Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

How COVID Caused a Nationwide Shortage of Fishing and Hunting Gear
Meat Eater ^ | Sep 2, 2020 | Sam Lungren

Posted on 09/04/2020 7:51:41 AM PDT by SJackson

Many a MeatEater reader and crew member has ventured into sporting goods and fishing stores this summer only to be met with empty rod racks and sparse shelves. Most leave without the gear and tackle they sought, wondering what gives. Did the pandemic break overseas supply chains? Is the industry collapsing? Or are so many people getting into the sporting pursuits that retailers literally can’t keep their shelves stocked?

I reached out to some executives in the outdoors industry to find the answer, and while there are many factors at play, it turns out that the latter is mostly true. At the risk over-generalizing, it appears that the coronavirus crisis has actually spurred a notable increase in fishing participation across the country. Growth in hunting license sales may follow this fall.

Jon Barker, CEO of Sportsman’s Warehouse, has been closely tracking consumer buying patterns throughout the pandemic. He told MeatEater that his business and others like it have experienced three basic phases of the COVID economy.

“As soon as the pandemic started to really reach a peak and they were shutting down the across the country around mid-March, we saw a significant increase in visitors to our stores requesting specific products,” Barker said. “One category is personal protection, firearms, both handguns and shotgun, and related ammunition. As the NSSF and NRA have communicated, [there were] an estimated 2.5 million first-time firearms buyers during that period.”

The next phase, Barker said, was a rush on “essential sustaining goods,” such as generators, water filtration systems, freeze-dried foods, and other items for surviving some form of prolonged quarantine or potential societal collapse. But by the second and third week of April, as the weather shifted across the country and some COVID-related guidelines began to relax, recreational outdoors gear began flying off the shelves.

“We started to see people participating in outdoor activities at a greater rate than we historically had seen,” Barker said. “And that was across the categories. We started to shooting sports increase. We saw turkey licenses in certain states set new records in April for sales. We saw fishing start to really ramp up and we saw hiking, camping starting to ramp up. Now, what we experienced in those categories, and as you can tell from what you’ve seen on the shelves, we are continuing to see new individuals into fishing, new individuals in camping and hiking. The quote goes something like this: ‘I haven’t fished since I was a kid,’ or ‘I haven’t fished in 15 years and I want a combo rod reel,’ or, you know, ‘I want to get back into fly fishing.’

“As you’ve seen on the shelves, and it doesn’t matter what sporting good story you go into, you’re going to see a very, very thin inventory across especially the entry level or mid-price point rod-and-reel combos, and then your terminal tackle and lures also very thin.”

Jim Coble, founder and CEO of 13 Fishing, saw the pandemic roll across the country from the wholesaler perspective but gathered many of the same lessons.

“Some vendors, as you know, were shutting doors. It was as bad as it could get, it was doom and gloom,” he told MeatEater. “And then kind of like a light switch, it went back on when everybody said all of a sudden fishing was an essential activity. It seemed as though everybody took that to heart. We went from a situation where we were going, ‘Oh, crap, how are we going to manage this? You know, cashflow is going to get tight. Everything’s going to just be a train wreck,’ to saying sorry in a matter of minutes to customers begging for thousands and thousands of things.”

Coble echoed Barker in noting that new and novice anglers made up a large percentage of the recent purchases, although advanced anglers certainly have not stopped spending. He said 13 is working overtime to keep combo rod-and-reel rigs stocked, but they can’t seem to keep up with demand.

“A lot of the new anglers coming in, for lack of a better term, are intimidated when they walk up to a fishing section and they’re getting into it for the first time. They have to look at a rod, reel, line, and everything and try to put them all together. Sometimes the easiest thing to do for somebody new is just look up, grab that combo that has that rod and reel, oftentimes it even has line on it, and walk out the door.

“We were getting calls from, oh my gosh, you-name-it customer, Walmart, Bass Pro, whoever,” Coble continued. “And it wasn’t for, ‘Can I get 50 combos?’ ‘Can I get a hundred combos?’ I mean, it was ‘How many combos do you have? What do you have in standalone rods and reels that you can put together for combos for us?’”

But combo rigs aren’t the only angling items retailers and manufacturers are struggling to keep on the shelves. Lures, line, hooks, weights, bait, and numerous accessories are also hard to come by, as discussed on the first episode of MeatEater’s new fishing podcast, Bent. Rapala, a minority partner in 13 Fishing, is also far behind on orders of their popular crankbaits and other lures.

“The consumables are absolutely getting torched,” Coble said. “Line is hard to come by. My Rapala side, just in the U.S., we’re behind by millions in shipping right now. I mean, it was literally full-on, 24 hours a day shipping, getting out the door as fast as you can, hire as many people as you can, and still tens of millions of dollars behind on consumable shipping. And we’ll catch up at the end of the year on the Rapala side and everything will be good.”

As the end of summer looms and warm-weather and vacation angling wanes, retailers and manufacturers will restock and gear shopping will return to something approaching normalcy. It appears that, perhaps due to the fact that new anglers are currently driving the run on fishing gear, big box stores are showing more tackle shortages than smaller, specialized tackle, bait, and fly shops.

News reports and statement from game agencies from across the country show significant increases in fishing participation during the pandemic. Though some states closed fishing for a while in the spring, many others promoted the activity as a safe and socially-distanced alternative to other forms of recreation and relaxation.

Greg Lemon, a spokesman for Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, said his department has seen a 17% increase in license sales over last year, a notable jump.

“It’s obviously hard to draw any certain conclusions, but we are seeing use at our sites well above normal this year too,” Lemon told MeatEater. “As an agency managing recreation sites, I know we’re not alone. It seems clear that getting outside is part of how Montanans and visitors to the state are responding to the pandemic. Maybe it’s because it’s easier to feel safe socially when you’re outdoors. Maybe more people are realizing just how easy it is in Montana to get outside, especially for anglers. We have around 330 fishing access sites around the state giving people access to not only some amazing fishing, but to some of the most scenic and remote places in the world.”

“A lot of people are somehow reverting back to fishing,” Coble said. “The only thing I can think is that people, parents, they’re getting a bit burnt out on sitting inside, staring at a screen. Just a few short months ago that was OK because you were at work all day or school or sports or whatever. Now you’re literally at home staring at screens all day long—and fishing has become the kick-ass alternative.”

Coble, Barker, Lemon, and others speculate that other reasons for Americans getting into fishing range from a desire to experience nature to anxiety over food supply chain issues. Everyone has their own reasons, but many people across the outdoors industry and fish and wildlife management world wonder how many of the new anglers will stick around.

“I think the fishing industry has been, I don’t want to say stagnant, but it’s not a fast-growing industry, right?” Barker said. “A lot of people aren’t growing up in rural America or maybe they didn’t have the opportunity to fish like we did when we were kids, but I think this is bringing a whole group of new individuals. And not every one of them will come back next year or maybe come back a second time, but some portion will. And for some it will become a lifestyle, and they might spend $69 on a rod-and-reel combo today, next year they might be spending a thousand dollars on gear and they might end up buying a boat. Like any activity, whether you’re into golf or you’re into fly fishing, it starts with one thing and it leads into another and you find it to be somewhat addicting once you start creating memories.”

While some retailers and manufacturers are experiencing windfall profits due in part to the global pandemic, it’s important to remember that another major sector of the sporting industry—outfitters and guides—have not fared so well from the economic shutdown and travel bans. Especially in the discontiguous states Alaska and Hawaii but anywhere far removed from population centers, guides saw summer bookings evaporate at the outset of the coronavirus spread with perhaps a fraction returning when travel restrictions lifted. For anyone among this new wave of anglers or those just looking to experience new species or waters, consider booking a guide—even if those dates are a year out. Your business could mean that outfit can operate for more seasons to come.

As for adventures near home, if you can’t find what you need, ask a store if they can order it or ask a friend if they can loan it to you. If you’re like some of us and have accumulated more fishing gear than you could break and lose in a lifetime, lend it out. Sharing gear is certain to provide a wealth of fish karma next time you go out.



TOPICS: Outdoors
KEYWORDS: banglist; fishing; hunting; sports
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-38 last
To: SJackson

An unplanned vacation for many overworked folks. A chance to teach your kids or just get some quiet time.


21 posted on 09/04/2020 9:35:32 AM PDT by Revolutionary ("Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition!")
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: LastDayz

“Give a man a fish..... Teach a man to fish..... comes to my mind.”

Build a man a fire and he will be warm for a day...set a man on fire and he will be warm for the rest of his life.


22 posted on 09/04/2020 9:46:26 AM PDT by Beagle8U (Slo-Joe Biden... puts the DEM in Dementia.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: SJackson

We outfitted ourselves four years ago; not because if any existential crisis, we just wanted to get back into fishing again.

Glad we did!

We still need a better generator, though. ;)


23 posted on 09/04/2020 9:56:36 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Aevery_Freeman

“And canning lids!”

Yes! Everything related to home canning has been in short supply this season. I started stocking up right away in March. ;)


24 posted on 09/04/2020 9:58:03 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: SJackson

” I add liver for my dogs, it’s been a little tough finding that too. I wonder why there would be any shortage of animal parts.”

More people fishing means more people using chicken livers and gizzards for bait.


25 posted on 09/04/2020 9:58:59 AM PDT by Beagle8U (Slo-Joe Biden... puts the DEM in Dementia.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: SJackson

It’s not just COVID.


26 posted on 09/04/2020 10:07:46 AM PDT by metmom (...fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of our faith.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SJackson; All

I was thinking the other day about what impact Covid may have had on the environment, too.

I’m no Enviro-Nut, but I ordered a LOT of things on-line in the past 6 months that I would’ve normally just purchased locally.

I ahve more boxes and packing materials than a regular person would know what to do with.

I, however, shred any unbleached packing paper and newspapers for my compost bins, and I save cardboard to put in the bottom of new garden beds, or to snuff out an area for planting, then cover with mulch; I can re-use & recycle said packaging - any plastics go to recycling. (Yes, I know that’s a scam.)

I’m just curious to see how recycling centers and landfills were effected.

How many BILLIONS of disposable masks have we gone through in the past 6 months? Were they added to the landfills? Did we use more trees/wood pulp than average to make more shipping boxes?

Just curious - and willing to BET that the Enviro-Weenies will be spinning this in their favor in some way, shape or form.


27 posted on 09/04/2020 10:22:24 AM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Diana in Wisconsin
We gardeners NEED our canning lids.

Hope you have a bumper crop this year, DiW.

28 posted on 09/04/2020 11:19:52 AM PDT by Aevery_Freeman (Freedom Is In Peril! Defend it with your life.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: SJackson

Yes, it’s odd but I know almost nothing about these processing plants.

My mom who is 200 miles away doesn’t see any in her stores, either.

I do rotate out with livers but mostly the gizzards, and yes, both are hard to find but the livers are becoming more consistent.


29 posted on 09/04/2020 11:25:39 AM PDT by Irenic (The pencil sharpener and Elmer's glue is put away-- we've lost the red wheelbarrow)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: SJackson

In our area there has been a critical shortage of Pressure Treated lumber, as all of the “Stay-at-Home” folks are busy trying to build or rebuild back porches & decks.


30 posted on 09/04/2020 11:26:23 AM PDT by BwanaNdege ( Experience is the best teacher, but if you can accept it 2nd hand, the tuition is less!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: SJackson

My Wally World is wiped out. I could’ve scored a few hooks. That’s all.


31 posted on 09/04/2020 1:20:01 PM PDT by Libloather (Why do climate change hoax deniers live in mansions on the beach?)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Aevery_Freeman

Thank you!

It was a less than average season due to weather and me ‘experimenting’ with more determinate tomato varieties. Next season? Back to my tried and true dependable varieties. I still had plenty of canned goods on hand from last season’s bumper crop, so I didn’t have to can as much as usual.

Just Salsa, Tomato Soup and Tomato Jam.

BLTs for supper tonight, though! Life Is Good! :)

Lehman’s still seems to have a good supply of jars and lids and rings:

http://www.lehmans.com


32 posted on 09/04/2020 1:41:11 PM PDT by Diana in Wisconsin (I don't have 'hobbies.' I'm developing a robust post-Apocalyptic skill set.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies]

To: Irenic

I’m stocking up on staple foods & cooking supplies. Vacuum bags in buckets, canned, dried.

Between what anarchists will likely do after Trump wins, China’s serious farming crises and our herd fear of being left out, stores could get sparse heading into winter.

Just an old Boy Scout. (There’s another sad topic.)


33 posted on 09/04/2020 2:10:24 PM PDT by polymuser (A socialist is a communist without the power to take everything from their citizens...yet.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: polymuser

OOoooh the buckets, I’ve only packed the Rubbermaid tubs. I’ll be doing some buckets.

On my honor, I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my country and to obey the Scout Law;
To help other people at all times;
To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.

We could sure use more of this nowadays. :)


34 posted on 09/04/2020 2:22:59 PM PDT by Irenic (The pencil sharpener and Elmer's glue is put away-- we've lost the red wheelbarrow)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 33 | View Replies]

To: Irenic

I recall Rush Limbaugh’s early days on radio, often saying “America has lost its common morality”.

That was 30 years ago. It’s worse now.


35 posted on 09/04/2020 2:33:25 PM PDT by polymuser (A socialist is a communist without the power to take everything from their citizens...yet.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 34 | View Replies]

To: LastDayz

Wife WFH? I’m going fishing...


36 posted on 09/04/2020 4:20:50 PM PDT by dakine
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: baclava

For saltwater gear try some Tri Flow oil. I just got some at the local ace hardware. Completely impervious to saltwater. I had to dunk my reel one day to get a snag loose. (ambassadeur 5000)

Got home, opened it up, waterjust beaded up in a few spots, dab it with a paper towel and put it back together. I was amazed. According to comments I saw online, people like it for bicycle chains too. I wanted it because I’m getting set up for some saltwater, going to try for a few specs and redfish this fall. Maybe flounder too.

No tackle shortage here, but going to have to go closer to the coast to find the saltwater gear I need. No surprise there, anything more than an hour away from the coast or so, saltwater tackle is not stocked much. No such thing as tout tails, wire leader...not many spoons...


37 posted on 09/04/2020 4:44:38 PM PDT by Paleo Pete (I smile because you are family. I laugh because you can do nothing about it...)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: Redleg Duke
Go Orvis!


38 posted on 09/04/2020 5:21:38 PM PDT by Daffynition (*Mega Dittoes and Mega Prayers* & :))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first previous 1-2021-38 last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
General/Chat
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson