You know that feeling when you walk into a tackle shop and see a brand-new Shimano Stella or a high-end Sage fly rod? Your heart skips a beat. Then you look at the price tag and your wallet starts crying. It’s painful. Modern fishing gear is getting insanely expensive, which is exactly why the market for second hand fishing tackle for sale is absolutely exploding right now. Honestly, you can find gear that’s barely been used for 50% of the retail price if you know where to look. But it’s risky.
Buying used gear isn't just about saving a few bucks. It’s about access. It’s the difference between fishing with a budget setup that tangles every third cast and owning a professional-grade kit that handles a 20-pound pike like it’s nothing. I’ve seen guys pull vintage Hardy reels out of estate sales for twenty quid. I've also seen people buy "mint condition" carbon rods on eBay that arrived in three pieces because of a hidden hairline fracture.
If you're smart, you can build a world-class arsenal on a beer budget. If you're reckless, you're just buying someone else's headache.
Why the Used Gear Market is Actually Better Than Retail
Most people think "used" means "beaten up." That’s a total myth in the fishing world. A lot of the second hand fishing tackle for sale on sites like Facebook Marketplace or specialized forums comes from what I call "The Gear Junkies." These are anglers who must have the newest model every single year. When the 2025 version of a reel drops, they sell their 2024 model. That reel has probably seen the water twice.
It’s basically a car dealership’s "certified pre-owned" situation but without the corporate markup. You’re getting precision engineering for a fraction of the cost. Plus, older gear was often built to last longer. Have you ever felt the brass gears in an old Abu Garcia Ambassadeur? They’re tanks. Modern entry-level reels use a lot of plastic. Buying an older, high-end reel often gets you better internal components than a brand-new mid-range one.
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There is also the "discontinued" factor. Some of the best lures ever made—like certain colors of the Rapala Original Floater or specific Storm Arashi patterns—aren't in production anymore. Collectors and serious tournament pros scour the used market specifically for these "lost" gems. It’s a treasure hunt.
The Danger Zones: What to Check Before You Pay
Don't just hand over your cash because the photos look shiny. Pictures can hide a lot of sins. If you’re looking at a rod, the first thing you check isn't the handle; it's the guides. Run a cotton wool ball through the ceramic rings. If it catches, there’s a crack. A cracked guide will shred your expensive braided line in seconds.
Rods are tricky. Carbon fiber—or graphite, if you prefer—is amazing until it isn't. A rod that was leaned against a car door or banged against a rock might have "bruised" fibers. It looks fine. Then, you hook a decent fish, the rod loads up, and snap. It’s gone. This is why I always tell people to skip the shipping and buy rods in person. Give it a wiggle. Listen for clicks in the reel seat.
Reels are a bit more forgiving because you can service them. But check the drag. Pull some line off. Is it smooth? Does it jerk? If the drag is "sticky," the washers might be fried or salt-corroded. Replacing drag washers is cheap, but a pitted spool is a dealbreaker.
Common Red Flags in Used Listings:
- The "Never Used" lie: If the reel has scratches on the bottom (the "foot"), it’s been on a rod and on the ground.
- Blurry photos of the line roller: This is where salt buildup happens first.
- Low prices on high-end brands: If a Van Staal is selling for $100, it’s either stolen or a Chinese knockoff.
- Vague descriptions: "Works good" usually means "I haven't maintained this since 2019."
Where to Actually Find Second Hand Fishing Tackle for Sale
Facebook Marketplace is the Wild West. It’s great for local deals where you can actually touch the gear. But beware of the "is this still available" ghosts. You'll find the best deals from people who are clearing out a garage and don't know that their grandpa’s old fly box is full of $10 streamers.
eBay is better for protection. Their buyer guarantee is solid. If a reel arrives and the internal gears sound like a coffee grinder, you can usually get your money back. However, you'll pay more because the sellers know what they have.
Then you have the forums. Places like StripersOnline, TackleTour, or local regional fishing boards. This is where the real enthusiasts hang out. People there have "rep." If they sell a "9/10 condition" Shimano Antares, it’s probably a 9.5/10. These guys take care of their stuff. They use reel covers. They rinse everything in fresh water. It’s the safest place to buy, even if it feels a bit old-school.
Estate sales are the dark horse. You have to put in the work, but the payoff is huge. I once saw a guy buy a bundle of five G. Loomis rods for $50 because the person running the sale thought they were "just old sticks."
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The Ethics of the Flip
There’s a whole subculture of people who buy second hand fishing tackle for sale just to flip it. They scour Craigslist at 4 AM, buy a lot of 50 lures, split them up, and sell them individually. Is it annoying? Kinda. But they provide a service by cleaning and verifying the gear.
If you’re looking to build your own kit, don't be afraid to haggle, but don't be a jerk. If a guy is selling a sentimental collection, coming in with a 50% lowball offer is a fast way to get blocked. Be human. Tell them why you want the gear. Most old-timers would rather see their favorite rod go to a kid or a passionate angler than a reseller.
Maintenance: The First Thing You Do After Buying
The second that "new" used reel hits your doorstep, strip the line. All of it. You have no idea how old that monofilament is. It could be five years old and have the structural integrity of wet pasta.
Open it up. Most reels only need a tiny drop of oil on the bearings and a bit of grease on the gears. Don't overdo it. Too much grease makes the reel feel sluggish, especially in cold weather. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, send it to a professional. Companies like Mike’s Reel Repair or local shops can make a 10-year-old reel feel like it just came off the factory line.
For rods, give them a scrub with warm soapy water. It removes the salt and grime that hides scratches. Check the ferrule (where the pieces join). If it’s loose, a tiny bit of candle wax can create a tighter fit. Simple stuff.
Strategic Buying Cycles
Timing is everything. You want to buy trout gear in the fall and offshore gear in the winter. When the season ends, people look at their gear, realize they didn't use it enough, and want to clear space for Christmas or other hobbies.
In April, everyone is "getting back into it" and prices spike. If you’re looking for second hand fishing tackle for sale in the middle of a May bass spawn, you’re going to pay a premium. Buy when the water is frozen or the heat is unbearable.
A Note on Modern Electronics
Used fish finders are a gamble. Technology moves so fast that a three-year-old Humminbird or Lowrance unit is basically a dinosaur. Plus, the transducers are sensitive. If someone dropped the transducer on concrete, the crystal inside could be cracked, and you won't know until you're on the boat and your depth reading is jumping from 5 feet to 500 feet. Unless you're getting a "too good to pass up" deal, buy electronics new for the warranty.
Actionable Steps for Your Next Purchase
If you're ready to start hunting, here is how to handle the process so you don't get burned.
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1. Create a "Saved Search" on eBay. Don't just browse. Set an alert for specific models like "Shimano Stradic" or "St. Croix Avid." This lets you see the "Buy It Now" deals the second they are posted. The best deals are usually gone within 20 minutes.
2. Join Niche Facebook Groups.
Search for "Buy/Sell/Trade" groups specifically for your style of fishing—like "Fly Fishing Classifieds" or "Bass Tackle Exchange." The signal-to-noise ratio is much better than the general Marketplace.
3. Ask for "The Video."
Before buying a reel online, ask the seller to film a 10-second clip of them spinning the handle and engaging the bail. You can hear a bad bearing. If they refuse to send a video, walk away.
4. Check the Sold Listings.
On eBay, filter by "Sold Items" to see what people are actually paying, not just what sellers are asking. This gives you the ultimate leverage when negotiating a price.
5. Carry a "Test Reel" to Local Meetups.
If you're buying a used rod in a parking lot, bring a reel with you. Mount it. See how the rod balances. Pull some line through the guides to check for any weird vibrations. It looks a bit obsessive, but it saves you from a $200 mistake.
Fishing is expensive enough. There’s no reason to pay full price for gear that’s going to get scratched on the boat anyway. Be patient, check the guides, and keep your eyes on the local listings during the off-season. You'll end up with a better setup than the guys buying brand new off the shelf.