Kwaks Trading Post

You probably already realize that fishing equipment can be pretty expensive, but did you know that your old gear could be worth something too? Old gear is often left behind by being discarded in a closet, basement, or attic when fishermen upgrade to newer equipment. But, old gear that you have lying around is probably worth more than you think.

So If you have any old rods, reels, or lures lying around, they might be worth taking a closer look at. Some older fishing tackle can even appreciate in value and be worth more than newer equipment. So let’s take a closer look!

Factors that determine how much fishing equipment is worth include age, condition, and rarity. For example, a reel that is in perfect condition will be worth more than one that has been heavily used or damaged. Similarly, a rare hard to find rod will be worth more than a common one.

So if you have any old or unused gear lying around, it’s definitely worth taking the time to investigate what you have and how much it’s worth. You might be surprised at how much money you could get for it!

But one thing that it’s important to remember is that anything is only worth what someone is willing to pay for it. So if you’re thinking of selling any old or unused fishing gear, it’s best to do your research and find out what people are willing to pay.

There are also several different ways to sell equipment, so you should choose the one that will give you the best return on your investment. But, we will take a look at that in a moment, first let’s find and figure out exactly what you have.

Check Your Garage And Basement

The first step in finding out how much your gear is worth is to take inventory of what you have. Check your garage, basement, and any other storage areas where you might have long stashed your gear. Once you’ve compiled a list of everything you have, you can start to research exactly what you have and how much it’s worth.

Fishermen often have gear laying around that they have long forgotten about. You’ll probably be surprised at how much you have when you take the time to really look for it. So it’s definitely worth taking a few minutes to do an inventory of some of the storage areas around your house. You just may have hidden items worth money that you have long forgotten about.

Do Your Research

Now that you understand why you may want to give that old discarded gear a second look, you will need to figure out exactly what you have and how much another angler would be willing to pay for it.

So let’s first take a look at some of the things you need to do in order to find out what you have and then we’ll figure out what it is worth.

What Exactly Do You Have?

In order to learn exactly what type of fishing gear you have, there are a few things you can do. One of the best ways to get an idea of what you have is to take pictures or videos of your equipment and post them online. This can be done on fishing forums, auction websites, or even social media platforms.

Another way to learn about your gear is to simply do some research. There are a lot of fishing websites, auction sites, and forums where you can learn about different types of fishing equipment.

Finally, you can also about learn about what you have by looking through fishing magazines and books. Much has been written that can help you learn about different types of fishing gear.

Then once you have an idea of what you have, you can begin to research how much it is worth.

So How Much Is My Gear Worth?

Now that you know what you have, it’s time to start finding out what it is worth and what other fishermen will be willing to pay for your equipment.

Here are a couple of places where you can find that information,

Check Online Auctions and Websites

One of the best ways to find out how much fishing gear is worth is to check online auctions and stores. There are a number of websites that specialize in selling fishing gear, so you should be able to find comparable items to get an idea of just how much your gear is worth. But remember that when you’re looking at fishing gear for sale to pay attention to things like shipping costs and taxes, as these can add a significant amount to the final price.

Dealers, Collectors, And Other Fishermen

If you want to get a more accurate estimate of how much your gear is worth, you should contact a fishing equipment dealer or collector. Dealers are usually very knowledgeable about fishing gear values and can give you a good idea of what your gear is worth. Other anglers, especially collectors are an excellent source for this information as well.

The Factors That Affect Fishing Equipment Value

Now that you know where to look, let’s take a look at some of the factors that go into figuring out how the value of gear is determined.

Condition is the most important factor when determining the value of fishing equipment. A reel that is in excellent condition is going to be worth more than one that has been heavily used. The same goes for fishing rods and lures.

Age is another important factor in determining fishing gear value. The older the equipment is, often the more valuable it is likely to be. This is because older fishing gear is often harder to find, and there are usually fewer items available.

Scarcity is another important factor, especially when it comes to fishing gear. Some lures are rarer than others, and there are certain fishing rods and reels, that are worth a lot more because they are so rare.

Additional Factors That Determine Value

Along with age, condition, and scarcity, there are several other factors that can also affect the value of your gear. These include the type of gear, the brand, the popularity of the model, and the features.

For example, higher end brands like Shimano, Daiwa, and Penn will almost always be worth more than lower end brands, simply because they hold their value better over time. The value of a rod is determined by things such as length and the material that is made of. Saltwater equipment is also usually worth more than freshwater since it’s made better, not as common, and therefore more sought after by collectors.

So as you can see, there are a lot of factors that go into determining the value of your gear. If you are considering selling any of your fishing equipment I can’t emphasize enough the importance of beginning with researching exactly what you have and what it is worth.

What Fishing Equipment is Worth the Most Money

Now that we’ve gone over some of the factors that determine fishing gear value, let’s take a look at some specific items that are worth the most money.

Fishing Reels

Your fishing reel is the most important piece of your fishing setup, and a number of them especially those used for saltwater are worth some money. Examples include reels made by Shimano, Penn, and Daiwa. These reels tend to be lighter, better quality, better balanced, and have better braking systems. Many anglers prefer these reels but look for them on the secondary market as a way of saving money. Older handmade reels also tend to be more valuable.

Fishing Rods

Fishing rods are another type of fishing gear that can be worth some money as well. One of the most valuable types of rods are those made of bamboo. Fly fishing rods are typically made from high-quality materials and are also very valuable. One example would be Oyster Bamboo Fly rods that will cost you upwards of $4000. They are very intricate and completely made by hand. 

Fishing Lures

Fishing lures are one of the most important pieces of your gear, and there are a number of different lures that can be quite valuable. Although fishing lures are relatively inexpensive there are some that have sold for hundreds and even thousands of dollars. The most valuable tend to be those made of wood with glass eyes that have seen the least amount of time in the water. The most recognized and therefore valuable lures were made by Creek Chub Bait Co, Pflueger, and Heddon.

Selling Your Gear

Once you have an idea of what you have and what your fishing gear is worth, you need to decide if you want to sell it or not. If you do decide to sell it, there are a few different ways you can go about it. So now let’s move on to the different ways to sell fishing gear, to make sure that you begin with the one that will give you the best return on your investment.

eBay and Online Auctions

One of the best ways to sell your gear is through an online auction site like eBay. Although you will find a lot of competition on these sites, they will also give you the chance to reach a large audience of potential buyers.

Fishing Enthusiasts

Another way to sell fishing gear is through a fishing equipment dealer or collector. They are usually more interested in buying fishing gear than the average fisherman, so they may be willing to pay more for it.

Facebook Marketplace

Another option for selling fishing gear is to use an online classifieds website like Facebook Marketplace. This is a good option because it’s easy to use and you can reach a large number of people.

Classifieds

You can also try selling your fishing gear through classified ads or online classifieds websites.

Local Bait And Tackle Dealers

If you have fishing gear that is in good condition, you may be able to sell it to a bait and tackle shop.

No matter how you decide to sell your gear, make sure you do your research and set a fair price. If you set a reasonable price, you should be able to sell your gear quickly and at a price that you consider acceptable.

Old vs. Antique Fishing Gear

Finally, when talking about old fishing gear that is no longer used it is important to take a moment and understand the difference between old and antique gear.

Old fishing gear can simply be defined as gear that is no longer used or needed. Old fishing gear can be found at garage sales, online classifieds, or even passed down from generation to generation.

Antique fishing gear is a bit different. Antique fishing gear is defined as fishing gear that is at least 100 years old. Antique fishing gear is often much more valuable than old fishing gear and can be found at auction houses or in the possession of collectors.

If you have antique fishing gear, it’s important to have it appraised by a professional before you sell it. This will help you get the most money for your fishing gear.

Conclusion

If you have fishing gear that you no longer use, don’t throw it away! There are many people who would love to buy your old gear, and you could make a pretty penny selling it. Do your research to find out what your gear is worth and how to best sell it, and you could be surprised at how much money you can get for it.

So there you have it! The different ways to find and figure out what you have and a couple of ways to get the most money for it, Here at Kwaks Trading Post, we are always looking for gear to buy, so feel free to give us a call or stop by our shop! You can even click here to send us a message. We would be happy to take a look at your fishing gear and give you a fair price. Thank you for reading and we hope this article was helpful.

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