Fishing Equipments Market Size, Growth Report, 2033

Fishing Equipments Market Overview

The Fishing Equipments Market size was valued at USD 15477.5 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 20886.48 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 3.4% from 2025 to 2033.

The fishing equipments market is a dynamic sector influenced by rising outdoor recreation, competitive angling events, and a growing emphasis on sustainable fishing practices. As of 2024, over 960 million people engage in fishing globally, with more than 45% participating regularly as a recreational activity. The market includes a wide range of products such as rods, reels, lines, lures, terminal tackle, electronics, and accessories. Approximately 84 million fishing rods were sold globally in 2023, along with 49 million reels and 230 million spools of fishing line. North America and Asia-Pacific dominate consumption, accounting for over 58% of global fishing equipment sales combined. The rise in urban fishing and the growing popularity of kayak and fly fishing have contributed to market diversification. E-commerce now represents 38% of fishing equipment sales, with over 22 million online orders placed in 2023 alone. High school and collegiate fishing tournaments in the U.S. grew by 18%, increasing demand for entry-level and mid-range gear. Innovation in tackle storage systems and smart fishing electronics has seen rapid adoption among professional anglers. The market is also supported by tourism, with fishing tourism generating demand for over 3.1 million rental rods annually in top destinations.

Key Findings

Driver: Increased participation in recreational fishing and outdoor leisure.

Country/Region: United States leads with over 51 million anglers and highest per capita fishing equipment sales.

Segment: Rods, reels, and components segment dominates due to high volume and frequent replacement cycles.

Fishing Equipments Market Trends

The fishing equipments market is undergoing a transformation driven by technological innovation, changing consumer behavior, and the expansion of fishing as a leisure and sport activity. In 2023, more than 1.5 billion fishing-related products were sold worldwide, marking a 14% increase from 2022. Rod sales alone crossed 84 million units, while lure sales surpassed 670 million units globally. The growth of digital platforms and angler communities contributed to increased product awareness and accessibility, with 28 million product reviews influencing consumer purchases. Smart fishing technology is one of the fastest-growing trends. In 2023, over 610,000 smart sonar devices were sold, up from 420,000 in 2022. Fish finders and GPS-integrated reels were adopted by 37% of professional anglers. Similarly, mobile applications that offer weather forecasts, fish behavior tracking, and tackle recommendations exceeded 9 million downloads by the end of 2023. The rise of wearable tech for anglers, including waterproof smartwatches with tide alerts, also contributed to this shift.

Eco-friendly gear has seen rising demand. In 2023, over 140 manufacturers introduced biodegradable lures and lead-free weights. Recycled materials were used in over 2.8 million fishing rods. Environment-conscious anglers now represent 24% of frequent buyers in North America and Europe. The market for sustainable packaging in fishing gear grew by 31% in volume, with over 12 million units shipped in compostable or recycled formats. Youth participation has surged, especially through school fishing programs and local competitions. In 2023, over 4.6 million anglers aged 8–18 were active globally, with rod-and-reel combo kits accounting for 7.5 million units in youth-specific gear sales. Social media played a crucial role in engaging the younger audience, generating more than 1.2 billion fishing-related video views across leading platforms. Subscription-based tackle boxes also gained traction, with 1.1 million subscriptions renewed globally, mainly targeting beginners and seasonal anglers.

Fishing Equipments Market Dynamics

DRIVER

Increased participation in recreational fishing.

Recreational fishing has grown substantially as both a leisure pursuit and a stress-relieving outdoor activity. As of 2023, more than 960 million individuals participated in fishing at least once a year, with 60% reporting multiple outings per season. The United States alone recorded 51 million anglers, followed by China with 42 million and Japan with 18 million. This surge has created strong demand for entry-level kits, compact travel rods, and digital fish finders. Fishing license issuances rose by 16% globally in 2023, indicating formalized angling activity. The growing popularity of kayak fishing, ice fishing, and catch-and-release methods continues to shape product innovation and demand across equipment categories.

RESTRAINT

Environmental regulations on material usage.

The fishing industry faces increasing regulatory scrutiny over the environmental impact of equipment materials. In 2023, 14 countries banned or restricted lead-based tackle, affecting over 120 million units in annual sales. Similarly, non-biodegradable plastic baits have come under review in regions such as Scandinavia, the Pacific Northwest, and parts of Australia. These restrictions require manufacturers to reformulate products or shift to costlier alternatives like tungsten or tin, increasing production costs by up to 28%. Packaging waste limitations have further affected mass-market product distribution, with over 8.6 million units requiring repackaging under new sustainability laws. These measures, while necessary for conservation, pose challenges for traditional manufacturing models.

OPPORTUNITY

Expansion of digital and online retailing.

The fishing equipments market is benefiting significantly from digital retail and e-commerce channels. In 2023, online sales accounted for 38% of total product transactions, with more than 22 million purchases made through online platforms. Asia-Pacific leads in digital fishing equipment sales, with over 9.4 million transactions in 2023. The availability of product comparison tools, user reviews, and video tutorials has improved consumer confidence and reduced product returns by 19%. Drop-shipping and direct-to-consumer (DTC) models enabled 2,700 independent fishing brands to reach global audiences without traditional retail constraints. Customized tackle kits and subscription services further enhanced online retail growth, especially in North America and Europe.

CHALLENGE

Rising raw material and logistics costs.

The cost of manufacturing fishing equipment has increased steadily due to global supply chain disruptions and rising raw material prices. In 2023, the average cost of carbon fiber, used in premium rods, increased by 21%, while stainless steel for hooks and components rose by 18%. Freight charges for international shipments of fishing gear rose by 26%, impacting global distribution. Manufacturers reported a 9% increase in packaging and warehousing costs, contributing to tighter margins. Smaller companies with limited sourcing flexibility were disproportionately affected, with over 170 reporting order delays of more than 30 days. Maintaining affordability while delivering high-quality gear remains a key challenge.

Fishing Equipments Market Segmentation

The fishing equipments market is segmented by type and application. By type, the segment includes rods, reels and components, line, leaders, lures, flies, baits, terminal tackle, electronics, and others. By application, the market is divided into freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing. Each segment contributes uniquely to market growth based on angler preferences and geographic demand.

By Type

Rods, Reels and Components: Rods, reels, and associated components represent the backbone of the global fishing equipment market, accounting for over 43% of total product sales in 2023. Approximately 84 million rods and 49 million reels were sold worldwide. Manufacturers also produced over 320 million rod components, including guides, reel seats, and blanks. The average angler replaces or upgrades rods and reels every 2 to 4 years, with premium models having a usage life exceeding 7 years. North America alone accounted for 28 million rod sales, while Asia-Pacific followed closely with 25 million. Demand was particularly strong for carbon fiber rods and high-speed spinning reels, which together made up 42% of all rod-and-reel combos.
Line and Leaders: Fishing line and leaders make up roughly 28% of the total product volume, driven by the high rate of line wear and frequent replacement. In 2023, more than 230 million spools of fishing line and 180 million leader kits were sold globally. Monofilament remains the most popular line type, with 54% of sales, followed by braided (32%) and fluorocarbon (14%). North America, Europe, and Japan led in line upgrades, particularly among bass and pike anglers who require abrasion resistance and sensitivity. The average spool length sold was 150 yards, with bulk sales in Asia-Pacific often exceeding 500 yards per unit.
Lures, Flies, and Baits: Artificial lures, flies, and baits accounted for 20% of global fishing gear sales in 2023. More than 670 million lures were sold, including crankbaits, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and jigs. Fly fishing flies represented another 210 million units, particularly popular in North America and Europe. Bait formulations expanded to include biodegradable compounds, contributing to over 88 million units of sustainable bait sold. Color-specific and scent-infused designs gained traction, with 34% of anglers purchasing specialty baits designed for species like trout, bass, and walleye. Manufacturers also introduced glow-in-the-dark and temperature-reactive materials, especially in the ice fishing segment.
Terminal Tackle: Terminal tackle, including hooks, swivels, sinkers, floats, and beads, formed 18% of the product mix. In 2023, over 480 million pieces of terminal tackle were sold worldwide. Single hooks accounted for 62% of sales, followed by treble hooks and circle hooks. The switch to lead-free sinkers drove a 22% increase in tungsten and steel sinker adoption. Packaged tackle assortments were especially popular in beginner kits and sold over 16 million units in North America and Europe combined. Modular tackle systems allowing easy storage and deployment were also widely adopted, with 2.4 million kits sold globally.
Electronics: Fishing electronics, while smaller in volume, saw the fastest year-over-year growth at 31% in 2023. A total of 610,000 fish finders, smart reels, underwater cameras, and sonar mapping devices were sold. These tools are favored by tournament anglers and experienced sport fishermen. Over 230,000 GPS-integrated reels were sold in North America and Japan. Sales of sonar devices exceeded 280,000 units, with compact castable models comprising 40% of total sonar sales. Wearable electronics, such as smart fishing watches and gloves, reached 410,000 units by the end of 2023.
Others: The 'Others' category includes nets, coolers, tackle bags, clothing, and miscellaneous accessories. In 2023, more than 240 million units of these supplementary products were sold. Angler-specific apparel, such as UV-resistant shirts, waterproof gloves, and thermal waders, comprised 28% of the segment. Nets with fish-safe rubber mesh exceeded 19 million units in sales, and collapsible tackle bags with modular compartments sold over 12 million units. Fish storage systems like insulated coolers and stringers were also in demand, particularly in the saltwater fishing segment.

By Application

Freshwater Fishing: Freshwater fishing dominates the global fishing equipment market, accounting for approximately 72% of total product sales in 2023. More than 690 million pieces of gear were sold for use in freshwater environments, including rods, reels, baits, and terminal tackle. North America leads this segment, with over 52 million freshwater anglers and 320 million units sold in 2023 alone. Common target species include bass, trout, catfish, and pike. Fly fishing contributed significantly, especially in the U.S. and Europe, with more than 2.6 million rods and 210 million flies sold. Youth participation in freshwater fishing is also high, with over 4 million rod-and-reel kits sold for children and beginners.
Saltwater Fishing: Saltwater fishing accounts for 28% of total market volume, with more than 270 million units of saltwater-specific gear sold globally in 2023. Popular in coastal regions of Asia-Pacific, the Gulf, and North America, this segment includes heavy-duty rods, corrosion-resistant reels, and reinforced terminal tackle. In 2023, over 32 million saltwater rods and 88 million saltwater lures and hooks were sold. Kayak and offshore fishing continue to gain traction, particularly in Australia and Southeast Asia, contributing to the sale of 620,000 heavy-torque reels. Saltwater gear tends to have higher price points and longer durability, prompting more investment in premium gear by experienced anglers.

Fishing Equipments Market Regional Outlook

North America

remains the leading region in the global fishing equipments market. In 2023, the region recorded over 204 million fishing-related product sales, driven by a robust angling community of 51 million participants in the United States and 8 million in Canada. More than 34% of all rod-and-reel combos sold globally were purchased in North America. The U.S. market also saw 3.4 million sonar and fish-finding devices sold, with over 620,000 smart fishing electronics deployed in 2023. High school and college fishing programs expanded by 18%, while annual fishing tournaments surpassed 6,000 events, generating increased demand for gear and accessories.

Europe

continues to represent a mature and innovation-driven market, with more than 174 million units of fishing gear sold in 2023. Germany, France, the UK, and the Nordic countries lead in both recreational and competitive angling. Over 24 million anglers are active across the region, contributing to high demand for mid- and premium-tier equipment. More than 2.6 million fly fishing rods and 28 million artificial lures were sold across Europe in 2023. Sustainability drives the market, with 37% of consumers preferring eco-friendly gear. Over 6 million units of gear used biodegradable packaging or recycled components.

Asia-Pacific

fastest-growing regional market, with 2023 sales exceeding 410 million units of fishing equipment. China leads the region with over 42 million anglers, followed by Japan with 18 million and India with 11 million. More than 84 million rods and 58 million reels were sold in Asia-Pacific in 2023. E-commerce transactions in this region surpassed 9.4 million purchases, with mobile-friendly platforms dominating. The market also recorded 21% year-on-year growth in saltwater gear demand, particularly in Southeast Asia. Over 120 million hooks and terminal tackle units were sold across Asia-Pacific, driven by recreational fishing and coastal community usage.

Middle East & Africa

region has shown steady growth, with more than 78 million fishing products sold in 2023. In the Gulf region, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia saw increasing investment in recreational fishing infrastructure. Over 7 million rods and 4.2 million reels were sold in this region, supported by tourism and guided expeditions. South Africa, Kenya, and Nigeria contributed to regional expansion, with freshwater fishing gear sales growing by 14%. Fishing tourism added demand for more than 400,000 rental gear kits, particularly in marine reserves and freshwater safari destinations. Customization and rugged product demand have grown due to the diversity of species and environments in the region.

List Of Fishing Equipments Companies

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

Shimano: With over 89 million units sold globally in 2023, Shimano leads the fishing equipment market, offering reels, rods, and components that dominate premium and mid-tier categories. The company’s global footprint spans over 40 countries, with more than 14 million rods and 21 million reels distributed across North America and Asia-Pacific alone.

Globeride (Daiwa): Ranking second in market share, Daiwa recorded global sales exceeding 75 million units in 2023, with strong presence in Japan, the U.S., and Australia. The company’s innovations in electric reels and saltwater gear contributed to over 12 million new unit sales, including 3.1 million high-durability saltwater reels.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The fishing equipment industry is witnessing a surge in investments across product innovation, manufacturing capabilities, and digital infrastructure. In 2023, over 1,200 new fishing gear products were launched globally, and more than 320 companies expanded their production or distribution capabilities. Investments in smart fishing technologies were a major highlight, as over 610,000 smart sonar devices were sold in 2023, up from 420,000 units the year prior. More than 45 venture-backed companies in the U.S., Europe, and Japan focused on developing AI-powered fish finders, GPS reels, and automated bite alert systems, attracting over $290 million in funding collectively. In terms of sustainability, eco-conscious investment rose sharply, driven by regulatory changes and shifting consumer preferences. Over 140 companies launched biodegradable lures and lead-free tackle products, and recycled materials were incorporated in 2.8 million rods globally. This segment drew more than $180 million in green investment, with a notable rise in public-private partnerships promoting responsible fishing practices. In 2023, Europe alone saw 27 new eco-friendly manufacturing lines come online, with a combined capacity to produce 34 million sustainable product units annually. E-commerce expansion also opened up new investment channels. Online sales accounted for 38% of global transactions in 2023, equaling over 22 million online purchases. Retail technology upgrades included logistics hubs, AI-based product recommendations, and live-streamed sales channels, particularly in Asia-Pacific where over 9.4 million units were sold digitally. Investors focused on developing robust DTC (direct-to-consumer) ecosystems, with over 2,700 niche fishing brands joining global online marketplaces. Platforms offering subscription tackle boxes and virtual tackle shops attracted over 1.1 million subscribers in 2023. Emerging markets such as India, Brazil, and Kenya presented lucrative opportunities. In India, gear sales grew by 21% in 2023, with over 4 million new anglers entering the market. Localized investments supported the setup of six new regional warehouses and the expansion of rod manufacturing in Tamil Nadu and Gujarat. Kenya and Nigeria each saw more than 250,000 units sold annually, prompting investors to fund local assembling units and micro-distribution models. These trends point toward a long-term opportunity in underserved markets with rising leisure and tourism-driven fishing demand.

New Product Development

Product innovation in the fishing equipment market has surged in response to evolving angler needs, technological advancements, and growing environmental awareness. In 2023, more than 1,200 new products were introduced globally, spanning from rods and reels to sonar devices and eco-friendly accessories. Shimano led new product releases, accounting for 128 innovations, followed by Daiwa with 96 and Rapala with 72. These developments contributed to a 12% rise in new product trial purchases year over year. Smart fishing gear saw dramatic growth. Over 610,000 sonar devices were sold in 2023, integrating Bluetooth connectivity, water-depth mapping, and predictive fish detection algorithms. GPS-linked smart reels became mainstream, with 230,000 units sold primarily in the U.S., Japan, and Australia. Wearable gear such as waterproof smartwatches and digital gloves embedded with temperature and fish strike alerts reached 410,000 units, up 19% from the previous year. Sustainability-focused innovation also increased. Biodegradable lure materials made from corn polymers or soy compounds were launched by over 50 manufacturers. Recycled aluminum and carbon fiber were used in 2.8 million fishing rods, while lead-free weights made from tungsten and steel accounted for 88 million units sold in 2023. These products received favorable response in Europe and North America, where eco-conscious anglers now make up 24% of the regular customer base. Customization and personalization have become major selling points. Manufacturers rolled out modular rod kits with interchangeable handles, reel seat upgrades, and multi-piece storage designs. Over 1.6 million units of personalized fishing gear were sold globally in 2023, with premium buyers opting for laser-engraved handles and UV-coated decals. Mobile applications allowed anglers to build and preview their rod-reel combos digitally before purchase. In fly fishing, modular fly-tying kits and adjustable flies led to 640,000 kits sold across North America and Europe.

Five Recent Developments

Shimano introduced its EX-Lite rod series, using high-density carbon fiber to reduce weight by 15% while enhancing tensile strength by 11%. Over 1.2 million units were distributed across 22 countries.
Daiwa (Globeride) launched its first AI-integrated fish finder reel, which combines real-time sonar feedback with automatic spool speed adjustment. Sales exceeded 290,000 units globally in 2023.
Rapala VMC released a full suite of biodegradable soft baits, resulting in 67 million units sold within 12 months and replacing 16% of its legacy plastic bait inventory.
Johnson Outdoors unveiled its Helix Series GPS trolling motors, with adaptive cruise control and collision-avoidance software. The product was adopted by over 17,000 anglers within six months.
Okuma Fishing launched a saltwater corrosion-resistant reel line designed with nano-ceramic coatings, achieving 620,000 unit sales in markets with high humidity and saline conditions.

Report Coverage of Fishing Equipments Market

This report presents a comprehensive overview of the global fishing equipment market, structured to aid manufacturers, investors, retailers, and policymakers. Covering all core segments—rods, reels, lines, lures, tackle, electronics, and accessories—it profiles sales volumes, innovation drivers, geographic trends, and consumer behavior across key global regions. Over 1.5 billion fishing products were sold in 2023, and more than 960 million people participated in fishing activities worldwide, offering an unparalleled demand base. The report explores segmentation by type and application. Rods, reels, and lines constitute 43% of product sales, while terminal tackle and electronics combined contribute another 28%. Applications are categorized into freshwater and saltwater, with freshwater representing 72% of global equipment usage. Data from over 120 countries were analyzed, with in-depth reviews of usage patterns across 24 million anglers in Europe, 51 million in North America, and 42 million in Asia-Pacific. Key market dynamics include digital sales growth, sustainability mandates, and material cost inflation. The report evaluates how factors like e-commerce penetration, youth participation, and tourism influence regional and seasonal demand. Over 22 million units were sold online in 2023, and gear tailored for youth and beginners accounted for more than 7.5 million kits. Fishing tourism created demand for 3.1 million rental rods, particularly in high-traffic angling destinations. Company coverage includes leading brands such as Shimano, Globeride (Daiwa), Rapala VMC, and Johnson Outdoors. Performance metrics include unit volumes, product launches, market reach, and innovation benchmarks. Strategic investments are mapped by region and segment, spotlighting over 180 eco-friendly product lines, 85 e-commerce expansion initiatives, and 1,200 new product entries. With detailed insights across product innovation, sustainability, consumer demand, and investment flows, the report serves as a foundational tool for decision-making across the fishing gear industry through 2030.