So with the Spring fast approaching and all of us will be thawed out do you foresee another year like last year where due to COVID-19 there are supply shortages with rods, reels and tackle? I know last season if something you wanted was in stock you had better buy it because once it sold out it could be months before it was back in stock. I know that TW is out of stock on a lot of things I’m looking for or at least the color patterns I’m looking for. Most have restock dates of sometime in Spring but who knows for sure. Most other tackle shops are similar. I’m wondering if I should start stocking up now, even if the colors aren’t exactly what I was looking for as we will have another year of tackle shortage...especially come Spring when we all have open water? 

I expect it will be a little better than last year, but not like it's been in the past.  From what I've seen with other products, it's best to have 2-3 sources for the regular stuff.  That way if one is out, another might have it.

As long as I don't need an OrochiXX rod or a specific Reaction Innovations Spicy Beaver color I think I'll be fine.  That specific color has been out of stock for 9 months,,,,,,,,,,,,

I've spent $1,500 this winter so far to ensure I don't run into this problem again. Last year was tough. Even the simple things were sold out and backordered to hell.

This spring wont be as bad at last year I dont think.  Having said that, certain baits like red cranks were always really hard to get late winter.  Your better off buying baits a season ahead if you can help it.   

I don't think it will be nearly as bad.  Maybe not as good as in the before times, but from what I'm seeing so far this winter, most of the stuff I couldn't get my hands on this summer without several months of wait is back in stock and no longer scarce on store shelves.  

 

My guess is as things start to open back up, there will be less people out fishing.  That, and I'm betting many of the manufacturers who were slow to ramp up production, will also be slow to scale it back down.  

Yeah I see things being short again this year, they still haven't caught up.  I don't think it will be as bad as last year but still not like before all this crap.  I have been trying to find a certain spinning reel here the last couple weeks and it is out of stock everywhere I look, so figure it will still be hit and miss this year.

Its all trickling back in.  Won't be bad