Ready to Score Big Savings on Shimano Reels This Year. Discover the Best Deals Now

Ready to Score Big Savings on Shimano Reels This Year. Discover the Best Deals Now

Intro – Overview of best Shimano reel deals for 2023

Fishing enthusiasts know that having the right reel can make all the difference when trying to land the big one. Shimano has long been a leader in manufacturing quality fishing reels trusted by anglers worldwide. But Shimano reels don’t come cheap. The good news is there are plenty of ways to score significant savings on these top-rated reels if you know where to look.

In this article, we’ll explore some proven tips and techniques for finding the best Shimano reel deals. Whether you are looking for spinning reels, baitcasters, or specialty reels for specific types of fishing, you can uncover major discounts both online and in local tackle shops. With a bit of research and patience, you can reel in major savings on Shimano gear this year.

Check Online Retailers for Sales and Promotions

One of the best places to find reduced prices on Shimano reels is at major online fishing retailers like Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Tackle Warehouse, and more. These sites periodically run sales or have special discounted pricing on select Shimano reel models. Sign up for email alerts and check their websites regularly to stay on top of the latest deals.

Many online retailers also offer coupon codes, percentage-off discounts, and other promotions that can drive the price down further on Shimano reels. Do a quick search online for valid promo codes before making any purchase. Sites like RetailMeNot often aggregate the latest codes across fishing sites.

Buy Factory Refurbished or Used Shimano Reels

Purchasing a factory-refurbished or gently used Shimano reel is another excellent way to pay well below retail price. Sites like eBay provide access to a wide selection of pre-owned Shimano reels in like-new condition at steep discounts. Just be sure to closely inspect seller reviews and examine product photos and descriptions so you know exactly what kind of condition the reel is in.

Buying refurbished directly from Shimano can also net major savings with the peace of mind of a manufacturer-backed warranty. Keep an eye out for refurb deals at major retailers as well.

Take Advantage of Holiday Sales and Clearance Events

Timing your Shimano reel purchase around major holiday sales events is a savvy way to maximize your savings. Retailers like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are known for offering deep discounts and doorbuster deals leading up to holidays like Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Shimano reels often see major price drops during these peak sale events.

Don’t forget to also check for clearance sales when retailers are looking to offload last year’s Shimano inventory before the new models arrive. Persistence pays off, so check back regularly leading up to peak fishing season for the best clearance prices.

Price Match Guarantees

If you’ve found a fantastic price on a Shimano reel from one retailer, see if your preferred fishing store will match that price. Many larger retailers like Cabela’s offer generous price match guarantees, sometimes with an additional percentage taken off the price. It never hurts to ask!

Buy From Local Shops During Off-Peak Times

Brick-and-mortar tackle shops are often willing to wheel and deal, especially during slower seasons. Stop into your local shops in the fall and winter months and negotiate to see if they will come down on the price of Shimano reels collecting dust on the shelves. Developing relationships with local shop owners can help you score the best deals.

Use Cash Back and Rebate Sites

To save even more when purchasing Shimano reels online, go through cash back portal sites like Rakuten (formerly Ebates). You can earn money back on qualifying purchases from Cabela’s, Bass Pro, and more. Some key fishing retailers also offer bonus rebates during site-wide sales events.

There are also rebate apps like Ibotta that offer cash back on fishing gear purchases. Every little bit of savings adds up.

Buy Used from Other Anglers

Scour used fishing gear classified ads and forums like Craigslist and fishing-specific sites like iCast to find individual anglers selling their used Shimano reels. You can often score barely-used reels for a fraction of retail pricing. Just be diligent in inspection and testing before purchase.

Wait for Off-Season Sales

As with most fishing gear, Shimano reel prices are often highest leading up to peak fishing season in spring and summer. Consider holding off until the off-season to start deal hunting. Come late fall and winter, you’ll see the best sales as retailers try to clear out older inventory.

With the right combination of patience, deal-hunting persistence, and timing, you can land some monster savings on Shimano reels this year. Follow these tips and you’ll have extra cash to spend on lures and line once the prime fishing months arrive.

Shimano Reels on Sale – Where to find discounts

Scoring a great deal on a Shimano reel requires knowing where to look. While Shimano reels are sold at nearly every major fishing retailer, not all sales and discounts are created equal. Here are some of the best places to dig up major savings on Shimano reels this year.

Big Box Outdoor Stores

Outfitters like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s should be your first stops when deal hunting. As two of the world’s largest fishing retailers, they have constant sales and site-wide promo codes that apply to Shimano reels. Sign up for their email lists to stay on top of the latest deals.

Be sure to check both the weekly ad circulars and clearance sections – many brick-and-mortar locations will heavily discount older Shimano models to make room for new inventory. Persistence and timing pays off when checking back frequently.

Shimano Direct Sales

For limited times throughout the year, Shimano offers direct sales on their website with decent discounts on select reel models. They also run an annual holiday sales event that presents a rare opportunity for savings direct from the manufacturer.

Shimano also has a clearance page worth monitoring for any newly added deals. And don’t forget to check their eBay store – some amazing deals pop up there periodically.

Online Fishing Specialty Retailers

Retailers like Tackle Warehouse, FishUSA, and Marine General specialize in fishing gear and offer regular sales and discounts on Shimano reels. Subscribe to their newsletters and check their websites often.

Many will also apply additional savings like free shipping sitewide sales and limited quantity lightning deals that can stack for big combined savings on Shimano reels.

Social Media Deal Alerts

Following retailers like Bass Pro, Cabela’s, and Tackle Warehouse on social media can clue you into upcoming sales events, special offers, and limited time promo codes. Their social accounts often preview upcoming deals or announce flash sales.

Forums and Fishing Communities

Avid anglers will share the latest tackle deals, discounts, and promo codes they find across retailers big and small. Join online fishing communities and you’ll gain access to crowdsourced savings opportunities.

You can also post requests for any leads on current Shimano reel sales – fellow bargain hunters are always glad to help a fishing buddy out!

Cash Back and Rebate Apps

When combined with sales and discounts, cash back offers and rebates from apps like Rakuten and Ibotta provide an additional way to save on Shimano reels. Even 1-2% back adds up quickly.

Be sure to look out for bonus cash back percentages during site-wide sales events for a chance to double down on the savings.

With so many ways to save on Shimano reels today, every angler can reel in serious discounts – no expert bargain hunting skills required. Just stick to reputable retailers, check back frequently, and those savings will be hooked in no time.

Compare Prices – Research before you buy

Searching for the best Shimano reel deals requires doing your homework first. Prices can vary widely between retailers, so take time to research and compare before pulling the trigger.

Check Multiple Retailers

Don’t just look at one store and assume they have the best price. Prices on Shimano reels will differ across retailers like Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Tackle Warehouse, Marine General, etc. Check several stores both online and offline to find the best deal.

Create a spreadsheet to track Shimano reel models, prices, discounts, and promo codes across multiple retailers. This makes it easy to compare apples to apples.

Factor In Shipping Costs

An retailer may offer a lower price upfront, but tacks on a high shipping fee at checkout that erases any savings. Always account for total costs delivered to your door when comparison shopping.

Many tackle retailers offer free shipping sitewide or free shipping over a minimum order amount. Maximize these opportunities when possible.

Pay Attention to Sales Tax

Depending on the retailers you use and where you live, sales tax can add a significant amount to your checkout total. Make sure to factor sales tax into any price comparisons.

When possible, purchase from retailers that don’t collect sales tax in your state to essentially save on tax.

Look for Coupons and Cash Back

The base price is just one part of the equation. Look for available coupons, promo codes, cash back offers, and rebates that can be applied to your Shimano reel purchase with each retailer.

Stacking these additional discounts and incentives on top of sale prices gives you the absolute lowest price.

Join Retailer Membership Programs

Sign up for free retailer loyalty programs and memberships like Cabela’s Club and Bass Pro Shops Pro Rewards. You’ll unlock exclusive discounts and potentially earn points or credits to save even more money.

Researching all available deals and discounts takes a bit more effort upfront, but ensures you’ll reel in the absolute best price on your next Shimano reel. The time invested pays off with maximum savings you won’t find otherwise!

Older Models – Score deals on previous years

One reliable way to save big on Shimano reels is to target older models from previous seasons. Retailers routinely discount older reels to make room for the latest models – take advantage of these deals and you can land premium Shimano reels at clearance prices.

Shop Discontinued Reels

When Shimano discontinues a reel model, retailers will heavily discount the remaining inventory until it sells out. Keep an eye out for closeout sales on discontinued reels.

Even if discontinued, these reels are still made with Shimano’s legendary quality and performance – you’re just scoring unmatched prices.

Buy Last Year’s Models

New Shimano reels are released on an annual basis. Retailers will mark down the previous year’s models when the latest generation hits the shelves.

While minor tweaks and upgrades are made each year, the difference is negligible. Save big on a Shimano reel from last year that will still fish as well as the 2023 model.

Consider Older Classics

Some Shimano reels like the Curado have been around for decades, proving their lasting performance. While discontinued, older models pop up used online or at retailers clearing out stock.

These classics may lack some newer features but otherwise work as flawlessly as the day they were made. Reel in the savings on all-time greats.

Refurbished and Used Reels

Buying refurbished or pre-owned reels is a great way to save even more on older Shimano models no longer sold new. Let someone else take the depreciation hit.

Inspect used condition closely, but you can score barely-used reels for a fraction of original cost if you shop smart.

While the latest and greatest commands top dollar, savvy anglers shop previous Shimano models and classics to enjoy pro performance at a discounted price. Your wallet will thank you.

Special Sales – Look for holiday and clearance prices

Timing your Shimano reel purchase around major sales holidays and retailer clearance events can help you score the lowest prices of the year. Be on the lookout for these prime deal-hunting opportunities.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday

Two of the biggest sale days of the year, Black Friday and Cyber Monday see massive discounts at fishing retailers on all products – including Shimano reels. Mark your calendars and prepare to take advantage of rock-bottom prices.

Both in-store and online prices will be slashed during this peak holiday shopping period. Check ads and expectations of up to 50% off or more on select reels.

Holiday Sales

From Christmas sales to New Year’s savings events, Shimano reels will see special discounted pricing in the weeks surrounding the holidays at most major retailers.

Keep an eye out for holiday sales, gift guides, doorbusters, coupon codes, and sweepstakes giving you more chances to save.

Early Season Clearance Sales

With new Shimano reels debuting each year in late winter, retailers will discount remaining previous year models in January and February. Shop off-season for up to 25% or more off.

Garage Sales and Spring Cleaning

Check your local classifieds, Facebook Marketplace, and garage sales for individuals clearing out fishing gear. You may luck into scarcely used Shimano reels at a fraction of original cost.

Timing is key for scoring seasonal sale prices on Shimano reels. Be most vigilant leading up to major holidays and during the off-season clearance sales to reel in the best bargain.

Buy Used – Consider pre-owned and refurbished

Purchasing used and refurbished reels is a smart money-saving strategy for picking up Shimano reels at a discount. Pre-owned reels offer big savings over new if you shop smart.

Scour Local Classifieds

Check sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp for individuals selling used Shimano reels in your area. Meet up to inspect condition and function before purchasing.

Anglers often sell great condition reels for cheap when upgrading gear or downsizing their tackle collection. This is a chance for major savings.

Shop eBay and Online Forums

eBay provides access to a vast selection of new, used, and refurbished reels shipped right to your door. Thoroughly check seller ratings and auction details.

Fishing forums like iCast and Spearboard have classifieds sections also worth browsing for secondhand Shimano reels at reduced prices.

Consider Refurbished Reels

Refurbished reels go through rigorous reconditioning and testing by the manufacturer before resale. It’s like getting a reel good as new for often 40% or more off retail.

Keep an eye out for certified refurbished Shimano reels from trustworthy retailers to score near-new performance on a budget.

Inspect Condition Closely

When buying used, carefully examine the reel for signs of damage, wear and tear, and smooth functioning. Ask questions of sellers for full disclosure.

While not risk-free, used reels present Shacke-saving opportunities for anglers willing to do their homework.

Local Stores – Check brick-and-mortar for sales

Don’t overlook physical tackle shops and sporting goods stores when searching for reduced prices on Shimano reels. Local retailers often have sales and clearances not promoted online.

Check Circulars and Ad Flyers

Stop by brick-and-mortar fishing stores and check their latest circulars and ad flyers. These will alert you to any upcoming sales or discounts offered in-store only.

Sometimes big box stores like Dick’s Sporting Goods and Academy Sports run special savings on fishing gear not advertised on their websites.

Ask About Clearance Items

Talk with store employees about any clearance or discounted fishing items. Retail staff are often aware of overstock, floor models, returned items, and other unadvertised clearance deals.

Don’t be shy – ask if they have any Shimano reels on clearance or if they can offer a steeper discount on a particular model.

Negotiate With Small Shops

Local independent tackle shops are often more flexible on prices, especially during slower seasons. Build a relationship with small shop owners and politely negotiate on Shimano prices.

Offering to pay in cash or combining reel purchases with other items can help secure a bargain.

Bring Competitor Price Proofs

If you’ve found a lower advertised price on a Shimano reel at another retailer, ask your local shop to try to beat it. Many will match or undercut competitor prices when presented with proof.

Checking back frequently and asking questions can help uncover hidden brick-and-mortar savings on Shimano reels not visible online.

Online Retailers – Search ecommerce sites for deals

Online fishing tackle retailers offer a convenient way to find reduced pricing and discounts on Shimano reels without leaving home. Leverage the web to uncover deals across multiple ecommerce sites.

Check Product Listings Closely

Carefully examine each Shimano reel’s product page for any advertised discounts, sale badges, or special offers noted. Retailers will promote price drops clearly on product listings.

Sign up for in-stock alerts so you’re notified if a price is reduced on a reel you’ve had your eye on.

Look for Sitewide Sales

Major tackle retailers like Tackle Warehouse, Marine General, FishUSA, etc. will occasionally run sitewide sales discounting everything online, including all Shimano reels.

These rare sales may offer 10-15% off or more site wide and are worth waiting for if you aren’t in a rush.

Leverage Coupon Codes

Search for active coupon and promo codes you can apply at checkout on top fishing sites. Codes offering free shipping, 10% off, $10 off $50, etc. add up to sizable savings.

Check deal sites like Offer.com and Capital One Shopping which aggregate the latest codes across retailers.

Watch for Flash Sales

Occasional flash sales will discount select Shimano reels deeply for very limited times like 24-48 hours. Create accounts and opt-in for deal alerts so you never miss short-lived lightning deals.

Staying on top of ecommerce tackle sites makes deal hunting Shimano reels convenient and fruitful.

Cash Back Sites – Earn rebates when shopping online

Cash back and rebate sites provide an easy way to get a percentage of your Shimano reel purchase price back in cash rewards. A little extra cash cushion for your wallet.

Use Rakuten

Rakuten (formerly Ebates) gives up to 10% back at popular tackle sites like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. Simply shop through Rakuten first and earn cash back that deposits to your account.

Occasional bonuses and double cash back promotions make savings opportunities even sweeter.

Try TopCashback

Similar to Rakuten, TopCashback partners with leading online retailers to provide member cash back. Fishing stores like FishUSA and Marine General routinely offer payouts.

Check TopCashback first before browsing for Shimano reels and snag a percentage back in free money.

Install Browser Extensions

To easily remember to access cash back sites first, use the Rakuten or TopCashback browser extensions. This displays cash back amounts on retailer sites and reminds you to enable rewards.

Stack Cash Back with Other Discounts

The cash back provided by these rebate services stacks on top of any discounted prices, coupon codes, or sales you take advantage of. It’s free money added to already scored deals.

A little extra time shopping through cash back sites nets you bonus savings when bargaining hunting Shimano reels online.

Coupons & Promos – Use codes and clippings for extra savings

Beyond just sales, coupons and promo codes provide another lucrative way to lower the price you pay on Shimano reels. A little coupon clipping goes a long way.

Look for Printable Coupons

Both tackle retailers and manufacturers like Shimano themselves periodically offer printable coupons – physical or digital. These offer set discounts like $10 off or % off an entire order.

Check Shimano’s website under the support section, sign up for retailer emails, and monitor coupon sites to find the latest printable deals.

Search for Online Codes

Retailers provide online promo codes offering free shipping, 10-15% off orders, $10 off $50+ orders, and more. These special alphanumeric codes are entered at checkout for instant savings.

Check retail sites directly or use aggregators like CouponCabin to find valid codes you can stack on sale prices.

Don’t Overlook In-Store Coupons

Brick-and-mortar retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, and Walmart often distribute in-store coupons via small kiosks, hanging tags, app offers, etc. Browse aisles closely!

Combining an in-store coupon with an advertised sale price can score you tremendous savings at the cash register.

Timing Is Key

Coupon availability fluctuates regularly, so persistence and good timing is key. Check frequently and combine with sales for optimal value.

With a little coupon clipping creativity, you can reel in some of the lowest prices around on Shimano reels this season.

Warranties – Understand coverage to get the best value

When bargain shopping for reels, pay close attention to included warranty coverage. The warranty protects your investment and saves you money in the long run.

New Shimano Reels Have 1-Year Warranty

All new Shimano reels come standard with a 1-year limited warranty covering defects and workmanship issues. Buying new gives you a year of protection.

Thoroughly read Shimano’s warranty details so you understand what is and isn’t covered before your purchase.

Consider Extending Coverage

Some retailers offer optional extended warranty plans that you can add to your Shimano reel purchase for a few extra dollars. The added coverage can pay for itself if issues arise down the road.

Common extensions offer an additional 1-3 years of warranty protection beyond the standard 1-year term.

Used and Refurbished Varies

Buying used or refurbished Shimano reels means the original 1-year warranty has generally expired. Some retailers offer shorter 90-day warranties.

Closely inspect pre-owned reels and ask for details to get clarity on any warranty or return protections offered.

Compare Warranty Value

When comparing prices and deals between retailers, calculate the value of differences in warranty length and coverage. This protects your bargain investment.

Understanding Shimano’s warranties ensures your discounted reel remains protected from defects down the road.

Buying Guides – Learn which reels offer the most bang for your buck

With the wide range of Shimano reels available, it helps to study buying guides and reviews to determine which models consistently offer the best value and performance for the money.

Consult Expert Breakdowns

Major tackle sites like Tackle Warehouse often publish detailed buying guides that break down top Shimano reels by category and recommend best budget-friendly models.

These guides offer insider analysis of performance, key features, and true value across Shimano’s lineup from fishing pros.

Read Shimano’s Catalogs

Shimano publishes an annual fishing catalog detailing key technologies and features for every reel family. This provides helpful education when evaluating options.

Use the catalog specs to compare capabilities across similar models and series to inform value.

Check Manufacturer Star Ratings

Shimano rates reels on their own website by assigning star ratings denoting the model tier. This quick visual indicator communicates quality and performance expectations.

Lean toward higher-star models on a budget to maximize bang for buck.

Watch Video Reviews

Youtube is packed with detailed video reviews of specific Shimano reels from enthusiasts. Watching videos lets you see reels in action from real world anglers.

Let guides and reviews clue you into the Shimano reels that give you the most quality, performance, and satisfaction per dollar spent.

Reviews – Read feedback from other anglers before purchasing

Before selecting any discounted Shimano reel, it pays to read through detailed reviews from fellow anglers who have firsthand experience with specific models. Their feedback provides helpful insight.

Check Retailer Website Reviews

Major tackle selling sites like Tackle Warehouse allow customers to post reviews and ratings on each reel sold. Read multiple reviews to identify common pros and cons.

Look for recurring positive or negative themes to get an accurate feel for real-world performance.

See What Owners Say

Beyond retailer reviews, explore fishing forums and communities like Reddit where Shimano reel owners provide feedback after extended use. These offer deeper perspective.

If multiple owners mention a flaw or limitation, it’s worth investigating further before your purchase.

Watch Video Reviews

Youtube and video blogs provide a valuable visual medium for reel reviews. Watching them in action delivers insights plain text cannot.

If possible, look for videos reviewing the exact model/year you are considering when feasible.

Weigh Cons with Pros

No reel is perfect for every angler. Read both positive and negative reviews to determine if a model’s pros outweigh any cons for your needs.

Let other customer experiences guide you to a discounted Shimano reel that satisfies.

Buy Off-Season – Look for sales during less busy times

Timing your Shimano reel purchase strategically during slower seasons can help you score marked down prices retailers offer to boost lagging sales.

Shop the Fall

As summer ends and cooler weather arrives, fishing activity declines. Retailers begin discounting reels in September/October ahead of the holidays.

This is often when you’ll find some of the best clearance pricing as stores try to liquidate old inventory before new models release.

Hunt Post-Holiday January Sales

The period from New Year’s to early March tends to be very slow for tackle sales. Retailers will frequently run deep discounts and promotions during this time to generate interest.

The post-holiday clearance sales offer great bargain hunting on all remaining Shimano stock.

Set Price Alerts

To stay on top of price fluctuations, use price tracking tools on major retail sites. You can set customized alerts to notify you when a Shimano reel dips below a target price.

This allows you to pounce during short seasonal sale periods you might otherwise miss.

Think Like a Retailer

Follow fishing accounts on social media to learn when new products release. Old stock price drops will quickly follow as retailers prep for new inventory.

Timing it right nets you outstanding savings on Shimano reels this off-season.

Be Patient – Wait for prices to drop if you can

Scoring the best bargains on Shimano reels often requires patience and resisting impulse purchases. Give yourself time to take advantage of periodic sales and deals.

Sign Up for Price Drop Alerts

Major retailers let you save a reel and get email/text price alerts when it drops below a specified threshold. Use these tools and wait for the deals to come to you.

CamelCamelCamel and other sites provide alerts when Amazon prices decrease on specific products.

Add Items to Your Wish List

Place desired Shimano reels in your wish list or cart across top retailers. Most will send periodic discount codes aimed at pushing you to purchase saved items.

Wait for a worthy sale targeted to your wish list before acting.

Avoid Impulse Purchases

It’s easy to overpay by jumping on a Shimano reel the moment you decide you want it. Force yourself to wait and find the best price.

Set a reasonable timeframe, like 2-3 months, to find ideal sales with extra discounts stacked.

Time it Right

Exercise patience and buy in the predicted off-seasons we covered when prices traditionally dip. Good things come to those who wait!

With clearance discounts as high as 50% off or more, a little patience pays when bargain hunting Shimano reels.