Fishing Rods Statistics

Bearded angler in sunglasses and cap holds a freshly caught rainbow trout beside a calm lake

The UK fishing equipment industry is shaped by a mix of traditional angling culture and modern sustainability trends. Here are the latest statistics to help you understand the market, key players, and consumer habits in 2026.

Market Size and Growth

  • The global fishing rods market size is projected to grow from USD 1.4 billion in 2026 to USD 1.8 billion by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.0% from 2025 to 2030. (grandviewresearch.com)

  • Europe dominated the global fishing rods market, accounting for a revenue share of 33.0% in 2024. (grandviewresearch.com)

  • Spinning rods accounted for a revenue of USD 476.4 million in 2024. (grandviewresearch.com)

  • Spinning rods dominated the market with a revenue share of 36.0% in 2024. (grandviewresearch.com)

  • Recreational fishing led the market with a revenue share of 45.8% in 2024. (grandviewresearch.com)

  • Carbon fibre held the largest market share of 50.7% in 2024 among fishing rod raw materials. (grandviewresearch.com)

  • Offline distribution channels dominated the fishing rods market and accounted for a share of 82.9% in 2024. (grandviewresearch.com)

UK Fishing Industry and Trade

  • In 2014, UK vessels landed 756,000 tonnes of sea fish into the UK and abroad with a value of £861 million. (worldfishing.net)

  • Pelagic fish such as mackerel and herring accounted for 58% of UK fleet landings but only 32% of the value in 2014. (worldfishing.net)

  • Around 11,800 fishermen were reported as active in the UK in 2014, with around 2,100 part-time. (worldfishing.net)

  • Peterhead remained the port with the highest landings at 159,000 tonnes with a value of £145 million. (worldfishing.net)

  • Exports of fish and processed fish increased by 10% to 499,000 tonnes compared with 2013. (worldfishing.net)

  • Over the same period, 721,000 tonnes were imported, a fall of 3%. (worldfishing.net)

Angler in a boat holds a large perch caught on a sunlit, tree-lined lake

Sustainable Fishing and Consumer Trends

  • Shoppers spent £1.7 billion on 189,000 tonnes of MSC-certified fish and seafood products in the UK, a 14% rise from 2023/24. (msc.org)

  • MSC labelled products accounted for an estimated 65% of the value and 63% of the volume of all wild caught fish and seafood sold in UK retail. (msc.org)

  • Nearly half (49%) of all tuna products available in UK supermarkets are MSC certified, up from just 18% in 2021. (msc.org)

UK Fishing Rod and Reel Manufacturers

  • There are 67 fishing rod and reel manufacturers based in the United Kingdom as of September 16, 2026. (revenuebase.ai)

  • The largest specialist fishing tackle retailer in the UK, Angling Direct PLC, is headquartered in Norwich and employs between 501 and 1,000 people. (revenuebase.ai)

  • The second largest, FOX International Group LTD, is based in Brentwood and employs between 51 and 200 people. (revenuebase.ai)

  • Sonik Sports LTD, based in Blyth, employs between 11 and 50 people. (revenuebase.ai)

  • Airflo Fishing, headquartered in Brecon, Wales, employs between 51 and 200 people. (revenuebase.ai)

  • RidgeMonkey, based in Liverpool, employs between 11 and 50 people. (revenuebase.ai)

  • The median size of UK fishing rod and reel manufacturers is 1-10 employees. (revenuebase.ai)

  • The largest-city concentration for these manufacturers is 4.5% in London. (revenuebase.ai)

For practical advice, see our guides to Best Travel Fishing Rods Compared and Beginner Fishing Tackle Checklist. To talk through what these figures mean for you, contact our team.

Angler wading at the edge of an autumn lake with rods on a pod

How to cite these statistics

To cite these statistics, reference the original sources as listed above, including data from Grand View Research, World Fishing, Marine Stewardship Council, RevenueBase, and other cited organisations. You might also like our guide on travel fishing tips for enthusiasts.

Sources

  • Fishing Rods Market Size And Share Report, 2025-2030 (grandviewresearch.com)

  • UK fishing industry statistics published (worldfishing.net)

  • MSC UK & Ireland Market Report

  • Top 15 Fishing rod and reel manufacturers based in ... (revenuebase.ai)

Compiled by Rigged and Ready. Every figure is quoted from the linked source as published and may have been updated since. Last reviewed October 2026.

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About the author

Andy Rigg


Editorials