“Does Not Play Well With Others”

Several packages of soft plastics were combined in one package and everyone got along…

Soft plastics come in a staggering selection of colors, scents, shapes, and sizes. They also vary in composition. I have several dozen packages in my tackle bags. In an attempt to increase angling efficiency and make some more luggage room for a much needed vacation, I consolidated some of these packages into a “river” bag, and a “lake” bag.

A few weeks later, I discovered that some soft plastics had seemingly melted together, and I don’t think heat was to blame. I have had some soft plastic lures together for years without an issue, but every once in a while there are a few that seem to “not get along.”

But this particular combo of soft plastics had some “issues.”

There have been times when soft plastics even have melted into a tackle box tray, or stuck to neighboring crankbaits or their packaging. The new River 2 Sea Dahlberg Diver Frog has a warning label that “this lure and components cannot be stored with other plastic baits.” I can’t wait to try this lure, but I’m keeping it in its space-consuming packaging until time to taunt big largemouth bass.

Here are some tips for storing soft plastic baits:

● If you combine soft plastics, try it on a small scale first.

● Keep like colors together in case the colors run. (Unless you think the fish are after a more psychedelic bait pattern.)

● Keep cool, out of sunlight, and in the original bags as long as possible.