Frugal Fishing 2024
Dyerbassman reply :
I may be in the minority on this one, but being unemployed, I just have to ask. What are your favorite and most productive inexpensive lures, lines, rods, reels, etc.? I am seriously going to try to fish this year on a tight budget, kind of as an experiment and out of necessity. Besides, this could be a fun topic!
ww2farmer reply :
I fish "cheap" too, but only because after many years of buying higher dollar stuff, I catch just as much and just as big of fish on lower priced stuff, with none of the "issues" people claim to have with lower priced gear. Here is just a sample of some lower cost items that I use, I still use some "expensive" things but not nearly as many as I used to.
Hard baits: Storm, Strike King, and Bandit.
Jigs: Strike King Bitsy jigs, Booyah jigs
Frogs: Booyah Pad Crasher
Soft Plastics: Berkley Havoc, Netbait, Some Yum, SK, and Zoom stuff................nothing GYCB LOL.
Terminal Tackle: VMC
Rods: Berkley Lighning Rod Shocks, and Abu Vengeance/Vendetta/Veritas's
Reels: Abu Max (casting) Pflueger President (spinning)
Line: Power Pro (braid) Seaguar Red Label (Fluoro) Trilene (mono)
RAMBLER reply :
I have no intention of putting down our sponsors by suggesting something to buy. That being said, you can get Shakespeare Ugly Sticks rods, at some of the box stores, for $29.95, both spinning and bait casting. None of them are as light or sensitive as the more expensive tackle, but they will do a good job.
The reels will be in plastic containers hanging on the racks. The reels will usually be the lower priced models of the brands used by those that can afford $150.00-$250.00 for a reel. They will also do a good job for you. You will find one our sponsors reels there (Pinnacle).
You are going to have to match the line to how you want to fish.
The lures that you need (not what you may want) can usually be found, there, too.
Hope this helps.
Tight Lines
Scott F reply :
Visit flea markets and swap meets. You can pick up some good used gear for cheap prices.
Dyerbassman reply :
I have had luck at garage sales and estate sales. That's how I got my boat!
Crestliner2008 reply :
Spring tag sales are good sources for higher end tackle at much lower, every man's prices. I really do not care what the next guys uses. It's not the hammer that does the work. 
kwhorne19 reply :
I use a lot of the more "inexpensive" reels and some hand me down rods and as long as you are were the fish are they don't really know the difference.. I am on a budget as well and I need to get all I can out of what I've got... good luck!
Dyerbassman reply :
Don't get me wrong...I have spent $$$$ in the past, but I am really going to try it this year without doing that. I honestly have enough stuff to get by for quite a while, but I am always interested in hearing how other anglers save a buck or two. WW2Farmer, I tend to fish like you. Berkley Shock rods, low end Shimano reels, Berkley soft plastics, and I always search the sales and clearance sections first. Keep 'em coming guys and gals...
Naplock reply :
Soft plastics
Tons of varieties, including rigs/types that are very effective even if using yarn on a broomstick.
basshole8190 reply :
Although i own alot of topend gear now i still use alot of bargain tackle. i like berkley lightnîn rod shocks and abu max series reels and use zebco omniflex mono($2.99) on a few reels with zoom plastics and strike king cranks and do fine but i l i wouldnt give up my nicer gear either
Missourifishin reply :
Keep an eye on the flea market section here on BR. I've gotten some pretty sweet deals there in the last 6 months or so.
EvanT123 reply :
This is an interesting topic and one I think about every so often. I recently boxed up my soft plastics and thought to myself I shouldn't buy anymore till I use the ones I've got. I doubt that will happen though.
For me to fish on a budget I would need a few bags of white flukes 3/0 ewg hooks and any fast action rod. Reel doesn't matter.
camovan reply :
Dig for worms. Seriously, its up to you how much you spend. I have been unemployed and dug worms, caught fish and fed my family. I have thrown a $75 bait on a $400 rig as well and released the fish, there is lots in between and most, if not all works and will give you enjoyment if your grateful for what you have.
ClackerBuzz reply :
buying from the forums can save you 50-75%. i recently bought 3 lots with over $80 of soft plastics for $15 each. yes you can figure out a specific soft plastic color on fisheries. but a lot of places bass will bite any size shape or color plastic you have tied on. that why i love buying up these lots. i have 2 sets of soft plastics: 1organized lot for difficult fisheries where i need simplicity to learn patterns and build confidence. 2 junk lot of plastics for fisheries where will bass eat anything.
also got jigs for $1-2 each. $200 rods for $110. $2 strike king spinnerbaits.
OkobojiEagle reply :
Buy a current fishing liscense and fish with whatever you currently have... I bet it will catch just as many bass as it did when you bought it new.
oe
nascar2428 reply :
It's easy to be frugal, it's just a state of mind. Clearance should be my middle name, wether in a store or online, the clearance dept,is my first stop. Be on the lookout for some great deals between now and Spring, A lot of them will not be advertised, especially in the big box stores.
*Hootie reply :
On 1/7/2014 at 7:10 AM, ww2farmer said:I fish "cheap" too, but only because after many years of buying higher dollar stuff, I catch just as much and just as big of fish on lower priced stuff, with none of the "issues" people claim to have with lower priced gear. Here is just a sample of some lower cost items that I use, I still use some "expensive" things but not nearly as many as I used to.
Hard baits: Storm, Strike King, and Bandit.
Jigs: Strike King Bitsy jigs, Booyah jigs
Frogs: Booyah Pad Crasher
Soft Plastics: Berkley Havoc, Netbait, Some Yum, SK, and Zoom stuff................nothing GYCB LOL.
Terminal Tackle: VMC
Rods: Berkley Lighning Rod Shocks, and Abu Vengeance/Vendetta/Veritas's
Reels: Abu Max (casting) Pflueger President (spinning)
Line: Power Pro (braid) Seaguar Red Label (Fluoro) Trilene (mono)
SEE!!.....it can be done.
Hootie
shootermcbob reply :
On 1/7/2014 at 11:04 AM, OkobojiEagle said:Buy a current fishing liscense and fish with whatever you currently have... I bet it will catch just as many bass as it did when you bought it new.
oe
Off topic, I know. But, I LOVE your avatar. What a cool picture.
OkobojiEagle reply :
Thanks shootermcbob, I love her too!
oe
MikeJames reply :
Yard sales. This past summer I picked up 15 rod/reals and 3 tackle boxes, most of the tackle was still new, for $20 at a yard sale.
SirSnookalot reply :
Rod and reel wise an abundance of sophistication isn't needed to catch most fish, but if one's budget allows it why not. One of the most economical lures is a spoon, barring any loss only the hook needs to be replaced. Storm wild eyed shad, 3 pack for about 5 bux, catch a lot of fish and with some luck will last pretty good. A $3 bucktail jig will catch about anything that can swim, quite a few toothless fish can be caught before they need to be replaced. My #1 pick is a 2.99 jerkbait I use, has caught more bass and peas than all my others. Unlike my Rapalas I never break the lip off, I cast under bridges and make a lot of bad casts, the lure is like a timex, keeps on ticking.
Darren. reply :
On 1/7/2014 at 6:49 AM, Dyerbassman said:I may be in the minority on this one, but being unemployed, I just have to ask. What are your favorite and most productive inexpensive lures, lines, rods, reels, etc.? I am seriously going to try to fish this year on a tight budget, kind of as an experiment and out of necessity. Besides, this could be a fun topic!
My favorite cheap gear would have to be the ultimate in simplicity, simple long poles, no reel, just a length of line, a float, a hook, and some bait (live or artificial).
Serious fun. And I've even used these for wacky rigging, caught some nice 2 pound largies hitting a dock. GREAT fun with my boys.
Nice_Bass reply :
On 1/7/2014 at 6:49 AM, Dyerbassman said:I may be in the minority on this one, but being unemployed, I just have to ask. What are your favorite and most productive inexpensive lures, lines, rods, reels, etc.? I am seriously going to try to fish this year on a tight budget, kind of as an experiment and out of necessity. Besides, this could be a fun topic!
I am with you on a tighter budget this year and last, really it was more fun simplifying and getting a bunch of junk out of the boat anyhow.
Berkley powerbait flat back shad/lunker city shaker and Conquistador 3/4-1oz jig head. Good substitute for more expensive ultra realistic swimbaits. Only a 6-7 inch profile but still catches good fish.
Berkley powerbait soft plastics- last longer than most brands, don't need to buy scent, etc. etc.
pocket knockers to quickly retrieve jigs and crankbaits. This was my best money saver yet as I already used everything else.
J Francho reply :
I spent VERY little on fishing last year. Stay local, pack a lunch (and dinner if necessary), plan your fishing path instead of running and gunning willy-nilly around the lake, use what you have. When you need to buy new tackle, buy quality stuff, and when it's on sale, but don't buy new stuff just because it's reduced. That's my Achilles heel, lol.
tomustang reply :
I think many of us have a goal of getting the higher quality while paying the lowest price. That being said I'm a huge fan of Cabelas in store bargain cave and BPS outlet store. Check back periodically cause you never know what comes in for return or closeout.
wperry reply :
I grew up near the Chesapeake Bay in the early 1950's. People used a ball of twine and a hook to catch stripers and perch off the docks. They called it a hand line. Extremely simple, but it worked. My Amish neighbors are good examples of successful simplicity. We all like flashy machinery but don't really need it.
hoosierbass07 reply :
One bag of Yum-Dingers in watermelon seed for $3.00 plus tax and a bag of Berkley Power Worms in electric grape for a round $4.00. One pack of hooks and pack of billet weighs. All you need. All I need (rod and reel too of course).
MO_LMB reply :
You really can't beat those 1$-2$ Bins they always have at Wallly World. Yum, Heddon, Cotton Cordell... Not the best variety, but very cheap prices for decent lures.
Dave P reply :
Always check clearance bins. You'd be suprised at what you can find in there occasionally. There are some off the rack lures at WalMart that have made me some money in the last few years. Just be patient and when you find what you want, stock up.
Jaheff reply :
Ive drop shot'd walmart worms (renegade) after cutting a little bit off of the ribbon tail with success.
0119 reply :
I've standardized alot of stuff to simplify my fishing life and found its made for the cheapest fishing year I've had in ages. I've found I'm as happy with 12lb. mono as I am with any other kind of line. I buy it in a bulk spool. I've found I'm happiest using Abu Ambassadeur 4600's for my style of fishing and they last and last. I get regular emails from a couple of lure manufacturers that sell direct online advertising crazy cheap deals. Like $16 Sebiles for $4. Its getting easier and easier to save money on rods. I hate the new style of rods and traditional gripped & non technique specific types of rods sell for less. I've found $300 St.Croix's for $99 on their online outlet. Sometimes Dick's Sporting Goods has off the wall sales too. It also pays to talk to store manager's. I got $100 off a St.Croix LTB once because it had been on the shelf of the BPS so long the cork was near black from folks hands.
Catt reply :
One of my favorite members here is Low Budget Hooker, wish he still hung around.
Po Boy fishing who aint been there for what ever reason. There is some tackle I simply refuse to pay for cause the price aint worth it.
Plastics: Zoom, it's had to beat there price & they work.
Berkley Big Game : a 1/4 lb spool will fill my reels 3-4 times & there aint a more abrasion resistant mono
I still use lead bullit weights in 1/32-3/8
Academy H2O hooks are as good as any
Bill Norman Original Cranks are hard to beat
Dyerbassman reply :
I really love how this thread is going! Another of my low budget tips...I have used my wife's sparkly fingernail polish to repaint jig heads. It actually lasts quite a while!
WRB reply :
If you bought rods and reels in the past use what you have, just service them. I purchased 3 new ALX rods 2 years ago and 1 new reel this Dec. My other rods snd reels are over 15 to 20 old, well maintained. if you buy good quality it will last longer and cost less at the end of the day. Terminal tackle like line, hooks, weights only get replaced as needed. Hooks I use are premium Owner for worms, Gamakatsu for jigs and VMC (trebles), always sharp and reliable. Big Game mono in 1/4 lb spools, I change mono often. Blackwater or Sunline FC, will not use other brands of FC due to poor performance. Hooks and line attach you to the fish.
You shouldn't need to replace most hard lures unless you loose them, they are very durable.
Bottom line take care of your equipment, retie often and you will not need a lot more tackle.
Tom
Brayberry reply :
One of my favorite rods is made by Walmart, they were sold around 2001 for $19.88 each at Walmart. The spinning rods were ok, but the baitcasting rods were great.
geo g reply :
Good question, Zoom plastics and BPS plastics are good quality and inexpensive. Zoom flukes, trick worms and centepedes will all catch fish in good numbers. BPS stickbaits are as good as senkos, more durable, and lots cheaper. I stopped wasting money on those expensive ones. 4 inch Stickbaits in watermelon red or Okeechobee color. You will catch loads of fish.
hookset on 3 reply :
I use the online store "Outlet Bait & Tackle"
This week they've got Yamamoto Baits 5" Senkos for about $5 dollars. Lots of good colors not just dogs.
BassCats reply :
For the most bang for your buck on soft plastics I suggest Z-man elastice baits. You can generally catch around 50 plus fish on each individual worm. A single bag can last a year.
Buy line in bulk when you can afford it and keep it in a dark cool place and it will be cheaper and last long.
Buy used rods and reels on forums and flea markets.
Braided line with leader will save you money on line.
mrmacwvu1 reply :
Buy cheap unpainted jig heads and get some cheap tubes and grubs
You can fish all depths of the water with various speeds
Dyerbassman reply :
I hit the jackpot at Cabela's today. Bargain cave find...bag of 100 Berkley Powerbait 7" worms in my favorite motor oil color for $15. And a spool of line $6.
hoosierbass07 reply :
I Just got back from Walmart and looked through the small fishing bargain bin. I usually don't look through it. What did I find? Two bags of Yum lizards for $1.98 each. I got them both. Sweet! And the cool thing - I've been looking online for some lizards to order because I want to have a nice little collection of them to use when spring gets here. Sweet!
Insanity reply :
Man I was just admiring some metallic with big metal flake nail polish at Kmart last night. Even had some pretty incandescent greenish blue. Which reminded me of sexy shad. I'm gonna get some to paint a few old cranks. As it doesn't take a fancy paint job just some of the rite colors. You should have on the clerks face as I turned to ask the price. After I explained i wanted it for lures she looked relieved. Lol.On 1/8/2014 at 11:07 AM, Dyerbassman said:I really love how this thread is going! Another of my low budget tips...I have used my wife's sparkly fingernail polish to repaint jig heads. It actually lasts quite a while!
I sure no what its like to be low on funds. As I have been for the past few years. And I also had everything stolen a few years back and had to start over.
Biggest thing is to buy only baits that work for where your gonna fish and stay away from buying multiple colors of the same bait. You only need two in most baits. And you could fish just about anywhere with only two baits in two colors from the different category's of baits. Baits like spinner baits and lipless baits can be worked from the surface to the bottom. And from slow to fast. So there my first pick. And my go to baits as well. You can just buy just two spinner baits and an assortment of blades to cover everything. I only use two colors usually.
Lots of times the old tried and true baits cost less then the new stuff just out. And it still catches fish just fine Even more as the fish seem to forget the old ones. Because it mostly new stuff they see passing by them all weekend long in most places.
SirSnookalot reply :
A large percentage of snook and tarpon as well as some other species are caught for me on bucktail jigs. One of my favorites is a hot lips jig that BPS makes, a 3 pack is about 6 bucks and I do order them on line. I happen to be at BPS several months ago so grabbed a few packs, on the way out I passed a clearance bin with 3 pack hot lips for 99 cents, I loaded up.
Outlet bait and tackle has some real bargains, I've bought $10 lures for a couple of bucks, I keep my eyes pitched and evey once in while they sell Krocodile spoons for .99 &1.99.
I buy inexpensive lures that have proven to catch fish, I buy $20 ones too but a a good deal is not being frugal, it's being smart. Where can I get a deal on Shimano waxwing lures?...........haha.
Jaheff reply :
On 1/10/2014 at 2:57 PM, SirSnookalot said:
I buy inexpensive lures that have proven to catch fish, I buy $20 ones too but a a good deal is not being frugal, it's being smart. Where can I get a deal on Shimano waxwing lures?...........haha.
I Threw the wax wing at stripers for an hour the other morning for no love. If you love the lure,youll love the Rods even more. I'm not a shimano cool aid drinker,but they nailed those terez line of rods.
SirSnookalot reply :
Terez rods are really nice, and I have done very well with the waxwing lures. I could throw a stick of dynamite this time of year and not get much, it's never good in the winter. I probably here this one a dozen times every winter down here from the "Long Islanders", "We were killing the stripers back in October". What do they think we were doing in October...........killing the tarpon and snook, it's all about the bait runs.
hookset on 3 reply :
On 1/7/2014 at 11:40 PM, Nice_Bass said:I am with you on a tighter budget this year and last, really it was more fun simplifying and getting a bunch of junk out of the boat anyhow.
Berkley powerbait flat back shad/lunker city shaker and Conquistador 3/4-1oz jig head. Good substitute for more expensive ultra realistic swimbaits. Only a 6-7 inch profile but still catches good fish.
Berkley powerbait soft plastics- last longer than most brands, don't need to buy scent, etc. etc.
pocket knockers to quickly retrieve jigs and crankbaits. This was my best money saver yet as I already used everything else.
I use a lot of different brands of soft plastics and I feel the same way about Berkley Powerbaits. They really are a good value for your hard earned dollars.
They outlast many others.
SwimJiggin reply :
I found some good deals at a pawn shop. I picked up Loomis rods there. Granted, they had some scratches and the cork was old. Um, I think IMO that getting a good reel is important. Some lower end reels have caused me a lot of frustration. If I needed to save money I would look for some thing that retails around 100$. You can buy it used as long as it starts off better made. As far as line I could use Berkley XT for everything. I'd be glad I was when I see a pike with my 1- knocker in his mouth. But then, I'd be giving up the sensitivity of fluoro that I love.
Many ways to save money for sure. I know a guy who love cherry rods for cranks. They break ez though.
ww2farmer reply :
On 1/11/2014 at 10:07 AM, hookset on 3 said:I use a lot of different brands of soft plastics and I feel the same way about Berkley Powerbaits. They really are a good value for your hard earned dollars.
They outlast many others.
Seeing as how this is the "frugal fishing" thread, if you really want to get techincal about it............some power baits are pretty expensive compaired to similar,popular baits. For example:
5" Paca Craws: $3.49/per 8 at TW...... $0.43 each
4.5" Rage Lobsters: $5.39/per 5 at TW......$1.07 each
5" Chigger Craws: $4.99/per 4 at TW.......$1.24 each
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