How to Clean Fishing Lures

If you are tired of fishing with dirty lures that don’t attract any fish, then you should learn how to clean fishing lures. Cleaning your fishing lures is an essential part of fishing that many anglers overlook. Not only does it improve the appearance of your lures, but it also increases their effectiveness in catching fish. In this article, we will guide you through the essentials of lure cleaning and provide you with a step-by-step cleaning process to keep your lures in top condition.

To begin with, it’s important to understand why cleaning your lures is necessary. Over time, lures accumulate dirt, debris, and fish slime, which can affect their appearance and performance. Dirty lures are less likely to attract fish, and can even repel them. By cleaning your lures regularly, you can restore their natural appearance and scent, making them more appealing to fish.

Cleaning your lures is not a complicated process, but it does require some attention to detail. In the following sections, we will cover the essential tools and techniques you need to clean your lures effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this guide will help you keep your lures in top condition and catch more fish.

Benefits of Cleaning Fishing Lures

Enhanced Functionality

Regular cleaning ensures that fishing lures maintain their optimal performance by removing dirt, debris, and residues that can hinder their action and presentation. This improves the chances of attracting fish and enhances the overall fishing experience.

Extended Lifespan

Cleaning fishing lures helps prevent corrosion, fading, and other forms of damage caused by exposure to environmental factors. By maintaining their lures properly, anglers can save money on replacements and continue using their favorite lures for an extended period.

Environmental Preservation

Properly disposing of lures and preventing them from being lost or discarded in bodies of water reduces the risk of harm to aquatic life. This promotes the health of aquatic ecosystems and minimizes the environmental impact of fishing activities.

Customization Opportunities

Regular cleaning allows anglers to maintain the appearance of their lures and make minor repairs or modifications as needed. This enables them to customize their lures to match the preferences of the fish they are targeting and adapt to changing fishing conditions.

Hygiene and Safety

Cleaning lures regularly reduces the risk of exposure to harmful bacteria, mold, and other microorganisms. This promotes good hygiene practices among anglers and ensures a safer fishing experience for themselves and others.

Therapeutic Activity

Cleaning fishing lures can be a relaxing and enjoyable activity that allows anglers to reconnect with their gear and reflect on past fishing adventures. It provides a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment while preparing for future outings.

Cleaning fishing lures offers a range of benefits, including enhanced functionality, extended lifespan, environmental preservation, customization opportunities, improved hygiene and safety, and therapeutic value. By incorporating regular cleaning into their fishing routine, anglers can enjoy a more successful, sustainable, and enjoyable fishing experience.

Essentials of Lure Cleaning

Identifying Lure Types

Before you start cleaning your fishing lures, you need to know what type of lures you have. Different types of lures require different cleaning methods. The most common types of fishing lures are:

• Hard plastic lures
• Soft plastic lures
• Metal lures
• Spinnerbaits
• Jigs
• Topwater lures
• Wooden lures

Each type of lure has its own unique cleaning requirements. For example, hard plastic lures can be cleaned with soap and water, while metal lures may require a rust remover.

Gathering Necessary Supplies

Once you have identified the types of lures you have, you need to gather the necessary supplies to clean them. Here are some of the essential items you will need:

• Warm water
• Dish soap
• Soft-bristled brush
• Microfiber towel
• Rust remover (if applicable)
• Lubricant (if applicable)

Make sure to use a soft-bristled brush to avoid damaging the lure’s finish. A microfiber towel is also a good choice because it is gentle and won’t scratch the lure’s surface. If you are cleaning metal lures, you may need to use a rust remover to get rid of any rust spots. Additionally, some lures may require a lubricant to keep them working smoothly.

By identifying the type of lures you have and gathering the necessary supplies, you will be well-equipped to clean your fishing lures effectively.

Step-by-Step Cleaning Process

Cleaning your fishing lures is an essential part of maintaining their effectiveness and prolonging their lifespan. Here is a step-by-step process that will help you clean your fishing lures effectively.

Disassembling the Lure

The first step in cleaning your fishing lure is to disassemble it. This will allow you to clean each part of the lure thoroughly. To disassemble the lure, follow these steps:

1. Remove any hooks or split rings from the lure using pliers.
2. If the lure has a skirt or a trailer, remove it from the hook.
3. If the lure has a lip or a bill, remove it from the lure body.

Cleaning and Rinsing

Once you have disassembled the lure, it’s time to clean it. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Fill a container with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap.
2. Place the lure in the container and let it soak for a few minutes.
3. Use a soft-bristled brush to scrub the lure gently, paying special attention to any crevices or hard-to-reach areas.
4. Rinse the lure thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue.

Drying and Reassembling

After cleaning and rinsing the lure, it’s time to dry and reassemble it. Here’s what you need to do:

1. Use a soft, absorbent cloth to dry the lure thoroughly. Make sure to remove any water from the crevices or hard-to-reach areas.
2. If the lure has a lip or a bill, reattach it to the lure body.
3. If the lure has a skirt or a trailer, reattach it to the hook.
4. Reattach any hooks or split rings that you removed earlier.

Storage Tips

Proper storage is essential to keep your fishing lures in good condition. Here are some tips to help you store your lures properly:

1. Store your lures in a dry, cool place to prevent rust and corrosion.
2. Use a tackle box or a lure bag to keep your lures organized and protected.
3. Avoid storing your lures in direct sunlight, as it can damage the paint and plastic.
4. Periodically check your lures for any signs of damage or wear and replace them as needed.

What Happens If You Don’t Clean Your Fishing Lures

Neglecting to clean your fishing lures can have several detrimental consequences, affecting both their performance and longevity. Here’s a closer look at what happens if you don’t clean your fishing lures:

1. Decreased Effectiveness
Over time, fishing lures accumulate dirt, debris, algae, and other residues from the water. This buildup can alter the lure’s appearance and affect its action and presentation in the water. A dirty lure may not swim or move properly, reducing its ability to attract fish. Without regular cleaning, the effectiveness of your lures diminishes, leading to fewer bites and missed opportunities.

2. Increased Risk of Damage
Exposure to water, sunlight, and other environmental factors can cause damage to fishing lures, especially if they’re not cleaned and maintained properly. Metal components may rust, plastic lures can become brittle, and painted surfaces may chip or fade. Without proper care, these issues worsen over time, ultimately shortening the lifespan of your lures and necessitating more frequent replacements.

3. Risk of Contamination
Dirty fishing lures can become breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and other harmful microorganisms. Handling contaminated lures without proper protection increases the risk of infections and other health issues for anglers. Moreover, contaminated lures can potentially transfer pathogens to fish, posing a risk to both aquatic life and human consumers.

4. Environmental Impact
Lost or discarded fishing lures contribute to environmental pollution. Plastic lures, in particular, can take hundreds of years to decompose, posing a threat to marine life and ecosystems. Without proper disposal or retrieval, lures can entangle animals, be ingested, or accumulate in sensitive habitats, disrupting natural processes and harming biodiversity.

5. Financial Costs
Failing to clean and maintain your fishing lures can result in additional expenses over time. Constantly replacing damaged or ineffective lures can strain your budget, especially if you’re using high-quality or specialized lures. Additionally, the costs associated with treating infections or injuries resulting from contaminated lures can add up, further highlighting the importance of proper maintenance.

Neglecting to clean your fishing lures can lead to decreased effectiveness, increased risk of damage, contamination, environmental impact, and financial costs. By prioritizing regular cleaning and maintenance, anglers can prolong the lifespan of their lures, improve their performance, and minimize their ecological footprint while enjoying a safer and more sustainable fishing experience.