Fishing Reels Market – Global Industry Size, Share, Trends, Opportunity, and Forecast, Segmented By Type (Spinning, Spincast, Fly Reel, Baitcasting, Others), By Material (Aluminum, Graphite, Stainless Steel, Others), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By Region, By Competition 2021-2031F

Forecast Period	2027-2031
Market Size (2025)	USD 6.02 Billion
CAGR (2026-2031)	4.66%
Fastest Growing Segment	Online
Largest Market	North America
Market Size (2031)	USD 7.91 Billion

Market Overview

The Global Fishing Reels Market will grow from USD 6.02 Billion in 2025 to USD 7.91 Billion by 2031 at a 4.66% CAGR. Fishing reels are mechanical devices attached to angling rods, consisting of a spool, handle, and axle designed to deploy and retrieve line while maintaining tension during the catch. The market is primarily propelled by the increasing global interest in recreational angling as a therapeutic outdoor activity and the concurrent demand for technologically advanced, lightweight gear that offers superior durability. This rising participation directly fuels equipment sales, serving as a foundational driver for the sector. According to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, in 2025, the number of Americans participating in fishing reached a record 57.9 million individuals in the prior year, underscoring the robust demand for angling equipment.

However, the market faces a significant challenge regarding participant retention, commonly known as churn, which could impede long-term expansion. Although the industry successfully attracts new entrants, a substantial number of anglers discontinue the activity annually due to time constraints, rising costs, or limited access to local waterways. This high attrition rate creates volatility in recurring equipment sales, forcing manufacturers to continuously invest resources into customer acquisition rather than capitalizing on a stable, long-term consumer base, thereby hindering sustained linear growth.

Key Market Drivers

Technological advancements in reel durability and performance represent a primary catalyst for market growth, as manufacturers increasingly integrate lightweight, corrosion-resistant materials and precision engineering to attract equipment upgrades. Modern angling demands gear that withstands harsh saltwater environments while minimizing fatigue, prompting brands to innovate with carbon composites and digital braking systems that offer superior control. This focus on high-performance specifications directly translates to financial results for leading manufacturers, motivating continuous R&D investment. According to Angling International, April 2025, in the 'Shimano sees promising recovery in fishing sales in first quarter' report, Shimano experienced a 4.95% increase in global fishing sales during the first quarter of 2025 compared to the previous year, a growth attributed largely to the successful launch of advanced models like the Twin Power XD spinning reels.

The rising participation of women and younger demographics is further diversifying the consumer base, creating new demand for reels tailored to varied skill levels and ergonomic preferences. Industry initiatives aimed at inclusivity have successfully broadened the market beyond its traditional core, stabilizing demand against churn rates and fostering a new generation of anglers who require entry-to-mid-level equipment. According to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, July 2025, in the '2025 Special Report on Fishing', female participation reached a historic high in 2024, with 21.3 million women engaging in the sport, accounting for 37% of all anglers. This expanding demographic profile bolsters the sector's substantial economic footprint. According to the American Sportfishing Association, in 2025, the sportfishing industry generated more than $230.5 billion annually for the U.S. economy, underscoring the critical role of diverse participation in sustaining equipment expenditures.

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Key Market Challenges

The primary obstacle hindering the sustained expansion of the Global Fishing Reels Market is the high rate of participant attrition, or churn. This dynamic prevents the industry from building a cumulative consumer base, as manufacturers are forced to rely heavily on constant customer acquisition rather than capitalizing on the lifetime value of long-term anglers. Because a significant portion of the customer base exits the market annually, companies must continuously expend resources on marketing to novice users rather than focusing on upselling higher-margin, performance-oriented equipment to a stable, loyal demographic. Consequently, the market struggles to achieve linear growth, as the revenue gains made from attracting new entrants are substantially neutralized by the departure of existing ones.

This volatility is substantiated by recent data indicating the scale of the retention crisis. According to the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, in its 2025 Special Report on Fishing, the sector lost approximately 16.6 million participants in 2024. This high turnover rate destabilizes recurring revenue streams and forces the market into a cycle of replacement rather than genuine expansion, directly impeding the sector's long-term economic potential.

Key Market Trends

Product lines are increasingly fragmenting into highly specialized categories, with distinct reel designs tailored for specific techniques such as slow-pitch jigging and finesse baitcasting. This shift forces manufacturers to move away from general-purpose models, instead developing precision-engineered gear that enhances performance for particular species, thereby commanding higher price points and fostering brand loyalty among enthusiast anglers. According to Angling International, May 2025, in the 'Globeride predicts recovery in 2026 following 13.2% operating profit fall' report, Globeride achieved a 6.5% increase in net sales to 13,340 million yen in the Americas region, a growth directly attributed to the expanded distribution of specialized Tatula bass series and sea fishing reels.

Simultaneously, brands are adopting sustainable production practices, including the use of recycled plastics for reel components and biodegradable lubricants to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. This trend is reshaping supply chains as companies integrate circular economy principles to minimize their ecological footprint while maintaining the durability required for angling equipment. According to Shimano, February 2025, in the 'Utilization of Recycled Materials in Fishing Gear' update, the company successfully implemented recycled plastic from manufacturing runners into its reel production lines in 2024, a critical step toward its corporate target of reducing carbon emissions by 55% by 2030.

Segmental Insights

The Online segment is currently recognized as the fastest-growing distribution channel within the Global Fishing Reels Market. This expansion is primarily driven by a significant shift in consumer behavior toward digital commerce, which offers greater accessibility than traditional retail outlets. E-commerce platforms enable buyers to efficiently evaluate technical specifications and pricing across a diverse global inventory. Furthermore, the ability to access niche brands and verify product availability empowers manufacturers to engage a broader audience directly. Consequently, these efficiencies in the purchasing process are fueling the sustained upward trajectory of the Online segment.

Regional Insights

North America maintains a dominant position in the global fishing reels market, driven by the high prevalence of recreational angling and a well-established sport fishing culture. The region benefits from strong consumer spending on outdoor activities and a robust competitive tournament landscape that sustains demand for durable equipment. Furthermore, federal initiatives promoting habitat conservation and sustainable licensing, such as those overseen by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, support long-term industry stability. This organized regulatory framework encourages consistent market participation and reinforces the region's status as a primary hub for fishing equipment sales.

Recent Developments

• In January 2025, Daiwa unveiled its latest advancements in reel engineering at the Japan Fishing Festival in Yokohama, introducing the 2025 product lineup which included the new Saltiga G and Tatula TW 150 models. The launch highlighted the integration of the company's "AIRDRIVE Design" concept into more heavy-duty applications, aiming to reduce weight while maintaining the rigidity required for saltwater game fishing. These new reels featured updated drag systems and improved water resistance, catering to anglers seeking high-performance equipment for both offshore and inshore technical applications.
• In October 2024, Pure Fishing Inc. completed a significant financial transaction to support its long-term operational goals, entering into a new five-year $750 million first lien credit facility. The company, which manages a portfolio of major brands including Penn, Abu Garcia, and Berkley, utilized the proceeds from this refinancing to repay existing term and asset-backed loans in full. The Chief Executive Officer of Pure Fishing stated that this deal addressed debt maturities and strengthened the company’s financial position, allowing it to continue driving innovation and executing its strategic growth plans across the global fishing tackle market.
• In August 2024, Shimano expanded its MagnumLite series with the launch of the Vanford FA spinning reels, designed to offer anglers reduced weight and lower start-up inertia. This new iteration incorporated advanced technologies previously reserved for the company's flagship models, including InfinityDrive for increased winding power and the MGL Rotor for enhanced sensitivity. The release focused on improving performance for finesse fishing techniques, with the inclusion of the Anti-Twist Fin and Duracross Drag system to ensure better line management and durability during prolonged use in both freshwater and saltwater environments.
• In January 2024, Rapala VMC Corporation solidified its position in the North American fishing tackle industry by acquiring the remaining 40% shareholding of DQC International, the parent company of the 13 Fishing brand. This strategic move enabled Rapala VMC to enter the United States rod and reel market on a full-time basis, integrating 13 Fishing’s innovative product lines into its established distribution network. The acquisition allowed the company to leverage its extensive sales force to promote 13 Fishing’s freshwater and inshore reels, thereby diversifying its portfolio beyond its traditional dominance in lures and hooks.

Key Market Players

• Shimano Inc.
• GLOBERIDE, Inc.
• Pure Fishing, Inc.
• Okuma Fishing Tackle Co., Ltd.
• ABU Garcia
• Lew’s Fishing
• KastKing Brands Inc.
• Tica Fishing Tackle

By Type	By Material	By Distribution Channel	By Region
Spinning Spincast Fly Reel Baitcasting Others	Aluminum Graphite Stainless Steel Others	Online Offline	North America Europe Asia Pacific South America Middle East & Africa

Report Scope:

In this report, the Global Fishing Reels Market has been segmented into the following categories, in addition to the industry trends which have also been detailed below:

• Fishing Reels Market, By Type:

• Spinning
• Spincast
• Fly Reel
• Baitcasting
• Others

• Fishing Reels Market, By Material:

• Aluminum
• Graphite
• Stainless Steel
• Others

• Fishing Reels Market, By Distribution Channel:

• Online
• Offline

• Fishing Reels Market, By Region:

• North America
• United States
• Canada
• Mexico
• Europe
• France
• United Kingdom
• Italy
• Germany
• Spain
• Asia Pacific
• China
• India
• Japan
• Australia
• South Korea
• South America
• Brazil
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Middle East & Africa
• South Africa
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE