Are you going fishing for the weekend? Before you do, you might want to check how clean your lures actually are.
It doesn’t matter what lure you are fishing with.
You need to keep them clean and tidy. No type of fish is going to be attracted to a dirty fishing lure.
You need to ensure you clean your lures whether you are fishing in normal or saltwater.
Make it a habit to clean your lures after you get back from fishing.
It is especially important to wash your lures after they have been exposed to saltwater as this can rust and damage the material when left too long.
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How To Clean Fishing Lures
Take off the hooks and the split rings. Give them a good rinse first, then a clean. Apply a cleaner to parts that are hardened and won’t come off with just water and elbow grease. Leave the cleaner off and let it soak in. Then with a soft toothbrush, gently scrub the lure. Once done, rinse and dry thoroughly.
The Right Way To Clean Your Lures
You want to ensure that any saltwater is washed away when you have been fishing.
Now to do this, you want to use clean, fresh water.
Always take a bottle of fresh water with you and rinse the lures off at the fishing site to avoid any damage from occurring.
When you get home, you need to give them another wash to ensure the salt residue has been washed away.
You also want to make sure the lure has been dried properly and placed back into a dry tackle box so the items don’t rust.
To clean them at home, a soft toothbrush and some basic soap are all you will need.
Kitchen detergent or hand soap will do the job.
If you have spots that are hardened and won’t easily come away, they can be soaked in some warm water to help loosen them.
Not cleaning your lures properly can see them becoming damaged beyond use.
What Cleaner Can I Clean Lures With?
A Sierra Dawn Campsuds cleaner works well to clean dirty and grimy lures.
This type of cleaner is lightweight and doesn’t leave behind any greasy residues.
This stuff works well on heavy-duty surfaces. Same as above, when using this type of cleaner, the lures will need to be rinsed and dried completely.
If you have hard-to-reach places, a cotton bud or a toothpick with some tissue on the end can help.
Store the lures in a place that isn’t humid or in direct sunlight.
Using Vinegar And Salt
Let’s face it, salt and vinegar are found in most kitchens not only to use in recipes, but they have another use.
These two ingredients are great for cleaning dirt and grime off surfaces.
All you need to do is to mix two parts of freshwater with one part of white distilled vinegar.
Add a few tablespoons of salt ad soak the lures in the solution for 24 hours.
After this, give them a wash and ensure all the vinegar and salt have been removed.
Dry thoroughly.
DW40
DW40 solution is a great lubricant, but it can also clean rust off your fishing lures.
Rust can stop them from working to their best. All you need to do is spray the DW40 on the lure until it is covered.
It is a good idea to place paper or napkins underneath so you don’t get it all over the bench or floor.
Wipe the lure clean with a clean damp cloth.
Before you go fishing, give the lure a good wash with soap as it is illegal to fish with lures that are coated in DW40.
Conclusion
Fishermen use all different types of fishing equipment, including lures.
Saltwater fishing allows the lures to be in contact with salt water for a long period of time.
The cleaner and shinier your tackle bait is will help attract fish. Dirty, rusty lures will not be appetizing to fish.
Always store lures in dry places away from humidity.
Make sure you don’t store the lures with other rusty metals.
Your lures will last a lot longer and pay off with a big catch if you keep them clean and maintained.
Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Lures
How Can I Avoid Rust On My Lures?
Always ensure your lures are cleaned and dried completely before you put them away. You can purchase desiccant packs that you can pop in with the lures will which help to absorb any moisture. Change every 6 months.
How Can I Keep My Lures Colour?
Olive oil works well to keep lures bright and shiny. The olive oil will also add a protective coating to the lure, which will help to keep the color.
Hi, my name is Johanna and I am the owner of this blog. I am passionate about “The Great Outdoors” and write about my fishing, hiking, and camping adventures and share my knowledge with you.