I was wondering if anyone trades their rods that they don’t like in when BPS does their yearly trade in this March?

Some do....I don't. I looked at what they give you for it...and it's a trade-in for the rods they have in stock...you have to buy a new rod to get the 'money'. I can sell rods on FB-Marketplace or Next-Door for way more than what they give in trade-in value...so not worth the trip IMO.

I do and have been for quite a few seasons. I’ll agree with @MN Fisher with the fact that you’re limited in the amount you’re going to receive for your trade-ins. But if you’re trading in an old ugly stick combo or something similar the value may be worth it but only you can decide that. I will be trading in a cheap Shakespeare rod and reel that I snagged from my local pond this past season that nobody wanted to claim. I’ll also add I’ve been able to purchase 2 rods that weren’t available in store but they were a brand they carried and they allowed my trade in even though it was considered a special order. The rods and reels that are traded-in are sent out to be given a general once over and are then donated to several organizations if that’s something that matters to you also. While standing in line I’ve seen people trade in everything from old plastic push button reels to older white Stradics and everything in between.

Edited January 31Jan 31 by Eric 26
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i never trade any newer rods in, mostly just old ones that are stuffed in a back corner. they dont seem to care how old the rods so I grab one especially if they have another rod or reel i'm interested in just to get a few more bucks off.

Go buy a $5 zebco bullet reel and trade that in. Little known fact from the staff is that they buy those reels in bulk around the spring classic time and tell people to buy them to use as a trade in. You don’t have to trade in anything nice either. Go buy a beat up rod/reel from a pawn shop and trade that in. It’s nothing more than marketing to get you in the store. They are not losing money doing this trade, so…

A lot of times after the Spring Classic ends, they will have certain rods on sale for the price you would have gotten with a trade in.

I have used the trade-in program many times in the past. It's really not any better deal than just watching for sales, as it usually equates to about a 15% or so discount, but it's handy that it can apply to any rod or reel in the store,... Not just the BPS stuff they typically limit the sales to these days.

As for what I trade in, I always make sure it is a working, reasonable reel that I'm just not using. Supposedly they donate the trade-ins to kids programs, schools and clubs. Don't know how true that is, but I choose to give the benefit of the doubt.

So basically, my thought is if these trade-ins are going to go to kids programs, why would I trade in junk that doesn't work. That doesn't benefit anyone. Most of us have plenty of working reels laying around that we don't use. Donate them for someone else to use and save 15-20% on something new.

I have used the trade in many times to up grade rods and reels. All of my gear is top of the line now and I take very good care of it so I won’t be using the trade in program this year.

I’m planning to trade in the rod I bought for my son when he was four. He’s outgrown it—and now at six years old he insists on using my prized NRX rods. I’ve got an expensive little fisherman on my hands.