How to care for handmade saltwater lures

Handmade lures are made to be fished. A simple post-session routine helps you spot wear early and avoid storing salt and moisture with the rest of your tackle.

1. Rinse after saltwater use

Use a gentle fresh-water rinse to remove salt from the body and hardware. Avoid abrasive scrubbing or solvents on the painted and epoxy-finished surface.

2. Let everything dry

Leave the lure and its hardware to dry before returning them to a closed tackle box. Take care with exposed hooks and keep the drying area away from children and pets.

3. Inspect the whole setup

Look at hook points, rings, attachment points and the finish. If you find a bent part, an opening in the finish or other damage, check it before fishing again. Send JSL a clear photograph if you need help assessing a Suave.

4. Store out of excessive heat

Keep your lures out of a hot car and prolonged direct sunlight. Store them so hooks cannot continually rub against neighbouring finishes.

5. Check replacement hardware

Changing hooks or rings can change a lure’s total weight and behaviour. If you are unsure what hardware to use, ask JSL about your exact size before replacing it.

A minute before the next cast

Give the lure, leader and connections another look before your next session. Care is about keeping the whole setup ready, not just keeping the paint looking new.