COVID-19 effect sees ‘very crazy’ sales of tackle in Brazil

The surge in fishing participation knows no boundaries, with retailers in Brazil reporting ‘crazy’ sales.

Alex Koike (main picture), the Angling International correspondent for the South American country, reports that many in the industry reported more sales in the first nine months of last year than the entire 2019. “Something very crazy has happened in Brazil,’ he says. “Many companies sold a lot, but even more during the pandemic.

“From fishing equipment – terminal tackle, rods and reels etc – to outboard engines and boats, they have all been in demand as anglers get out on the water to escape the COVID-19 pandemic.”

He reports that cases of the virus have increased dramatically since the end of the year, forcing the Government to introduce restrictions across the country. One of the worst affected areas has been the Amazon region, where tourism and fishing have been banned.

At the time of going to press, the country’s premier fishing trade and consumer event – the Brazil Sportfishing Show, in Sao Paolo – is scheduled to go ahead from March 24th to 27th. However, Koike warned this could change following a second wave of cases.