Good tips guys, here’s a few of mine.
I use hoochies a lot, and I have a ton pre-rigged in different leader lengths. I have hoochies tied anywhere from 20” to 55”. When I want a hoochie in a specific leader length, it drives me crazy when I don’t know how long the lead is when in the tackle box. I have a system that lets me know instantly how long I rigged the leader. I put a different color bead directly in front of the hoochies when I tie it up. I color code with different beads for every five inches of leader length. I use a yellow bead for 30-35 inch leaders, orange 35-40 inch, pink 40-45 inch, green 45-50 inch, blue 50-55 inch. You get the idea, for really short leaders I use glow beads. Sockeye like the mini plankton hoochies with a glow bead at the nose. When I cut a leader down I simply change the color of the bead.
Some things I do to prevent gear rusting:
When releasing fish at the side of the boat, metal pliers tend to chew up the hooks as the fish thrashes around. I use plastic pliers to prevent damaging leaders and the stainless finish on hooks. Hooks soon begin to rust once chewed up. You will still have to use metal pliers sometimes to remove really stubborn imbedded hooks. Not dunking your metal pliers in saltwater all the time helps them last longer too. I also keep a container or small bucket of soapy fresh water on board. When I take off lures I have used in saltwater, I soak them for a while to remove all salt. I remove, and then let them dry before putting them back in Plano box. This helps prevent rust on hooks, swivels, and metal lures. It is also handy for washing up the boat and keeping your hands free of odors.