A Tackle Shop Guide to Our Specials & Clearance Range
Buying from a clearance section shouldn't feel like a gamble. A fishing reel does not suddenly stop working just because a manufacturer released a newer version. Smart anglers know that hunting for genuine fishing specials and cheap fishing tackle is the most effective way to upgrade their setups or fill their boxes without paying full retail prices.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"The most common question I get when a customer points to a heavily discounted item in the bargain bin is, 'What is wrong with it?' The honest answer is almost always: nothing. Usually, it is simply a line we are discontinuing to make room for a new range, a product we have overstocked, or end-of-season gear that needs to move out of the warehouse. If for any reason we are selling a factory second (which is rarely ever), we will list it as such.
Occasionally, the price reflects an industry-wide supplier promotion rather than our own internal clearance decision. We include those items here because our customers want to see all the fishing specials in one place, and a genuine saving is a genuine saving regardless of where it comes from. Grabbing a discontinued reel model or stocking up on cheap fishing lures to cast into heavy timber where you will inevitably lose gear is just a financially smart way to shop."
— Ben Czulowski, Owner, Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm) | 20+ years industry experience
Why Our Fishing Gear & Outdoor Gear Goes on Sale
Understanding the retail cycle helps you spot genuine value when looking for cheap fishing gear.
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Model Updates (End of Line): Major brands like Shimano and Daiwa typically update their core reel and rod series every three to four years. When the new model arrives, the previous generation is immediately discounted to clear warehouse space. We don't want old models hanging about in our inventory and often we cut our losses and sell these run out lines at or below cost.
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Overstocked Items: Sometimes a particular size or style is over-ordered. These items are marked down to clear out the bins, even though they are identical to the full-priced versions.
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Packaging Changes: When a manufacturer updates their cardboard boxes or plastic clamshells, retailers like ourselves will often discount the older packaging so the display wall looks consistent with the new branding.
Pro-Tips: Shopping the Specials Aisle
- Buy Bulk for Snags: If you fish oyster racks for bream or heavy timber for Murray Cod, you are going to lose tackle. The clearance section is where you should look into buying your 'search baits'—the cheap fishing lures you cast into the ugliest structure first to see if fish are home, saving your expensive gear for safer water.
- Check the Specs: When buying clearance reels or rods, double-check the sizes. Sometimes the deeply discounted models are the obscure sizes (like an oversized 14000 reel or a heavy 15kg rod) that didn't sell as fast as the standard inshore models. Everything has a purpose, though.
Frequently Asked Questions About our Fishing Specials & Clearance Gear
How often does the clearance range change?
It changes constantly as stock sells through and new lines are added. There is no set schedule—a product that is here today may be gone in a few days if it moves quickly, and new fishing specials are added when we make warehouse stocking decisions or when supplier promotions drop. If you see something you want, the practical advice is not to wait on it. We do not hold clearance stock back, and we do not restock cleared lines once they are gone.
Are these items customer returns or damaged stock?
No. We do not hide damaged returns or second-hand gear in our general clearance section. Unless specifically stated otherwise on a unique product listing, every reel, rod, and lure in this category is brand new, factory stock. They are only here because we need to clear physical warehouse space for the next container delivery.
Do standard manufacturer warranties still apply to clearance stock?
Yes, if you are located in Australia. Because the items are brand new and purchased through the official Australian supply chains, your standard manufacturer warranties still apply from the date of your purchase, just as they would for a full-priced item.
Is this old stock that has been sitting around degrading for years?
No. Our warehouse moves stock regulary. The items you see on clearance are typically 'end of line' products from the previous season. Because we turn over a high volume of tackle, these items have not been sitting exposed to the elements; they are simply the final remaining units of a recently discontinued line or a line we need to move for our own reasons.
If an item is discontinued, can I still get spare parts for it later?
It depends on the gear. For reels, usually yes. Major brands maintain a supply of spare parts, like drag washers or bail arms, for several years after a model finishes its run. For fishing rods, however, spare parts like replacement tip sections are generally not available. If you ever need a specific part for an older reel, the standard process is to contact the manufacturer's Australian supplier directly, as they manage the spare parts divisions.
