Cleaning Lures

[JBMasterAngler]

Some of my lures develop dark stains while sitting in my tackle box...how can I prevent these stains and what is the best way to clean lures? The lures most affected are rapalas, spoons, and jigheads. I washed one of my tackle holders (the clear flat plano models) with dish soap today...so maybe if I just keep my tackle box(es) clean that'll do the trick?

[Ed Carlson]

Some tackle box's do not use lure friendly plastics, most stains are a result of this transference.

I recommend you switch to the Zerust Blue inhibitor box's as your need to replace them comes along...far safer and they prevent rust.

Depending on the stains, baking soda and a tooth brush may clean them up. Lemon juice may work too...maybe?

Spoons and such that get dulled or stained clean up well with a vigorous rub and polish with cigar ash...works like a charm. After that dose with a rub of Gulp or whatever and the ash smell will fade away if any remains.

Deep stains from worms or other soft plastics coming into contact with lures like Rapala's are regretfully permanent if deeply seated in. Most likely will need to live with that.

Best tips are....Keep soft plastics away from finished lures, use a rust inhibitor Zerust Box, and you should see no more stains on lures.

[JBMasterAngler]

Yeah, I'm thinking it definitely the boxes. Looking through my wife's tackle box (same clear box, don't know brand name though) and she has lures that have been sitting in there for 2 years now and they still look brand new. Next time I'm out I'll check out those boxes you recommend, but in the mean time I think I need to just keep the boxes clean.