Fix Bent Soft Plastic Lures: A Quick and Easy Guide

Updated at: 09/02/2025

Lost a favorite fishing lure to a rogue snag or a particularly aggressive fish? Don't despair! Bent soft plastic lures, those tempting morsels that often end up mangled, aren't necessarily destined for the trash. With a little patience and the right technique, you can often restore them to their original, fish-catching glory, saving you money and extending the life of your tackle box. Many anglers discard these seemingly ruined lures, unaware of how easily they can be repaired.

This guide provides a quick and easy method to straighten out those bent and twisted soft plastics, returning them to a life of tempting unsuspecting fish. Forget costly replacements – let's get those lures back in the water! Follow the simple step-by-step process below to learn how to revive your favorite fishing lures and reclaim their effectiveness.

Safety Guidelines

  • Always use caution when working with sharp objects like knives or scissors. Cut away from yourself and use a cutting mat if available.
  • Excessive heat can damage or melt soft plastic lures. Avoid using excessively hot water or direct heat sources.
  • Some plastics may contain chemicals; ensure adequate ventilation while working and avoid skin contact if possible.

Methods: Heat Gun Method

Tools Needed

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare and Identify

    • Identify the bent area on the lure.
    Identify the bent area on the lure.
    Prepare and Identify

  2. Apply Heat

    • Direct heat (hair dryer or heat gun) to the bent section of the lure.
    • Observe until the plastic becomes malleable (about 1.5 minutes for a thin section).
    Observe until the plastic becomes malleable (about 1.5 minutes for a thin section).Observe until the plastic becomes malleable (about 1.5 minutes for a thin section).
    Apply Heat

  3. Straighten and Secure

    • Immediately straighten the lure and place it on a flat surface.
    • Prop the lure up with other lures to prevent it from moving while cooling.
    Prop the lure up with other lures to prevent it from moving while cooling.Prop the lure up with other lures to prevent it from moving while cooling.
    Straighten and Secure

  4. Cool and Set

    • Allow the lure to cool completely and solidify in its new shape.
    Allow the lure to cool completely and solidify in its new shape.
    Cool and Set

Tips

  • For thicker sections of the lure, increase heating time accordingly.
  • Ensure the lure is properly supported to maintain its straightened position during cooling.

Read more: Master Topwater Fishing: Proven Techniques for Success

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using too much heat

Reason: Excessive heat can melt or warp the plastic beyond repair, creating a worse problem than the original bend.
Solution: Apply heat gradually and in short bursts, checking the lure's flexibility frequently.

2. Applying uneven heat or pressure

Reason: Uneven heating leads to inconsistent straightening, resulting in a new bend or a warped lure.
Solution: Ensure even heat distribution and apply pressure steadily across the bent area.

3. Ignoring minor cracks or damage

Reason: Attempting to straighten a lure with existing damage can worsen the cracks or cause the lure to break completely.
Solution: Assess the lure's condition before attempting repair and consider discarding severely damaged lures.

FAQs

Can I fix a severely bent lure, like one that's almost broken?
Probably not. If the plastic is cracked or severely deformed, the damage is likely beyond repair. It's best to replace it. Minor bends are usually fixable.
What kind of heat source is best for straightening the lure?
Boiling water is generally recommended. It provides even heat and is less likely to damage the lure's paint or internal components than a lighter or hairdryer. Avoid excessive heat.
Will fixing a bent lure affect its action in the water?
Minor bends may not noticeably impact the lure's action. However, severely bending and straightening a lure can alter its weight distribution and swimming pattern. You might see subtle differences in its performance.