Have you guys ever used the flambeau boxes with the blue tabs that are supposedly rust proof, looking for a way to stop lures from rusting, I have lost several over the years to rust and they are to expensive to keep losing them to rust, this year I have started using the silica packets that you would find in stuff like beef jerky and putting them in my boxes, these seem to help a lot but not 100% of the time, are those blue boxes worth it or is there other things that can be done to prevent rust? 

Yes, the Flambeau boxes work well. They also make just the tabs that you can drop into any tackle box. Another thing that helps with rust probably more so than the boxes is to leave your lures out to dry fully before putting them away.

Plano boxes with a silicone packet.

1 hour ago, BiteFiend said:

Yes, the Flambeau boxes work well. They also make just the tabs that you can drop into any tackle box. Another thing that helps with rust probably more so than the boxes is to leave your lures out to dry fully before putting them away.

Beat me to it! The zerust dividers work well at preventing rust, You can order the silica packets on ebay for like $3 for 100 or something like that so combined the two and make sure your baits aren't wet when you put them away. If you do that, you shouldn't be losing any more baits to rust. 

I use the vented Planos, now.  Issue resolved.  Water is no longer trapped in the boxes, and therefore they dry out, leaving no rust issues.

I buy the zerust tabs from gander and just cut them up into various sizes and toss in the the boxes. Simple and cheap, especially if you already have boxes. No need to buy flambeau boxes.

 

http://www.gandermountain.com/modperl/product/details.cgi?pdesc=Flambeau-Zerust-6004R-Tuff-Tainer-Divider-Packs-12-Pk-6012ZP&i=761395

You can try just drilling some small holes in the ones you have so air can flow and moisture escape. And throw in some of the silica too because it can't hurt

6 hours ago, timsford said:

You can try just drilling some small holes in the ones you have so air can flow and moisture escape. And throw in some of the silica too because it can't hurt

It's actually easiest and less messy to use a soldering iron.  Holes come out nice and clean.

How many small silica packets would you need for a 3600 box? Regular size and/or 3601 low profile. I'm guessing just one?

None, if you put holes in the boxes.

I believe we have all experienced trouble with rust in some way, shape, or form. As mentioned above, placing wet lures in boxes only traps moisture which causes issues. 

What I do is keep an empty Plano on the boat and place lures I've used on that outing in same. When I get back as I am washing my rods down I simply spray the lures off and hang them to dry.

I personally bought several flambeau rust protectant boxes and I'm not very impressed in the quality of the boxes. I prefer the water tight Plano latch boxes which have a tight seal around it.

Every winter I still will have a handful of rusty baits. It's going to happen. I use denture cleaning tablets and let the lures soak overnight. Replace hooks and split rings and they look new. 

Good luck

10 hours ago, Ncflats said:

I use denture cleaning tablets and let the lures soak overnight.

That's interesting!  I wonder if you could grab some before and after pics next time you do this.

On ‎8‎/‎11‎/‎2016 at 9:07 AM, J Francho said:

That's interesting!  I wonder if you could grab some before and after pics next time you do this.

Struggled trying to find some rusty baits which is a good thing! I will try to put something together soon and provide pics.