How To Properly Clean A Fishing Lure by Bill Bailey

Years ago when I was in real estate I went to Atlanta to a sales seminar conducted by the #1 Real Estate trainer in the nation (at the time). I learned some things that have remained true until today. Mike Ferry said you can show people the proper and correct way to do things but 95% of the people STILL WILL NOT DO IT! ????

A question was raised a couple of days ago about how to get white mold off a plastic lure (Chalking).

There were 10 different suggestions on this subject.

I cannot believe collectors subject their lures to some of these suggestions. But here they are again:

#1 Boiled Linseed oil and a nail to clean in hard to reach places (A nail?)

#2 Vinegar

#3 Pledge

#4 WD-40

#5 Ammonia based glass cleaner

#6 Hair Dryer - (what does high heat does to plastic lures?) Why not set it on the dash of your car?

#7 Dawn soap and toothbrush (This is an acceptable start

#8 Semi-chrome polish

#9 Lens cleaner

#10 Mequiars color restorer car (paint) polish/cleaner

If you took the time to google what causes chalking to plastics (95% of you didn't) But if you did, you now understand the molecular structure of plastics. Scientist have studied this issue for decades and have proper solutions for cleaning, restoring and protecting aging plastics and paints. 9 of the 10 solutions above are improper if not detrimental to the lure surface. As time passes some of these chemicals will speed up the disintegration of plastics and paints. You old wood lure collectors would do well to pay attention at this point as it applies to the paints/clear coats on your wood baits as well! (Heat, Humidity and Temperature are additional factors to consider on wood baits) But we are focusing on the surface/finish of all painted baits. Metal painted bait baits also. So once again I would like to highlight the best way to preserve your investments. How many of the above remedies will remove light scratches from the surface of lures and how many leave a protective wax coating necessary to preserve the finish????????

So for the 5% of the collectors out there that really care to treat their lures the right way. I offer the following pictures to show you what to use on your lures.

Mequiars works on wood painted surfaces, plastic surfaces and plastic boxes/and or box sleeves.

**** One exclusion I can think of would be Gantron or matte finish baits ***

I am sure someone will chime in with other finishes that do not have a clear coat.

Here are a few before and after examples:

Try some of the above remedies on a Burke Flex Plug and see what happens?



Before



After



Tools Used: Plastic Toothpic, Cotton Q-Tip, Cotton Cloth



BEFORE



AFTER



TOOLS USED: Handle end of a skewer, cotton cloth (I use an old sock)

I am not trying to be a smartask! Just wanting my fellow lure collectors to use a little common sense instead of using whatever they can find under the kitchen sink!

Okay now I am ready for the 95% to chime in with their comments. This is a discussion board. I am always willing to learn something new and admit when I wrong so lets hear your comments.

-- Bill Bailey