Master Your Lures: The Ultimate Guide to Salmon Spoon Storage
Alright, fellow anglers, let's be real for a second. We've all been there, right? You're out on the water, the salmon are biting, and you know you have that perfect spoon, that secret weapon, tucked away somewhere. But then you open your tackle box, and it's a disaster. A tangled, rusty, hook-impaled mess of metal and disappointment. Hooks snagged on everything, paint scratched, and that one spoon you needed? It's buried under a pile of less-effective imposters, probably forever. Sound familiar?
Well, today we're tackling that head-on. We're diving deep into the wonderful, often overlooked, world of salmon spoon storage. Because trust me, how you store these shiny beauties can make or break your fishing trip, save you money, and frankly, just make your life a whole lot easier. It's not just about throwing them in a box; it's about protecting your investment, staying organized, and being ready to present that perfect lure instantly when the opportunity strikes.
Why Your Salmon Spoon Storage Matters More Than You Think
You might be thinking, "It's just a spoon, I'll figure it out." But think about it for a moment. Salmon spoons aren't cheap. A good quality, hand-tuned spoon can set you back a fair few quid, and if you're like me, you've got dozens, maybe even hundreds, of them. That's a significant investment, and just like any investment, you want to protect it.
Poor storage doesn't just lead to tangles; it leads to rust, scratched paint, bent hooks, and ultimately, a shorter lifespan for your beloved lures. A rusty hook is a dull hook, and a dull hook means lost fish. Scratched paint might not always deter a salmon, but why take the chance? Plus, when your gear is a jumbled mess, it costs you precious time on the water. Every minute spent untangling instead of fishing is a minute lost. And let's not forget the sheer frustration of reaching into a box and getting a treble hook embedded in your finger – ouch! Good salmon spoon storage isn't just about neatness; it's about efficiency, safety, and longevity.
The Good, The Bad, and The Tangled: Common Storage Pitfalls
Before we get into the solutions, let's quickly commiserate over the typical mistakes we all make (or have made).
- The "Throw-It-All-In" Method: This is the classic. A bucket, a duffel bag, a generic tackle box with one big compartment. Everything goes in. The result? A literal rat's nest of hooks, lines, and metals, often leading to damaged lures and exasperated sighs.
- The Rusty Graveyard: Leaving wet spoons in a closed, unventilated box is a recipe for disaster. Moisture plus metal equals rust, and once rust sets in, it spreads like wildfire. Your beautiful chrome or brass spoons turn into oxidized relics faster than you can say "fish on!"
- The Scrape and Scratch: Tossing spoons together without separation means they'll bang against each other during transport. This leads to chipped paint, scratched finishes, and diminished appeal. Salmon might not care as much about pristine paint as we do, but why degrade your gear unnecessarily?
- The Lost and Found Forever: Without proper organization, you often end up with duplicates because you can't find the one you know you have. Or worse, you lose a favorite spoon entirely because it slipped out of a poorly organized container.
Diving Deep: Different Approaches to Salmon Spoon Storage
Now for the good stuff! There are tons of ways to store your salmon spoons, and the best method often depends on your personal fishing style, the number of spoons you own, and your budget.
Traditional Tackle Boxes: A Classic with a Twist
Your dad's old tackle box might be a sentimental favorite, but modern tackle boxes offer some serious upgrades. Look for boxes with adjustable dividers. These are key! You can create custom-sized compartments for different spoon sizes and shapes, keeping them separated and protected.
- Pros: All-in-one solution for lures, tools, and other small gear. Many are rugged and durable.
- Cons: Even with dividers, hooks can still snag on each other if compartments aren't big enough or if spoons shift. Can be bulky.
Soft-Sided Binders and Bags: Gentle Protection
These have become incredibly popular, especially for those who cherish their spoons' finishes. Think of them like a fancy photo album for your lures. Many feature clear, zippered pages or pockets, often made of a soft, non-abrasive material.
- Pros: Excellent for protecting paint and finishes. Lures are often visible through clear pockets, making selection easy. Less noisy than hard plastic boxes. Great for organizing by color, size, or target species.
- Cons: Less rigid protection against crushing. Can get heavy quickly if loaded with many spoons. Might not be fully waterproof.
Specialized Spoon Wallets and Rolls: The Dedicated Solution
These are often designed specifically for spoons, offering individual slots or pockets for each lure. They usually roll up or fold neatly, securing each spoon in place. Some have foam inserts where you can embed the hooks for maximum protection.
- Pros: Unparalleled protection for individual spoons, preventing tangles and scratches. Compact and easy to grab a selection for a specific trip.
- Cons: You'll likely need several if you have a large collection. Can be more expensive per spoon stored.
DIY Solutions: Getting Crafty with Your Gear
For the creative (or budget-conscious) angler, there are some fantastic DIY options for salmon spoon storage.
- PVC Pipe Sections: Cut short lengths of PVC pipe (1-2 inches diameter, depending on spoon size). Glue them upright into a larger bin or box. Each spoon slides into its own tube, keeping it separate. Simple, effective, and cheap!
- Modified Toolboxes: A cheap plastic toolbox with a few modifications can work wonders. Add foam inserts to the bottom, cut slits, or use hot glue to create dividers.
- Foam Inserts: Buy sheets of craft foam or dense packing foam. Cut it to fit your existing tackle box compartments. You can then cut slits in the foam to secure hooks or press the entire spoon into the foam, keeping it snug. This is great for preventing movement and tangles.
- Old Binders with Ziploc Bags/Foam Sheets: A sturdy three-ring binder can be repurposed. Punch holes in heavy-duty Ziploc bags and store a few spoons per bag. Or, cut foam sheets to size, punch holes, and store individual spoons, securing hooks into the foam.
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Salmon Spoon Storage System
Before you go all-in on a new storage solution, ask yourself a few questions:
- Durability and Material: Your gear is going to take a beating, especially if you're out on a boat. Look for rugged plastics, heavy-duty fabrics, and strong zippers. The marine environment is tough on gear, so choose wisely.
- Waterproofing and Drainage: This is CRITICAL. Ideally, your storage should either be waterproof to keep moisture out or have excellent drainage to let it escape. Lures dry best when air can circulate. If your box isn't waterproof, consider putting a desiccant pack inside.
- Capacity: How many spoons do you actually need to carry? How many do you own? Don't buy a tiny tackle box if you have a hundred spoons. Conversely, don't haul a massive chest for a quick shore-fishing trip.
- Portability: Are you hauling your gear onto a large boat, or are you hiking to a secluded riverbank? Lightweight, compact solutions are better for portability.
- Accessibility: Can you quickly see and grab the spoon you want? Fumbling around when the bite is hot is no fun. Clear lids, transparent pockets, or well-organized dividers are your friends here.
- Protection: Are the hooks secured? Is the paint protected from scratches? This goes back to preserving your investment.
Tips & Tricks for Optimal Salmon Spoon Storage
Even with the best system, a few extra steps can really elevate your game:
- Clean and Dry Your Spoons: Always rinse your spoons in freshwater after a trip, especially if you've been in saltwater. Let them air dry completely before putting them away. This is step one in rust prevention!
- Desiccant Packs: Throw a few silica gel packs (those little packets that come with new shoes or electronics) into your tackle boxes. They absorb moisture and are fantastic for keeping rust at bay. You can even "recharge" them by baking them in a low oven.
- Organize by Category: Group your spoons by color pattern, size, action (e.g., flasher-compatible vs. solo spoons), or even by the species they target. This speeds up selection.
- Hook Covers: Consider using small rubber bands, hook bonnets, or even simple pieces of old garden hose sliced open to cover exposed treble hooks. This prevents tangles and keeps your fingers safe.
- Label Everything: If you have multiple boxes or soft bags, label them clearly. "Spring Chinook Spoons," "Coho Glow," "UV Patterns," etc. This makes grab-and-go easier.
My Personal Take: Finding What Works for You
For me, it's a combination approach. I have a large, divided tackle box for my entire collection at home, where everything is neatly separated by type and size. But for a day trip, I grab one or two specialized soft-sided spoon wallets. These hold about 10-15 spoons each, organized by the specific conditions I expect that day (e.g., a "sunny day" wallet with bright colors, a "cloudy/deep water" wallet with glow patterns). This way, I'm only carrying what I need, the lures are protected, and I can quickly swap out a wallet if the conditions change. It's about being prepared without being burdened.
Ultimately, good salmon spoon storage isn't about buying the most expensive gear; it's about adopting habits and systems that work for you. It's about respecting your gear, saving time, and most importantly, maximizing your chances of landing that trophy salmon. So go ahead, tackle that tackle box, and get organized. Your future self (and your fingers) will thank you for it!