Rusty Ice Baits

[berfish]

I went through my ice box last night and most of my baits are coverered in rust. Any ideas how to get the rust off? My dad thinks lemon juice will work. Any ideas would be appreciated.

bf

[Dry_Fly]

I've got way to much money invested in different jigs/lures I usually make sure they get the chance to dry out after each use. I get to use them year after year looking like new with just a little bit of care on storing them. I think you have a tough job a head of you getting all the rust off them good luck.

[76k20]

even if you do get some rust off, the hooks will be a lot weaker. I would bet if you grab a jig or lure with a rusty hook it you will be able to snap the hook shank pretty easily. (happened to me the year before last)

[Bobb-o]

if the rust isnt too bad you can normally get the rust off the point of the hook with a sharpener, if there is any rust in the eyelets however, just throw the jigs away. a little trick i do, is to clean out your tackle box and wash all your jigs and your tackle box with regular water and dry them all out, then put silica gel packets inside the box before you store them. However, the moajority of my ice jigs get used year round for panfish and walleyes.

[Animal]

Get yourself a bottle of CLR. Pour some directly over the jigs and in a day or so your hooks will look good as new. This will only work an hooks that are not pitted. I got this tip a couple of years ago on FM.....

[icefishingdude]

steel wool works great for removing stubborn rust. Downside is it requires some work, but its probably better than lemon juice.