A bag is a bag, right? Ask Aaron Martens and the Bassmaster Elite pro from Leeds, Alabama will shake his head with convincing vigor. Known for his intricate rigging detail, Martens has found a simple, yet impactful way to store his baits — cellophane or polypropylene bags.
Stronger and more air-tight than plastic storage boxes, these containers combat the atmospheric challenges that tend to hasten the deterioration of a delicate hand-poured plastic baits.
“Storing baits in a cellophane bag is like having them in a Mason jar,” Martens said. “They’ll last a long time in that bag. It’s like keeping (valuables) in a jar; the outside humidity doesn’t get to it.”
Another benefit is scent immersion. Martens likes to douse his plastics in JJ’s Magic and the cellophane’s structural security maintains maximum saturation.
Martens said he’ll load his cellophane bags according to anticipated usage. If he’s on an active bite where he’s burning through baits, he’ll dump three or four manufacturer’s bags into one cellophane container. For slower consumption, he’ll back that down accordingly. And he can still keep the bags in plastic storage bins or bags from his favorite tackle organizers.
Having used this bait storage method for over a decade, Martens said he used to recycle any cellophane bait bags he encountered. Now, he sources his bags online where multiple sizes will accommodate practically any need. He mostly uses standard worm bag sizing.
Buying generic, unlabeled bags facilitates angling efficiency by promoting quick identification. With no labels or markings on the clear sides, Martens can easily identify whatever’s in a bag.
In addition to plastic baits, Martens will store hooks and other terminal tackle. He’ll also park a bait that he might use again in short order.
“If I have a jig with a soft plastic trailer that I’m using, I’ll put it in a cellophane bag (between uses),” he said. “You can’t just put away a jig in your compartment or your backup box if it has a soft plastic with salt in it. It collects moisture and it will eventually rust your hook.
“So, if I have a bait that’s working perfectly and I don’t want to break it down, I’ll put it in a cellophane bag. I’ll do the same thing with a spinnerbait that has a trailer hook and a trailer that has salt in it. I’ll let it dry out and then stick it in a cellophane bag.”
Cellophane also keeps his healthy snacks fresh and moisture-free.
We didn’t ask if about JJ’s Magic on almonds, but probably not.
