So a neighbor came over and …

[Bend Session]

Over the years, I’ve had various friends, family and neighbors call me about used fishing gear they got somehow. Usually these people don’t fish, and think I need this stuff they found. Apparently, they know I’m passionate and/or addicted to the sport. So anyway, I get a call from an old friend who tell me his neighbor gave him an old tackle box and they I should come get it from him for free. I drove to my buddies house in San Bernardino, had a couple beers, and they he proceeds to bring out a tackle bag that was left in the rain. My guess is this thing was out in the rain for years. Everything was rusted.

Two questions - what should I do with these old lures? New hooks? Is that t worth it? I’ve already spent the gas to pick them up.

What fishing gear have you got over the years that you wished you never saw?

 

[Hismosa]

They don't look too roached out yet. Have plenty of jigs with rusted hooks that catch fish just fine.

 

[Arima-bob]

I’d clean those up. Hooks and rings where necessary and put them to work. Those plugs are always nice to have too.

I never got a free jig or lure I couldn’t find a use for.

Flitz and a rag are your friends!

 

[Bend Session]

What can I use to get the rust stains off the lures?

 

[hucklongfin]

Vinegar is good to get rid of the rust. The rust on the lures probably came off the hooks. I’d replace the rings and hooks. While they could probably be cleaned up it’s not worth the effort.

 

[plj46]

What can I use to get the rust stains off the lures?

New hooks and split rings.

 

[Reel 007]

Those lures look very serviceable, as mentioned before new split rings, hooks and a $5.00 container of naval jelly and you should be good to go.

 

[Arima-bob]

On the rapala, I would use barkeepers friend to get the rust off. Naval jelly might jack up the finish.

 

[Bend Session]

i agree the navel jelly is too harsh..... thinking of soaking in vinegar or perhaps CLR.

 

[jer dog]

On the rapala, I would use barkeepers friend to get the rust off. Naval jelly might jack up the finish.

Just troll them and let the salt water clean them up.

 

[onehottip]

The mackerel yo Zuri is money. It’s a fish catcher. Green and gold. Put some new hooks on it and catch fish.

 

[AndyJ]

The round watermelon popper looks pretty cool and cedar plugs never die.

 

[frijolito]

I just threw away about 20 yrs worth of shit that looks just like that, Depends on what you value your time at as to whether its "worth it". only you can answer that question. the cedar plugs would get a stay of execution. I fixed up a huge pile of shit for my 12yr old neighbor and the rest is in the possesion of Waste Managment