Fishing Tackle and Bait Industry Booming Since Lockdown

BRITAIN’S tackle industry is thriving like never before as shops and manufacturers continue to benefit from the boost in newcomers to the sport after lockdown. 

Many companies and small shops feared the worst back in the spring when fishing, like other sports, was curtailed as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.

However, since restrictions were lifted in mid-May, a massive increase in demand for tackle and bait has helped companies more than make up the lost ground, with many experiencing unprecedented sales.

A few months ago we spoke to Dan Brydon of Norfolk’s Wensum Valley Angling and, at the time, he had serious concerns about the future of his business. But that’s all changed now, and he’s having to work 13-hour shifts just to keep up with orders.

“It’s been total carnage! Online orders have gone through the roof, and although we’re only doing ‘one in, one out’ in the shop, that’s also been very busy,” he tells us.

“A lot of people say that they’ve been clearing out the garage, found an old rod and want to get back into fishing, so lots of the stuff we’ve sold has been for beginners, but plenty of higher end tackle too.”

It’s a similar story with the sport’s manufacturers, as firms struggle to keep shelves stocked with the latest kit.

Daiwa’s UK marketing manager Stephen McCaveny says:

“The uptake in fishing took everybody by surprise, and our sales have been superb, with match feeder and carp tackle selling particularly well.”

The bait industry has also been booming, says Daryl Hodges, head of marketing for Dynamite Baits:

“We have had record week after record week and it shows no signs of slowing down. Sales are more than double for this time of year, and we’ve had to work around the clock for nine weeks to keep up.”

There has been a high demand for fishing tackle post lockdown