How often should I clean my fishing gear? If you love fishing, you probably already know that keeping your equipment clean is essential to having a successful day out on the water. However, you might also wonder whether or not you should clean your gear every time you go fishing.

There are several reasons why you should clean your fishing gear regularly. It helps prevent bacteria from building up inside your tackle box and other equipment, for starters. This can cause serious health problems if you don’t take care of it properly. In addition, cleaning your fish hooks will help keep them sharp and free from rusting, preventing damage to your catch. If necessary, you can even disinfect your fishing line as well.

 

Below are simple things to do to maintain your fishing gear:

1. Keep Lures Clean

While luring is important when catching fish, many people neglect this step while they’re trying to get big catches. The key here is to keep the lure free from debris or dirt. It would be best if you didn’t have to spend extra money to buy special lures, so make sure to pick one manufactured following environmental guidelines. This includes ensuring that no hazardous chemicals are used. Make sure to clean the lure thoroughly after use. Never submerge it in a sink full of water for an extended period. Doing this could cause irreparable damage to your lure. Instead, rinse it off under running water before placing it back into its original packaging.

2. Use Sterile Solution to Disinfect Fish Hooks

Fish hooks come in different sizes and shapes. These hooks range in size from 1/4 inch to 3 inches. Most of them are stainless steel, but others contain plastic or metal plated with chrome or nickel. There are two ways to treat these hook types. First, you can soak them in bleach which kills all microbes, including those responsible for causing food poisoning. However, doing this isn’t recommended because it can contaminate fish in its path. If that happens, you could be left with a dead catfish or bass instead of a fresh-caught meal.

Second, a “hook cleaner” solution should be sprayed on the hook . Once you apply this spray, allow it to sit for a few minutes. Then, brush the slime away using tweezers. You should avoid touching the tip while removing the slime. When done, rinse the hook thoroughly using warm water and dry it completely before storing it.

3. Clean Tackle Boxes Regularly

Cleaning your tackle boxes can save you some money over time. Because most tackle boxes aren’t cheap, rinsing them out frequently means you can use the m more than once. If you want to add to your enjoyment during your next fishing trip, look for a tackle box with a removable lid; this allows you to separate the components easily.

Conclusion

These are just three tips for keeping your fishing gear in good shape.