In the past few weeks we’ve summarized recently released reports about the massive economic impact of the $49.8 billion that anglers spend on gear and trips.

 

Now, with great timing, comes Southwick Associates’ annual report on buying trends in the world of sportfishing. The Fernandina Beach, Florida, marketing and research firm uses its AnglerSurvey.com consumer panels to identify trends and gather data that can be useful to sales and marketing personnel in the outdoors industry.

 

To understand the impact of spending on angling, consider this slice of information: Of all U.S. anglers, 84%, or 40 million of them, spend at least one day per year freshwater fishing, and they spend more than $33 billion annually in retail purchases. That number includes a whopping $1.4 billion on rods and reels; $837 million on lures, flies and artificial bait; and $511 million on fishing line and leaders.

 

Southwick’s look at top 2018 fishing brands is based on survey responses from more than 11,000 recreational anglers who shared their buying habits.

 

Here are the most popular brands in 16 major gear categories according to survey respondents’ reported purchases in 2018:  

 

• Top combo brand: Shakespeare
• Top fluorocarbon fishing line brand: Seaguar
• Top monofilament fishing line brand: Berkley Trilene
• Top soft bait brand: Zoom
• Top spinner bait brand: Strike King
• Top leader brand: Ande
• Top fly line brand: Scientific Angler (3M)
• Top fly brand: Umpqua
• Top fish finder/sonar brand: Humminbird
• Top fishing clothing brand: Columbia
• Top waders/wade boots/chest wader brand: Frogg Toggs
• Top tackle box brand: Plano
• Top bait bucket/aerator brand: Frabill
• Top scale, grip, measuring device brand: Rapala
• Top trolling motor brand: Minn Kota
• Top cooler brand: Coleman

 

A variety of key fishing products are examined in the Southwick Associates’ 2018 Fishing Participation and Equipment Purchases Report. This in-depth resource illustrates angler’s participation and shopping behaviors, including the percentage of sales occurring across different retail channels, brand purchased, price paid, and demographics for anglers buying specific products. Additional information tracked includes total days spent per activity, type of fishing, and targeted species.

 

 

Editor’s Note: Manufacturers, is your brand on this list? Do you wish it was? Realtree Fishing can help build brand awareness through our licensing program. More than 30,000 products wear the world’s No. 1 camo brand. Contact us today to find out how we can help your business grow!