano box with dividers to keep them organised.

Separate your soft plastic baits by size and colour. You can also keep specialty plastics with their terminal tackle.

Keep your soft plastic baits in an airtight container. You can also use bait bags treated to prevent drying and cracking.

Only carry the soft plastic baits you need for the day or lake you are visiting. Evaluate the plastics you have used in the past year and only keep the ones you use.

Use a Plano water-tight tackle box to store your soft plastic baits in a kayak. You can also use a bungee system to store your tackle.

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