Guide to Bass Pro Shops Clearance Deals
t with a cart full of gear I didn’t know I “needed” — all from the clearance racks.
When I checked the receipts later and realized I’d saved more than I spent, I got obsessed. Since then, I’ve tested pretty much every angle of Bass Pro Shops clearance: in-store, online, seasonal, open-box, you name it. This guide is everything I’ve learned, plus a few mistakes I’d rather you don’t repeat.
How Bass Pro Shops Clearance Actually Works
In my experience, Bass Pro’s clearance system is a weird mix of strategy and chaos.
There are a few key layers:
- Red/Yellow Tag Clearance in Store – These are the classic clearance stickers. Red and yellow tags usually mean “final markdown” or close to it. When I tested tracking the same jacket over a month, it dropped from 30% off to 60% off before disappearing entirely.
- Online Clearance Section – The website has a dedicated “Sales & Clearance” area with filters by category (fishing, boating, apparel, etc.). I’ve consistently found deeper discounts online on clothing and end-of-line lures than in-store.
- Price Adjustments & Hidden Markdown Cycles – Associates have told me (anecdotally) that markdowns often drop at the start of a month or after major holidays, especially when inventory counts happen. While Bass Pro doesn’t publicly share its pricing logic, patterns show big clearance pushes around:
- January–February (post-holiday, post-hunting season)
- Late summer (pre-fall reset)
- Right after big sales events (Memorial Day, Black Friday, Labor Day)
- Cabela’s Cross-Listings – Since Bass Pro owns Cabela’s, a lot of clearance inventory is mirrored. I’ve snagged items cheaper on Cabela’s.com than on BassPro.com — exact same SKU, different markdown.
Online vs. In-Store: Where the Real Deals Are
I used to think all the best scores were hiding on those back-of-store clearance racks. After a year of comparing, I’ve changed my mind.
In-Store Wins
- Apparel & Footwear: Jackets, waders, boots, and odd sizes get heavy in-store markdowns. I once grabbed a $199 RedHead duck jacket for under $60 because it was last year’s camo pattern.
- Floor Models & Open-Box: When I tested asking associates directly, I was shown a “back area” with open-box fish finders and returns — some 30–40% off.
- Big, Awkward Items: Rod racks, display kayaks, oversized coolers. Shipping these is expensive, so in-store deals can be significantly better.
Online Wins
- Fishing Tackle & Terminal Gear: hooks, jig heads, soft plastics, line. Online clearance can run 40–60% off, especially for house brands.
- Electronics & Optics: I’ve seen depth finders, trail cameras, and lower-end scopes go 25–50% off online — especially older model years.
- Stackable Codes: Occasionally, Bass Pro lets you stack clearance prices with email coupons or members-only discounts. I’ve stacked a 10% code on top of a 40%-off clearance rod combo.
My current rule: if it’s wearable or huge, I check in-store first. If it’s small, technical, or brand-name electronics, I hunt online.
Timing Your Clearance Hunts (Seasonal Sweet Spots)
When I tracked my own buys and browsed weekly for a full year (yes, I’m that person), some patterns popped up.
Best Times I’ve Found for Specific Gear
- Fishing Gear: Late winter to early spring, then again in late summer. Old colors, discontinued crankbait models, and last year’s rod series show up heavily.
- Hunting Gear: Post-season is king. January and February are loaded with camo, boots, and blinds on serious markdown.
- Camping & Kayaks: Late summer and early fall, as the stores reset for hunting season.
- Cold-Weather Apparel: Late winter, when they want it gone yesterday.
I also see clearance spikes right after major promotions. For example, after Black Friday week, a lot of unsold promo items shift into clearance in December and January.
The Clearance Strategy I Actually Use
Here’s the rough playbook I’ve refined:
- Start Online, Filter Hard
I hit BassPro.com’s clearance section, filter by:
- Category I care about (say, “Fishing > Lures”)
- Size (for apparel)
- Discount level (I aim for 40%+ unless it’s premium gear)
- Cross-Check Cabela’s
I copy the product name or SKU and search on Cabelas.com. When I tested this over 20 items, about 30–40% were cheaper on one site than the other.
- Use the Store Inventory Checker
For bigger items, I check if my local store has it. Sometimes, in-store is even cheaper than the online clearance price. I’ve had associates honor the lower price when I show them the site.
- Stack with Rewards
The Bass Pro Shops CLUB credit card can earn 2–5% back in points depending on category. I’m not a fan of opening store cards casually (more on that later), but if you already have it, clearance plus points is a strong combo.
- Set a “Use It or Lose It” Rule
Clearance is dangerous because “cheap” feels like “free.” I force myself to answer: Will I use this in the next 90 days? If not, I pass. When I actually stuck to that, my “regret pile” shrank quickly.
Hidden Opportunities Most Shoppers Skip
When I tested just shopping the obvious clearance racks versus “digging,” my savings difference was huge.
Open-Box & Returns
I’ve bought:
- A fish finder that was a customer return for about 30% off. Box looked rough, unit was flawless.
- A pair of waders with a missing belt for 40% off — I used a spare strap I already had.
You usually won’t see these on the main rack. Ask at the service counter if they have any open-box deals or returns in your category.
Discontinued Models
When manufacturers release new generations of rods, reels, electronics, Bass Pro quietly dumps the older ones on clearance.
You might miss a couple of cutting-edge features, but you can score previous-gen gear that’s still excellent. For example, older Humminbird and Lowrance models often show up 20–40% off when a new series launches.
Odd Sizes and Colors
If you’re a common size (men’s L, women’s M), you’ll see lots of cleared-out apparel in either XXXL or XS. When I tested buying “weird” colors or patterns, I saved big — and on the water, nobody cares if your rain jacket isn’t Instagram-perfect.
Pros and Cons of Bass Pro Clearance (From Experience)
What I Love
- Real Savings on Big-Ticket Items – Rods, reels, waders, jackets… I’ve saved over 50% on premium gear more than once.
- Quality Brands – Clearance doesn’t mean junk. I’ve seen Shimano, Lew’s, and Columbia pieces on those racks.
- Generous Return Policy – Bass Pro’s standard return policy generally applies to clearance (excluding final-sale or heavily marked closeout items), which adds a layer of safety.
What Drives Me Nuts
- Inconsistent Pricing – I’ve seen the same lure ring up at three different prices: tag, online, and register. I now always ask for a price check or show the online listing.
- FOMO Pressure – Clearance feels “limited,” which makes it easy to buy junk you don’t really need.
- Store Card Temptation – The CLUB card points are real, but they’re not worth it if you carry a balance. According to the CFPB, retail cards often carry APRs above 25% [1]. Those interest charges can wipe out any clearance savings fast.
How to Avoid Clearance Regret
In my experience, the difference between a smart clearance haul and a trunk full of regret comes down to a few habits:
- Know Your Baseline Prices – I check Amazon, manufacturer sites, and even Walmart for comparable pricing. A 30% “clearance” isn’t special if the same item is cheaper elsewhere.
- Check Reviews Before You Grab – I’ve dodged some truly bad reels by taking 60 seconds to skim reviews on Bass Pro’s site and on third-party sellers.
- Inspect In-Store Items Like a Hawk – I’ve caught cracked rod guides, misaligned reel seats, and torn seams on waders. Clearance often means last-of-stock; you don’t want the factory defect.
- Respect Your Budget – I set a hard monthly “gear fun money” limit. If I hit it, even the best clearance stays on the shelf.
Who Clearance Deals Work Best For
After dragging friends into this game, here’s who I think gets the most out of Bass Pro clearance:
- Beginners building their first kit – You can gear up with house-brand rods, reels, tackle boxes, and basic apparel at half-price if you’re not picky on colors.
- Weekend anglers and hunters – Solid mid-tier gear at good prices, especially off-season.
- Parents outfitting kids – Kids outgrow everything. Grabbing last season’s youth apparel and entry-level combos on clearance is a smart move.
If you’re a hardcore tournament angler or guide, clearance can still be gold — but focus on lures, backup rods, and clothing. For critical, mission-essential items, you may want the latest tech and full warranty support.
Final Thoughts From a Serial Clearance Scavenger
When I tested shopping only clearance for a full spring fishing season, I had everything I needed: rods, line, rain gear, a ridiculous number of soft plastics — all at about 40–60% below full retail.
Did I buy a couple of things I didn’t really need? Absolutely. That’s the trap.
But when you:
- Time your visits around seasonal resets,
- Cross-check Bass Pro with Cabela’s,
- Inspect gear carefully,
- And stay honest about what you’ll truly use,
Bass Pro Shops clearance deals go from “random bargain bin” to “strategic gear upgrade system.”
And yeah, you might still walk out with more crankbaits than any one person strictly needs. But if you’re paying half price for all of them, it stings a whole lot less.
Sources
- Bass Pro Shops Official Website – Sales & Clearance - Official clearance and sales section for Bass Pro Shops
- Cabela’s Official Website – Bargain Cave - Sister brand’s clearance area, often with overlapping inventory
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau – Retail Credit Cards - Data and analysis on retail credit card APRs and risks
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Consumer Expenditures Data - Official statistics on consumer spending patterns, including recreation and retail
- Forbes – How To Save Money Shopping Online - General strategies for stacking discounts and comparing prices online
