I've noticed rust building on some of my hardbaits. Is there anything I can do I prevent this? And how can I remove the rust?

I used normal rust remover on mine and it didn't mess anything up... Then lathered it in scent to cover up the smell.

You could paint them to prevent rust

Pack some silica packets from other stuff you buy (clothing, shoes, flat pack furniture, etc.)

Wash with Bar Keepers Friend or toothpaste. Silica packets or even rice works.

Pack some silica packets from other stuff you buy (clothing, shoes, flat pack furniture, etc.)

That's what I do.

I like the idea to use rice. I will have to try that out.

I always open up all my boxes once I get home from the lake. Let them dry in open air, rather than cramped in the box seems to help them from rusting. 

Pack some silica packets from other stuff you buy (clothing, shoes, flat pack furniture, etc.)

You can buy them a 20 pack on Amazon for $6.

I really like the idea of silica packets. I keep mine anyway to put in guitar cases but never thought of putting a few in my tackle..

^ this.

Plus. .... the ZERUST stuff really does work- until it stops. And then it dies hard. It has a shelf life and when its over its over.

I get a big 3700 flambeu box from Wally world and spread the dividers throughout my tackle. They even work well in the salt on my kayak. But when they die. ...your stuff rusts overnight. Lol. Well in the salt anyway.

Who knows how long the product sat at Walmart. It'd be nice to buy direct. Then you would at least have an idea of the shelf life.