Terminal tackle cleanup strategies

[snake95]

I pretend to be fussy and organized, but things get crazy out there on the water and I always come back with a pile of hooks and sinkers with line still tied on.

 

I usually amass a wad of gear in a plastic box to sort out periodically.

 

By this point, the hooks etc are all separated from their original packaging.

 

What do you do to clean up tackle that has been through the ringer?

 

How do you filter out the hooks etc that need to be sharpened, or just plain trashed?  Fingernail test?

 

Thanks.

[TOXIC]

Since I store all of my terminal tackle in a 3600 Plano and restock as needed, I usually put all of my swapped out baits in one of the cup holders of my boat.  Then at the end of the day, I separate all of the plastics from the hooks, cut off any remaining line and put them back into the Plano.  For cranks, I put them back in their respective Plano's and fool with the old knots when I pull them out to reuse them.  Thing to remember is to never leave plastics rigged on the hooks.  They will rust them out PDQ.  Also don't store plastics and hooks together.  I'll usually hook Spinnerbaits in my carpet to let them dry before I put them up.  I am finicky about my hooks, if one needs sharpening, I usually just replace it because once you sharpen it, it becomes weak and has more of a chance to lose the point with not much use.  

[Mike L]

I also use a Plano box for terminal tackle also. 

Being a co angler I have a section in my bag for used plastics and hooks. 

When I change hooks it only takes a second to cut the line off the eye at the same time. 

 

The only time I'd sharpen a hook is if it's my last one while still on the water. 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

[mattkenzer]

All hooks stay in the original packaging.

Once removed from the original packaging, they go into a bag marked used.

From here, they get re-used or tossed.

[snake95]

2 hours ago, TOXIC said:

if one needs sharpening, I usually just replace it because once you sharpen it, it becomes weak and has more of a chance to lose the point with not much use

 

2 hours ago, Mike L said:

The only time I'd sharpen a hook is if it's my last one while still on the water. 

 

Thanks Toxic and Mike.  Any advice on deciding when a hook is in good shape or toss it?  Sounds like you're both saying whatever you do, don't take a chance.

[MassYak85]

3 hours ago, TOXIC said:

Since I store all of my terminal tackle in a 3600 Plano and restock as needed, I usually put all of my swapped out baits in one of the cup holders of my boat.  Then at the end of the day, I separate all of the plastics from the hooks, cut off any remaining line and put them back into the Plano.  For cranks, I put them back in their respective Plano's and fool with the old knots when I pull them out to reuse them.  Thing to remember is to never leave plastics rigged on the hooks.  They will rust them out PDQ.  Also don't store plastics and hooks together.  I'll usually hook Spinnerbaits in my carpet to let them dry before I put them up.  I am finicky about my hooks, if one needs sharpening, I usually just replace it because once you sharpen it, it becomes weak and has more of a chance to lose the point with not much use.  

This, everything goes in the cup holder (kayak or boat) until the end of the day when I put everything back in it's proper spot. 

[Log Catcher]

I am a little puzzled by a comment TOXIC made. I leave soft plastics rigged up on a couple of setups all the time and have never had hooks rust out from this. I use mostly Zoom baits so maybe that is the difference.

[TOXIC]

7 minutes ago, Log Catcher said:

I am a little puzzled by a comment TOXIC made. I leave soft plastics rigged up on a couple of setups all the time and have never had hooks rust out from this. I use mostly Zoom baits so maybe that is the difference.

You are correct.  Different plastics react differently.  "Most" of them will scorch a hook due to the salt content and plastic formula.  

[Choporoz]

10 minutes ago, Log Catcher said:

I am a little puzzled by a comment TOXIC made. I leave soft plastics rigged up on a couple of setups all the time and have never had hooks rust out from this. I use mostly Zoom baits so maybe that is the difference.

Might be more about the quality of hooks you use, than the brand of plastics you use

[mattkenzer]

4 minutes ago, TOXIC said:

You are correct.  Different plastics react differently.  "Most" of them will scorch a hook due to the salt content and plastic formula.  

Agreed .... A senko if left on an Owner or Gamakatsu will rust the hook.

[Log Catcher]

To answer TOXIC and Choporoz I can't afford to by Yamamoto plastics. I use Gamakatsu hooks. I also apologize to snake95 as I did not mean to hijack his thread.

[Choporoz]

6 minutes ago, mattkenzer said:

A senko if left on an Owner or Gamakatsu will rust the hook.

I'm surprised.  I can't say that I've left a Senko on a hook in last couple of years...  However, since I switched mostly to Owners and Gammys, I haven't had a rusty hook.   BPS, Eagle Claw (not Lazers), Berkeleys, Matzuo...some others....will rust if I look at them wrong

[TOXIC]

1 hour ago, snake95 said:

 

 

Thanks Toxic and Mike.  Any advice on deciding when a hook is in good shape or toss it?  Sounds like you're both saying whatever you do, don't take a chance.

Once the point is rolled, they are replaced by me.  The act of sharpening is ok as long as it is just bringing back the point to a better degree of sharpness.  If it rolled you are moving too much metal and it will be much more prone to rolling again or even breaking.  

[mattkenzer]

Just now, Choporoz said:

I'm surprised.  I can't say that I've left a Senko on a hook for a number of years.  However, since I switched mostly to Owners and Gammys, I haven't had a rusty hook.   BPS, Eagle Claw (not Lazers), Berkeleys, Matzuo...some others....will rust if I look at them wrong

Normally just the point or barb shows the signs of rust first .....

 

[Mike L]

2 hours ago, snake95 said:

 

 

Thanks Toxic and Mike.  Any advice on deciding when a hook is in good shape or toss it?  Sounds like you're both saying whatever you do, don't take a chance.

Other than for one presentation, I use Trokar hooks exclusively. 

When those need sharpening I just toss 'em. 

For the other I agree with @TOXIC 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

 

[Glenn]

A couple of tackle organization videos below.  In addition, I ALWAYS sharpen my hooks, and can usually get them sharper than brand new (yes, even Trokar).  See below on how to do it.

 

 

 

 

[KDW96]

8 hours ago, Mike L said:

Other than for one presentation, I use Trokar hooks exclusively. 

When those need sharpening I just toss 'em. 

For the other I agree with @TOXIC 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

 

Mike- When you get a bunch of them trokars,just let me know. I will send you a prepaid shipping padded envelope ☺️

[Mike L]

I'm pretty well stocked for now but if you can't find them at your local big box sporting goods store, or a local tackle shop, let me know and I'll be happy to send you a few. 

 

 

 

Mike

[CrankFate]

I usually throw the hooks out and save the weights if the hook shows any signs of use. If I changed a hook that’s in good shape, i put it back in a pack. I am probably more OCD about hooks and line than most. I keep hundreds of hooks on hand and sacrifice hundreds of hooks and sinkers to the water Gods every year. 

[Oregon Native]

I have a plano 3700 box that lays flat accross the top of other planos in my first storage compartment of my boat.  This plano gets all weights...hooks....lures...that are used or in the case of some jigs or cranks will be used that day.   These baits don't ever go back with originals unless it's a hard bait.  Once in awhile I will go through and cull the questionable ones.  Usually baits that have air dried on the cooler (first step) at end of day end up in here.

(works for me)

[KDW96]

18 hours ago, Mike L said:

I'm pretty well stocked for now but if you can't find them at your local big box sporting goods store, or a local tackle shop, let me know and I'll be happy to send you a few. 

 

 

 

Mike

 

Oh ive got plenty of trokars. I was just messing with you Mike. Thank you though 

[snake95]

On 8/27/2018 at 12:30 PM, Glenn said:

In addition, I ALWAYS sharpen my hooks, and can usually get them sharper than brand new (yes, even Trokar). 

@Glenn thank you!  I bought one of the Smith files you use in the video.

About how many strokes/minutes does it take to get sharp enough?  I know it will vary, but should I expect to be at it for a few minutes per hook typically, or a few swipes and you're done?

 

Loved the organization vids by the way.  Lots of great ideas!

 

For me, hooks and sinkers are the hard part, especially considering that I mostly fish from the bank or from the shore.  

 

I use small boxes for those, and will try to sort those more by application (i.e. dropshot gear in one, grubs/ned gear in another)

 

I have my "master" boxes back in the garage stocked and organized by type/color, and then also I make up "go boxes" that have a wide assortment from each class of bait so that I can take 2-3 with me and keep the amount I carry down.  Always enjoy "shopping" in my own garage to make up the go boxes. 

 

I know some guys like to keep plastics in original bags, but once out of the package and since I'm carrying only one tackle bag at a time, typically get mixed up soI'm trying to organize by color/general type as in Glenn's videos.

 

[Glenn]

After you get the hang of it (primarily the correct angle on the sharpener), it only takes 15-20 seconds to bring them back to life.  Sometimes less if they're not very dull.

[NYWayfarer]

I break down my gear and clean it after every trip.

 

Baits get removed and inspected to see if they can be fished again. If they can't they get tossed If they can they get repackaged usually in a baggie marked as used. Hooks and weights are cut off as well as any frayed line. Weights are saved, hooks are inspected to see if they can be used again. Tossed if I can't and put in a tray box of used hooks to differentiate them from new ones.

 

Rods and reels get a damp cloth wipe down. Reels are taken off the rod to give the reel seat on the rod a rest. They get oiled if need be.  Drags are backed off on the reels.

 

Take care of your stuff and it will take care of you.

[B_Rose12]

I’m very OCD when it comes to my tackle, especially my terminal tackle. I’ve used a lot of different boxes, bigger boxes, double sided boxes(one for hooks, one for weights), but I finally found the ideal solution....

 

Bass Mafia 3700 Bait Coffin. It has a total of 48 slots for things. What I did was section it all out, purchased small craft bags from Walmart, put each piece in their own baggie, labeled the slot and also labeled the baggie near the zipper and also put a piece of card stock in the bag and labeled it as well, to make it easier to get hooks in and out mainly.

 

weights and pegs are at the top section each weight has their own section, then instead of each hook having their own section I have it kind of filed away by type, EWG lightwires, EWG Superlines, Round Bends, jigheads, swimbait (belly wt), etc. I have yet to have any problems and plus the box is waterproof, durable, and sun resistant. I do keep my triple grip trebles in it also and I put z-rust dividers cut up inside my box too to prevent rust. 

 

When im done with a hook or something i Let it sit out for awhile before I put it back in the bag. It took me some time to finally get it the way I liked it but now I know where everything is, where it goes, and have no worries in the world!