Ethan Clarke
Soft plastic lures are a popular choice for anglers, but they can sometimes become bent or warped, which affects their performance in the water. When this happens, the lures don't swim naturally and can even spook the fish, making it difficult to get any bites. Luckily, there are several methods to straighten kinked plastic lures and restore their original shape. One common method is to use boiling water to heat the lure, softening the plastic so it can return to its original form as it cools. Anglers can also use a hair dryer or the sun to heat the lure and fix any bends or kinks. With these simple tricks, fishermen can save money and ensure their lures are effective.
How to straighten kinked plastic lures
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Do not store harder plastic lures with internal jig heads in the same box with traditional soft plastics |
| Do not leave lures in a tackle box in the sun | |
| Do not leave lures out in the sun for too long | |
| Do not stuff lures in your tackle box the wrong way | |
| Methods to straighten lures | Boil lures in water |
| Use the sun | |
| Use a hair dryer | |
| Lay the lure flat on a cookie sheet to let it dry |
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$23
What You'll Learn
Using boiling water
Boiling water can be used to straighten kinks in plastic lures. This method is simple and effective, but it is important to be cautious as the hot water can be dangerous and the plastic may become too soft and affect the durability of the lure.
To start, anglers should boil a pot of water on a burner. It is important to use a pot that is only used for this purpose, as the plastic may melt into the pan and make it unsuitable for cooking. Once the water has reached a rolling boil, the lure can be carefully placed into the water. It is important to use a safe dish or utensil to handle the lure, as it will be difficult to remove the lure from the water with bare hands.
The lure should be left in the boiling water for a short time, around one minute, until it has softened. It is important not to leave the lure in the water for too long, as this may cause it to lose its shape or become too soft. Once the lure has softened, it can be carefully removed from the water and laid flat on a clean surface to cool. If desired, the lure can be dipped in cold water before laying it flat to help "set" the plastic and speed up the cooling process.
While the lure is cooling, it is important to ensure that it holds its shape. This can be done by laying it flat on a cookie sheet or another flat surface. Once the lure has cooled completely, it will be straight and ready to use. This method can be repeated to straighten multiple lures, and the lures can be stored in their original packaging once they are dry.
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Using a hair dryer
Soft plastic lures can become bent and misshapen when exposed to heat, such as when left in a tackle box in the sun. To straighten kinked plastic lures, one method is to use a hair dryer.
To start, have a board or flat surface ready. Identify the problem spot on the lure and direct the heat from the hair dryer to that area. It should take around 2 minutes for the lure to heat up and begin to straighten. If the bend occurs in a thicker part of the lure, it may take longer to heat up.
Once the lure has been heated and straightened, it needs to be propped up and allowed to cool, so it sets in its proper form. The composition of the lure will not change unless it is stretched while heated or gets too hot and begins to take on a new form. When hot, the lure will soften, but it will return to its normal feel once cooled.
This method is quick and effective, but it is important to be careful not to overheat the lure, as this could alter its shape and durability.
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Letting it dry flat
If your plastic lures have become kinked, you can straighten them out by applying heat and then letting them dry flat. This process will restore them to their original shape.
To do this, first, boil a pot of water. Then, carefully place the kinked lure into the boiling water. You can use a pair of tongs or heat-resistant gloves to protect yourself from the hot water. Leave the lure in the boiling water for around a minute.
Once the lure has been heated, you need to let it dry flat. Lay the lure flat on a cookie sheet or another flat surface and leave it to dry for a few minutes. This will allow the lure to cool down and return to its proper form.
While the lure is drying, you can use something to prop it up and keep it upright. This will ensure that it dries straight and does not bend or warp again during the cooling process.
After a few minutes, your lure will be straight and ready to use. This method is an easy and effective way to fix kinked plastic lures and enhance their underwater action.
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Mimicking how it was misshapen
Plastic lures can become warped and misshapen when exposed to heat, such as when left in a tackle box in the sun or through proximity to other plastic lures. To straighten them, you need to mimic the conditions that caused them to become warped in the first place.
Firstly, ensure your lure is clean and dry. Then, place it on a flat surface, ensuring it is straight and upright. Leaving it out in direct sunlight will cause the plastic to warm up and become pliable, allowing it to be reshaped. This method may take longer than others but is effective and non-invasive.
Alternatively, you can use a more direct form of heat, such as a hairdryer or air dryer, to apply heat to the lure. This method is quicker, but care must be taken not to overheat the plastic, which could cause it to take on a new shape or affect its durability.
Boiling water can also be used to heat the lure. Place the lure in a pan of boiling water for a minute or so. This will cause the lure to soften and become pliable. It will return to its normal feel once it cools down. However, be aware that the lure may soften too much and affect its durability. Also, the pan may not be suitable for cooking with again due to the melting plastic.
Once the lure has been heated and reshaped using one of the above methods, it is important to let it cool down and set in its new shape. Prop the lure up with something to keep it upright during the cooling process. This will ensure that it sets in the correct position and is ready to swim properly.
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Avoiding storing with other plastics
Plastic lures can become kinked or bent when exposed to heat, such as when left in a tackle box in the sun or in packaging. To avoid this, lures should be stored out of direct sunlight. However, another critical factor in lure storage is the type of plastic. Different types of plastics can react with each other and melt together, becoming a gooey mess. For example, Z-Man lures are known for this, and anglers should avoid storing them with any other brand. Similarly, TPE lures should be kept separate from all other lures, even other TPE lures.
Plastisol lures, on the other hand, can be stored together as long as they are the same colour, as colours will bleed together. Gulp! lures are also unique and must be stored in the liquid they are sold in, as they absorb liquid and will dry out otherwise.
To summarise, it is essential to store plastic lures separately according to their type of plastic. This will prevent unwanted melting and discolouration. Anglers should also be mindful of temperature conditions, avoiding heat and direct sunlight, which can cause lures to become misshapen. By following these storage practices, anglers can maintain the effectiveness and longevity of their lures.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods to straighten a kinked plastic lure. One way is to dip the lure in boiling water for a minute or two. Another method is to use a hair dryer or air dryer to heat the lure until it softens, then let it cool down and return to its original shape.
Plastic lures can become kinked or bent due to exposure to heat. This can happen if they are left in direct sunlight or stored in a tackle box.
Bent or kinked plastic lures may swim unnaturally in the water, reducing their effectiveness and possibly scaring away fish. Straightening the lure helps it swim naturally, improving its performance and increasing the chances of attracting fish.
To prevent kinking, store your plastic lures properly and avoid exposing them to excessive heat or direct sunlight. Ensure they are not stuffed into a tackle box or left out in the sun for too long.
One alternative method is to use the sun's heat to soften the lure and reshape it. Lay the lure flat on a surface in the sun, allowing the sun's heat to straighten it. This method may take longer than using boiling water or a hair dryer.
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