North America Fishing Footwear Market Forecast to 2030 - Regional Analysis - by Product Type, Category and End Use

The North America fishing footwear market was valued at US$ 183.32 million in 2022 and is expected to reach US$ 301.78 million by 2030; it is estimated to register a CAGR of 6.4% from 2022 to 2030.

Rise of Recreational Fishing Fuels North America Fishing Footwear Market

Fishing is gaining immense popularity as an outdoor activity in many parts of the world, especially in the US, the UK, and Australia. According to the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), in 2021, over 52.4 million Americans aged 6 and above participated in recreational fishing. The rate of participation in recreational fishing is increasing at a steady rate in the US. The figure below shows the participation rate for recreational fishing over the years in the US.

Participation in Recreational Fishing Over Time in US

Source: 2022 Special Report on Fishing, A Partnership Project of Outdoor Foundation and Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation

Recreational fishing is becoming an important part of outdoor tradition in the US. People enjoy fishing as it helps to reduce day-to-day stress and promotes mental as well as physical well-being. According to a study conducted by The Outdoor Foundation and Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, 80% of the people who participated in recreational fishing in 2021 in the US fished in groups of 2-5 anglers. The study claimed that females mostly preferred fishing to spend more time with family and friends, while men stated their purpose for fishing was to spend more time outdoors. Most Americans participate in recreational fishing as a means of escaping the daily stress of life and enjoying the splendor of nature.

North America Fishing Footwear Market Overview

Fishing equipment includes fishing rods, nets and traps, hooks, fishing reels, fishing lines, sinkers, lures, baits, fishing tackles, and other equipment and accessories. Fishing equipment is in high demand due to an increase in fishing activities across the globe. Recreational fishing is on the rise due to increasing interest in outdoor activities and growth of fish-based tourism in developing countries.

Commercial fishing sector is also witnessing tremendous growth due to increased consumption of seafood across the globe. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA Fisheries), the US commercial and recreational saltwater fishing accounted for US$ 154.7 billion and US$ 98 billion sales respectively in 2020 and provided 1.7 million jobs in the US marine fishing sector.

US Commercial and Recreational Fisheries, Economic Impact, 2020

Source: Economic impact trends of 2020 from Fisheries Economics of the United States 2020

The rise of commercial and recreational fishing is driving the sales of fishing equipment, globally. The manufacturers of fishing equipment are launching innovative products with advanced technology to attract a large number of consumers. For instance, in July 2023, Shimano Inc, a Japan-based manufacturer of fishing tackle, bicycle components and rowing equipment, launched mastiff fluorocarbon fishing line for long casts and big bites for bass anglers. The low line elongation of the product allows the angler to detect slight bites easily, leading to quick and efficient hooksets. The product has smooth and supple feel which allows for long casts with extreme accuracy.

Such innovative products are expected to gain huge traction among the consumers in the coming years, leading to market growth. The companies are also providing sponsorship to the fishing tournaments to increase the consumer awareness and boost product sales. For instance, AFTCO, one of the major fishing tackle, apparel, and footwear company, extended its long-standing partnership as a supporting sponsor of the Bassmaster Tournament Trail and its most anticipated events which will be held in March 2024. The company will outfit the entire B.A.S.S. staff with AFTCO fishing apparel. Such strategies are expected to increase the consumer awareness of the product and aid in the market growth over the coming years.

North America Fishing Footwear Market Segmentation

The North America fishing footwear market is categorized into product type, category, end use and country.

• In terms of product type, the North America fishing footwear market is segmented into boots, shoes, and others. The boots segment held the largest North America fishing footwear market share in 2022.
• By category, the North America fishing footwear market is bifurcated into men and women. The men segment held a larger North America fishing footwear market share in 2022.
• Based on end use, the North America fishing footwear market is categorized into residential/recreational and commercial. The commercial segment held a larger North America fishing footwear market share in 2022.
• By country, the North America fishing footwear market is segmented into the US, Canada, and Mexico. The US dominated the North America fishing footwear market share in 2022.

Grundens LLC, Aftco Manufacturing Co Inc, Huk Gear, Korkers Products LLC, Bryant Sales Co LLC, Guntersville Breathables Inc, Pelagic Inc, Vista Outdoor Inc, and Rocky Brands Inc. are some of the leading companies operating in the North America fishing footwear market.