I've never went through plastics like I have in the last year or so. I have noticed a big difference in Zoom products specifically. I'm lucky to have a fluke last for over one fish.

Anyone else notice this? Any of you got any "tricks" to harden plastics up a little?

Different brands have different "textures". Senko's will fly off quicker than a flushing quail!!! I have heard if you add salt to a bag that it "might" harden it up slightly, but for the most point it's difficult to make them tougher. It's easy to make them softer though. Put some water in the bag and let them sit in the sun!

It depends on what you're looking for. Stick baits for example, the softer brands tend to have more action but less durability. If you want longer lasting plastics I think you have to give-up some action.

There have always been inconsistencies in Zoom stuff. I have noticed I have a soft bag, then the next bag will be stiffer.

It just depends on the mix I guess that day. Some of the smaller companies have better quality control and a more consistent mix.

Personally I want the bait to be soft so It moves and flows better.

I'm like fish killer. I started bass fishing in California, We used small plastics, reapers and grubs, 4 inch worms and so on. It seemed like the softer baits caught more fish. Funny, a lot of times those baits work well here too.

i guess we could go back to the old days when a plastic worm was as stiff as a pencil. i know the softer ones do not last as long, but they have a lot more action. as far as getting more use out of one that tears up, save it, and while doing nothing at home, take a soldering iron and melt them back together. i also think there is some type of mending glue on the market. i have even used a lighter while out on the water to mend a few back together that i ran out of while fishing.

bo

As for the ZOOM baits, the consistency will vary from color to color as well. While WM red may be nice and soft, their pearl color may be hard and stiff I have noticed.

Also, if you leave the bag out on the hot deck in the sun while you are fishing they will soften quite a bit too. The heat makes them soften up a lot.

Definitely noticed it on Zoom. I'm thrilled to get two fish on a fluke or a trick worm. Won't keep me from using them because they flat out catch fish, but a little more durability wouldn't hurt my feelings any...

Like everyone has said Zoom has inconsistencies between baits/colors.

My pearl white flukes are so much softer then my other colors, and it's been like this for a while.

The trick worms seem to be alright, but bubble gum is harder than my pumpkinseed and wm. But after catching a fish I'll tear off the head a tiny bit and just thread it back on to the shakey head no problem.

berkely powerbaits tear up pretty easily i can tell you that

Only recently starting buying ZOOM products (trickworm flukes)
and I immediately noticed how fragile they are. Might buy the flukes again just because the action on those things are incredible but everything else just seems too soft. I don't like having to replace the plastic every time I set the hook.

some colors affect the plastisols hardness and softness as well as glitter and other add-ons....all you can do is add softener at the time of shooting to get back to a softer plastic...try boiling your baits a bit....

Boiling plastics will make them tougher?

Put em on ice....

nah...but for those that are stiffer works good....put em in the fridge...