You read that right! My whole box of cranks got water in it due to a big storm that rolled through as we were kayak fishing I had no way to gather my tackle but saves my rods, I left the cranks out to dry and I'm wondering if anyone has other tips on how to avoid the rust

Cut the ends of a q-tip off in each section of your box.  The cotton will absorb moisture. Good practice for just general storage.

Drill a few tiny hole in the bottom of your boxes (like a Plano Hydro box)

Most importantly let them hang dry if possible over night when not in use. 

 

Can you just take a hair dryer to the open box?

Clean fresh water doesn't have any electrolytes to cause corrosion. The hooks are plated to prevent corrosion. Rinse everything in warm fresh water with a little baking soda, rinse again with clean warm water and blow dry or hang to dry.

Tom