How To Upgrade Your Equipment-The Cheap Way

[FlatsNBay]

If you are like me, you are on a budget. Buying top of the line rods and reels is more of a dream than a reality. I recently updated my equipment without breaking the bank. Here's how!

1) Sell your old equipment through auction sites like UltimateBass or Ebay. I have found that there are many buyers who will fight over and pay top dollar for a particular model of rod or reel to their liking. I actually sold some of my old reels for more than I paid for them!

2) Trade in your old rod and reel for a rebate on a new one. Several retailers such as Bass Pro Shops will offer you an excellent rebate once a year on a new purchase. The rod or reel must be in good working order and is actually donated to youth fishing programs.

3) Research, research, research. Find the rod and reel that you want and spend the time researching the internet to find the best price. Some Ultimatebass sponsors will blow anybody else's price out of the water but first you must contact them and ask them for their best unadvertised price.

4) Wait, wait, wait for sales! Certain holiday sales are worth waiting for to update your entire arsenal of rods and reels. Black Friday, Spring Fishing Classic, Memorial Day, and Christmas sales are worth waiting for.

5) Search the classifieds. Many great deals can be had on gently used rods and reels in the Ultimatebass classified among others!

6) Frequently check the clearance and sale section in stores and online dealers. I recently located $170 rods on clearance for $50!!

7) Patience! Avoid impulse buys. Don't get in a hurry. The rod and reel that you have to have will probably sooner or later go on sale!

[Mike Cork]

These are awesome tips 

[Shep87]

The classifieds are always a good spot to find good deals the impulse buyer always posts good prices looking for a quick sale

[marian65]

I noticed Bass Pro is having a rod and reel trade in Feb 12 - 21.  Think I'll give it a try!

[SFL BassHunter]

Great advice Flats!

Yup that Bass Pro Spring Classic is almost here. I may be visiting BPS on Saturday to see what I can get for a few Berkley Rods I no longer have a use for. I don't expect much for them since they are fairly cheap rods to begin with lol.

[LgMouthGambler]

Great tip. Most of my reels (though top dollar reels) were purchased at close to half or retail slightly used. Only 3 of my reels were purchased brand new, 1 was on sale for 50% off, the other 2 purchased with the dollar to yen in our favor.  Buying second hand quality reels and rods will greatly increase the chance of acquiring high end equipment.  And if you take good care of them like has been said, you can get every dollar back if not more when you sell them. I have done this with 90% of things I sold off through the years. Great tip Flats!