Retailer brands becoming force in US tackle purchases

Leading US fishing tackle market research consultancy Southwick Associates has identified a continuing shift towards retailer brands in the purchasing habits of anglers.

In its annual report on the most frequently purchased brands, it unsurprisingly reported strong tackle sales for 2021, but discovered some shifts in the top brands that consumers are purchasing. “Though the primary reasons are unclear, supply chain constraints on product selection, changes in brand preferences and loyalty by anglers as well as a continuing shift towards retailer brands may all be a cause,” said the company.

Backing that trend is the performance of Bass Pro Shops which was named as the most frequently purchased brand in three categories – monofilament fishing line, soft bait and tackle boxes.

The full list includes:

• Reel – Shimano
• Rod/reel combos – Shakespeare
• Fluorocarbon fishing line – Bass Pro Shops
• Hard bait – Rapala
• Soft bait – Bass Pro Shops
• Sinkers/weights – Eagle Claw
• Fishing clothing – Columbia
• Tackle boxes – Bass Pro Shops

The report was based on more than 6,000 surveys completed through Southwick Associates’ AnglerSurvey online consumer panel. The consumer tracking study is available in the Fishing Participation and Equipment Purchases Report which is available for purchase. For more information, contact Nancy Bacon here