We may earn a commission for purchases through links on our site, Learn more.
Fishing is an age-old activity enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. It is not only a great way to unwind and relax, but it can also be a fun and relatively inexpensive hobby. Whether you prefer to cast your line on an occasional weekend getaway or go on regular fishing trips with friends and family, there is always something special about being out on the water, enjoying the fresh air and the beautiful scenery.
However, fishing gear and equipment costs can quickly add up, especially if you’re an avid angler or someone who fishes professionally. The expenses can be significant, from rods and reels to hooks, lures, bait, and other tackle. That’s why many people constantly seek opportunities to save money on fishing gear or even get it for free.
Fortunately, there are several ways to get fishing gear for free or at a reduced cost. For instance, you can participate in fishing contests or giveaways, where sponsors provide prizes that include fishing gear and equipment. You can also check social media platforms or online classifieds for people giving away their used fishing gear or selling it at a discount.
Whatever your approach, fishing is a fantastic hobby that can be enjoyed without breaking the bank. With a little bit of research and creativity, you can find ways to get the gear you need to make your fishing experience even more enjoyable.
There are several ways to get free fishing equipment without spending a dime. Below, I’ll discuss these methods and where to find fishing gear at low prices. As a bonus, I’ll also provide a step-by-step guide on how to score free fishing gear from companies.
Let’s dive in!
How to get free fishing tackle
Check out these legitimate methods for free fishing gear.
1. Sign up for field test fishing
Field Test Fishing offers fishermen of all levels the chance to receive free fishing lures and gear. You can participate whether you’re a seasoned pro or a weekend angler.
Signing up is easy. Visit the website and register by providing your name and address and answering a few questions, such as your favorite fish.
Members are selected randomly to receive complimentary fishing gear, subject to availability. Additionally, all members are entered into weekly giveaways on the site.
2. Sign up for the Review Your Gear Newsletter
Review Your Gear is a website that reviews hunting and fishing gear, among other resources.
You can receive complimentary fishing gear when you subscribe to the site’s newsletter.
To claim your free gear, simply visit the page and enter your email address to subscribe to the Review Your Gear Newsletter.
Upon subscription, you’ll have one to two opportunities to win each month.
3. Use Swagbucks to get free cash for fishing gear
Swagbucks is a website where you can earn money by doing simple tasks like:
- Playing games
- Shopping online
- Browsing the internet
- Taking surveys
- Watching videos
- Completing offers
You earn points for completing these tasks, which you can exchange for cash deposited directly into your PayPal account. You can use the cash to get free fishing gear.
Additionally, Swagbucks offers free gift cards for various retailers, including Bass Pro Shops and Walmart, where you can purchase fishing gear.
Get free gift cards from Swagbucks for use at various stores.
- Sign up for Swagbucks here.
You can download the Swagbucks app here:
- Download Swagbucks for Android devices.
- Download Swagbucks for iOS devices.
4. Look out for fishing gear giveaways on Rusty Angler
Rusty Angler is a website known for regularly featuring fishing giveaways. Currently, they are offering a summer giveaway valued at over $430.
- Visit their website for a list of ongoing fishing gear giveaways.
5. Get free money for fishing gear instantly with Qmee
If you require cash to buy fishing gear, consider joining Qmee.
Qmee is a website where you earn money by doing simple tasks such as:
- Shopping online
- Searching the web
- Completing surveys
Like Swagbucks, Qmee stands out because it has no minimum cash-out requirement. This means you can withdraw your earnings whenever you like, and they can be instantly transferred to your PayPal account.
It’s a convenient way to earn extra money for your fishing gear!
- Sign up for Qmee here.
You can download the Qmee app here:
- Download Qmee for Android devices.
- Download Qmee for iOS devices.
- Download the Qmee Chrome Extension.
6. Look out for fishing giveaways on Wired2Fish
Wired2Fish offers free fishing gear through giveaways listed on their website. To enter, simply visit the page and sign up, fill out basic information such as your name and email address.
7. Sign up for a chance to get free fishing gear from BioSpawn
BioSpawn offers free samples of its lures, baits, and other items. BioSpawn randomly selects 50 to 100 people from the tester list each month to receive free product samples.
To sign up for a chance to receive these free samples, visit their website and click “Learn more” under the “Sign up for a chance to test our baits for free” section.
Once you’re on the page, scroll down to find the sign-up form or click the link provided. Enter your name and email address and create a password to join the tester list. You can also receive coupons, contest details, and updates from BioSpawn.
If you’re selected as a tester, BioSpawn encourages you to share your experience with their products and welcomes your feedback.
8. Check out free fishing giveaways on Premier Angler
Premier Angler offers free fishing gear giveaways. Check out their page for a list of current giveaways where you could score free stuff. Currently, they have a giveaway where you can submit a photo of your best catch to enter for a chance to win a $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card.
9. Start a fishing blog
Having your own fishing blog can lead to receiving free fishing gear for reviews.
When your blog gains traction, companies may contact you to offer free products in exchange for mentions or reviews. Building a solid audience is key to attracting these offers. As you establish yourself as a trusted fishing expert with an engaged following, you can proactively reach out to companies for review and sponsorship opportunities.
10. Become a fishing influencer
You can become a fishing influencer without a blog. If writing isn’t your forte, don’t fret. You can still make an impact through videos or social media content. Instagram lets you flaunt your fishing skills with photos.
Alternatively, you can share tutorials and reviews on YouTube. Once you gather followers, you could land sponsorships from leading fishing brands for cash or free gear in exchange for promoting their products and boosting sales.
11. Trade with a friend
Want something your friend has? Check your fishing gear collection to see if you have anything they might want in exchange.
Don’t hesitate to ask, you might be surprised at the trades you can make!
12. Check local thrift stores
Some thrift stores receive donations they haven’t sorted through yet and placed on shelves. If you can’t find fishing gear on display, you can ask if they have any in stock. Sometimes, they might give it to you for free if they don’t expect to sell it for much.
If you decide to purchase gear, chances are it’ll be much cheaper than buying from a specialty store.
13. Start a local fishing club
Many companies support local community groups to boost their brand and products. For example, you can start a fishing club and seek sponsorship or equipment donations from fishing gear companies.
They may offer free gear for activities like teaching kids to fish or hosting community fishing tournaments. This approach applies to scouting groups or youth organizations focusing on outdoor activities.
14. Scout for local garage sales
Garage sales often offer great deals on fishing gear, often for free or at very low prices. People often sell off their old or unused equipment, which can still be in good condition. While not always free, gently used gear can be found at excellent prices.
Sometimes, if sellers are eager to clear out their items or the sale is ending soon, you might even get lucky and snag some items for free.
A few places to get cheap fishing gear
If you’re aiming to save money on fishing tackle, it’s essential to shop smart. Consider purchasing gear from stores that offer the best deals.
Here are some recommended websites for finding cheap fishing gear:
15. Alibaba
Alibaba offers a wide range of products from China at highly affordable prices. While many deals require bulk purchases, some sellers also offer single items.
Currently, fishing lures are priced as low as $0.07 to $0.20 per piece, and various other attractive offers on fishing equipment are also available.
16. DHgate.com
DHgate.com offers wholesale prices on products from China, similar to Alibaba. For instance, fishing hooks can be found on the website for as low as $0.02 each. Many other great deals are also available for fishing rods, lures, and other gear.
17. DICK’S Sporting Goods
Discover great deals on fishing gear at DICK’S Sporting Goods clearance section. Enjoy significant markdowns from your favorite brands.
Additionally, DICK’S Sporting Goods offers a Best Price guarantee. They’ll match any lower price you find elsewhere. By signing up for their email list, you get an extra 10% off. Plus, if you join DICK’S Text Alerts, you’ll receive $20 off a $100 purchase. That means significant savings on fishing gear.
18. DiscountTackle.com
DiscountTackle.com is your go-to destination for affordable fishing gear. In addition to its great prices, it features a clearance section offering amazing deals. You’ll discover discounts like saving $10 on a Daiwa spinning reel.
Browse through a variety of top brands, such as Rapala, Duo Realis, and Lucky Craft, to find fantastic deals.
19. OverstockBait.com
OverstockBait.com offers free fishing gear and great deals on fishing equipment. You can find discounts such as 25%, 99 cents, 49 cents, and $1.99 deals. Plus, you get a 10% discount on your first order when you sign up.
20. Walmart
Looking for affordable fishing gear? Consider Walmart. With their low prices, it’s a no-brainer to shop there for all your fishing needs.
21. Field & Stream
Field & Stream offers a dedicated section for discounted fishing gear. You’ll find great deals on products from various brands, such as Abu Garcia, Daiwa, and Berkeley.
How to get free gear from fishing companies
If you’re looking to save money on fishing gear, there’s another easy way besides using free websites or finding low-cost stores, which I mentioned earlier.
Simply reach out to companies directly.
Many companies are willing to give out freebies if you ask them. Even if they don’t advertise it on their website, they might still provide free gear when customers contact them.
To do this, visit the contact page on the company’s website. It’s usually at the top or bottom of the site or sometimes on the About page. Then, just reach out and ask! It’s as simple as that.
Below are contact pages from various fishing brands to help you begin:
You might receive free fishing gear. If not, they might offer you coupons or promotional stickers instead. It never hurts to ask, and it won’t cost you anything.
What to say to the company
When reaching out to your favorite fishing brand, it’s wise to have a template that you can customize for each company you contact. Using a template saves time.
Here’s a template you can use to contact brands for free fishing gear:
Hi,
I’m [Your Name]. I wanted to express my admiration for your company. Your fishing gear has been my go-to choice for years, significantly enhancing my fishing trips. I frequently recommend your products to friends and family due to their quality and reliability.
As a loyal customer, I wanted to extend my appreciation for your excellent work.
Additionally, I’m curious if you offer any samples or coupons. I’m eager to explore more of your product range and would be grateful for any assistance you could provide.
Thank you for your time, and I hope you have a wonderful day!
[Your Name]
Customize this letter for each brand you contact. Adding a personal touch, like sharing your experience with the brand’s products, can increase the chances of a response.
You can copy and paste this message into an email, chatbox, or contact form on the brand’s website. If you prefer to call, use a script similar to the one provided in the template.
Be courteous, express your admiration for the company, and avoid sounding overly demanding. This approach may lead to receiving complimentary fishing equipment or valuable coupons to save you money.
Free fishing gear on Craigslist
Looking for free stuff near you? Craigslist is your go-to. Every day, people offer up loads of freebies, including fishing gear.
Here’s how to find them on your local Craigslist site:
Step 1: Go to Craigslist.org.
Step 2: Click the “For Sale” section and select the “Free” tab.
Step 3: Type “fishing” into the search bar and hit enter.
Craigslist will display all the ads in the “Free” section offering fishing-related items. You can also narrow down your search for specific items such as:
- hooks
- lines
- sinkers
- floats
- rods
- reels
- baits
- lures
- tackle boxes
- and more.
While other apps for local buying and selling are popular, Craigslist remains one of the most popular platforms for buying, selling, and giving away items.
Find fishing gear giveaways easily
Participating in giveaways is a great way to score free fishing gear. Fortunately, many brands and retailers host numerous giveaways, offering plenty of freebies.
Just stay alert to spot these opportunities.
Keep an eye on social media
To find giveaways, visit your favorite fishing brands’ social media pages on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Brands often announce giveaways on their social media accounts, so following them keeps you informed about freebies.
Another way is to search for “#giveaway” on social media. This lets you discover recent giveaways easily.
Remember to watch out for scammers. Legitimate companies won’t ask for your credit card, debit card, bank information, or sensitive details like your social security number. Avoid giving out any financial or personal information when entering giveaways.
Look for Sweepstakes in Fishing and Outdoor Magazines
You can also score free fishing-related stuff by checking out outdoor and fishing magazines.
Here are some top fishing magazines:
- Field & Stream
- Saltwater Sportsman
- Outdoor Life
- Sport Fishing Magazine
- Bassmaster
Some of these magazines offer free subscriptions. Even if not, they often have free content on their websites. Look for sweepstakes and giveaways. Entering takes less than 60 seconds, so you have little to lose but a minute of your time.
The bottom line
If you’re an avid angler or just starting out, you might be interested in getting free fishing equipment. Fortunately, you can get fishing gear in many ways without spending a dime. You can start by checking out online forums and social media groups that cater to fishing enthusiasts.
These communities often have members willing to give away their old or unused fishing equipment for free. You can also attend fishing trade shows and events where you can score free samples of fishing gear from manufacturers and distributors.
Another option is to join fishing clubs or organizations that offer free equipment rentals or loan programs to their members. With some research and effort, you can build up your fishing gear collection without breaking the bank.