Tuff to see everything. Run diagnostic test on switches and coils or even take the glass off after you've played a couple of games and touch everything to make sure it works and registers, look at the boards for signs of damage from batteries

How can anyone hate Fish Tales?!

There’s really nothing specific to this machine than is difficult to fix. Just watch for the normal pinball stuff - burnt boards, jumpers on the boards, battery acid in the boards.... Make sure the lights and switches all work.

Nice examples can be found around $3k.

Read through the Fish Tales Club thread on Pinside to get a feel for the technical issues on this game. Not many specific or difficult ones, though.

I can tell you this. I have had the chance to buy 3 of them for 1500 or less over the years and passed every single time. If that isn't hate, it's gotta be damn close. Only title I really can't stand more than this is TOM.

OP: Fish Tales is a super fun game, but do not pay $3.5 to 4.5. That's a ripoff.... $3K for a nice one is about on target.

I payed 2,800 for a nice one. Still probably a little on the high side, but the market is getting more realistic everyday.

The biggest problem with that game is playfield wear around the inserts in the middle of the playfield. They are notoriously in rough shape.

The only thing I had an issue with on my FT was finding certain plastics. Some of them are unobtainable.

Or....you could keep saving and buy a brand new Monster Bash remake later this year

Hope you snagged it the price was under 2k that's a good deal.

Well, yeah, that's a good deal, but $2k Fish Tales days are behind us. I looked for a few months recently in my area and jumped on the first one I found under $3k in decent shape. Even some of the $3k+ ones were turds.

I think it's a fine seafaring tune...but lots of people hate the music.

I saw and responded to the ad the price was under 2k

You said here on pinside. Be sure it's not one of the recent scammers.