Free Shipping on orders over $50---some exceptions apply.

Buyer FAQs

More FAQs are answered on the Help/FAQ page.

Fishing is FUN
  • Are you a reputable dealer?
      Yes, we are, and here's why: a] in business for over 60 years, b] 4.9/5 stars on Google Reviews — 92% Recommend on Facebook, 99.5% positive feedback on our eBay Store, and c] we love serving customers because that's what Bud would want! Do we have occasional hiccups? Yes, probably. We deployed a new website in July 2024 (you're on it) and are still working out some of the bugs, and we are still working on making sure that we have real-time inventory tracking (so you can know for sure if an item is truly 'in-stock'). But we seldom see other issues, and our customers are generally quite happy they buy from Bud's Bait.

  • Is there a minimum order?
      Yes. Due to shipping cost increases in 2025, for rods and combos we require that any rod/combo under $50 be ordered in a quantity to make the order total at least $50. You may mix or match other rods/combos to meet this requirement (for example, a $20 rod and a $40 combo that can ship together in one box satisfies this requirement). For products that are not rods/combos we ship all except those listed below.

  • Can I get a discount?
      We're a retail outlet, but we do have occasional sales! In particular, you can see current/recent sales on the sale page, you can follow us on social media or sign up for emails to hear about in-store sales, and you don't want to miss annual sales like the Customer Appreciation Sale at the Carthage Location on the first weekend of October, or our Black Friday/Saturday Sale in November. We are also working on adding sales to our website; in the future you may receive a Coupon Code, or see product listed with this (or a similar) badge: on sale now

  • Do I need to register to order from Bud's?
      Nope! But if you do we can show your order history & send you notice of sales in our monthly newsletter and associated mailings. You can also just tell us your mail preferences if you want.

  • Do you have product 'X'?
      We'd probably recommend using the Search button first, but you can browse Categories and Brands to see if what you need is anywhere in our list of over 14,000 products (including things as esoteric as Artic Fox Hair for fly tying, a camera mount for your Kayak, or a necktie clasp made from a fishhook.) Note that items that say "Back Order" or Zero (0) Stock counts cannot be shipped immediately and may be discontinued but not yet removed from our database. In this case we are happy to refund your money, but you may want to consider if the wait will be okay before you purchase back-order items.

  • How much are shipping costs?
      We charge a flat shipping cost of $6.74 on orders under $50. Orders of $50 & up ship free, with a few exceptions: some items can't be shipped, such as kayaks & some of their accessories, volatile chemicals, live baits, one piece rods over 7'6", bulky coolers/buckets and heavy boat anchors or orders that are mostly weights/sinkers, and the like. We suggest you call if you want to inquire about the possibility of having these kinds of items delivered or shipped.

  • I found something wrong with the website!
      We appreciate bug reports, because we can't fix what we don't know is broken! Please contact us here with details.

  • What's your Return Policy?
      Our Return Policy is here.