Storing Baits in bags...with scent/worm oil

[andrewlamberson]

I have reorganized all my soft plastic baits...for the 3rd time this winter  ...and I have "settled" for putting them all in CCM plastic bags and then into a plastic shoe box by type...Then into my extra large Cabelas tackle bag.

I added either a few drops of CCM worm oil...or CCM Upper Hand Scent to the bags.

Is there a "shelf life" to baits stored this way? Can/will the oil or scents affect the baits in any way (long term)?
Can you put in too much....or too little?

I've never added scent to baits before...but given the input on the forum I figured ...what the heck!

[ghostbaits]

I am sure there is some shelf life but I doubt you will reach it!

Only thing I have ever experienced is white or light color baits getting slightly stained with me adding a little to much Upper Hand HAWG sauce.

Promise the fish will not care!

Jim

[pjmcla]

I don't know Andrew; but I melted down some baits last fall I had from 1985 - 1986.  They were still in great shape.  They were Lightly oiled with worm oil, in "Commercial" plastic bags.  The baits were in better shape than the bags.  These baits melted well and shot good. They had no scent added.  They had been stored in the garage.

[andrewlamberson]

You guys make it through the storms ok? I see 3 were killed in Alabama.

[pjmcla]

We had a dual line of storms.  That was good as it broke up the intensity of the front.  If the edge had not pushed out like it did; we would have had a really rough passage. Heavy wind and rain, intense lightening in north Alabama.  The B'ham tornados were at about 3 AM I think.  The push out edge was weaker down that way.  I was afraid Tuscaloosa was going to get hit again. They had a tornado warning at about 2:30 or so.  Prayers for those effected.

[kipbass]

I would think it they were stored in a container where light could not get to the worms, they would retain their shape and scent.

[Upperhandscents]

Andrew: Typically scents have a shelf life around 12-18 months. I have stored scents
( bottle ) in my tackle bag for a few years though and they still were quite effective. As for adding scents and storing your baits, I advise you to only add enough scent oil to coat the worms good...don't saturate them in scent and leave them sit. Adding to much scent will in some cases make your baits gummy. To much scent can also change the properties of your bait as the scent oil continually permeates into the bait altering it's composition which can then make baits stiff. You can always re-apply, that is your better option to keep your baits in good shape. It's also very important to store your baits in a cool dry area that doesn't fluctuate much temperature wise. Hope this helps.
Doug