How to Preserve Plastic Fishing Worms

worms out of plate image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com

If you are a bass angler---even a casual one---you most likely have an extensive collection of plastic fishing worms. Bass fishing is not an inexpensive hobby, even when you hit the sales at your local tackle shop. Just as you take the time to clean and lubricate that expensive spinning or bait casting reel, you should also take the time to properly care for your plastic worms. With a little time and a few basic items, it is possible to extend the useful life of plastic worms rather than have them become a sticky mound of goo.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Mild detergent
Warm water
Clean rag
Heavy duty plastic zipper storage bags
Mineral oil
Anise oil

Step 1

Make a soapy solution using mild detergent and warm water in an old shallow bowl or pan. There should be enough soapy water to cover several plastic worms at a time.

Step 2

Rinse the plastic worms off in warm running water, and place them in the soapy solution. Allow the worms to soak for several minutes to loosen any debris or deposits.

Step 3

Remove the plastic worms from the solution, and rinse under warm running water. Remove as much of the soapy water as possible. Place the worms on an old clean rag, and pat them dry.

Step 4

Lubricate the worms with mineral oil. Keep in mind that much, if not all, of the lubrication that the worms had from their original packaging will have been removed by the rinse and soak. Pour some of the mineral oil into an old container such as a cup or drinking glass.

Step 5

Dip the worms into the mineral oil so that they are completely covered. Remove the worms, and briefly hold them over the container, allowing excess oil to drain from them. Place the worms in a heavy duty zipper bag for storage.

Tips & Warnings

The oil dip is a good time to add attractants such as anise oil. Add several drops of anise oil to the mineral oil, and mix with a spoon. The aromatic anise oil will permeate through the worm while it is stored in the zipper bag.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

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