Tariffs and Tackle: What Fishing Customers Need to Know About Rising Prices

April 4, 2025 – Napa, CA

The fishing tackle industry is undergoing significant changes as new import tariffs begin to take effect. With rates expected to rise between 35% and 50% on products imported from China and other parts of Southeast Asia, consumers can expect fishing gear prices to increase sharply over the next several months.

Industry Impact: Tariffs Across the Board

The U.S. government's current policy strategy is aimed at encouraging domestic manufacturing. However, over 90% of fishing gear is currently produced or assembled in China, Malaysia, Taiwan, and neighboring countries. Even companies that advertise U.S. manufacturing often source key components—like rod blanks and lure bodies—from overseas suppliers.

As a result, virtually all brands in the fishing space will be affected. Even products manufactured in countries like Japan or assembled in the U.S. will likely face increased costs due to raw material sourcing and component tariffs.

Current Prices May Be the Lowest for the Foreseeable Future

Given the timeline for domestic manufacturing to ramp up, current prices are expected to be the lowest available for at least the next 18 months or longer.

• Tariff-related price increases are likely to roll out over the next 2 to 6 months.

• New domestic manufacturing facilities, if initiated now, would take 6 to 12 months or more to become operational.

• Higher labor, energy, and production costs in the U.S. will likely mean domestic products won’t return to previous price levels.

  
  

Historically, once prices increase due to supply chain changes or economic shifts, they rarely return to previous lows. This trend is expected to hold true across all product categories in fishing retail—from entry-level gear to premium rods and reels.

Independent Retailers Have No Cushion for Cost Absorption

Fishing tackle retail operates on tight profit margins, leaving very little room to absorb added costs without increasing prices. With multiple established tackle shops already closing in California—including locations in Cotati, Vacaville, and Oakley—the pressure on small and medium retailers is clear.

The reality is that retail businesses cannot lower their own earnings or cut deeper into margins without risking closure. As a result, price increases will be passed directly to consumers as new inventory arrives under the new tariff structure.

For Consumers: The Time to Buy Is Now

For customers who have been holding off on purchasing gear, now is the ideal time to buy. Inventory currently on shelves was likely acquired before the new tariffs took effect and still reflects pre-increase pricing.

• Expect increases of 20% to 50% on various items in the near future.

• Gear made overseas and domestically will both see price jumps.

• Product availability may fluctuate as supply chains adjust to the new environment.

Looking Ahead: A Long Transition Period

Even if domestic manufacturing initiatives proceed quickly, new U.S.-based production will not lead to lower prices in the short term. Higher wages, energy costs, and regulatory hurdles mean that even American-made gear will carry higher price tags than imported goods did in the past.

While long-term benefits of domestic production may eventually include improved quality control and supply chain resilience, these outcomes will not immediately reverse price inflation.

Key Takeaway: The fishing tackle industry is entering a new pricing era. The current window—early April 2025—is likely the last opportunity for consumers to purchase gear at pre-tariff prices. As new inventory arrives and manufacturers adjust to the new cost structure, prices are expected to climb and remain elevated.

For those needing to gear up for the upcoming season, acting now could lead to meaningful savings before the full impact of tariffs is felt industry-wide.

Stay informed. Stay local. And if you can—shop early.

—Alex