At The Salt Reel Store, we stand behind our premium saltwater fishing gear just like we stand behind our customers. While we’re confident you’ll love your new rods, reels, and tackle, we understand that sometimes equipment needs to be returned or exchanged. Our policy is designed with the serious angler in mind – straightforward, reliable, and focused on getting you back to the water quickly.

Our Return Policy

You may return most items within 15 days of receiving your order for a full refund or exchange. To be eligible for a return:

  • Item must be unused and in the same condition as when you received it
  • Original packaging must be intact (including all protective wrapping for rods and reels)
  • Proof of purchase is required

Non-Returnable Items

For safety and hygiene reasons, we cannot accept returns on:

  • Used fishing line and leaders (Saltwater Line & Leader category)
  • Opened packages of terminal tackle
  • Custom or special-order rods
  • Items marked as “final sale”

How to Initiate a Return or Exchange

Follow these steps to process your return:

  1. Contact our team within 15 days of delivery at [email protected] with your order number and details about the item you wish to return
  2. Wait for authorization – We’ll respond within 1 business day with return instructions
  3. Package your item securely in the original packaging
  4. Ship your return to our Sacramento facility (return shipping is at customer’s expense)
  5. Receive confirmation when we process your return

Return Request Template

Subject: Return Request for Order #[Your Order Number]

Dear Salt Reel Team,

I would like to request a return/exchange for my recent order (#[Order Number]).

Item Name: [Product Name]
Reason for Return: [Please specify: wrong item, defective, changed mind, etc.]
Preferred Resolution: [Refund/Exchange for [Product Name]]

Please advise on next steps at your earliest convenience.

Best regards,
[Your Full Name]
[Your Email Address]

Refund Processing

Once we receive and inspect your return:

  • Refunds will be processed within 3-5 business days
  • Your refund will be credited to your original payment method (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, or PayPal)
  • Shipping costs are non-refundable (except for defective items)
  • For exchanges, we’ll ship your new item once the return is received

Damaged or Defective Items

We take special care in packaging our saltwater fishing gear, but if you receive a damaged or defective item:

  • Contact us immediately at [email protected] with photos of the damage
  • We’ll arrange for a replacement or refund at no additional cost to you
  • In some cases, we may request return of the damaged item

International Returns

For our international customers (excluding some Asian and remote areas):

  • Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the customer
  • Customs fees and import duties are non-refundable
  • Please mark the package as “Returned Goods” to avoid additional charges

Have questions about our returns policy? Our team of fishing enthusiasts is ready to help at [email protected].

Tight lines and happy fishing,
The Salt Reel Store Team