Saving Money on Saltwater Fishing Gear

Once the bug bites you, saltwater fishing can start to take up a lot of space in your daydreaming, your weekend schedule—and your garage. But having the right tackle doesn't have to cost you an arm and leg. Once you know what you're looking for and what to avoid, buying cheap saltwater fishing gear doesn't have to involve settling for low quality or short useful life. In fact, you can get good quality used saltwater fishing gear at lots of online forums and online classified ad sources, and chances are pretty good that there's a swap board at one or more of your local retail outlets where good, cheap saltwater fishing gear can be obtained.

What if I'm a Beginner?

If you're just starting out in saltwater fishing, you can still avoid leaving your life savings in the outdoor supply cash register. Many experts recommend getting a "ready-to-fish" combo with the rod and reel both included. A number of manufacturers, including Temple Forks Outfitters, Echo, and Daiwa make good, basic equipment to help you get started, without the forbidding price tag. For fly fishing, many anglers recommend starting out with a six- to eight-weight rig. Ready-to-fish combinations offer a relatively cheap intro to saltwater fishing gear. They'll give you everything you need to get some experience, and when you're ready to upgrade, you'll know more about what you're looking for.

What Kind of Fishing Will You Do?

Saltwater fishing covers a pretty broad front, and you may want to spend some time early on, considering which style of fishing you plan to do. Will you do mostly surfcasting, troll in deep water, fly cast in shallow estuaries, or bottom-fish from a party boat or pier? Your answer will determine just how "cheap" the saltwater fishing gear for your needs will be. For example, a low-end deep-water rig can easily run $150, and for the models with more of the whistles and bells (and sometimes, greater durability), you can pay $1,000 or more. On the other end of the scale, a relatively cheap saltwater fishing gear setup for saltwater fly fishing can be had for less than $100 in many cases. If all you plan to do is bottom-fish from a stationary or floating platform, you need an uncomplicated, sturdy rod that can handle whatever takes the bait.

Do Your Homework

Take some time to look at the selection, either online or at a local outdoor retailer. Join some forums and ask a few questions—anglers are always eager to help somebody else get hooked on the sport… just don't ask for the location of their favorite fishing spots!