Sea fishing lures – Care and Maintenance. Part 1 of 2

Sea fishing lures have advantages over baits because of the the handling issues, some people just don’t like the feel of bait.  One of the main advantages of lures over baits is that the lures will keep a lot longer. But you do have to maintain the lures or they will rust, go blunt or break when you next use them.

Blunt hooks don’t catch fish, rusty hooks either break the line or saw out of the fish. None of these things are good for you or the fish. Maintenance is the key to successful fishing and maximizing the chances of catching and keeping those you hook.

Simple things can make your sea fishing lures last much longer. Begin by always washing your lures out with fresh water after every fishing trip. When they are dry you need to coat them with a film of oil to prevent rust. Some people like to use a light spray oil like CRC, WD-40 or similar. Others like to use an oily rag, even if it is motor engine oil, and just wipe your lures down.

I have some issues with these approaches and think that it is essential to wash your lures with detergent to get the oil off them before using them. Because of that I actually prefer to use either a vegetable oil, even a spray on, used for cooking or, my personal favorite, fish oil. I then don’t wash the lures before I use them as I think that the smell and taste of these oils will not stop the fish striking and may even improve the possibility.

Before putting your gear away you need to examine it carefully, check the lures and traces carefully for damage and deterioration.

  • bent, cracked or rusting hooks;

  • rusting, fraying or kinks in wire and cable;

  • abrasion or knots in mono filament and multi filament lines;

  • sleeves, knots and splices which are slipping or coming undone;

  • damage done to lure bodies by fish teeth.

Make the decision now about if you need to repair or replace before your next trip. Sharpen the hooks or even replace them.  Your timely maintenance will help your saltwater lures last for and keep catching fish for years.

More in Part 2…

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