Best time to buy gear?

[RyanMac14]

Hey all. Im back asking for more advice. I am looking to invest in a couple new rods and reels for the upcoming season and was wondering when the best time to buy is during the year. I have been looking around and do not see many sales even though you would think this would be the time for them. I would also like some advice on baitcasters for not a beginner but a novice, with smaller hands. I am looking to spend probably a couple hundred tops per combo, preferably closer to 150. I will be fishing for bass and pickerel almost exclusively. Any advice or comments at all are appreciated!