Ethan Clarke
Soft plastics can be tricky to organize, especially when it comes to fishing gear. Many people like to keep their plastics in their original bags, which can be useful for preserving the smell and preventing colours from running. However, these bags are often stiff and bulky, taking up valuable space. One solution is to transfer the baits into smaller, more flexible bags, such as Ziploc or gallon freezer bags, which can be easily squeezed into tight spaces. This method also allows anglers to consolidate their bait collection, combining multiple packs of the same colour and style into one bag. It's a good idea to keep specialty plastics with their terminal tackle to save time and effort when rigging up a new bait. When it comes to storing these bags, some anglers opt for plastic boxes or totes, while others prefer a soft tackle bag with compartments or clips for easy access to their favourite or most-used baits.
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What You'll Learn
Categorise by type and colour
Categorising your soft plastics by type and colour is a great way to keep your collection organised. The first step is to go through your entire collection and put every bag of soft plastics into a large trash bag. This will help you see how much you have and what you actually use.
Once you have all your plastics in one place, start separating them by type. You can then put aside any extras and throw away the ones you will never use. If you have multiple packs of the same bait, combine them into one bag. This will save space and make it easier to see what you have.
Next, you can start organising by colour. You can create as many subcategories as you like, depending on your collection. For example, you could have a dark box and a light box, or you could have multiple boxes for different shades of the same colour. If you have a lot of one type of bait, you might need more than two boxes. You could also use Ziploc bags to separate colours within each box.
Finally, mark each box clearly so you know what is inside. This will help you find what you need quickly and save you time when you are out fishing.
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Store in zip-lock bags
Zip-lock bags are a great way to store your soft plastics. They are cheap, simple, and effective. Firstly, gather all your soft plastics and put them into a big trash bag. Take them to a suitable workspace and lay them out. You will be surprised by how many unused baits you have!
Now, it's time to sort through your plastics. Separate them into broad categories that make sense to you. For example, you could separate them by bait type, colour, or size. You can also keep your most-used baits in their own category for added convenience. If you fish in chocolate milk-coloured lakes, for instance, you won't need natural-coloured baits, so you can get rid of these.
Once you have sorted your plastics, it's time to put them into zip-lock bags. Keep the plastics in their original bags and use separate zip-lock bags for each category of bait. You can also use a different colour zip-lock bag for each category to make identification easier. Only keep the plastics that you have confidence in, and get rid of any that are unused. This will save space and make your inventory more efficient.
Finally, store your zip-lock bags in a suitable place. You could keep them in a soft tackle bag, a plastic box, or even a milk crate in your boat.
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Use plastic storage boxes
Using plastic storage boxes is a great way to organise your soft plastics. This method is affordable, simple, and efficient. Here are some steps to follow:
Firstly, gather all your soft plastics and put them into a large trash bag. This will help you see everything you have and sort through it easily. You might be surprised at how many baits you own that have never been used!
Next, separate your soft plastics into categories that make sense to you. For example, you could categorise by type of bait, such as swimbaits, worms, or lizards. You can also subcategorise by colour, which will make it easier to find what you need and pack lighter when going fishing.
Now, it's time to fill up your plastic storage boxes. Shoe box-sized plastic boxes are a good option for this. Within each category or subcategory, combine similar baits into one bag. This will save space and make it easier to locate specific colours or styles. You can use plastic baggies or Ziplock bags for this purpose.
Label each bag with a permanent marker to avoid confusion. For example, you could label a bag "dark soft jerkbaits". If you're using smaller bags, you can place them into larger bags, such as 2 1/2-gallon bags, and label the bigger bags with the relevant categories.
Finally, store your labelled bags in the plastic storage boxes. You can keep these boxes in a designated tackle bag or a compartment in your boat. Having a specific place for your soft plastics will make it easier to find what you need quickly, especially when you're out fishing and need to re-rig in a hurry.
Remember to periodically review your collection and discard any unused or unwanted baits. This will help keep your storage system efficient and ensure you're only carrying what you need.
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Keep in original packaging
Keeping soft plastics in their original packaging is a popular method for storing these items. This method is often used in conjunction with other storage solutions, such as plastic boxes or bags. For example, some people keep their soft plastics in their original packaging and then place them in a plastic box or bag for added protection and organisation. This can help to keep the smell in and prevent colours from running.
One way to utilise this method is to keep the plastics in their original packaging and then place them in a larger plastic bag, such as a gallon-sized Ziploc freezer bag. Each style of bait can be kept in its own Ziploc bag, making it easier to find and access the desired bait. This also helps to reduce clutter and keep the boat or storage area tidy and organised.
Another option is to use a soft tackle bag with or without boxes. The main compartment of the bag can be used to store the plastics in their original packaging, with each type of bait in its own Ziploc bag. The outer pockets of the bag can then be utilised for additional storage, such as hooks, sinkers, and other types of bait. This method allows for quick access to frequently used items and provides a dedicated space for each type of bait, making it easier to locate what you need.
Additionally, some people choose to keep their most-used plastics in a dedicated space for easy access. For example, you can use a homemade lure organiser with clips to attach your favourite plastics, keeping them readily available. This can be combined with storing the plastics in their original packaging and using additional storage solutions, such as Ziploc bags or plastic boxes, to further organise your collection.
By keeping the soft plastics in their original packaging, you can maintain the freshness and integrity of the baits while also utilising other storage methods to improve organisation and accessibility. Combining these methods allows for efficient storage and quick identification of the desired bait, ensuring you can spend more time fishing and less time searching.
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Only keep what you need
When it comes to organising your soft plastics, it's important to remember that less is more. The first step is to go through your collection and put every bag of soft plastics into a big trash bag. This will help you see how much you have and put things into perspective. You'll likely be surprised by the number of baits you own that have never been used.
Once you have everything in one place, it's time to start sorting. Begin by separating the baits by type and colour. This will help you identify any duplicates or baits that you don't need or use. Put aside any extras and get rid of the ones you know you'll never use. If you have multiple packs of the same bait, consolidate them into one bag to save space.
It's also a good idea to keep your most-used and favourite baits in a separate, easily accessible place. This will save you time when you're out on the water and need to grab what you need quickly.
By simplifying and only keeping what you need, you'll find that you have more room in your boat, and it will be easier to find what you're looking for. You'll also save money by not buying duplicates or baits that you don't need.
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Frequently asked questions
Gather all your soft plastics and put them in a big trash bag. Take them to a workspace and lay them out. This will help you understand what you have and what you need.
Separate your soft plastics by type and colour. You can then store them in Ziploc bags or plastic boxes. Some people prefer to keep the plastics in their original bags, but these can be stiff and bulky.
You will save time and be more efficient. You will also save space and money by only buying what you need.
Only carry what you need. Keep your most-used plastics easily accessible. Use a simple system with broad categories.
You can use a soft tackle bag with adjustable compartments. You can also use Ziploc bags to separate plastics by type and colour, and then store the Ziploc bags in plastic boxes.
