i just got my hands on some old rebel and rapala lures, most of them had dirty bills and rusted hooks along with some worn paint here and there. I replaced the hooks and cleaned the bills (now they're crystal clear) and while looking at the ones with worn paint i came up with this question...

 

to what point do you feel worn paint in some spots on something like a jerkbait/crankbait can affect it's fish catching capabilities?

 

 

For "collectables" you should not do anything to the lure. Since you made them

"fishable" I suggest touching them up, but frankly, I'm not sure it makes any difference

to the fish.

 

 

 

 

Somewhere recently, there was a post about "aging" new lures, lol.

 

Functionally, if there is exposed wood, it'll will eventually rot.  Otherwise, it probably doesn't matter as much as you'd think.

yea man i want to fish them, and they are made of plastic so rotting shouldn't be an issue. i was just wondering if a fish would turn it down due to some missing paint here or there. nothing too serious.

maybe i'm overthinking it lol, idk if fish are that smart but hey. just incase.

Old Rapalas are usually made of balsa, but it depends on the model.

yea the rapala's i have are in good shape, the only lure with paint missing in some spots in my rebel floater jerkbait.

Most anglers have a few extra-effective lures in their tackle box.  You can tell them because they're all chewed up... nope, I don't think the bass mind.

 

 

oe

i hope you're right haha

I have many lures that have literally no paint at all and they still work, don't put too much emphasis on how the lure looks, put a lot more emphasis on how the lure works.

^{true^ and it works just fine haha.}