Fishing Equipment Market | Industry Analysis Report, 2033

Fishing Equipment Market Overview

Global Fishing Equipment Market size is estimated at USD 15548.94 million in 2024 and expected to rise to USD 21191.61 million by 2033, experiencing a CAGR of 3.5%.

The global Fishing Equipment Market in 2023 moved over 480 million individual pieces of terminal tackle, including hooks, swivels, sinkers, floats, and beads, reflecting widespread consumer demand for accessory items (18 % of total gear volumes). In product category breakdown, rods and reels accounted for roughly 43 % of unit sales, with approximately 84 million rods and 49 million reels sold in .

Fishing line and leaders held about 28 % of annual volumes, totaling over 230 million spools of fishing line sold globally, with average spool lengths around 150 yards each .Artificial lures, flies, and baits amounted to roughly 20 % of product sales, with over 670 million lures and 210 million flies sold in that year .Electronics, including fish finders and smart reels, recorded 610,000 units of sales worldwide, with fish finder devices alone making up over 280,000 units .

Freshwater‐targeted gear represented approximately 72 % of total gear volume in 2023, amounting to over 690 million pieces, while saltwater gear comprised the remaining 28 %, equivalent to roughly 270 million units sold .Within freshwater, over 320 million units were sold in North America in 2023, driven by a combined participation of more than 52 million freshwater anglers .

Key Findings

Top Driver: Technological innovation in fish‑finding electronics (e.g., 280,000 sonar units sold globally in 2023).

Top Country/Region: North America led with over 204 million full gear unit sales in 2023.

Top Segment: Rods and reels comprised the largest segment, with 84 million rods and 49 million reels sold.

Fishing Equipment Market Trends

The Fishing Equipment Market is showing accelerating diversity across gear types and geography. Terminal tackle alone reached sales exceeding 480 million items in 2023, with single hooks accounting for 62 % of those sales .The shift to lead‑free sinkers triggered a 22 % increase in tungsten and steel sinker purchases over the year .Modular tackle kits have gained traction, with 2.4 million kits sold globally and 16 million packaged tackle assortments sold in North America and Europe combined .

Rods and reels remain the backbone of the Fishing Equipment Market Market; 84 million rods and 49 million reels were sold in 2023. Additionally, 320 million rod components such as guides and blanks were produced, indicating strong demand across inventory and spare part segments .Anglers tend to upgrade every 2–4 years, though some premium models are used for 7+ years.

Electronics are among the fastest‑growing categories: smart reels, sonar devices, fish finders, and wearable electronics exceeded 610,000 units sold in 2023 .GPS‑integrated reels reached over 230,000 units, and portable sonar accounted for more than 280,000 units, with compact castable models comprising 40 % of sonar sales .

Artificial lures and baits continue to dominate angler shelves. In 2023, 670 million artificial lures and 210 million flies were sold globally, with specialized biodegradable bait units reaching 88 million sold .Innovations in scent and color customization spurred interest among niche angler segments targeting bass, trout, and walleye (34 % adoption rate).

Freshwater gear made up 72 % of total volumes in 2023 (~690 million units) while saltwater gear represented around 270 million units (28 %).Within saltwater, over 32 million saltwater rods and 88 million saltwater lures and hooks were sold . Ice‑fishing niche segments adopted glow‑in‑the‑dark and temperature‑reactive materials in baits, expanding seasonal sales.

Recreational participation fuels demand: globally, 220–700 million fishers capture roughly 40 billion fish annually, while approximately 300 million recreational anglers catch over 1.3 million tons of freshwater fish each year .

Overall, the Fishing Equipment Market is experiencing strong unit volume growth, technological innovation in electronics and tackle, and expanding geographic penetration via online channels.

Fishing Equipment Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Technological innovation in fishing electronics and modular systems

In the Fishing Equipment Market Market, electronics and smart accessories have become a critical growth driver. In 2023, sales of fish‑finding electronics exceeded 610,000 units globally, with GPS‑integrated reels surpassing 230,000 units and portable sonar devices topping 280,000 units . This demand is propelled by both competitive sport anglers and recreational users, as enhanced electronics improve catch efficiency and experience. The entry of wearable products—smart gloves and watches totaling 410,000 units—has broadened consumer usage occasions. Meanwhile, the rise of modular tackle kits (2.4 million units sold) caters to convenience and organizational trends. The Fishing Equipment Market Market benefits from these developments, as innovation extends product lifecycles and supports premium pricing—driving new sales and upgrades across consumer bases globally.

RESTRAINT

Environmental concerns regarding lead and discarded gear

The Fishing Equipment Market Market faces mounting constraints due to environmental regulations and ecological awareness. In 2023, manufacturers responded to consumer concerns by increasing lead‑free sinker sales by 22 %, substituting lead with tungsten and steel components .However, compliance with bans on lead in hooks, sinkers, and jigs often increases production costs, limiting price competitiveness in entry‑level gear. Additionally, discarded and lost fishing gear has emerged as a source of marine pollution, entangling wildlife and disrupting food webs . Stricter legislation in coastal regions and freshwater bodies forces companies to redesign packaging and mandate "ghost gear" recovery programs. These shifts impose operational burdens on both manufacturers and distributors in the Fishing Equipment Market Market. Until industry standards stabilize, higher compliance expenses and R&D investments may slow unit volume growth—especially in budget‑friendly segments.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of e‑commerce and angling tourism

E‑commerce and fishing tourism represent major untapped opportunities for the Fishing Equipment Market Market. In Asia‑Pacific, over 9.4 million fishing‑gear purchases occurred online in 2023 , boosted by mobile‑first platforms reaching rural anglers in China, Japan, and India (11 million anglers in India alone). Specialty retailers and global brands can leverage this digital channel to expand product access and consumer education. In parallel, fish‑tourism— anglers traveling for diverse water ecosystems—has surged across North America, Europe, and Asia, supporting bundled gear‑and‑trip services . With tens of millions of freshwater anglers seeking travel experiences, equipment manufacturers and outfitters can develop region‑specific kits tailored to target species and water conditions. Combining e‑commerce with fishing‑tourism partnerships—including destination‑specific bundles—can drive incremental unit sales and enhance brand loyalty within the Fishing Equipment Market.

CHALLENGE

Reporting gap in recreational catch metrics and resource sustainability

Within the Fishing Equipment Market, a significant challenge is the lack of accurate data on recreational catch, which affects sustainable resource management. Only a portion of recreational freshwater catch—about 11.3 % of the global inland fish catch (1.3 million tonnes out of 11.5 million tonnes)—is officially reported .Marine recreational catches add another ~900,000 t/year globally, but remain under‑tracked . Incomplete reporting weakens the ability to forecast gear requirements, allocate R&D investment, and anticipate regulatory changes tied to fish stock health. For the Fishing Equipment Market Market, this opacity can lead to oversupply in certain gear types or delayed market entry for sustainable products. Manufacturers need better alignment with fishery management bodies to adapt gear design, such as biodegradable lures or gear suitable for catch‑and‑release practices. Without improved catch monitoring, long‑term market planning and ecosystem stewardship remain restricted—posing a strategic hurdle for responsible growth.

Fishing Equipment Market Segmentation

By Type

Thermal Technologies: Thermal technologies in waste‑to‑energy encompass incineration, gasification, and pyrolysis processes that harness heat to convert waste into electricity or heat. In incineration, municipal solid waste is combusted directly at high temperatures (~800–1,100 °C), generating steam that drives turbines. Gasification partially oxidizes waste into syngas (CO/H₂), which is then combusted. Pyrolysis heats organic material in low‑oxygen environments to produce bio-oil and char. As of 2020, the global WtE market reached US $32 billion, with thermal conversion being the dominant segment .
Biochemical Reactions: Biochemical reactions include anaerobic digestion and fermentation technologies that break down organic waste via microbial action to produce biogas (mainly methane and CO₂). Anaerobic digesters operate at mesophilic (35–40 °C) or thermophilic (50–60 °C) ranges. Biogas yields typically range from 200 to 600 m³ per ton of organic waste, with methane content of 50–65%. In 2022, digesters processed over 200 million tonnes of agricultural and food waste globally. Biochemical systems are favored in regions with high organic waste availability, such as rural Europe and North America, delivering renewable natural gas (RNG) that can be upgraded and fed into gas grids or used as vehicle fuel. Compared to thermal systems, they emit fewer pollutants and generate digestate that can serve as sustainable biofertilizer, closing nutrient loops .

By Application

Freshwater Fishing: The freshwater fishing equipment market caters to anglers targeting lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. As of 2024, freshwater gear, including rods, reels, lines, hooks, lures, nets, and electronics, encompassed an estimated US $6 billion globally—nearly 40% of total tackle sales . Bass, trout, and salmon are major species, accounting for over 50% of freshwater gear revenue . Freshwater tackle is typically lighter and more precise—rods range from ultralight 6-ft to medium-heavy 8-ft, reels balance durability and finesse, and lures are often species-specific.
Technological innovations are influencing freshwater fishing: smart fishfinders with high-frequency sonar offer 50 m depth precision, while electronic bite alarms are seeing increased uptake among coarse anglers, with penetration rising above 25% in Europe’s tackle shops . Online sales now represent over 35% of freshwater tackle distribution, up from under 20% five years ago, driven by improved logistics and detailed product info.
Saltwater Fishing: Saltwater fishing gear, built for durability under corrosive marine conditions, was valued at approximately US $3.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to US $5.2 billion by 2033 . Equipment includes stout rods (7–12 ft heavy action), sealed corrosion-resistant reels with gear ratios of 5.6:1–6:1, braided lines (30–80 lb test), heavy-duty hooks, sinkers (2–16 oz), and specialized lures.
Recreational saltwater fishing: offshore, surf, pier, or kayak—has fueled demand. Increases in disposable income and marine sport tourism have driven up mid-range gear purchases. For instance, sealed spinning reels saw a 15% worldwide shipment rise in 2023 compared to 2022. Saltwater gear online distribution exceeds 40%, with dedicated platforms offering marine-grade warranty options. High performance and longevity are key, with many saltwater kits rated for 1,000+ hours of use under wet saltwater exposure.

Fishing Equipment Market Regional Outlook

Globally, the fishing equipment market is strong, with a 2024 valuation of around US $15–16 billion and a projection to reach US $21–22 billion by 2033–34 . Demand is driven by rising participation in recreational fishing and technology integration—smart rods, fish finders, biodegradable lures. North America leads in share, followed by Europe and Asia-Pacific, with emerging markets like India and Southeast Asia expanding. Saltwater gear accounts for roughly 22% of total demand, freshwater for 40%, and remaining segments include fly and specialty fishing. Online channels now make up over 35% of global distribution, reshaping market access and consumer choice.

North America

North America is the largest regional market, valued at approximately US $6.5–7 billion in 2023–24 . The U.S. leads with over 40 million annual anglers. Key segments include bass (25%), catfish, and trout. Rods and reels dominate sales (~50% of regional gear revenue), with electronics (fishfinders, GPS) accounting for about 15%. Online channels drive 45% of sales, with major retailers like Bass Pro and Cabela’s capturing ~60% of offline spends. Demand for sustainable tackle is growing, with eco-friendly hook and line materials rising to 12% penetration in 2024.

Europe

Europe’s market was valued at around US $4–4.5 billion in 2024 . Freshwater angling is popular in Germany, UK, and France, with trout and carp species dominating. Gear sales are dominated by rods (35%), followed by reels and terminal tackle. Ice fishing remains strong in Scandinavia. Electronic bite alarms now appear in over 30% of coarse anglers’ setups. Saltwater markets are solid in the Mediterranean and North Sea. Online retail accounts for 30% of sales, growing faster than Denmark and Netherlands markets at ~10% year-over-year. Eco-label tackle is growing amid regulatory pressures limiting lead sinkers.

Asia‑Pacific

Asia-Pacific is one of the fastest expanding regions, valued at approximately US $3.5–4 billion in 2024 . Growth is led by China, Japan, India, and Australia. In Japan and Australia, saltwater surf and boat fishing dominate, while in India and Southeast Asia freshwater rod/reel sales surge for carp, catfish, and tilapia angling. Electronics are emerging—China saw a 20% year-over-year rise in fishfinder imports in 2023. Online retail reaches 30% of the market. Local manufacturers cater with cost-effective branded starter packs (~US $50–100 per set), widening access and participation.

Middle East & Africa

In the Middle East & Africa, the fishing equipment market is niche yet growing—valued at approximately US $0.8–1 billion in 2024 . Growth is strongest in Gulf countries (UAE, Saudi), where seawater fishing and sport tourism are expanding. Equipment portfolios are skewed toward saltwater rods, reels, and offshore trolling gear. Electronics have low penetration (~10%) but rising demand for fishfinders among sport fishermen. Northern Africa (Morocco, Tunisia) shows growth in freshwater gear. Distribution is still primarily offline (70%), but online sales are increasing at over 15% annually. Regulatory efforts to support recreational fishing, such as coastal access initiatives, further boost equipment demand.

List of Top Fishing Equipment Market Companies

Newell (Jarden Corporation)
Shimano
Globeride(Daiwa)
Rapala VMC Corporation
Weihai Guangwei Group
Dongmi Fishing
Johshuya Co.
Johnson Outdoors
Cabela's Inc
Wright & McGill
Pokee Fishing
St. Croix Rods
Gamakatsu
Tica Fishing
DUEL(YO-ZURI)
Tiemco
Preston Innovations
Beilun Haibo
AFTCO Mfg.
O. Mustad & Son
Okuma Fishing
Barfilon Fishing

List only top two companies with highest share

Veolia Environnement SA : As the world’s leading waste management and WtE operator, Veolia dominates with over 15% share of installed global WtE capacity; its thermal plants serve Europe and North America, producing both heat and electricity .

A2A SpA : A major Italian WtE player holding strong position in Europe; A2A’s waste-to-energy division processes over 1 million tonnes of municipal waste annually, with integrated heating networks and electricity output of ~300 GWh/year.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

Capital is flowing into every layer of the fishing-equipment supply chain, signalling sustained demand and opening room for newcomers. In October 2024 Pure Fishing replaced its bank debt with a five-year, US $750 million first-lien facility; management has earmarked the funds for automation at Spirit Lake (Iowa) and a direct-to-consumer e-commerce revamp, together projected to lift reel output by roughly 20 million units a year . Shimano is simultaneously expanding manufacturing in Southeast Asia: 20 billion yen (≈US $179 million) for a new Singapore reel plant and 13 billion yen for process upgrades in Japan, investments expected to boost global capacity by 30 % while cutting per-unit energy use 18 % .

Public policy is also shaping opportunity. In the United States a federal excise tax of 10 % on most rods, reels and lures channels hundreds of millions of dollars each year into Sport-Fish Restoration grants—money that states must spend on boat ramps, hatcheries and access projects, thereby enlarging the addressable market for equipment makers . Across the Atlantic, the European Commission’s draft ban on lead sinkers and jig heads, published in late 2024, has accelerated venture funding for tungsten-, steel- and bismuth-based terminal tackle; several start-ups have already licensed alloy patents ahead of an expected phase-out timetable of five to seven years .

Electronics suppliers remain a magnet for R&D capital. Garmin’s LiveScope engineering programme, which delivered a 35 % jump in target separation with the Plus transducer, benefitted from a three-year spend greater than US $60 million and has expanded the firm’s dealer network by more than 200 outlets since 2022 . Lowrance’s display division invested in SolarMAX HD panels rated above 1,200 nits, enabling clear daylight viewing and justifying premium price points on the 2023 HDS PRO release .

Emerging‐market production is another hotspot. Malaysia’s reel cluster, supported by targeted investment incentives, has recorded double-digit unit shipments for two consecutive seasons, while component sourcing from Vietnam and India is tightening lead times for mid-priced combos . Collectively, these moves illustrate how strategic capital—private, public and regulatory-driven—is broadening product availability, lowering manufacturing costs and seeding niches (lead-free tackle, IoT-ready gear, recycled-carbon rods) that are likely to dominate the next planning cycle.

New Product Development

Innovation in 2023-24 has centred on materials science, digital integration and user-friendly ergonomics. Shimano’s 2024 Stella FK spinning reel introduced Infinity Loop, a micro-oscillation system that lays line in perfectly parallel wraps; lab testing shows friction cut to near-zero, delivering noticeably longer casts with lighter braid . Gear durability also improved: revised drive- and pinion-gear geometry enlarges contact area and spreads load, raising longevity metrics by 60 % in Shimano’s accelerated-wear rig.

Daiwa’s latest Exist LT platform attacks weight. The AIRDRIVE rotor is 16 % lighter than its predecessor, dropping the 2500-size reel to just 5.6 oz (160 g) without sacrificing 10 lb of drag—an engineering feat made possible by a one-piece Monocoque magnesium frame . Anglers report higher sensitivity because of the reduced start-up inertia, a benefit echoed in early tournament usage.

Soft-bait chemistry is also advancing. Rapala’s 2024 line-up features thermo-extruded elastomers that maintain action down to 4 °C and leach zero microplastics during a 48-hour immersion test, meeting forthcoming Scandinavian standards for biodegradability . Yamamoto’s Japanese-developed Yamatanuki heavy stick bait, now in U.S. distribution, uses a salt-infused matrix that lets a 4.25-in lure reach target depth 30 % faster than comparable plastics—ideal for forward-facing sonar presentations .

Line technology has not stood still. PowerPro’s Bite Motion braid incorporates alternating orange-and-black marks every 24 in; the visual cue translates into quicker hook-sets when fish strike on the drop and has gained early traction among European zander specialists . Collectively, these launches point to a market where tangible performance gains—lighter, brighter, farther, cleaner—drive brand differentiation and set the benchmarks for the 2025 product cycle.

Five Recent Developments (2023-2024)

Pure Fishing secured a five-year: US $750 million credit facility in October 2024 to fund factory automation and digital commerce expansion .
Shimano debuted the Stella FK :spinning reel (2024), featuring Infinity Loop winding that lowers line-spool friction and boosts real-world casting efficiency .
Rapala VMC : completed the purchase of the remaining 40 % of 13 Fishing in December 2023, taking full control of the rod-and-reel brand and extending distribution to 15 European markets .
Garmin launched LiveScope XR in 2023: extending live-sonar visibility to 500 ft (fresh) and 350 ft (salt) with the new LVS62 transducer .
Lowrance rolled out HDS PRO :displays in late 2023, delivering >1,200 nits brightness and multitouch SolarMAX HD screens for clearer daytime readability .

Report Coverage of Fishing Equipment Market

The report spans a ten-year analytical window, collating supply-side data from 2021-2024 and demand modelling through 2030. It integrates participation metrics—54.5 million active U.S. anglers in 2022, up 4 % year on year , and an estimated 25 million recreational anglers across Europe with fleet and access indicators such as the EU’s 70,408-vessel marine fleet (2023) . Segment break-outs mirror market practice: equipment is dissected by type (rods, reels, terminal tackle, electronics, line, accessories) and environment (freshwater, saltwater, ice), cross-linked to five performance parameters—weight, durability, corrosion resistance, digital integration and sustainability.

Geographically, coverage extends to 30 individual countries on six continents, grouped into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Each country chapter tracks licensing rules, excise-tax impacts and e-commerce penetration: for example, the U.S. 10 % Sport-Fishing Equipment Tax is profiled alongside collection challenges on direct-to-consumer imports . European chapters map opportunity in forthcoming lead-sinkers legislation and profile early movers in tungsten and bismuth alloys .

Technology coverage drills into more than 50 proprietary innovations documented between January 2023 and March 2025, including live-sonar range extensions, rotor-weight reductions of up to 16 % and display-brightness gains above 1,200 nits . Supply-chain analysis quantifies capital projects such as Shimano’s 20 billion-yen Singapore plant and Pure Fishing’s US $750 million refinancing, linking them to projected capacity shifts and job creation .

Methodologically, the study blends primary interviews with 90+ retailers and OEMs, import-export ledger scraping, and patent-family tracking to triangulate unit-shipment baselines. Forecast algorithms weight demographic participation scenarios, regulatory timelines and technology adoption curves rather than revenue trajectories, in line with the client brief. Deliverables include 180 pages of narrative, 60 comparative data tables, and an interactive dashboard that lets users re-weight scenarios—such as accelerated EU lead restrictions or delayed excise-tax reform—and instantly view effects on unit demand. By combining granular engineering metrics with macro participation data, the report offers a decision-ready map of where capital, R&D and regulation will shape the fishing-equipment landscape through the end of the decade.