Where Can I Find Used Fly Fishing Gear?

Let's face it.  Your bank account probably isn't as limitless as you'd like for it to be.  It's okay, neither are ours!  Unfortunately, fly fishing - just like SCUBA diving, deep sea fishing, hunting, and really any sport that requires dedication, passion and precision - can get to be kind of expensive.  Cutting too many corners, especially with safety procedures, really can put your life at risk.  Of course, the gear that you use to actually catch your quarry is a concern -- but there is no need to spend your life savings on the most expensive of rods, reels and line out there.  This is especially true if you are either new to fly fishing, doubly so if you don't have an enormous budget to spend.  Never fear!  Used or discount fly fishing gear may be excellent ways to go.

Before you make any decision regarding big-ticket items, like a house or a car or a boat, you probably shop around.  Treat your fly fishing gear the same way.  The best advice we can give you is this, as always: shop around!  Keep your options open.

You might be wondering, "Where can I shop for used or discount fly fishing gear?"   

Here are a few ideas.

Flea Markets, Pawn Shops, Consignment Shops, Yard Sales

Believe it or not, that old, dusty flea market down the street just might have some gear you're looking for.  If you have an idea as to what kinds of gear you want, you'll definitely know when you see it.  Sometimes, just sometimes, people move on from the sport and don't really know where (or for how much) they can sell their old stuff.  This can result in a steal for you.  Granted, you'll probably have to put a little bit of work into fixing your new rod or reel up, but that makes it more personal.  If the flea market idea fails, you could always check a pawn shop, a consignment shop, or even yard sales around town for useful gear.  The best way to find out as to whether or not these people have fishing gear is to ask, of course! 

Fishing Outfitters, Used Rentals

Okay, so maybe the consignment shops and yard sales didn't work out for you.  They won't always, but they're a good first step - walking away with a fiberglass fly fishing rod for fifty bucks from someone who doesn't know what he or she has is priceless, after all.

Maybe you have a fishing outfitter in your location, or at least a reasonable drive from where you live.  If that's the case, ask them about their selection, and by all means take a look.  Outfitters can't always keep the old gear on their shelves, and some of them may be inclined to let it go at a deep discount (deeper, even, than already posted markdowns), especially if the gear in question is outdated.  The newest rods aren't always better than the tried-and-true older ones, anyway. 

If the outfitter also offers rentals, you might ask about used rental equipment.  As newer gear comes in, many outfitters phase out the old stuff - this can mean bargain gear for you.  It doesn't hurt to ask.

Online Auctions

If all else fails...eBay or some other online auction site may be your answer.  Search for fly fishing gear...And search for typos of fly fishing gear.  You'd be surprised at the number of hits you might get if you just switch a couple of letters around in your search string!

Best of luck!