Restoring Dirty/Rusted Hardbaits

[JK Jake]

For all of you who have extra time due to the current pandemic, here’s an idea.

 

Find some old Hardbaits(my garage was messy, I found them everywhere) that are dirty and rusted. If the hooks/snaps are badly rusted, then remove them.

Grab a plastic plate, and put the Hardbaits in the plate and spray them with WD-40. Let them sit for a few minutes, but not too long or else they will smell like WD-40 for a while.

 

Next grab an old toothbrush, some dish soap, and get to a sink. Rinse the baits, then scrub them with some dish soap and a toothbrush. Rinse the baits once you’re done and dry them off with a towel and let them air dry. If a bait had rust on it before washing, double check to make sure it was all cleaned off. This isn’t an absolutely perfect rust remover process.

Even though you may have to order some new hooks this still can save a lot of money.

 

This process has worked well for me, but if anyone else has any recommendations for cleaning rusted/dirty Hardbaits feel free to share!

The restored Hardbaits ->

[Smells like fish]

That pic is my kinda art!! Love the chartreuse majority! That purple popper catches my eye the quickest (Good thing I'm not a bass). Lure maintenance is one my fav things to be doing too!

[JK Jake]

Yep, we have a lot of dirty/stained water down here so the chartreuse works good. Most of those baits are strike king. The popper is a Strike King HC KVD Splash in the chartreuse shad color I think.

[detroit1]

Son, those are not old baits. I was hoping to see some old ones.

[WRB]

Baking soda and warm water works good.

Tom

[whitwolf]

I collect discontinued Rebels. I usually use Dawn soap, a toothbrush, hot water and lots of elbow grease. After I've gotten the bait as clean as possible, I use McGuire's cleaner and polish. 

 

This method has served me well.