How to Save at Bass Pro Shops: A Complete Guide

For any outdoor enthusiast, having the right gear is crucial, but stocking up can be expensive. Bass Pro Shops is a go-to destination for everything from fishing and hunting to camping and boating. And since they own Cabela's, most of these savings strategies work at both stores! The savviest shoppers know that there are powerful ways to save beyond the weekly ad. By leveraging their loyalty programs and knowing the best times to shop, you can get top-tier equipment without paying top-tier prices. This guide will show you how.

💡 Hack #1: Join the Free Outdoor Rewards Program (Works at Cabela's!)

This is the first step. The Bass Pro Shops Outdoor Rewards program is free to join and earns you points on every purchase at both Bass Pro and Cabela's. These points convert into reward dollars that you can spend on future trips - a simple way to get money back for shopping you already do.

💡 Hack #2: Shop the "Classic" Annual Sales Events

While weekly sales are good, the two biggest events of the year offer the deepest discounts. Time your major purchases around the Spring Fishing Classic (February/March) and the Fall Hunting Classic (August/September). These multi-week events feature major markdowns, limited promos, and expert seminars.

💡 Hack #3: Always Check the "Bargain Cave"

The Bargain Cave is Bass Pro Shops' clearance section. Here you'll find end-of-season gear, overstocks, and special buys at reduced prices. For the best deals, check right after major holidays like Christmas, Labor Day, or Memorial Day, when seasonal inventory moves to clearance.

💡 Hack #4: Use Their Price Match Policy

If you find an identical item in stock at a competitor (like Walmart, Academy Sports, or Cabela's) for a lower price, Bass Pro Shops will match it. Show the ad or webpage at checkout to guarantee the lowest possible price. Some exclusions apply (third-party sellers don't count), but this is a powerful tool.

💡 Hack #5: Look for Gear Trade-In Events

Several times a year, Bass Pro Shops hosts trade-in events. The most popular are reel and rod trade-ins during the Spring Fishing Classic and optics trade-ins in the fall. Bring in old gear and get a discount coupon toward new equipment - an easy way to upgrade while saving money.

💡 Hack #6: Attend Free Workshops & Community Events

Bass Pro Shops is more than just a store; it's a community hub. Many locations host free workshops and family-friendly events, like kids' fishing days or hunter safety courses. These add value and offer skills and entertainment at no cost.

💡 Hack #7: Consider the CLUB Credit Card for Serious Savings

For frequent shoppers, the Bass Pro Shops CLUB Card is a strong option. Cardmembers earn points at a faster rate, get access to members-only deals, special financing offers on big-ticket items (like boats), and unique event invitations. It also works at Cabela's.

🎯 The Takeaway: Your Savings Game Plan

The ultimate Bass Pro Shops strategy involves several key moves: join the free Outdoor Rewards program, leverage the Price Match Policy, plan major purchases around the Spring Fishing and Fall Hunting Classics, and always check the Bargain Cave. Add trade-ins, community events, and CLUB card perks to save on every trip.

P.S. Looking for coupons to save at other stores? For a constantly updated feed of the freshest discounts, check our Deals & Coupons.

And if you love learning how to be a smarter shopper, our Savings Tips and Hacks blog is full of guides and tricks. You can also find great ways to earn extra cash for your outdoor gear fund.