Bass Pro Shops Clearance: What to Buy, How to Save

Bass Pro Shops clearance can be a goldmine for outdoor gear—if you know what to look for and when to pull the trigger.

This guide breaks down what typically goes on clearance, how markdowns work, and how to judge whether a deal is truly worth it compared with regular promos.

Buy now or wait? Timing your Bass Pro clearance purchase

Buy on clearance when the item fits a defined need (upcoming trip, worn-out gear, a known upgrade), the specs match your use, and the price beats comparable models by a meaningful margin. Waiting makes sense if sizing is uncertain, you need time to compare specs, or big seasonal events (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday) are near and may broaden selection.

Signals you’re ready to purchase: a trip within 30–60 days, gear you’ve already tried and liked, or a replacement for worn-out essentials like boots, line, or a tent pole. Frame the decision around long-term value (fit, performance, warranty) rather than a short-term discount percentage.

Who clearance is best for: beginners assembling a starter kit at lower risk; frequent users who know their specs and can spot a true upgrade; and practical gift buyers who want brand-name value on a budget.

What goes on clearance (and why) + smart alternatives

Common clearance categories

Fishing: rods, reels, combo kits, tackle storage, lures, line.
Apparel & footwear: hunting jackets, rain shells, base layers, hiking/fishing boots.
Camping: tents, sleeping bags/pads, camp stoves, lanterns, coolers.
Boating: life vests, electronics mounts, bilge pumps, covers, docking accessories.
Hunting: blinds, decoys, calls, scent control, accessory mounts.
Optics & accessories: binoculars, rangefinders, mounts, tripods, harnesses.
Seasonal: cold‑weather layers, waders, sun‑protective apparel, summer footwear.

Why items get marked down

End‑of‑season transitions (winter insulation in spring, warm‑weather apparel in fall).
Discontinued colors or prior‑year models still in stock.
Overstock from optimistic buying or slower‑moving sizes.
Packaging updates or minor feature refreshes.
Store‑specific inventory and returns creating local markdowns.

Alternatives to consider

Regular event promos on the Bass Pro sale page.
Sister retailer Cabela’s clearance for similar brands and cross‑store availability.
Local shops and used marketplaces for unique finds (trade‑off: limited returns/warranty).
Buying previous‑year models at full‑line retailers when you need choice and full return windows.

Trade‑offs: Clearance wins on price, but selection and sizes can be limited; returns may be stricter on certain items; used gear can be cheaper but risky on warranty/condition.

Features that matter: how to judge clearance value

Compare model reputation, core specs, and real‑world durability. Focus on category‑specific details that drive performance:

Rods: action (fast/moderate) and power (ML/M/MH) by target species; blank material; handle ergonomics. Learn action vs. power basics via this quick guide.
Reels: gear ratio (retrieve speed), drag quality, spool capacity, corrosion resistance for saltwater.
Boots: waterproofing (e.g., membrane), insulation weight (grams), outsole traction, last/fit pattern.
Tents: capacity vs. actual floor space, peak height, pole material, and season rating; vestibule space for wet gear. Sleeping bag ratings explained well in this overview.
Jackets: insulation type (down vs. synthetic), fill power/weight, face‑fabric durability (denier), DWR treatment.
Optics: glass quality, coatings, field of view, eye relief, and warranty terms (e.g., Vortex VIP Warranty, Leupold Lifetime Warranty).

Check fit/sizing comments in reviews—especially for apparel and boots where brand lasts vary. Verify warranty coverage and whether discontinued models still receive service or parts support.

Pricing and cost expectations

Typical markdowns: Light clearance is ~15–25%; solid deals land ~30–40%; deep last‑chance can hit 50–70% for odd sizes/colors.
Budget vs. mid‑range vs. premium: Budget gear often prioritizes value and basic materials; mid‑range adds better components (e.g., carbon blanks, sealed bearings); premium tiers bring weight savings, top‑end materials, and stronger warranties.
What drives price: brand equity, materials/tech (e.g., Gore‑Tex, carbon fiber), seasonality, and included accessories (e.g., stove fuel bottles, reel spare spools).
Total cost of ownership: consider consumables and parts—line, waterproofing sprays, boot laces, filters, tent pole repair kits, reel drag washers—and availability of replacements.

Discounts, promotions, and timing tips

Clearance usually follows markdown cycles: initial reductions to move stock; subsequent drops as seasons change; then “last chance” pricing when sizes/colors are limited. Online and in‑store prices may differ due to local inventory and demand.

Stack value when possible: meet free‑shipping thresholds, use rewards from the Bass Pro Shops CLUB if you’re already a member, and compare prices across similar models (including Cabela’s and other trusted retailers) before checkout.

Spotting a true deal vs. noise: compare against the historical price or similar current models; watch for “compare at” prices that don’t reflect real market rates; and make sure the included accessories/specs match the use you intend.

Payment options and budgeting

Budget rules: buy what you’ll use within the next season, prioritize safety/quality items (PFDs, boots, rain shells), and set a hard ceiling to avoid deal drift.
Gift strategy: clearance is smart for brand‑name basics (performance socks, base layers, tackle storage) where sizing risk is low.
Cards and financing: store or bank credit cards may offer rewards; weigh benefits vs. potential interest and never buy gear you can’t pay off quickly.

Quality, returns, and risk reduction

Review the return policy and any category exceptions before buying—especially for electronics, ammunition components, and used/open‑box items. Start with the retailer’s guidance: see Bass Pro returns.

Common risks: missing parts, open‑box items, wrong sizing, discontinued models with limited parts support.
Reduce risk: read product reviews, inspect packaging and contents in‑store, confirm manufacturer warranty coverage (e.g., Coleman tents), and keep receipts/order confirmations for easy returns.

Use‑case scenarios: what to buy and how

New anglers/hunters building a starter kit

Look for rod/reel combos, tackle kits, and entry‑level optics on clearance to stretch budget.
Prioritize fit‑critical items (boots, waders) in-store to try on; buy accessories online.

Experienced outdoorsmen upgrading

Target prior‑year premium models (optics, reels, shells) where warranties remain strong.
Upgrade one category at a time; sell or donate older gear to offset costs.

Families buying camping gear on a budget

Shop off‑season for tents and sleeping bags; verify capacity and season rating.
Bundle savings: tent + pad + bag clearance can beat a single premium item.

Cold‑weather hunters stocking up off‑season

Buy insulated apparel and scent control late winter; confirm insulation weight and quiet face fabrics.
Check compatibility of blinds/stands with your existing mounts and packs.

Travelers prepping quickly

Favor in‑stock, in‑store pickup; verify delivery windows if ordering online.
Choose proven models with strong reviews to reduce surprises on the trip.

Local, offline, and real‑world considerations

In‑store vs. online: stores may have unique markdowns and open‑box items not shown online; online may offer broader color/size coverage.
Availability by location: call ahead for specific SKUs; ask about “last chance” racks.
Pickup and shipping: weigh ship‑to‑store vs. home delivery timeframes against trip dates.
Sizing: try boots/apparel in person or order two sizes and return the miss—if policy permits.

Mistakes and pitfalls to avoid

Buying the wrong size because it’s cheap: confirm fit with reviews and size charts; when in doubt, try in‑store.
Choosing low‑quality gear that fails quickly: prioritize core performance specs and warranty over the biggest percentage off.
Missing key specs (season rating, waterproofing, gear ratio): read the spec sheet and compare to intended use.
Forgetting return restrictions: check category exceptions and deadlines before you buy.
Overspending due to deal excitement: shop from a list, set a cap, and wait 24 hours on non‑essentials.

Decision support tools

Bass Pro clearance buyer checklist

Does the item match a specific upcoming use/trip?
Are the key specs right for your target conditions/species?
Have you compared price vs. similar models (including prior‑year versions)?
Is fit/sizing verified (reviews, try‑on)?
Do returns and warranty meet your comfort level?
Have you accounted for accessories, maintenance, and consumables?

“Is this clearance deal worth it?” self‑assessment

If this model were full price, would you still want it for the specs?
Is the discount at least 25–30% vs. a comparable alternative?
Can you use it within the next season, or will it sit unused?
Would the return policy allow you to exchange if sizing is off?

Concise decision summary

Buy now if it’s a core item with the right spec/fit and a clear price advantage.
Wait if you’re unsure on sizing/specs or a major sale is imminent.
Choose another retailer if warranty/returns or selection matter more than the discount.

Where to start

Browse current deals on the Bass Pro Shops clearance page, compare against the regular sale events, and check sister store Cabela’s clearance for overlapping inventory.