Buying a $400 fish finder in July? You're overpaying. Wait until Black Friday and you'll save $100+. Spring Fishing Classic in March? That's when rods and reels hit their lowest prices—plus you can trade in your old gear for credit. Here's when Bass Pro's biggest sales happen—and what to buy at each one.
In this guide:
- Spring Fishing Classic (Early March): Your Biggest Fishing Gear Opportunity
- Black Friday (Late November): Where Electronics Get Seriously Discounted
- Memorial Day (Late May): Last Call for Summer Gear
- Other Sales Worth Your Time
- How CLUB Members Win Every Sale
- How to Track Sales Without the Hassle
- Your Cheat Sheet: When to Buy What
Spring Fishing Classic (Early March): Your Biggest Fishing Gear Opportunity
If you're buying fishing gear this year, this is your Super Bowl. The Spring Fishing Classic is Bass Pro Shops' marquee fishing event—a 21-day sale that kicks off in early March (in 2025, it started March 6).
This is a 21-day event with in-store seminars, family activities, and the year's deepest fishing gear discounts. It happens right when anglers are prepping for the season, so the deals hit the gear you actually need right now.
The Rod & Reel Trade-In Program is where things get interesting:
- Bring in your old rods and reels (yes, even the dusty ones from your garage)
- Get credit toward new gear purchases during the event
- Credit applies to premium brands and new models
- You don't need top-tier gear—even older, well-used equipment qualifies
Pro Tip: Don't skip the trade-in program just because your old gear isn't pristine. That dusty rod from 10 years ago still gets you credit toward a shiny new setup—and the savings stack with sale prices.
Beyond the trade-in deals, expect deep discounts on fishing electronics (think fish finders and GPS units), premium rods and reels, and tackle.
What to Buy (and What to Skip)
Best bets for Spring Classic: Rods, reels, fishing electronics, tackle, and anything you need to get on the water this season. This is when Bass Pro goes all-in on fishing gear.
What to skip: Apparel and hunting gear see better discounts during Memorial Day and Fall Hunting Classic. Focus your Spring Classic budget on fishing gear.
Black Friday (Late November): Where Electronics Get Seriously Discounted
Black Friday at Bass Pro Shops is where big-ticket items and electronics shine. While other retailers push TVs, Bass Pro discounts Garmin electronics, Daiwa reels, and Sig optics—often 30-40% off.
The sale starts the week before Thanksgiving and often leaks even earlier in November. Check weekly ads starting in early November—you don't need to camp out on Black Friday itself.
Spring Classic wins for complete fishing setups (rod, reel, tackle). Black Friday wins for premium electronics like fish finders and GPS units.
How to Stay Ahead
- Check Bass Pro's weekly ads online starting in early November
- CLUB members often get early access to select deals
- Sign up for email alerts—Bass Pro typically sends preview emails to subscribers
- Keep an eye on Groupon's Bass Pro Shops coupon page for current offers
Memorial Day (Late May): Last Call for Summer Gear
Memorial Day (late May) is your last shot at warm-weather gear before summer prices kick in. Expect deals on performance apparel (UV shirts, hats), fishing gear, and boating accessories from brands like Huk and Lew's.
This sale isn't as massive as Spring Fishing Classic or Black Friday, but it's strategically timed. If you wait until mid-summer to buy that performance fishing shirt or those boat shoes, you'll be picking through picked-over inventory at regular prices.
What to prioritize: Performance apparel (UV protection shirts, shorts, hats), warm-weather fishing gear, and boating accessories. If you're planning a summer of lake days and fishing trips, this is when you gear up without paying full retail.
Other Sales Worth Your Time
Beyond the big three, Bass Pro Shops runs several other sales throughout the year:
- Fall Hunting Classic (Late August–September): The seasonal counterpart to Spring Fishing Classic, this event focuses on hunting gear, firearms, and outdoor apparel for fall and winter. Expect similar trade-in programs and deep category-specific discounts.
- Great Outdoor Days (Recurring Throughout the Year): This sale offers savings up to 40% across multiple categories. It's not tied to a specific holiday, so check Bass Pro's promotions page monthly to catch it.
- Bargain Cave Clearance (End-of-Season): Bass Pro's clearance section cycles through seasonal inventory. End-of-season clearance (February for winter gear, August for summer gear) can yield serious savings if you're willing to buy next year's gear now.
Military members can also stack their Legendary Salute discount with sale prices for even better savings—a benefit that works year-round, not just during major sales.
How CLUB Members Win Every Sale
If you shop at Bass Pro Shops more than once or twice a year, the CLUB membership literally pays for itself during sales:
- Member-only pricing: Exclusive discounts on select items during major sales
- Early access: Get first dibs on sale events before the general public
- 5% price-match guarantee: Bass Pro doesn't just match competitor prices—they beat them by 5%
- Points on every purchase: Earn 2% back at Bass Pro and Cabela's, 1% everywhere else
- Exclusive event access: Special seminars, demos, and family activities during events like Spring Fishing Classic
The Math: If you're dropping $500 on a new rod and reel setup during Spring Fishing Classic, that 5% price-match guarantee just saved you $25—and you didn't even need a coupon. Add in the 2% points you're earning ($10 back on that $500 purchase), and you're looking at $35 in value on a single transaction.
For everything the CLUB card gets you year-round, check out our complete guide to Bass Pro CLUB benefits.
How to Track Sales Without the Hassle
You don't need to refresh Bass Pro's homepage every day to catch a good deal:
- Sign up for email alerts: Bass Pro sends subscribers early notifications about upcoming sales and exclusive offers
- Check the weekly ad: Visit Bass Pro's promotions page to see current deals and upcoming events
- Follow on social media: Bass Pro announces flash sales and limited-time offers on their social channels
- Use Groupon's coupon page: Bookmark Groupon's Bass Pro Shops page for a regularly updated list of current coupons and promo codes
- Join the CLUB: Members get early access and exclusive notifications about member-only deals
Bonus: Orders over $50 qualify for free standard shipping, so you can shop sales from your couch and still save on delivery.
Your Cheat Sheet: When to Buy What
Should you wait for a sale or buy now? This table answers that question for every major product category.
| Product Category | Best Sale Event | When | Why This Timing Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fishing Rods & Reels | Spring Fishing Classic | Early March | Trade-in program + deepest discounts on fishing gear |
| Fishing Electronics | Black Friday | Late November | Premium models hit lowest prices |
| Tackle & Lures | Spring Fishing Classic | Early March | Stock up before the season starts |
| Hunting Gear & Firearms | Fall Hunting Classic | Late Aug–Sept | Seasonal focus + trade-in opportunities |
| Summer Apparel | Memorial Day Sale | Late May | Full selection before peak summer |
| Camping & Outdoor Gear | Great Outdoor Days | Year-round | Recurring sale with broad category discounts |
| Optics | Black Friday | Late November | Premium electronics see steepest discounts |
| Boats & Marine Equipment | Spring Classic or Memorial Day | March or May | Pre-season prep timing; accessories discounted |
The pattern is simple: buy fishing gear in March, summer gear in May, hunting gear in late August, and electronics in November. Miss these windows and you're paying 20-40% more. Set reminders now and your wallet will thank you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the biggest sale at Bass Pro Shops each year?
It depends on what you're buying. The Spring Fishing Classic (early March) is the biggest event for fishing gear—it's a 21-day sale with a rod and reel trade-in program and the deepest discounts on fishing equipment. For electronics and big-ticket items like premium fish finders, optics, and high-end reels, Black Friday (late November) typically offers the steepest straight discounts.
When is the Spring Fishing Classic?
The Spring Fishing Classic typically starts in early March and runs for 21 days. In 2024, it kicked off on March 7. The event is held at all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's locations across the U.S., so you can shop in-store or online.
Does Bass Pro Shops have good Black Friday deals?
Yes—especially on electronics and premium gear. Historically, Black Friday deals have included significant discounts on Garmin fish finders and GPS units, Daiwa reels, and Sig optics. The deals often start the week before Thanksgiving, so you don't have to wait until Black Friday itself to start shopping.
Do CLUB members get extra discounts during sales?
Absolutely. CLUB members get member-only pricing on select items during sales, early access to sale events, and the 5% price-match guarantee applies year-round—even during major sales. You'll also earn points on every purchase (2% at Bass Pro and Cabela's, 1% everywhere else), which adds up fast during big shopping events.
Ready to start saving? Check out the latest deals and coupons on Groupon's Bass Pro Shops discount page to see what's available right now.
