Fishing Tackle Market Size, Share, Growth, and Industry Analysis, By Type (Rods, Reels and Components,Line, Leaders,Lures, Files, Baits,Terminal Tackle,Electronics,Others), By Application (Freshwater Fishing,Saltwater Fishing), Regional Insights and Forecast to 2033

Fishing Tackle Market Overview

The Fishing Tackle Market size was valued at USD 12790.8 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 18703.71 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2025 to 2033.

In 2025, the United States represented the majority of North America’s ~34% share of the global fishing tackle market, with strong recreational demand driving domestic growth. The global market is projected to grow at a 3.6% CAGR, reaching about USD 22.0 billion by 2033 and the US at the forefront of regional performance.

The global fishing tackle market is witnessing notable momentum due to rising participation in recreational fishing and the expansion of commercial fisheries. As of 2024, over 220 million people worldwide are engaged in recreational fishing, driving demand for advanced and diversified tackle options. In the U.S. alone, over 52.4 million people reported fishing participation in 2023, reflecting a 4.1% increase from 2022. Rising outdoor activity interest is boosting market sales across freshwater and saltwater segments.

In 2023, the global production volume of fishing rods exceeded 135 million units, while fishing reels crossed the 105 million unit mark. Countries like China, Japan, and the U.S. are dominant manufacturers, with China producing more than 70 million rods annually. Additionally, growing tourism in angling hotspots such as Canada, Australia, and Norway is driving sales of baits, lines, and terminal tackle.

Electronics and smart gear are also reshaping the market, with over 8.5 million sonar fish finders sold globally in 2023. The increasing preference for environment-friendly and biodegradable lures is also notable, with more than 4.3 million units sold in the European region. The fishing tackle market continues to evolve with innovation, environmental awareness, and rising consumer engagement.

Key Findings

• Market Size and Growth: Global Fishing Tackle Market size was valued at USD 12790.8 million in 2024, expected to reach USD 18703.71 million by 2033, with a CAGR of 4.5 % from 2025 to 2033.
• Key Market Driver: Recreational fishing participation rose by 5% in 2023, contributing to rising demand for fishing tackle and gear globally.
• Major Market Restraint: Environmental regulations on lead-based tackle impacted nearly 18% of traditional product sales across North America and Europe.
• Emerging Trends: Eco-friendly tackle alternatives grew by 26% in production, driven by increased environmental awareness among recreational fishers.
• Regional Leadership: North America accounted for over 38% of the global fishing tackle market, driven by high freshwater fishing activity rates.
• Competitive Landscape: Top manufacturers collectively held 47% of market share, reflecting moderate consolidation and high brand preference in the premium segment.
• Market Segmentation (Freshwater Fishing, Saltwater Fishing): Freshwater fishing contributed to 61% of total tackle sales, while saltwater fishing represented 39%, led by coastal markets.
• Recent Development: Domestic tackle production in Asia increased by 34% due to rising export demand and manufacturing cost advantages in 2023.
• DRIVER: Growing global participation in recreational fishing.
• COUNTRY/REGION: North America dominates due to 52.4 million recreational fishers in the U.S. alone as of 2023.
• SEGMENT: Rods remain the top segment with over 135 million units sold globally in 2023.

Fishing Tackle Market Trends

One of the most notable trends in the fishing tackle market is the surge in eco-conscious consumer behavior. In 2023, over 38% of new tackle products introduced in the European Union included biodegradable materials, such as water-soluble soft baits and lead-free sinkers. This shift is aligned with growing environmental regulations and consumer awareness. Additionally, over 7.2 million biodegradable lures were sold in Europe in 2023 alone. Digital integration is transforming tackle functionality. More than 5.8 million Bluetooth-enabled reels and smart rods were sold globally in 2023, driven by demand for data tracking in fishing activities. The smart tackle segment, especially sonar fish finders, reached over 8.5 million units in global sales last year, showing a year-on-year volume increase of 6.4%. Online retail channels are also gaining ground. In 2023, more than 61% of global fishing tackle sales occurred through e-commerce platforms, with significant traction in North America and Asia-Pacific. China accounted for over 22 million units of tackle sold via online channels in 2023, while the U.S. reported over 18.5 million units. Product customization is another rising trend. In Japan, over 3.1 million customized rod orders were fulfilled in 2023, mainly catering to sport anglers and tournament participants. Custom lure design is also gaining ground, with U.S. custom lure companies producing over 1.2 million units for saltwater applications. Tournament-based marketing continues to fuel demand. In 2023, more than 1,700 sport fishing tournaments were held globally, with an estimated 1.9 million participants. These events significantly boost the sale of specialized gear, particularly among premium and niche brands. In the U.S., tournament-specific reels sold over 520,000 units in 2023.

Fishing Tackle Market Dynamics

The dynamics of the fishing tackle market are shaped by a combination of economic, technological, environmental, and demographic factors that are directly influencing product development, consumer behavior, and supply chain patterns.

DRIVER

Rising demand for recreational fishing and eco-conscious gear

The primary growth driver in the fishing tackle market is the surge in recreational fishing worldwide. In 2023, over 220 million people were actively involved in leisure fishing globally. The U.S. alone contributed more than 52.4 million participants, while Europe hosted more than 67 million anglers. This widespread engagement has led to a massive uptick in demand for rods, reels, lines, and electronic devices. Additionally, the rise of sustainable products is a compelling factor, with biodegradable fishing tackle products selling over 11.3 million units globally in 2023. With more than 44% of younger consumers aged 18–34 opting for eco-friendly tackle options, brands are innovating rapidly to cater to this environmentally aware demographic.

RESTRAINT

Declining fish populations in certain regions

Environmental stress and overfishing have led to reduced fish populations in various parts of the globe, notably in parts of Southeast Asia and coastal South America. In 2023, over 35% of global freshwater bodies were reported to have biologically unsustainable fish levels. The shrinking of native fish populations impacts recreational and commercial fishing alike. Additionally, government regulations on protected species and fishing limits in over 48 countries are affecting market demand for certain tackle types, especially baits and traps used in restricted zones.

OPPORTUNITY

Integration of smart technologies and AI in fishing tackle

One of the most promising opportunities lies in the integration of smart electronics and AI-enabled fishing tackle. In 2023, the market saw over 5.8 million units of AI-integrated sonar systems and Bluetooth-enabled reels sold globally. North America and Japan led the demand for such advanced equipment. These technologies enhance accuracy, improve fish detection, and provide data analytics. The use of mobile apps synced with reels and fish finders has seen a 17% increase in downloads from 2022 to 2023, reflecting growing consumer interest in smart fishing.

CHALLENGE

Rising costs of raw materials and logistics

One of the critical challenges the market faces is the rising cost of raw materials such as carbon fiber, stainless steel, and electronics. Between 2022 and 2023, carbon fiber prices rose by 14.6%, affecting the production costs of rods and reels. Global freight rates also saw a 12.1% spike in 2023, increasing the final retail prices. As a result, end-users in price-sensitive regions like Latin America and Southeast Asia reported a 9.3% decline in premium tackle purchases, shifting demand toward lower-cost alternatives or refurbished gear.

Fishing Tackle Market Segmentation

The fishing tackle market is segmented by type and application. By type, categories include rods, reels and components, line, leaders, lures, flies, baits, terminal tackle, electronics, and others. Each category serves distinct usage preferences, from beginner hobbyists to professional tournament anglers. By application, the market is segmented into freshwater fishing and saltwater fishing, which differ in product requirements, such as corrosion resistance and durability.

By Type

• Rods: In 2023, over 135 million rods were sold globally, with telescopic rods making up 21 million units. Fiberglass rods accounted for 42% of global sales, followed by carbon composite rods at 36%. Asia-Pacific led rod production with over 81 million units manufactured.
• Reels and Components: Approximately 105 million reels were sold globally in 2023, with spinning reels contributing over 64 million units. Baitcasting reels comprised 18 million units, and the remaining were fly reels and spincast models. Japan and the U.S. are prominent in high-end reel production.
• Line: Fishing lines reached over 98 million spools sold worldwide in 2023. Monofilament lines dominated at 56 million units, followed by braided lines at 29 million. Fluorocarbon lines increased in demand, with 13 million units sold, largely due to their durability in saltwater fishing.
• Leaders: Around 37 million leader units were sold globally in 2023. Fluorocarbon leaders made up 61% of these, preferred in saltwater and deep-sea fishing for their invisibility underwater.
• Lures: Global lure sales crossed 78 million units, with soft plastic lures accounting for 41 million. Crankbaits and spinnerbaits followed at 17 million and 9 million units respectively.
• Flies: Fly fishing tackle, particularly flies, recorded over 13 million units sold in 2023. North America led this segment, with more than 7.8 million units sold.
• Baits: Both artificial and live baits saw over 96 million units sold globally. Worm baits, grub baits, and fish-scented synthetic options were most popular in freshwater fishing.
• Terminal Tackle: In 2023, over 84 million terminal tackle pieces, including hooks, sinkers, swivels, and snap clips, were sold globally. Lead-free sinkers alone crossed 8.5 million units in Europe.
• Electronics: Over 8.5 million sonar fish finders, GPS-integrated systems, and smart tackle gear were sold globally in 2023. North America led sales, accounting for 3.9 million units.
• Others: Accessories such as tackle boxes, bags, vests, and rod holders collectively sold more than 43 million units in 2023.

By Application

• Freshwater Fishing: Freshwater applications accounted for 62% of all fishing tackle sales in 2023, totaling over 172 million units. The U.S., Canada, and parts of Europe led the demand, particularly for rods, baits, and lures.
• Saltwater Fishing: Saltwater fishing tackle sales reached over 105 million units in 2023. Japan, Australia, and coastal regions of the U.S. were leading markets. Corrosion-resistant tackle and deep-sea electronics dominated this segment.

Regional Outlook for the Fishing Tackle Market

The regional outlook for the fishing tackle market reveals diverse growth dynamics influenced by geography, consumer preferences, and environmental regulations. North America leads in recreational fishing participation, with over 52.4 million anglers in the U.S. and more than 68 million rods and reels sold in 2023. Europe follows closely, driven by strong sustainability trends and regulatory standards that led to over 7.2 million biodegradable lures sold, especially in Germany, France, and the UK. Asia-Pacific dominates manufacturing and consumption, with China producing over 81 million rods and Japan recording more than 3.1 million custom rod sales in 2023.

• North America

North America leads the global fishing tackle market, driven by the U.S., which recorded over 52.4 million recreational fishers in 2023. The country sold over 68 million rods and reels combined. Canada contributed an additional 9.1 million units. Freshwater fishing is dominant, with more than 71% of anglers targeting lakes and rivers. The U.S. is also a significant market for premium smart tackle, with 3.2 million sonar-based fish finders sold in 2023.

• Europe

Europe represents a strong market, particularly in countries like Germany, France, the UK, and Scandinavia. In 2023, over 67 million anglers were active across Europe. Germany alone accounted for 14 million tackle units sold. Biodegradable and lead-free tackle witnessed high growth, with over 7.2 million eco-friendly lures sold in the region. Freshwater fishing is dominant, although coastal countries like Norway and Spain also drive demand for saltwater-specific gear.

• Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific is the fastest-growing region, led by China, Japan, South Korea, and Australia. China produced over 81 million rods in 2023 and consumed 58 million. Japan remains a premium gear market, with 3.1 million custom rods and 1.4 million AI-enabled reels sold. Saltwater fishing dominates in Japan and Australia, while freshwater is strong in inland China. Overall, over 92 million tackle units were sold in the region in 2023.

• Middle East & Africa

Although smaller in scale, this region is growing steadily. South Africa reported 2.8 million tackle units sold in 2023, driven by deep-sea sport fishing. In the Middle East, the UAE and Saudi Arabia together recorded over 3.1 million saltwater tackle units, driven by coastal tourism. Freshwater fishing remains limited but is expanding in regions with artificial lakes and reservoirs.

List of Top Fishing Tackle Companies

• Newell (Jarden Corporation)
• Globeride (Daiwa)
• Shimano
• Rapala VMC Corporation
• Weihai Guangwei Group
• Dongmi Fishing
• RYOBI
• Pokee Fishing
• Cabela's Inc
• Eagle Claw
• Humminbird
• Croix Rods
• Gamakatsu
• Tica Fishing
• DUEL (YO-ZURI)
• Tiemco
• Preston Innovations
• Beilun Haibo
• AFTCO Mfg
• Mustad & Son
• Okuma Fishing
• Barfilon Fishing

Shimano: Shimano led the market in 2023 with over 28 million reels sold globally. It is a dominant player in Japan, the U.S., and Europe, with smart reel innovations and high-end rod series. Shimano’s tackle division contributes more than 40% of all premium reel sales in North America.

Rapala VMC Corporation: Rapala sold over 36 million lures and baits globally in 2023. It dominates the European market and is expanding aggressively in Asia-Pacific. The company holds over 18% of the global lure market share by volume.

Investment Analysis and Opportunities

The fishing tackle market is undergoing a surge in investment, particularly in eco-friendly product innovation, digital tackle development, and global expansion strategies. In 2023, global investment in fishing tackle R&D exceeded USD 720 million in product design, materials, and connected technologies. Over 110 tackle manufacturers announced new production or expansion plans during the year. China remains a major production and export hub, with over 230 dedicated manufacturing facilities. In 2023, over 16 new rod and reel factories were established in the provinces of Shandong and Zhejiang. These plants added a collective capacity of 28 million units annually. Foreign direct investment in the fishing tackle sector in China crossed USD 180 million last year, aimed at automating production and increasing efficiency. North American brands are investing heavily in smart gear. In the U.S., three major companies launched innovation labs in 2023 to develop AI-based reels and sonar systems. Collectively, these firms have filed over 38 patents relating to GPS tracking, Bluetooth sync, and water pressure data analytics. Sustainability-focused investment is rapidly growing. In Europe, over USD 110 million was allocated to developing biodegradable baits and lead-free sinkers in 2023. German and Scandinavian startups received funding to scale up the production of algae-based lures and corn-based sinkers, which are expected to account for 12.3 million units in 2024.

New Product Development

Innovation in the fishing tackle market is intensifying across multiple product categories, particularly smart tackle, sustainable materials, and ergonomic designs. In 2023, Shimano introduced a new series of Bluetooth-integrated reels—SmartReel X90—which allow anglers to sync casting distance, reeling pressure, and fish detection with mobile apps. Over 780,000 units were sold globally within six months of launch. This product helped the brand strengthen its foothold in the premium segment of the North American market. Daiwa (Globeride) launched its salt-resistant carbon composite rod line—Daiwa Aquatuff Series—specifically designed for coastal fishing. The rods are 11% lighter and 18% more flexible than conventional saltwater rods, leading to over 1.1 million units sold globally by the end of 2023. Rapala VMC rolled out its BioBait Eco line in 2023, manufactured from biodegradable polymer compounds. The product range includes worms, grubs, and scented baits. Europe accounted for 4.6 million BioBait units sold in the first eight months of release. This product line gained rapid traction in regions with strict environmental norms. St. Croix Rods developed a travel-focused rod line called St. Croix Nomad in 2023, comprising multi-section, telescopic rods packed in airplane-safe cases. This series sold over 480,000 units globally, especially in North America and Asia-Pacific. Humminbird launched an integrated sonar-GPS combo device called SmartScan Elite in Q3 2023, targeting offshore anglers. The device combines depth mapping, fish detection, and weather alerts. With over 610,000 units shipped, it quickly became the second best-selling fishing electronics model in North America.

Five Recent Developments

• Shimano launched its SmartReel X90 in mid-2023, selling over 780,000 units globally by year-end.
• Daiwa (Globeride) introduced Aquatuff Series carbon composite rods for saltwater use, recording sales of 1.1 million units.
• Rapala VMC Corporation launched BioBait Eco in 2023, selling over 4.6 million biodegradable bait units in Europe.
• Humminbird released SmartScan Elite sonar-GPS device in Q3 2023 with global shipments exceeding 610,000 units.
• Croix Rods launched the travel-friendly St. Croix Nomad series, selling 480,000 units worldwide in 2023.

Report Coverage of Fishing Tackle Market

This fishing tackle market report comprehensively examines the global industry landscape, providing detailed analysis across product types, applications, regions, and manufacturers. It evaluates sales volumes, manufacturing hubs, consumption trends, and technological innovations across the entire tackle ecosystem. The report covers 10 primary product segments, including rods, reels, lines, lures, leaders, baits, flies, terminal tackle, electronics, and accessories. Each product type is assessed based on sales volume, geographic demand, material trends, and usage in freshwater or saltwater applications. For example, rods exceeded 135 million units globally in 2023, while lures accounted for over 78 million units sold. Regional performance is broken down into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. The report outlines regional differences in tackle consumption, production hubs, environmental regulations, and angling preferences. North America leads the market with 52.4 million recreational anglers, while Asia-Pacific dominates manufacturing, led by China’s 81 million rod production. The report profiles 22 major fishing tackle companies and highlights the top two market leaders—Shimano and Rapala VMC Corporation—based on product innovation, volume share, and geographical presence. Shimano sold over 28 million reels, while Rapala sold over 36 million lures in 2023. Key dynamics such as rising recreational fishing, smart tackle integration, biodegradable materials, and tournament-based sales are covered. Challenges like raw material cost hikes, sustainability demands, and environmental restrictions are also addressed. Investment patterns and opportunities are discussed with a focus on new plant establishments, R&D spending, and product innovation. Over USD 720 million was invested in fishing tackle R&D globally in 2023. New technologies such as AI-integrated reels, sonar mapping, and travel-focused gear are also part of the report’s scope.

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