hard bait storage

[TommySkarlis]

I've done a few things regarding hardbaits lately.  1st, I've done completely away with treble hooks...I've gone to singles.  2nd, and I'm waiting to see if this is going to bite me, is I've been using 3"x5" 4-mil bags to hold a few baits each, and pack these in their designated spot.  I've noticed through the years that the finish on loose hardbaits will decline as the bait rolls around, and rolls around on treble hooks.  Packed a few baits per bag, they don't roll around.  I also don't fight a Wad of Hardbait/Treble-Hook DemonDough.

This will, however, take some diligence on my part.  I have to make sure they're rinsed with clean water after the day's over, then completely dried and bagged, to try to avoid rusty hooks (I despise rusty hooks...they're also weakening as the rust progresses).

I like the idea of the 4 mil bags - you'll have to tell us how it works!  The only thing I would be a little hesitant about would be moisture getting trapped - like on rainy days?

In a few instances - I am removing hooks from baits and storing them in my boxes with just the split rings on.  The only time this is a pain is when it is really cold.

[BareKnuckleJigs]

Roger on'nat, Tommy.  The issue with moisture is where My Own Diligence will either make it or break it.  On rainy days I'll have to go through the process, plus some...and almost immediately after the trip is over.

I'm recently getting some experience with Water/Air-Tight Containers in my Tackle Bags, and how they don't ventilate, they can promote rust, even on rust-resistant hardware.  On the other hand, these same containers keep water out if they're dropped overboard, or are stored in humid areas, or are rained on, or are otherwise wetted.  There are definitely Pro's and Con's with this system, but I've been losing hooks with every other system I've tried.

[ctom]

Per Tommy Skarlis, "In a few instances - I am removing hooks from baits and storing them in my boxes with just the split rings on."

A handy way to carry the hooks so they aren't a wadded mess is to line a shallow lidded box with some 1/2" closed cell rigid foam and make slits just deep enough to slip one of the trebles down into it. Space the cuts so that you end up with neat rows. Sizes are instantly determined and the hooks are able to stay tangle free. If there is room at the top after the lid is closed a thin piece of the foam cut to size and laid atop the hooks helps to keep them from popping up in rough conditions.



I couldn't find my treble box right off so I took a picture of my jigging spoons in boxes stored in a similar fashion. You can see the small slits I've made in the foam using a single edged razor blade and how the single leg of a treble fits neatly into the cut. The box's lid puts just enough pressure on the other two legs to hold each of these baits firmly in place when the lid is closed. The same things is seen in my treble box, wherever it might be at the moment.

In the top box you'll see a bunch of purple jigs with a white dot on them. All of these are gold plated and have the transparent purple paint on one side only. The white dot is actually a dab of ultra-green glow. Singly, this bait color is the most productive of all of the jigging spoons I have. These jigging spoons, all 11 boxes of them, are in my crappie tackle pail always.

[TheDreamer]

I keep silica packets in my boxes for the extra moisture reduction. I have yet to have a rusty hook issue. I've tried the Flambau Z-Rust inserts and never really noticed a difference.

Sent from my VS930 4G using Tapatalk

[kipbass]

Someone posted before about asking the local pharmacy for the silica paks for free, since they get them buy the hundreds.

[TommySkarlis]

Ctom - That is cool and may work for some of my smaller ice stuff - but for crankbaits - it would just be too many boxes and not enough baits.  The closed cell rigid foam may be the answer to my crankbaits without hooks - to keep them from "sliding" around rubbing against each other.

Silica packages?  hmmmm - nice idea - may have to check into that - first one that talks to their pharmacist wins?  I've known a few guys that liked using the Rust Inhibitor "strips" that had to be changed out every so often - I was always afraid of them "scenting" the baits with something "negative" - but I'm superstitious like that! 

[jl3140]

Another option for storing crank baits is a product called Crank Caddy. I just heard of them. The company is actually based out of the small town of Pollock, South Dakota. They are a bit more expensive however. Here is the URL http://crankcaddy.com/index2.html

Josh