Chloe Zhang
Soft plastic baits and lures can be a pain to store, and there are several methods to keep them fresh. The main factors to consider are the type of material, the storage container, and the environmental conditions. Heat and sunlight can cause soft plastics to react and melt together, so keeping them cool and separated is crucial. Some anglers prefer using large ziplock bags or plastic storage bins to store multiple packs of the same soft plastic lures, allowing for colour selection and easy access. Others suggest keeping specialty plastics with their terminal tackle in the same box for convenience. To prevent melting, it's recommended to store certain types of soft plastics individually, such as those made of TPE (thermoplastic elastomer). Additionally, an oil-based fish attractant can be added to the bag to keep the lures slimy and prevent deformation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Large ziplock bag, cheap plastic storage bin, original packaging, Plano boxes, plastic trays |
| Temperature | Cold weather won't affect soft plastics, but heat and sunlight will cause plastics to react to each other |
| Oil | Use an oil-based fish attractant like menhaden oil or Pro-Cure in the bag to keep lures slimy |
| Space | Use a worm binder to save space and keep lures organized |
| Colour | Keep lures of the same colour together to prevent colours from bleeding |
| Brands | Zman lures shouldn't be stored with any other brand |
| Type | TPE lures should be stored individually as they will melt together |
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What You'll Learn
Store soft plastics in their original packaging
Soft plastic baits and lures can be tricky to store. One of the most effective ways to keep them fresh is to store them in their original packaging. This is especially true for TPE, or thermoplastic elastomer, a very tough material used in high-end soft plastics. TPE lures should be kept separate from other lures, including other TPE lures, as they will melt together. The original packaging helps keep them protected from the elements and from other plastics.
Some anglers like to keep their lures in the original packaging and then place these in a larger ziplock bag or plastic storage bin. This helps to keep them organised and easily accessible, especially if you have a lot of lures. It also helps to keep an accurate inventory of what you have and saves money by reducing the need to buy lures at inflated prices from local tackle stores.
Storing soft plastics in their original packaging is also a good way to keep them fresh when you are out on the water. You can keep the packaging in a small tray under your seat or in a cooler, protecting them from heat and sunlight. This method also helps to keep your boat tidy and clutter-free, as you can keep the lures in the main compartment of your boat, ready for when you need them.
Another benefit of storing soft plastics in their original packaging is that it can help to keep the scents contained. Soft plastics often have strong scents that can linger on your fingers, so keeping them in their original packaging can reduce the risk of transferring these scents to other gear or your hands.
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Keep them stored individually to prevent melting
Soft plastics can be tricky to store, and there are several methods to keep them fresh and prevent melting. One of the most important things to remember is to keep them stored individually. This is because different types of soft plastics can react to each other and melt when mixed together, especially with exposure to heat and sunlight.
One way to ensure individual storage is to keep the lures in their original packaging. This method is recommended for Z-Man lures, which are made of stretchy and durable ElaZtech. These lures can be stored with other Z-Man lures made of the same material but should be kept separate from other types of soft plastics to prevent melting. Additionally, it's important to keep Z-Man lures of the same colour together, as the colours may bleed.
Another option is to use large ziplock bags or cheap plastic storage bins to store multiple packs of the same soft plastic lures. This allows for a variety of colour selections while keeping the lures organised and accessible. It also helps to keep an accurate inventory, making it easier to restock favourite baits. This method is particularly useful for anglers fishing from a big boat, kayak, or when limited tackle space is available.
For those who prefer to keep their lures out of the packaging, a neat storage solution is to lay them in deep, latching boxes. This method keeps the lures organised, saves space, and allows for easy transportation. To further protect the lures, these boxes can be placed inside zip-seal bags, which can be purchased at any grocery store.
By following these storage tips and keeping soft plastics stored individually, anglers can prevent melting and ensure their lures stay in good condition.
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Use ziplock bags to store multiple packs of the same soft plastic
Storing multiple packs of the same soft plastic in ziplock bags is a convenient way to keep your lures organised and accessible. This method can be particularly useful when fishing from a large boat, as it simplifies your gear setup and ensures you have a good selection of lures at hand.
Using ziplock bags allows you to store multiple packs of the same soft plastic lure in a compact and orderly manner. By keeping the lures in their original packaging and then placing them inside the ziplock bag, you can maintain an organised inventory of your lures. This makes it easier to locate specific lures and also helps you keep track of your stock levels, so you know when to reorder your favourite lures before running out.
Additionally, this storage method offers the benefit of colour selection. By storing multiple packs of the same type of soft plastic lure in a ziplock bag, you can have a variety of colours available without having to carry numerous individual packs. This is especially advantageous if you fish with a limited tackle selection, as it allows you to maximise your lure options while minimising the amount of gear you need to carry.
While this storage approach works well for those fishing from a large boat, it is also adaptable for anglers fishing from a kayak, the bank, or the back of a boat. It provides a convenient way to manage your lures and ensures you have easy access to the specific lures you need without having to sort through excessive packaging.
However, it is worth noting that this storage method may not suit every angler's preferences or fishing style. Some anglers may find that keeping packs of lures in their pockets or using a different type of storage container works better for their needs. Ultimately, the best storage solution depends on individual preferences and fishing contexts.
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Keep specialty plastics with their terminal tackle
Soft plastics are some of the most versatile and effective baits you can use, and choosing the right rig and terminal tackle can make a big difference in how your bait is presented to the fish. Soft plastic worms, for instance, are a classic choice for bass fishing, as their natural movement and ability to mimic a live worm make them irresistible to bass.
Storing soft plastics with their terminal tackle is an efficient way to keep your fishing gear organised. A Ned rig is a good example of when this storage method makes sense. Rather than sorting through multiple boxes to rig up a new Ned bait, storing the soft plastics with their terminal tackle in one box saves time and effort. This works well with the Ned rig because everything is small and can be easily contained in one box.
Another example of a terminal tackle that pairs well with soft plastics is the worm hook. Worm hooks are designed to allow the bait to be rigged weedless, preventing snags when fishing in thick cover. This is especially useful when using soft plastic worms, which are a popular choice for bass fishing. By storing these soft plastics with their worm hooks, you can quickly and easily rig up your bait without having to search through multiple boxes.
Additionally, bullet weights are often used in conjunction with worm hooks for the Texas Rig setup. Bullet weights help your bait sink quickly and keep the presentation streamlined. By keeping these weights with their corresponding soft plastics, you can easily access the necessary components for your rig without having to spend time hunting through your tackle box.
Storing your soft plastics with their terminal tackle can streamline your fishing experience and ensure that you have everything you need at your fingertips. It eliminates the need to search through multiple boxes and allows you to focus more on enjoying your fishing trip and making the most of your time on the water.
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Use oil-based attractants to prevent lures from drying out
Soft plastic lures can be kept fresh by using oil-based attractants such as menhaden oil or Pro-Cure. These attractants help to keep the lures slimy, preventing them from drying out and becoming deformed. This method is especially useful when lures are kept in a bag, as it prevents them from drying out and maintains their effectiveness.
One approach is to apply the oil directly to the lures in the bag. This ensures that the lures remain coated and moist, preserving their condition. The oil's strong scent can be a drawback, as it may linger on fingers and require the use of a spray when rigging the lure. However, the oil itself does not seem to go bad, according to some anglers.
Another method is to use a separate bag for the lures that will be used for the day. By placing the lures in a separate bag, they can be coated in oil without affecting the rest of the lures in storage. This approach provides a more immediate solution, ensuring that the lures for the day are ready for use without having to oil the entire collection.
Additionally, oil-based attractants can be combined with other storage methods. For instance, anglers can store their lures in deep, latchable boxes or zip-seal bags while still using the oil to maintain lure moisture. This combination provides both organisation and protection from drying out.
In conclusion, oil-based attractants are a valuable tool for preventing soft plastic lures from drying out. By using oils like menhaden or Pro-Cure, anglers can effectively preserve their lures and maintain their performance. This technique can be adapted to suit various storage preferences, ensuring that lures remain in optimal condition for future use.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to store soft plastics. Some people store them in their original packaging, while others use ziplock bags or plastic storage bins. It is important to keep them organised and accessible, and to avoid heat and sunlight which can cause plastics to react.
One way to keep your soft plastics organised is to store them with the terminal tackle that goes with them. For example, you could store a Ned rig in one box. This saves time when you need to rig a new bait.
It is generally recommended to store soft plastics of the same colour together to avoid colours bleeding.
No, it is not recommended to store soft plastics of different brands together as they may melt together. Zman lures, in particular, should be stored separately.
You can use an oil-based fish attractant such as menhaden oil or Pro-Cure to keep your soft plastics slimy and prevent them from drying out and becoming deformed.
