Cabela's is a retail chain that sells fishing gear, outdoor equipment, and hunting supplies both in stores and online
Cabela's operates physical locations across the United States and Canada, plus a website where you can order fishing rods, reels, tackle, boats, and related equipment. The company is owned by Bass Pro Shops as of 2017. You can walk into a Cabela's store to see and handle gear before buying, or you can browse and order from home through their website at cabelas.com. Most stores also have a service counter where staff can help you choose equipment or repair existing gear.
Cabela's carries brands you'll recognize — Shimano, Abu Garcia, Rapala, Berkley — alongside their own house brand. Prices vary widely depending on what you're buying: a basic spinning reel might cost $30 to $50, while a high-end baitcasting setup could run several hundred dollars. The store also stocks clothing, boots, and camping equipment, so you can outfit yourself for a full fishing trip in one place.
Key Takeaways
- Cabela's has both physical stores you can visit and an online store where you can order fishing equipment and have it shipped to your home or picked up in-store.
- You can handle and test gear in person at a store location, which helps you choose the right rod, reel, or tackle for your fishing style before spending money.
- Staff at the service counter can answer questions about gear compatibility, maintenance, and repair, though service availability varies by location.
- Cabela's runs sales and promotions throughout the year, and membership in their rewards program can earn you points on purchases.
Finding a Cabela's store near you
You can locate a store using the store locator on cabelas.com. Enter your city or zip code, and the site will show you the nearest locations, hours, and phone numbers. Not every state has a Cabela's — the chain is concentrated in the Midwest, Mountain West, and parts of the South and Northeast. If there's no store within reasonable driving distance, you can order online and have items shipped to your address or, at some locations, pick up online orders in-store.
Calling ahead is useful if you're looking for a specific item or want to know whether the store has a service counter staffed that day. Some locations are larger "destination" stores with extensive fishing sections, boat showrooms, and full-service repair; others are smaller format stores with a more limited selection.
How to order online from Cabela's
Go to cabelas.com and use the search bar or browse by category — fishing is broken down into rods and reels, tackle, boats and motors, clothing, and other sections. Add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. You'll need to create an account or sign in with an existing one. During checkout, you choose a shipping address and shipping method.
Cabela's offers standard shipping, expedited shipping, and in some cases same-day or next-day delivery depending on your location and what you're ordering. Shipping costs vary by order size and method. You can also choose to pick up your order at a store location if one is near you — this is sometimes faster and saves shipping fees. Orders typically arrive within 5 to 10 business days for standard shipping, though this varies.
Cabela's rewards program and sales
Cabela's has a rewards program called Club Cabela's. When you sign up — which is free — you earn points on purchases made in stores or online. Points accumulate and can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases. The program has different membership tiers; higher spending moves you to higher tiers with better point-earning rates. You can enroll in-store or online.
Cabela's runs seasonal sales, clearance events, and promotional discounts throughout the year. Email subscribers and Club members often get early notice of sales. The website has a dedicated sale section where you can browse discounted items. Prices on the same product can differ between in-store and online, so it's worth checking both if you're comparing costs.
Returning or exchanging gear at Cabela's
Cabela's allows returns and exchanges within a set timeframe — typically 60 days from purchase for most items, though some categories have different windows. You can return items to a store or by mail. In-store returns are usually processed when ready if you have your receipt. For mail returns, you'll need to contact customer service to get a return authorization number and shipping instructions.
Fishing rods, reels, and tackle that are defective or damaged may be covered under manufacturer warranties rather than Cabela's return policy. If you suspect a warranty issue, ask the service counter staff — they can help you understand what's covered and how to proceed with the manufacturer if needed.
Service and repair at Cabela's
Many Cabela's locations have a service counter that handles rod and reel repair, rod building, and equipment maintenance. Services offered and pricing vary by location. Common services include reel cleaning and lubrication, rod guide replacement, and line spooling. You can call ahead to ask whether your location offers the service you need and get an estimate for cost and turnaround time.
Not every store has a full service department — smaller locations may offer limited services or none at all. If your nearest Cabela's doesn't have the service you need, staff can sometimes direct you to an independent repair shop in your area or discuss mail-in repair options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return fishing gear I bought online to a Cabela's store?
Yes, you can return most online purchases to a physical store location within the return window. Bring your order confirmation or receipt. Some items, particularly large equipment like boats or motors, may have different return procedures — ask at the service counter.
Does Cabela's price match other retailers?
Cabela's does not have a published price-match policy. However, it's worth comparing prices online before you buy, since prices can vary between the website and stores, and sales happen frequently. Calling a store to ask about current pricing on a specific item is a reasonable approach.
What brands of fishing rods and reels does Cabela's carry?
Cabela's stocks major brands including Shimano, Abu Garcia, Rapala, Berkley, and Pflueger, plus their own house brand. Selection varies by store size and location. You can check the website to see what's in stock near you, or call a store to ask about a specific brand or model.
Do I need a membership to shop at Cabela's?
No, you can shop and buy without joining Club Cabela's. However, the free rewards program lets you earn points on purchases, so signing up costs nothing and gives you a discount benefit over time. You can enroll online or in-store.
How long does it take to get a fishing rod repaired at Cabela's?
Turnaround time depends on the repair and how busy the service counter is. straightforward services like line spooling might be done while you wait. More involved repairs like guide replacement or reel rebuilding can take several days to a week. Call your local store's service counter to ask about timing for your specific repair.