Omar Khalid
Soft plastic baits can be a great asset when fishing, but they can also be a hassle to maintain. One of the most common issues with soft plastic baits is that they can dry out and become deformed, losing their effectiveness. To prevent this, it is recommended to store them in their original packaging or a sealed container, as exposure to heat and sunlight can cause the plastics to react and melt together. Additionally, keeping the lures slimy with an oil-based fish attractant or a scented plastic bag can help maintain their shape and make them more appealing to fish. For baits that have already dried out, a quick dip in extremely hot water can help straighten them out. With proper care, soft plastic baits can last for years and greatly improve your fishing experience.
How to refresh soft plastic baits
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Storage | Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. |
| Packaging | Keep baits in their original packaging or separate bags to prevent colours from bleeding. |
| Scent | Use scented oils or gels to keep baits fresh and prevent them from drying out. |
| Cleaning | Wash baits with hot, soapy water and dry thoroughly before storing in sealed containers. |
| Maintenance | Regularly flip containers to distribute oil and prevent lures from drying out or becoming deformed. |
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What You'll Learn
Store soft plastic baits in a cool, dark place
Soft plastic baits can be a challenge to store. They can get a slimy, sweaty consistency when stored in hot places for long periods. The plastic starts to break down and leach out, resulting in a chemical smell. To prevent this, store your soft plastic baits in a cool, dark place.
One way to store soft plastic baits is to keep them in their original packaging. You can separate them by type and colour, and then place them in boxes with adjustable compartments. Mark the boxes with the type of bait inside, such as "Dark Senkos" or "4-inch worms dark". This makes it easier to find the right bait when you need it.
Another option is to use large Ziploc bags or cheap plastic storage bins to store several packs of the same soft plastic bait. This method is useful if you are fishing from a big boat and need to carry a variety of plastics. However, some anglers prefer to keep a pack of baits in their pocket and restock from their inventory after each trip.
It is also important to note that you should not store soft plastic baits in direct sunlight or in plastic containers, as this can cause them to dry out and get out of shape.
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Use hot, soapy water to clean sweaty, slimy baits
Soft plastic baits can get a slimy, sweaty consistency over time, especially if they have been stored in a hot place for an extended period. This happens because the plastic starts to break down and leach out. The slimy feel is often accompanied by a chemical smell that can repel the fish.
To refresh your soft plastic baits and remove the slimy residue, fill a bucket with hot, soapy water. Lemon dish soap is recommended for cleaning fishing lures, but other options include Ajax Lemon Joy or Dollar Store soap. You can also use Dr. Bronner's Liquid Peppermint Soap to scrub affected areas.
Once you have prepared the hot, soapy water, give the baits a good scrubbing to remove any residue. Use a soft-bristled plastic brush for this step to avoid damaging the baits. After scrubbing, rinse the baits in river water if possible, as tap water may contain chlorine. Gently pat them dry with a towel. Ensure that the baits are thoroughly dried before storing them to avoid rust and further deterioration.
After cleaning your soft plastic baits, store them in a cool place. Place the dried baits in sealed plastic containers or Tupperware to prevent exposure to moisture and maintain their freshness. Additionally, flipping the containers over occasionally helps distribute the oil evenly and maintain the baits' condition.
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Keep baits in their original packaging
Keeping your soft plastic baits in their original packaging is a great way to preserve their shape and protect them from damage. Original packaging is designed to maintain the integrity of the bait and prevent bending or deformation. For example, popular swimbaits like the Keitech Swing Impact FAT are often packaged in blister packs, providing excellent protection.
If you've already discarded the original packaging, there are alternative storage methods to consider. One option is to use zip-lock or zip-seal bags. These bags are easily accessible at any grocery store and provide a simple solution to store your baits. However, it's important to keep these bags out of direct sunlight, as exposure to the sun's rays can damage the baits.
Another advantage of using zip-seal bags is their versatility in storing different sizes of baits separately. You can organise your baits by size or type, making it easier to grab what you need for your fishing trip. This system streamlines your preparation process and ensures you have the right baits readily available.
Additionally, you can enhance the storage of your soft plastic baits by using an oil-based fish attractant. Adding a substance like menhaden oil or Pro-Cure to the bags helps maintain the sliminess of the baits and prevents them from drying out and becoming deformed. Remember to handle your baits with care and avoid exposing them to excessive heat, as this can accelerate the breakdown of the plastic, resulting in a slimy, sweaty consistency.
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Use an oil-based attractant to prevent lures from drying out
Soft plastic baits can dry out and become unusable, so it's important to take steps to prevent this from happening. One effective method is to use an oil-based attractant, such as menhaden oil or Pro-Cure, to keep the lures moist and supple. By applying a few drops of oil to the bag containing the lures, you can prevent them from drying out and maintain their effectiveness. This technique is particularly useful for bagged lures that are not in their original packaging.
Oil-based attractants serve multiple purposes. Firstly, they act as a preservative, preventing the plastic from drying out and becoming brittle. Additionally, the oil adds a slippery texture to the lures, making them more life-like and attractive to fish. The oil can also be scented, providing an additional enticement for the fish. Scents like old coffee and salt are known to be particularly effective.
When choosing an oil, it's important to select a product specifically designed for this purpose, such as menhaden oil or Pro-Cure. These oils are formulated to attract fish and are safe for use in the water. Avoid using foreign chemicals such as baby oil or mineral oil, as these can cause the polyethylene plastic to break down.
It's worth noting that some anglers prefer to use gel-based attractants instead of oils. These gels, such as Pro-Cure, can be applied directly to the lure before casting and provide a strong scent that fish find irresistible. However, gels may not offer the same moisture-retaining benefits as oil-based products.
To summarise, using an oil-based attractant is a simple and effective way to prevent soft plastic lures from drying out. By applying a small amount of oil to the lures or their storage bag, anglers can ensure that their lures remain supple, flexible, and attractive to fish. This technique can extend the lifespan of soft plastic lures and improve their performance over time.
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Avoid mixing different soft plastic lures
Soft plastic lures are made from different types of plastics, and some of these do not interact well with each other. For example, Z-Man and Vudu lures are made from proprietary plastics that do not mix well with each other or with other brands. Similarly, Plastisol and TPE lures should be kept separate, as the two plastics will negatively react with each other and ruin the lures.
To avoid this issue, some anglers recommend keeping lures in their original packaging. This can be difficult, as many lures come in bulky clamshell packages. Another option is to use a binder with zippered wallets, with the lures kept in their original bags. If you prefer to store your lures in tackle trays or boxes, be sure to keep different plastics separate.
It is also important to store your lures in a cool, dry place, out of direct sunlight, to prevent them from developing a slimy, sweaty consistency. If lures are stored correctly, they can last through many fishing trips, with little sign of wear.
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Frequently asked questions
To prevent soft plastic baits from drying out, keep them in the original packaging or a sealed plastic container. You can also add a few drops of your favourite scent, which acts like a regular worm oil, to keep them soft.
Soft plastic baits should be stored in a cool, dark place. Avoid storing them in hot places like a garage, as this can cause them to break down and leach out, resulting in a slimy consistency.
No, different types of soft plastic baits should not be stored together as they can melt together. This is especially true for TPE, or thermoplastic elastomer, a material used in higher-end soft plastic lures.
To refresh old soft plastic baits that have become slimy, fill a bucket with hot, soapy water and give them a good scrub. Once they are clean and dry, store them in sealed plastic containers.
