I was at my local Walmart and noticed that their spinning rod/ reel combo racks were almost completely empty. Asked an employee about it and was told that all of the combo sets come form China and that shipments have slowed down. He also said that they have been selling a lot of spinning rod and reel combos since the virus. I also noticed a lot of tackle racks were empty as well? Any of you seeing this where you live?

yep, same. Almost none. Have to take the car to the dealer in S.A Monday. Gonna drop by Bass Pro and take a look. Would like to find some Thill slip floats with the brass insert and try to up my crappie game.

Noticed the same thing at my local Walmart. They were completely sold out of spinning rod/reel combos. Also their tackle section has a lot of empty shelf space.



Side Note: Anyone been to Academy or Bass Pro.

I try to avoid Wally World since the pandemic...most of my stuff I get on-line...

Yes! Its crazy, we go to wal mart in Del Rio and there was maybe 4 fishing poles. Not that i need fishing equipment, i just found it weird.

I would hate to think that the US fishing industry is that dependent on China for our more affordable gear. Sad times if that is the case.

I was in the Walmart in Amarillo the other day and they had a pretty nice Shakespeare Ulra-lite spinning rod for $16. Came real close to buying it until I saw the Made in China sticker. I am pretty much boycotting Chinese products. Haven't checked other brands but it wouldn't surprise me if most come from there. Pretty sure Eagle Claw is still made in the USA though.

There are shortages in some areas on fishing tackle. All virus related.

The Academy near me was near barren on rod/reel combo rigs last time I went by there.

I must confess that I am “fishing tackle heavy” and feel no worries at this time.

Doc...You got that right ! That monstrosity bag you carry must weigh 50-60 lbs...please stay away from Academy !

Lot of empty shelf space at my local Academy. Rod rack did not have much. There were plenty of pan fish hooks,floats,and sinkers. .

I'm in AZ. Needed a decent saltwater reel for a recent beach vacation. Went to BassPro in Mesa and their reel bar had shrunk to about 15 options total and 2-3 way too big saltwater options. The guys said most reels, even higher end models, are made in china and they hadn't gotten any replacement stock for weeks. Sad testimony for American manufacturing. I hope this nonsense at least teaches us that many more goods need to say Made in the USA.

Yes Sir I hope this is a wake up call. Americas needs big or small need to be made here in the USA.

Food for thought- After speaking to the supervising salesman at Academy-New Caney- limited inventory was being experienced even prior to Covid. This includes fishing and heavily noticed in hunting.
Headquarters is stating to emphasize on-line sales and to have limited inventory for observing. The lead sinkers are just about nil and the ammunition except for paint ball and bb's was gone, zero, zilch nada.
Reason other than social media chaos, that government had restricted further lead mining.
This not my opinion- just the messenger from the sales source.Suggest contacting our federal reps if we can get them back from hiatus. Oops, was that political?
Keep the faith, Ol' Liberty is still standing !

Remember, fishing license sales are up 30% nation wide. That's a lot of new fisherpersons. And that doesn't include those that don't buy a license.