Fishing for a Reason
Welcome to "Fishing for a Reason," the podcast that dives deep into the heart of fishing and the meaningful connections it brings. Hosted by Jamie Propst, founder of Anglers Unlimited, we explore the impact fishing has on our lives, communities, and environment so that you can become a more effective angler and catch more fish and have more fun every time you go out on the water or hit the hiking trails. Whether you target salmon, halibut, lingcod, crab, shrimp or fresh water species, there is something here for you.
From tales of epic catches and new places to wet a line in the PNW, to discussions on life, love and business, and the latest fishing reports, "Fishing for a Reason" is your go-to source for inspiration and insight. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just casting your first line, join us as we discover the many reasons why fishing is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life.
Fishing for a Reason
53: How to Buy Used Fishing Gear on a Budget (Without Getting Scammed)
Summary
New to saltwater fishing in the Pacific Northwest and worried about the cost of gear? You're not alone—quality downriggers can run $600-$1,000+ each at the tackle shop, which feels overwhelming when you're not even sure if the sport is right for you. In this episode, Jamie shares her proven strategies for buying used fishing gear (downriggers, rods, reels, and more) so you can get started fishing in Washington waters without breaking the bank, while avoiding common scams and duds.
Episode Overview
- Where to find the best deals on used fishing gear online
- Red flags and green flags when evaluating used downrigger listings
- How to test used gear in person so you don't get stuck with broken equipment
- Negotiating tactics that actually work
- Why buying used is a smart strategy—even for experienced anglers
Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction: Why buy used fishing gear?
02:47 - Starting with Amazon: Understanding retail pricing
04:42 - Platform #1: OfferUp (checking ratings, pricing guidelines)
07:39 - Platform #2: Craigslist and Search Tempest for wider searches
10:37 - Platform #3: Facebook Marketplace (most active platform)
12:37 - Other places to find gear: boat shows, swap meets, word of mouth
14:32 - Red flags when buying used gear
15:32 - Green flags that indicate quality listings
16:32 - Questions to ask sellers before visiting
18:10 - How to test used downriggers in person
19:27 - Negotiating tips and tactics
21:07 - Final thoughts and call to action
Key Takeaways
- Quality used downriggers should be in the $250-$400 range
- If a seller won't let you plug in and test the gear, don't waste your time.
- Facebook Marketplace has the most volume, but OfferUp and Craigslist can have better deals with less competition.
- Saying "I've got $250 in my pocket" works better than "Will you take $250?"
- Always replace used cable or braid on downriggers—even if it looks okay.
- Search for common misspellings ("down rigger" with a space) to find listings others miss.
- Word of mouth through fishing clubs like Puget Sound Anglers can lead to the best deals.
Resources & Links
- Search Tempest: https://www.searchtempest.com
- OfferUp: https://offerup.com
- Facebook Marketplace: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace
- Seattle Boat Show (for new gear deals): https://www.seattleboatshow.com
- Anglers Unlimited Gold Membership Waitlist: https://anglersunlimited.co/gold
About the Podcast
Fishing for a Reason is the Pacific Northwest saltwater fishing education podcast for new anglers and families who want to catch more salmon, halibut, lingcod, shrimp and crab in Washington waters. Hosted by Jamie & Scott Propst from Anglers Unlimited, each episode delivers practical techniques, local knowledge, and expert insights to help you get off the couch and into the fish. Perfect for relocated professionals, military families, and boaters who are just getting into fishing.