The fishing tackle industry in the US is a vibrant sector that caters to millions of fishing enthusiasts. It includes a variety of companies that manufacture and sell products like fishing rods, reels, baits, tackle boxes, and electronics designed for fish tracking. As outdoor recreation continues to rise in popularity, innovation within the industry is gaining momentum, evidenced by advanced fishing technologies and eco-friendly products. Brands are increasingly focusing on sustainability and targeting younger generations of anglers. The industry's growth trajectory suggests a promising future, influenced by trends in e-commerce and personalized fishing experiences.


The list below features a mix of investors from multiple categories, including private equity and venture capital firms, with notable representations from corporate entities. These investors are primarily located in key urban centers like New York City, Beverly Hills, and Boston. Ranging in size from small firms to large corporations, their founding years span from 1845 to as recently as 2015. In total, they collectively engaged in 109 investment deals across the fishing tackle sector in 2024, highlighting their commitment to driving growth in this thriving market.


Top 14 Fishing Tackle Investors in the US


1. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Notably, Advantage Capital has made significant investments in the fishing tackle industry, particularly through debt financing for boat manufacturers. Their relevant transactions include Century Boats, Excel Boats, Xtreme Boats, and Xplor Boatworks, all of which are involved in the production of boats that cater to fishing enthusiasts. This focus on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, combined with their specific investments in the fishing tackle sector, positions Advantage Capital as a notable player in this industry.


2. OneWater Marine

  • Website: onewatermarine.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Buford, Georgia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: one-water-marine

OneWater Marine Inc. is a corporate investor based in Buford, Georgia, specializing in the marine dealership sector. Founded in 2014, the company has rapidly expanded its portfolio by acquiring leading marine retail dealerships across North America. OneWater Marine offers a diverse range of products, including new and pre-owned boats, repair and maintenance services, and financing options, catering to both consumers and businesses in the recreational boating market. Notably, OneWater Marine has made significant acquisitions that enhance its presence in the marine supplies sector, such as the acquisition of T H Marine Supplies for $185 million, which is known for its marine products, including fishing tackle. Additionally, their acquisition of PartsVu, an online marketplace for OEM marine parts, further emphasizes their commitment to the marine industry, which includes fishing tackle. These strategic moves position OneWater Marine as a key player in the marine retail space, with a focus that aligns with the interests of fishing tackle investors.


3. Brunswick Corporation


Brunswick Corporation is a marine recreation company based in Mettawa, Illinois, founded in 1845. The company specializes in the development, manufacturing, and marketing of boats and marine propulsion systems, serving both consumers and businesses in the marine industry. Brunswick has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its product offerings in the boating sector. Notably, they acquired Crestliner, which has expanded their reach in the fishing boat market. The acquisition of Lund and Lowe brands further solidified their position in the aluminum boat market, catering to fishing enthusiasts. Additionally, their acquisition of Navico for $1.05 billion enhances their Advanced Systems Group, adding brands like Lowrance and Simrad, which are well-known in the fishing electronics space. These transactions demonstrate Brunswick's commitment to providing innovative solutions that enhance boating and fishing experiences, making them a relevant investor in the fishing tackle industry.


4. Platinum Equity

  • Website: platinumequity.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Beverly Hills, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: platinum-equity

Platinum Equity is a private equity firm based in Beverly Hills, California, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in mergers, acquisitions, and operations management, focusing on investing in established companies across various industries. With a portfolio of approximately 50 companies and managing over $48 billion in assets, Platinum Equity provides capital and operational expertise to enhance growth and profitability. Notably, they have made significant investments in the fishing tackle industry, including the acquisition of GSM Outdoors, the parent company of several fishing brands, aimed at supporting growth in the outdoor recreation market. Additionally, their acquisition of Stratos Boats, which includes several boat brands relevant to fishing, highlights their commitment to the fishing tackle sector. These strategic investments reflect Platinum Equity's capability to enhance the operational efficiency and market presence of companies within the fishing tackle industry.


5. Northstar Capital

  • Website: northstarcapital.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1993
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: northstar-capital

Northstar Capital is a private equity investment management firm based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, founded in 1993. The firm specializes in junior capital investments and equity co-investments for lower middle market companies, providing tailored financing solutions to financial sponsors, business owners, and management teams. Since its inception, Northstar Capital has raised nearly $2 billion in capital and has a diverse portfolio across various industries, including healthcare and consumer goods. Notably, Northstar has made significant investments in companies relevant to the fishing tackle industry, such as Crownline Boats, which raised funds in 2007 and is known for manufacturing boats suitable for fishing. They also invested in Drake Waterfowl Systems in 2021, a company that produces gear for waterfowl hunting, which aligns with outdoor recreational activities that include fishing. Other investments include Weaver Leather and Classic Accessories, the latter of which raised $4 million in 2016 and produces outdoor gear that may appeal to fishing enthusiasts. These transactions highlight Northstar Capital's engagement with companies that cater to outdoor and recreational markets, reinforcing their relevance to the fishing tackle sector.


6. Vista Outdoor Inc.


Vista Outdoor Inc. is a corporate investor based in Anoka, Minnesota, founded in 1916. The company designs, manufactures, and markets a diverse range of sporting and outdoor products, catering to outdoor enthusiasts with high-quality and innovative goods. Notably, Vista Outdoor has made significant strides in the fishing tackle industry by acquiring Simms Fishing Products for $192.5 million in July 2022, which allows them to enhance their portfolio in the fishing sector. This acquisition aligns with their strategy to diversify and grow within the outdoor market. Additionally, Vista Outdoor has a history of acquiring brands in related outdoor activities, such as Jimmy Styks in the water sports segment and other outdoor gear brands, showcasing their commitment to the outdoor lifestyle.


7. FJ Labs

  • Website: fjlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 169
  • LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. They provide capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many achieving unicorn status, FJ Labs has established itself as a significant player in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in the fishing tackle sector, with transactions such as Mystery Tackle Box, which raised $3,507,002 in a Series A round in October 2017, and Fishbrain, which has received multiple rounds of funding, including a Series B round of $3,700,000 in April 2017 and a recent secondary market investment in November 2023. These investments highlight FJ Labs' engagement in the fishing tackle industry, showcasing their interest in supporting innovative companies within this niche.


8. Garmin


Garmin Ltd. is a technology company founded in 1989, specializing in GPS navigation and wearable technology. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Garmin offers a diverse range of products, including smartwatches, fitness trackers, automotive navigation systems, and marine electronics. The company serves consumers and businesses across various industries, enhancing navigation, fitness tracking, and outdoor activities. Garmin has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the marine sector, including:1. **Nexus Marine AB** - Acquired in September 2012, this company designs and manufactures instrumentation for the sailing and yachting market, which is highly relevant for fishing enthusiasts.2. **Vesper Marine** - Acquired in January 2022, Vesper Marine provides marine communication equipment and services, further enhancing Garmin's marine product lineup and situational awareness for boaters, including those engaged in fishing.3. **EmpirBus AB** - Acquired in February 2018, this company offers intelligent products for the marine market, which can also benefit fishing tackle applications.These acquisitions reflect Garmin's commitment to expanding its marine electronics offerings, making it a significant player in the fishing tackle industry.


9. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored investment solutions to institutional and individual clients. Among its notable transactions, KKR acquired Academy Sports Outdoors, a major retailer in the sporting goods sector, in 2011, and Mills Fleet Farm, which operates in the outdoor retail space, in 2016 for over $1.2 billion. These acquisitions highlight KKR's commitment to supporting businesses that cater to outdoor enthusiasts, including fishing tackle. KKR's strategic investments aim to foster growth and innovation within these sectors, making them a relevant player in the fishing tackle industry.


10. BRS & Co.


BRS & Co. is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 1995, specializing in managing assets for lower middle market consumer companies. They provide strategic advice and operational support to management teams, focusing on driving sustainable growth through investments and acquisitions. Notably, BRS & Co. has made significant investments in the outdoor and recreational sectors, including the acquisition of New Archery Products Corp., a company that produces archery equipment, which is relevant to fishing tackle. They also acquired Gamo Outdoor, a manufacturer of outdoor products, and Daisy Outdoor Products, known for youth airguns, indicating their active role in the outdoor consumer market. Their investment strategy emphasizes consumer products, making them a relevant player in the fishing tackle industry.


11. Patrick Industries, Inc.


Patrick Industries, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Elkhart, Indiana, specializing in manufacturing and distributing component products and building materials for various markets, including Recreational Vehicles, Marine, Manufactured Housing, and Industrial sectors. Founded in 1959, the company has established a strong network of brands and operates across multiple states, providing high-quality materials to manufacturers. Notably, Patrick Industries has made significant acquisitions in the marine sector, including Marine Accessories Corporation, a manufacturer of marine products, and SeaDek Marine Products, known for its non-slip foam flooring for the marine OEM market. Additionally, they acquired Wet Sounds, a designer of audio systems for marine applications, and RecPro, an aftermarket e-commerce platform for outdoor enthusiasts. These transactions highlight Patrick Industries' strategic focus on expanding its presence in the marine and outdoor markets, making it a relevant player in the fishing tackle industry.


12. Audax Group

  • Website: audaxgroup.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • LinkedIn: audax-group

Audax Group is a private equity and private debt investment firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 1999. With approximately $39 billion in assets under management, Audax specializes in providing tailored financing solutions to middle market companies across various sectors. Notably, they have been involved in several acquisitions relevant to the outdoor and recreational industries, including Overton's, which focuses on outdoor and water sports products, and In The Swim, a company that provides pool supplies and accessories. These transactions highlight Audax's capability and interest in sectors that overlap with fishing tackle, making them a significant player in the outdoor recreational market.


13. Endeavor

  • Website: endeavor.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: endeavor_2

Endeavor is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1997, based in New York, that supports high-impact entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, education, and investment opportunities. It operates a global network aimed at transforming economies through entrepreneurship, helping businesses scale and create jobs in emerging markets. Among its notable transactions, Endeavor has invested in Aruna, a fisheries and marine platform in Indonesia, which raised $35 million in a Series A funding round. This investment highlights Endeavor's engagement in the fishing industry. Additionally, Endeavor has participated in various other sectors, including technology and agriculture, but its involvement in Aruna positions it as a potential player in the fishing tackle space.


14. Goode Partners

  • Website: goodepartners.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1

Goode Partners LLC is a private equity firm based in New York, founded in 2005, that specializes in investing in high-growth potential consumer-oriented companies. The firm provides financial and operational resources to help these businesses scale effectively. Their clientele primarily consists of management teams seeking to enhance their growth strategies through strategic partnerships. Notably, Goode Partners has invested in Huk Gear, which focuses on fishing apparel and gear, and Nomad Outdoor, which is involved in outdoor recreational products. These transactions highlight their engagement in the outdoor and fishing sectors, further emphasizing their relevance in the fishing tackle industry.



Fishing Tackle Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
OneWater MarineBuford, Georgia, United States (USA)1001-500020141
Brunswick CorporationMettawa, Illinois, United States (USA)10001+18450
Platinum EquityBeverly Hills, California, United States (USA)201-500199520
Northstar CapitalMinneapolis, Minnesota, United States (USA)11-5019931
Vista Outdoor Inc.Anoka, Minnesota, United States (USA)1-1019160
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
GarminOlathe, Kansas, United States (USA)10001+19890
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
BRS & Co.New York, New York, United States (USA)11-5019950
Patrick Industries, Inc.Elkhart, Indiana, United States (USA)10001+19593
Audax GroupBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)201-50019990
EndeavorNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-1000199727
Goode PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020051


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