Top 5 fishing accessories in demand for export this year

Looking to hook international buyers with the hottest fishing gear?

Did you know, the global fishing tackle market is expected to reach almost $16.6 billion by 2025, growing at a rate of 3.6% each year. Accessories like jig heads are boosting demand for exports.

Fishing is popular in Europe and Asia, leading to a growing need for dependable accessories. One essential item, jig heads, is becoming increasingly popular, which means suppliers are in high demand.

In this blog, we will explore the top 5 fishing accessories that are trending for export this year and explain why this is important for your business.

What are the top 5 fishing accessories driving global export demand in 2025?

Curious which fishing gear is dominating international shipping charts this year?

The global fishing equipment market is expected to reach about $26.3 billion by 2025, growing at 5–6% each year. Smart exporters are concentrating on the most effective strategies.

1. Fishing Jig Heads

Fishing jig heads are the unsung heroes of tackle boxes worldwide. With the ability to mimic bait and control underwater movement, they're vital for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

• Precision and Weight Balance
  Jig heads with precise weight-to-hook ratios are in high demand for sport and commercial fishing. Lightweight models dominate in Asia and the US, while heavier jig heads are preferred in Nordic markets.

• Customizable Design Options
  Exporters offering custom jig molds or painted jig heads are receiving bulk orders. The ability to match regional fish behavior is a major selling point.

2. Soft Plastic Baits

Modern spinning reels are selling fast due to their versatility and user-friendliness especially in North America, Europe, and Japan.

• Anti-reverse & Drag Technology
  Exporters with access to tech-enhanced reels, silent drag, anti-reverse switches are getting high-margin bulk orders.

• Corrosion Resistance
  Saltwater-compatible reels are a must-have in export markets like Australia and the Mediterranean.

3. Spinning Reels

Compact and strong, telescopic rods have taken over the export scene due to their portability and growing interest in backpack fishing.

• Ease of Transport
  Exporters serving urban consumers or tourists are in demand. Telescopic rods fit neatly into bags and suitcases perfect for mobile anglers.

• Multi-species Compatibility
  Export-friendly rods cover a wide weight range (ultralight to medium-heavy), suitable for catching trout, bass, or even mackerel.

4. Tackle Boxes

This category is growing quickly because of realistic designs and eco-friendly materials. They are especially popular in the US and Eastern Europe.

• Biodegradable Soft Plastics
  Eco-conscious anglers and countries are now prioritizing sustainable soft plastics over traditional PVC-based ones.

• Fish-Specific Patterns
  Exporters offering regional fish mimicry (e.g., perch lures for Eastern Europe, bass lures for the US) are winning the niche game.

5. Fishing Rod Holders

The classic essential is still the most popular product among fishing importers.

• High-Carbon & Stainless Steel Hooks
  High-durability hooks are particularly in demand for sports fishing events and catch-and-release fishing.

• Regulation-Compliant Variants
  Barbless hooks are now required in many countries. Exporters complying with such standards enjoy smoother customs and larger contracts.

How to choose the right fishing jig heads supplier for export success?

When scouting a fishing jig heads supplier, importers must balance quality, reliability, and market fit to meet surging export demand.

Ask yourself:
Is the supplier supplying top-notch hook quality?

Do they align with export regulations and your target customers?

Key Selection Criteria for Export‑Ready Jig Head Suppliers

1. Material & Hook Quality (Durability matters in real-world fishing)

• Check if jig heads are made from corrosion-resistant metals like lead, tungsten, or bismuth alloys that can handle saltwater.

• Make sure the hooks are sharp, heat-treated, and resistant to bending. Anglers on Reddit highlighted that "hook quality (stiffness, sharpness, etc.)" is crucial for success.

2. Product Range & Customization

• A good supplier should provide different weights, shapes (round, flat, bullet), hooks, and colors to meet various market needs.

• Offering custom services like OEM/ODM (custom molds, colors, packaging) helps a supplier stand out on store shelves.

3. Quality Control & Compliance

• Find suppliers who have good quality control (QC) processes, including factory audits, inspections before production, final checks, and random sampling.

• Check that they follow international rules, such as RoHS for lead levels and CE/REACH, and that they can handle export documents like CI, PL, and CO.

4. Reliability & Lead Times

• Check the supplier's history of delivering on time and avoiding shortages. Look for reviews or ask for references about their shipping reliability.

• Suppliers that can quickly increase production and deliver fast, like the Weihai Dongguan factories, are the best choice.

5. Sustainability & Innovation

• In value-driven markets, eco-friendly materials like recycled plastics and non-lead alloys give companies an advantage.

• Use new trends, such as tungsten jigs, which are becoming popular for their weight and accuracy.

Why are fishing rods, reels, hooks, and jig heads top fishing accessories for export in 2025?

Fishing rods, reels, hooks, and jig heads are the top products in the fishing accessories export market in 2025. They are essential for anglers and make up a large part of global demand.

This demand is fueled by new materials like carbon fiber and stainless steel, as well as a growing recreational fishing industry worth billions.

Anglers want lightweight, durable, and eco-friendly gear, making these accessories popular for export.

Key Reasons for Their Export Success:

1. Innovative materials & performance

• Fishing rods and reels are now made from lightweight carbon fiber and metals that resist corrosion.

• Hooks and jig heads are made from stainless steel alloys, which make them strong and durable in various marine conditions.

2. Global Market Growth

• The global fishing tackle market is expected to grow by about 5% each year. In 2024, the rods and reels segment will be worth over $2.4 billion.

• Jig heads and hooks, which are part of the accessories segment, are projected to reach around $5 billion by 2030.

3. Eco-friendly Innovation

• Manufacturers now provide biodegradable jig heads and sustainable metal coatings to meet environmental rules.

• Exporters are gaining popularity in eco-friendly markets by adopting these green practices.

4. Growing Demand for Recreational Fishing

• More tourists and hobbyists around the world are driving up demand for fishing gear, especially in Asia-Pacific and North America. Rods, reels, hooks, and jig heads are the main items people want.

• Online sales of fishing tackle increased by 35% in recent years, helping to expand export channels.

Why Exporters & Importers Love These Items:

• Globally standardized demand

• Compact, easy to ship

• High margins & repeat purchase

• Supplier specialization

Conclusion

In 2025, the fishing accessories market is booming with opportunities. If you're a brand wanting to import quality fishing gear or an exporter looking to sell worldwide, focus on the top 5 items: jig heads, reels, rods, baits, and hooks.

Choosing the right supplier is just as crucial as selecting the right lure. Trends may shift, but quality, innovation, and reliability are always important. Exporters who understand local needs, meet environmental standards, and offer customization will succeed.

Looking to Export or Source Fishing Accessories in Bulk?

To succeed in the growing fishing accessories market, partner with a supplier who knows global trends and local needs.

Whitefox Corporation specializes in high-quality fishing accessories ready for export, such as customizable jig heads, rods, reels, hooks, and lures.

We understand the needs of international buyers and offer bulk manufacturing, eco-friendly materials, and timely delivery. Whether you're expanding your brand or entering a new market, we can help you succeed.

Contact Whitefox Corporation today to start a successful export partnership.