How to Store Fishing Lures to Prevent Rust and Damage

Proper Storage Techniques for Fishing Lures

Fishing lures are some of the most valuable items in any angler’s tackle collection. Whether you rely on spoons, spinners, crankbaits, soft plastics, or flies, one thing remains true: if lures are not stored properly, they will rust, corrode, chip, fade, or get damaged long before their expected lifespan.

Beginners and experienced anglers in Kenya often face the same frustration — finding that their lures have tangled hooks, peeled paint, broken split rings, or rusted treble hooks right when they need them most. In most cases, the damage does not come from fishing itself but from poor storage practices.

This comprehensive guide teaches you how to store fishing lures properly, how to prevent rust and corrosion, how to organize your tackle safely, and how to extend the lifespan of fishing lures even in humid or marine environments. You will also learn the cost of fishing lures in Kenya, the durability of fishing lures, recommended accessories, and how to prevent moisture, UV damage, and chemical reactions inside your tackle box.

Whether you fish in Lake Victoria, Naivasha, Tana River, or the Indian Ocean along Mombasa and Kilifi, this guide gives you every technique needed to protect your fishing investments and ensure your lures stay in peak condition.

Fishing Lures in Kenya

Fishing lures in Kenya are used by both recreational and professional anglers targeting species such as tilapia, Nile perch, trout, catfish, kingfish, snapper, barracuda, and small reef species. They come in different designs:

Hard baits (crankbaits, jerkbaits, topwater lures)
Metal lures (spoons, jigs, spinners)
Soft plastics (worms, minnows, grubs)
Fly-fishing patterns (dry flies, wet flies, terrestrials, salmon flies)

Because Kenya has a mix of freshwater and saltwater fishing environments, keeping lures in good condition requires proper handling to prevent corrosion, especially near the coast.

Explore lure options here:
https://shop.mft.co.ke/fishing-lures

Uses of Fishing Lures

Fishing lures serve a wide range of angling applications:

1. Freshwater Fishing

Used in lakes and rivers to target:

Tilapia
Trout
Small Nile perch
Catfish
Bass (in stocked areas)

Spinners, spoons, and soft baits are popular for freshwater fishing.

2. Saltwater Shore Fishing

Metal lures and heavy jigs are effective along:

Diani
Malindi
Mombasa Reef
Watamu
Lamu shoreline

Saltwater anglers must pay close attention to lure storage because salt accelerates corrosion.

3. Fly-Fishing

Fly lures such as nymphs, terrestrials, wet flies, and salmon flies are highly effective in Kenya’s trout streams and rivers.

Explore fly options:
https://shop.mft.co.ke/fishing-flies/wet-flies-

4. Trolling and Boat Fishing

Deep-diving lures and large spoons are often used for trolling Nile perch, kingfish, and barracuda.

5. Aquaculture and Sampling

Small lures or flies are used to catch pond fish for health checks or stock sampling.

6. Training and Skill Development

Fishing lures help beginners learn:

Casting
Hook setting
Retrieval techniques
Reading fish behavior

Cost of Fishing Lures in Kenya

The cost of fishing lures in Kenya varies depending on lure type, material, and brand.

Entry-level lures:

KES 80 – 300 each
Good for casual fishing or beginners.

Standard lures:

KES 300 – 900
Common for freshwater and light saltwater use.

Premium lures:

KES 1,000 – 3,500+
Includes specialized crankbaits, imported jigs, and premium flies.

See available selections:
https://shop.mft.co.ke/fishing-lures

Prices also differ based on:

Weight
Hook quality
Paint finish
Saltwater resistance

Because lures are a long-term investment, proper storage is essential to protect them from rust and damage.

Durability of Fishing Lures

Fishing lures can last years or even decades if stored properly. Durability depends on:

1. Material

Metal lures resist wear but corrode if exposed to saltwater.
Hard plastic lures resist cracks but can fade under UV exposure.
Soft plastics degrade over time if stored improperly.
Flies require dry environments to preserve feathers and thread.

2. Hooks

Hooks are the most vulnerable component—they rust quickly when exposed to water or humidity.

3. Paint & Finish

Hard lures can chip, fade, or scratch if stored loosely.

4. Storage Conditions

Moisture, heat, and mixing incompatible lure materials cause fast deterioration.

Fishing with Fishing Lures

Lure fishing is skill-based and offers excellent results when used correctly. To get the most out of your lures:

Match lure color to water clarity
Use metal lures on bright days
Use soft plastics in slow-moving waters
Use topwater lures during early morning or evening
Fly lures work best in trout streams
Change retrieval speed depending on fish behavior

But equally important is ensuring your lures are clean, dry, and rust-free before and after fishing.

Aquaculture Applications of Fishing Lures

Fishing lures are used in aquaculture for:

Sampling fish for weighing or health checks
Moving broodstock
Removing predators like catfish or snakeheads
Training workers on safe fish handling

Because farm environments involve water splash, lure storage must be moisture-proof to avoid rusting.

How to Store Fishing Lures to Prevent Rust and Damage

This is the core of the guide. Follow these techniques to maximize the lifespan of your fishing lures.

1. Always Dry Lures Before Storage

Never place wet lures back into your tackle box.

Wipe them with a dry cloth
Air-dry for 5–10 minutes
For flies, dry with gentle shaking to remove water trapped in materials

This prevents rust formation on hooks and metal components.

2. Use a Tackle Box with Compartments

A tackle box keeps lures separated so hooks don’t tangle or scratch each other.

Great selection here:
https://shop.mft.co.ke/tackle-boxes-and-bags

Use boxes with:

Adjustable compartments
Waterproof seals
Rust-resistant latches

Avoid keeping lures loose.

3. Add Anti-Rust Inserts or Silica Gel

These moisture absorbers prevent corrosion inside your storage box.

Place:

Silica packets
Rust-inhibitor chips
Anti-humidity beads

One pack can protect an entire lure tray.

4. Separate Soft Plastics from Hard Lures

Soft plastics contain chemicals that melt, fuse, or deform when stored against:

Hard plastics
Paint-coated materials
Other soft plastics of different brands

Store soft plastics in original packaging or separate soft-bait boxes.

5. Rinse Saltwater Lures Immediately

Salt deposits cause instant corrosion.

After fishing in marine environments:

Rinse lures with fresh water
Dry them completely
Apply a light coating of reel oil on hooks and split rings

This extends lure lifespan dramatically.

6. Use Protective Sleeves for Treble Hooks

Treble hooks scratch lures easily. Protective hook bonnets are perfect for:

Hard baits
Jerkbaits
Crankbaits

This protects paint and reduces tangling.

7. Store Flies in Fly Boxes

Fly lures are delicate and must be kept:

Dry
Well-ventilated
Neatly organized

Browse fly options:
https://shop.mft.co.ke/fishing-flies/terrestrials
https://shop.mft.co.ke/fishing-flies/atlantic-salmon-flies

8. Avoid Direct Sunlight

UV rays fade lure colors and weaken materials. Keep boxes:

In cool rooms
Away from car dashboards
Inside shaded tackle bags

9. Apply Light Oil to Hooks

A small amount of reel or machine oil prevents rust on:

Treble hooks
Jig hooks
Spinners
Snap swivels

Ensure oil is wiped lightly to avoid attracting dirt.

10. Regularly Inspect Lures

Check for:

Rust
Chipped paint
Bent hooks
Loose split rings

Replace damaged parts early to avoid losing fish.

Where to Buy Quality Fishing Lures in Kenya

For durable and rust-resistant fishing lures, explore:

Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd provides premium lures suitable for freshwater and saltwater environments, along with proper storage solutions.

Why Choose Maimun Fishing & Tackles Ltd?

Widest fishing lure selection in Kenya
Affordable prices for all budgets
Genuine, durable products
Expert advice for beginners and professionals
Countrywide delivery
Long-standing reputation in fishing and aquaculture supply

Store & Delivery Info

Address: Darosa Plaza, Karen Rd
Call/WhatsApp: 0706 903465

Store Hours:
Mon–Fri: 08:30 – 17:00
Saturday: 09:00 – 14:00

Countrywide Deliveries Available
✔ Same-day delivery within Nairobi
✔ Next-day delivery to other parts of Kenya

We deliver to towns including (but not limited to): Nakuru, Kitale, Bungoma, Nairobi, Mombasa, Eldoret, Malindi, Garissa, Kericho, Meru, Nyeri, Thika, Machakos, Kisumu, Voi, Kakamega.