I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I got to spend it with family and friends, eating some great food and being truly thankful for what I have in this world. That’s what it’s all about.
Now that Thanksgiving is over, we all know what that means – Black Friday … or as I like to call it, “Black Bass Friday.” I’ve changed the name because the Friday after Thanksgiving isn’t just a great (and incredibly hectic) time to run out to the mall, it’s also the perfect time to think about stocking up on your fishing needs and picking up great gifts for the anglers in your life.
I was just at a Bass Pro Shops commercial shoot with Tony Stewart, Mike Golic, Bill Dance and Mark Zona, talking about this key time in the retail industry.
This isn’t just a big shopping day for the rest of the world. It’s huge for fishing, too. Retailers and manufacturers anticipate and rely upon today’s revenues even though the number of anglers on the water at this time of year is much lower than in the spring and summer. Now is the time to move product, and retailers are setting prices to bring buyers out. Some of the best sales of the entire year start today. It truly is a buyer’s market for anglers.
Right here on Bassmaster.com there are plenty of great holiday gift ideas that will make even the pickiest angler happy. Plus, retailers like Bass Pro Shops have gift guides, big discounts and a tremendous selection. You can check it out in person at the store nearest you or you can shop online.
If you’re serious about saving, take a look at some of the big-ticket items like electronics and trolling motors. If a retailer is knocking 10 percent, 20 percent or more off products like that, you can really save a lot.
Now is also a great time to purchase discounted items that you know you’re going to need later in the year – maybe even next summer. After all, if you know you’re going to need and use it, but the price is lowest right now, it’s the time to buy.
With 2016 just around the corner, we’re starting to see quite a few items that debuted at ICAST in July but which are available in stores for the first time now. After Thanksgiving sales are a great way to pick up the latest gear at the best price you may ever see.
All that’s great if you’re shopping for yourself. But if you’re shopping for others, don’t forget the gift cards. There’s no easier way to make sure the anglers in your life get exactly what they want and need.
And remember: Even when you’re shopping, it’s all about the attitude.
Kevin VanDam’s column appears weekly on Bassmaster.com. You can also find him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.