Share
Canadian distributor the Korth Group is targeting a major expansion in fishing tackle distribution, supported by a new warehouse that is expected to cut coast-to-coast delivery times and provide a solution to a major void in the supply chain caused by the bankruptcy of a major player in the North American market.
The company, which has built a long-standing Canadian sporting goods distribution business based on the hunting and shooting markets since 1995, says the new facility will significantly improve customer service. Previously, deliveries from western Canada to the east could take five to seven days.
Korth’s move into fishing follows the exit of Big Rock Sports last year, which created a gap in the market. The company said it received calls from customers asking it to supply tackle inventories. “We are working to fill the holes in the fishing industry’s distribution,” said Chairman Terry Korth (below).
The distributor has since added top world-renowned brands, including Daiwa and PRADCO, to its growing portfolio. It says it is a development that underlines both its commitment to quality fishing products and the support it has secured from established manufacturers.
“Retailer response to the new fishing division has been very positive with requests for additional brands and strong anticipation for the 2027 booking programme,” added Korth. However, he stressed it will pursue expansion carefully. “We are continually evaluating new opportunities in the tackle end of our business while maintaining our desire to do it right and not necessarily do it fast,” he said.
Korth is seeking brands with marketing structures that support two-step distribution and strong manufacturer-distributor relationships. It will then assess whether the product mix suits the Canadian market before investing in inventory and promotion.
Korth acknowledged that the collapse of Big Rock Sports has left some significant brands unavailable in Canada, limiting its ability to meet all demand immediately. Nevertheless, he believes that, as it establishes its credentials, it will be able to secure further supplier partnerships.
“The measure of our success in fishing over the next two to three years will be judged by the strong partnerships we develop with retailers and suppliers. Our wider goal is to strengthen our Canadian position and help retailers become more profitable through new product lines.”
Korth added that 2026 has been a ‘very interesting year’ for the company. He said: “Working to add fishing products and programmes while at the same time not disrupting the success of our shooting sports business has kept us busy.”
Canada’s well documented trade war with its neighbour America has resulted in a tit-for-tat introduction of a 50% tariff on goods crossing the border each way. Korth said: “Although tariffs have had some impact, many of our products do not originate in the US and are therefore not currently subject to Canada’s retaliatory tariffs. The principal challenge has been the operational time required to track changing conditions.”
