What Pure Fishing Gear Is and Where to Find It in South Carolina

Pure Fishing makes rods, reels, and tackle under multiple brand names you likely recognize

Pure Fishing is a manufacturer owned by Newell Brands that produces fishing equipment sold under several well-known labels: Abu Garcia, Berkley, Penn, Shakespeare, and Pflueger. If you have bought a spinning reel, a baitcasting setup, or a tackle box in the last decade, there is a good chance it carried one of these brand names on the package. The company makes freshwater and saltwater gear across price points, from budget-friendly starter kits to professional-grade equipment.

In South Carolina, you will find Pure Fishing products at major sporting goods retailers, tackle shops, and online sellers. The gear ranges from basic rod-and-reel combos suitable for pier fishing or a first trip to the water, to specialized equipment for bass tournaments, saltwater charter trips, and deep-sea fishing. Understanding which Pure Fishing brand suits your fishing style and budget helps you make a choice that matches both your skill level and your target species.

Key Takeaways

• Pure Fishing owns Abu Garcia, Berkley, Penn, Shakespeare, and Pflueger—five separate brands with different price ranges and specialties.
• Abu Garcia and Penn focus on higher-end reels and rods; Shakespeare and Pflueger offer entry-level and mid-range options.
• Berkley is known for fishing line, lures, and tackle rather than rods and reels.
• You can purchase Pure Fishing gear at Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy Sports, local tackle shops, and online retailers across South Carolina.
• Freshwater and saltwater models exist within most Pure Fishing brands, so confirm the gear is rated for your intended water type before buying.

The five Pure Fishing brands and what each one specializes in

Abu Garcia builds baitcasting reels and rods, with a reputation for smooth drag systems and durability. The brand is popular among bass anglers and tournament fishers. Abu Garcia reels range from affordable models for beginners to high-end setups that cost several hundred dollars. Their rods pair well with their reels and are sold separately or as complete combos.

Penn dominates saltwater fishing. The company manufactures conventional reels (the round, sturdy type used for offshore and boat fishing), spinning reels for saltwater use, and heavy-duty rods designed to handle larger fish and rougher conditions. Penn gear is standard on charter boats and fishing piers along the South Carolina coast. Prices reflect the durability and corrosion resistance built into saltwater models.

Berkley focuses on consumables and tackle: fishing line (monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided), soft plastic lures, hard baits, and terminal tackle like hooks and swivels. Berkley line is sold in spools at tackle shops and big-box retailers. The brand also makes the Gulp! line of scented soft plastics, which are popular for both freshwater and saltwater fishing in South Carolina.

Shakespeare and Pflueger round out the portfolio with entry-level and mid-range rods, reels, and combos. Shakespeare is often the first brand new anglers encounter—their spincast and spinning reels are simple to use and affordable. Pflueger reels are slightly higher quality and appeal to anglers who have moved past absolute beginner gear but are not yet ready to invest in Abu Garcia or Penn.

Where to buy Pure Fishing gear in South Carolina

Major retailers stock Pure Fishing products year-round. Dick's Sporting Goods has locations in most South Carolina cities and carries a range of Abu Garcia, Penn, Shakespeare, and Berkley items. Academy Sports also stocks these brands, often at competitive prices. Both chains offer online ordering with in-store pickup, which is useful if you need gear before a planned fishing trip.

Local tackle shops are another option and often have deeper inventory in specialized categories. A shop focused on saltwater fishing will stock more Penn gear and saltwater-specific line; a freshwater shop will emphasize Abu Garcia and Shakespeare. Staff at local shops can also answer questions about which Pure Fishing product works best for the specific waters you plan to fish—whether that is a coastal marsh, a reservoir, or a river.

Online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, and dedicated fishing sites like Tackle Direct ship Pure Fishing products to South Carolina addresses. Prices online sometimes undercut retail stores, but shipping times vary. If you are buying line or lures, online ordering makes sense; if you are buying a rod or reel and want to inspect it before use, in-store purchase is often worth the price difference.

Freshwater versus saltwater Pure Fishing gear

Pure Fishing brands make distinct freshwater and saltwater versions of most reels and rods. Saltwater models use corrosion-resistant materials and sealed drag systems to withstand salt spray and immersion. Penn saltwater reels, for example, are built with stainless steel and special coatings. Freshwater models like Abu Garcia and Shakespeare use standard materials and are not treated for salt exposure.

Using freshwater gear in saltwater will corrode the reel and rod within weeks or months, depending on how often you rinse it. Using saltwater gear in freshwater is not harmful but is wasteful—you are paying for corrosion protection you do not need. Before buying, check the product label or ask the retailer whether the model is rated for your intended water. South Carolina anglers who fish both environments sometimes keep two setups rather than switching gear between trips.

Price ranges across Pure Fishing brands

Entry-level Shakespeare and Pflueger combos (rod and reel together) typically cost between $30 and $80. These are suitable for casual fishing, teaching children, or trying a new technique without major investment. Mid-range Abu Garcia and Pflueger setups run $80 to $200 and appeal to anglers who fish regularly and want better performance and durability.

High-end Abu Garcia and Penn reels alone can cost $150 to $400 or more, depending on size and features. Tournament-grade setups and specialized saltwater reels push higher still. Berkley line and lures are generally inexpensive—a spool of quality line costs $5 to $15, and a pack of soft plastics runs $4 to $10. Buying Berkley consumables in bulk before a trip is common practice among South Carolina anglers.

Matching Pure Fishing gear to your fishing style

If you are new to fishing or fish casually a few times a year, Shakespeare or entry-level Pflueger gear gives you reliable equipment without overcommitting money. These brands are forgiving and easy to use. If you fish freshwater regularly—lakes, rivers, or ponds—Abu Garcia offers better performance and will last through years of use. If you target saltwater species from piers, boats, or the beach, Penn is the standard choice and worth the investment because saltwater fishing is harder on equipment.

Berkley products work across all skill levels. Buying quality line and lures matters more than buying expensive reels, especially when you are learning. Many experienced anglers use mid-range reels paired with premium Berkley line and lures. This approach balances cost and performance. Consider also what species you are targeting—largemouth bass, catfish, redfish, and tarpon all have different gear requirements, and Pure Fishing brands make models suited to each.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Penn saltwater reel in freshwater?

Yes. Saltwater reels are built to withstand harsher conditions, so freshwater use will not damage them. However, you are paying extra for corrosion protection you do not need. If you fish both environments regularly, keeping separate setups is more economical than buying premium saltwater gear for occasional freshwater trips.

What is the difference between Abu Garcia and Shakespeare reels?

Abu Garcia reels are higher quality, more durable, and designed for frequent use and tournament fishing. Shakespeare reels are simpler, more affordable, and better suited to beginners or casual anglers. Both are reliable, but Abu Garcia offers smoother drag systems and longer lifespan if you fish often.

Is Berkley line better than other brands?

Berkley is a trusted brand with consistent quality across monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided line. Many anglers prefer it, but other brands perform similarly at comparable prices. The main advantage is availability—Berkley line is stocked at nearly every tackle shop and retailer in South Carolina, so you can find your preferred type and weight easily.

Where can I find Pure Fishing gear on sale in South Carolina?

Dick's Sporting Goods and Academy Sports run seasonal sales on fishing gear, especially before spring and summer fishing seasons. Local tackle shops sometimes discount older inventory to make room for new stock. Online retailers like Amazon occasionally offer discounts on Berkley line and lures. Signing up for retailer email lists alerts you to upcoming sales.

Do I need to buy a matching rod and reel from the same Pure Fishing brand?

No. You can pair an Abu Garcia reel with a Shakespeare rod, or a Penn reel with any compatible rod. However, buying matched combos (rod and reel sold together) is usually cheaper and ensures the components are balanced for each other. Mixing and matching works if you already own individual pieces or want to customize your setup.