Some 46 million Americans went fishing last year, and related purchases generated more than $48 billion in retail sales according to the latest update of Economic Contributions of Recreational Fishing: U.S. Congressional Districts. In all, the economic impact of angling in the U.S. is estimated at $115 billion.

Kayak fishing is one of the hottest trends in angling, and the sport is expected to drive the global sports fishing equipment market for 2016-2020 at a rate of 3.06% CAGR, according to a Technavio report. The appeal of kayaks is multifold: portability, lower cost and maintenance compared to traditional fishing boats and easier storage; plus, anglers benefit from the exercise of paddling itself. The 2016 Special Report On Fishing found that to “Get Exercise,” was the most popular reason fishing participants, Ages 6+, gave for participating in outdoor recreation.

The same report found 35.2% of fishing participants, Ages 18+, said easier/more affordable access to boats would make it easier to fish. Business Wire notes, “A kayak can be easily available for less than USD 3,000, which includes expenditure on towing fuel costs, insurance, maintenance, and launch fees. Meanwhile, the minimum price of a fishing boat in the U.S. is over USD 10,000. In the U.S., the number of trips recorded in kayak fishing were more than 38 million in 2015.”

Fishing kayakers have more gear choices than ever before. Gone are the days when anglers had to sacrifice function for fishing. Today’s fishing kayaks put performance first, with an array of accessories and innovations once reserved for fishing boats, including camera mounts, rod holders and fish finders. Versatility is the name of the game. Jackson Kayak and Wilderness Systems offer fishing kayaks (that double for hunting) patterned in Realtree Max-5 and Realtree AP Camo, respectively.

Kayaks aren’t the only paddle craft catering to anglers. Paddle board manufacturers are meeting the fishing-meets-paddling phenomena head on, outfitting their crafts with thoughtful options such as insulated dry storage, paddle sheathes, rail systems, livewells and more that make it easy and fun to combine a day of paddling and fishing. BOTE even offers an inflatable paddle board called the Drift, available in Max-5. It measures 11 feet 6 inches when inflated, yet can be stored in its own backpack bag along with its paddle and pump.

Editor’s Note: Realtree licenses 27,000 products that can be found in more than 38,000 retail locations worldwide. Whether customers are looking for rugged outdoor equipment or everyday gear that enhances their active lifestyle, it can be found in a Realtree pattern. If you’re interested in growing your business with a Realtree licensing program, let’s talk! Find out more and contact us here.