By Luke Estel

 

When it comes to any fishing tackle, we all want the latest and greatest. I myself am no different but there is just one small problem, money. I was looking at new graphs the other day and looked up the new Lowrance 16 inch and the Humminbird Solix 15 inch units. For the low price of $3500.00 to $4000.00, you can own one. I am sure they are both really awesome units and it would make me look even cooler having a flat screen TV mounted on my boat, but I am going to have to pass on that this year. It’s not just graphs but everything from rods and reels to lures and line. Every year there will be “ bigger and better”. So, how does the working class fisherman afford these things? You wheel and deal. There are several ways to go about it and here are some examples that I typically use.

Buy last years model. Trust me, just because they added 20 more pixels in the graph or they put 5 more bearings into a reel doesn’t mean that the old model is no good. Look for sales at Cabelas/Bass Pro or any big outdoor chain. They are just like car dealerships, they want to move out the old stock and replace it with the new at the end of the year.

Sell your stuff. Yes I am a fishing hoarder and my wife tries to break me of it all the time but I am getting better. When it’s time to replace something, I try to sell my old stuff. Ebay works great, and word of mouth can sell something fast. Now that you sold your old stuff you can save up to buy what you want.

The trading post. Many years ago our ancestors did this to survive. It’s obviously not to survive now but trading still goes on today. Trade some crankbaits for some soft plastics or a rod for a reel. Talk to your friends after a tournament and tell them what you are looking for and see if you can strike a deal. It can even be bigger than those small items. How about an old four wheeler your kids don’t use for a 10hp motor for your small boat. People do it every day and it works.

For the people that can afford all of the latest and greatest, good for you. For the rest of us, it takes a little work. Don’t go broke fishing tournaments just because you think you have to have the best. You still have to catch them. Try these few things and it just might help you get what you need for this season.