Ice fishing clearance

Does anyone have an idea when sporting goods stores usually start putting things on clearance? Looking into a new shack but trying to decide if its worth waiting for them to go on clearance.

Bryan52 wrote:

Does anyone have an idea when sporting goods stores usually start putting things on clearance? Looking into a new shack but trying to decide if its worth waiting for them to go on clearance.

Keep in mind that your also risking that they may not have the model you want at the time of clearance

Trails End Bass Pro shop in Fridley is going out of business 30% off right now whole store.

It depends on how the season goes. In some recent years with a short ice season because of the warm temperatures, there is a lot of stock left over of all ice gear. I remember many years at Cabela’s where they had so much stuff on clearance for months leading well into the spring. They just couldn’t get rid of it all. But I’ve noticed in recent years that they seem to be ordering less for the season because even with the short season we had last year, they didn’t have as much on clearance.

In short, it’s a gamble and it’s best to find other ways to save some money. For instance, you can buy $100 gift cards for Cabela’s on Ebay for $80. Buy a bunch of those and you are already saving money on a big shelter purchase.

Try about the end of the inland fishing season for walleyes/pike. Things just got rolling. Try checking ebay…..lots of people think ice fishing is a must do and invest a ton in stuff then figure it out and decided they’re lazy to keep it up so they sell it all.

End of Feb, 1st of March

There’s deals all the time just gotta keep looking. I just scored a brand new m3 lithium shuttle for 370 delivered to my door. Took a month of searching for the right deal though.

ozzyky wrote:

There’s deals all the time just gotta keep looking.

That’s probably the best advice. Just like you Bryan52 I a lot of time look for the things I need when they’re on sale at the end of the year but my thing lately has been to just do a ton of looking. Figure out the item you want and get real familiar with what different retailers are offering for it. Keep up on the current price and hopefull you’ll catch it when there’s something going on. It could be an individual item sale or a more broad sale.

Example one, I’ve been looking for a one-man flipover shelter and looked at prices everywhere as well as Craigslist and noticed last weekend that Fleet Farm dropped about $50 off the price of their Eskimo Quick Flip 1 to $189.99, so I bought it thinking that was probably one of the better prices I’ll see.

Example two is when the whole store does a sale. Sometimes an idividual item might not be on a great sale but the store is offering some deal. Example being a few weeks ago a work buddy made me aware that Dick’s was having a 25% off sitewide sale, so I ordered a buddy heater that way.

Just keep looking things up and comparing.

I upgraded a lot of gear over the past two years thanks to the nonexistent ice seasons in Ohio. Shanties were literally half price. I scored an otter 1200 cabin pro for $575 at Cabelas. There were some coupons and other cabelas bargain cave stuff involved. I got a 4.5″ nils as well for $60. You just have to keep what you got until a deal comes along. I used to sell my old gear off, but I started giving it to guys that were starting out. There are some younger guys in their early 20’s that are just getting started in my area. Good kids with great attitudes, morals, and ethics. I find a lot of satisfaction seeing my old gear bring them happiness. They are always hanging out and help keep the boat in top shape. Gotta pay it forward.

Cabela’s has started putting some of their portables on sale this week. I bought one last night (12/26/17) that was marked down to $415.99 from $519.99. With gift cards and Cabela’s Club Visa rewards, I spent less than $200 out of pocket.