India Fishing Equipment Market Overview, 2031

The fishing gear market in India has experienced significant and steady growth over recent years, backed by the country's extensive 7,500-km coastline, various river networks, and the increasing significance of fisheries for the economy. With the rising demand for seafood both locally and ly, India’s fishing sector has grown, which has directly boosted the corresponding market for fishing equipment and related products. The increasing interest in recreational fishing particularly in coastal regions like Goa, Kerala, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu has formed new customer groups looking for advanced rods, reels, lures, and tech-based fish locator devices. The rise in middle-class incomes has also played a key role, allowing more individuals to engage in angling as a weekend hobby, especially near lakes and reservoirs in Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and the Northeastern states. Fishing has long been a vital element of India’s cultural heritage. For generations, fishing communities in Kerala, Bengal, Odisha, Gujarat, and the Andaman Islands have depended on traditional techniques like hand-lining, shore netting, bamboo traps, and river fishing. Although these traditional practices are still prevalent, contemporary fishing devices including nylon nets, stainless-steel hooks, carbon-fiber rods, mechanized line equipment, and advanced trawl systems are quickly becoming popular. Initiatives from the government, like the Blue Revolution and Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana, have sped up the integration of modern equipment by promoting mechanization, enhancing coastal facilities, improving inland fisheries, and upgrading conventional fishing vessels. As India aims to fortify its fisheries sector both marine and freshwater there are rising investments in modernizing equipment to boost efficiency, safety, and the quality of catches.

According to the research report, " India Fishing Equipment Market Overview, 2031," published by Bonafide Research, the India Fishing Equipment market is anticipated to grow at more than 6.69% CAGR from 2026 to 2031. reflecting a rise in customer awareness, technological advancements, growth in tourism, and increased online shopping trends. A focus on sustainability has arisen prominently among urban and coastal fishing enthusiasts, motivated by concerns over dwindling fish stocks and pollution in aquatic environments. This shift has sparked a demand for environmentally friendly and long-lasting gear, such as biodegradable lures, low-impact nets, natural-fiber lines, and equipment designed to minimize bycatch. Both Indian and foreign manufacturers are progressively adapting their product offerings to align with these new eco-friendly preferences. Tourism holds a significant importance as well. In India, adventure tourism has become more popular, particularly in areas such as Himachal Pradesh, Kashmir, Sikkim, and the Andaman Islands, where recreational fishermen look for guided fishing trips. This popularity has created new opportunities for renting rods, lightweight equipment, fly-fishing gear, and travel-friendly items. The surge in domestic tourism has also led to a greater need for supplies related to river and mountain fishing in hilly regions. The rise of e-commerce is rapidly changing the distribution landscape, as online platforms provide competitive prices, home delivery even in remote areas, and access to high-quality brands that local stores do not carry. This growth in the online market allows fishing gear companies to reach a broader audience in Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities. Innovation marks the key feature of the ongoing market.

India fishing equipment market by type is divided into hooks, lines, sinkers & floats, rods, reels, nets & traps, baits & lures and others Spears& Gaffs, Fishing Stopper, Swivel Fishing Line, Fishing Snap, etc. The selection of fishing gear in India is influenced by cost, local variation, and the specific requirements of both traditional and modern sport fishers. Affordable hooks and fishing lines lead the market as they serve millions of small and artisanal fishers operating in rivers, deltas, lakes, and coastal areas. Steel hooks, cheap J-hooks, and locally made barbed options are commonly selected for everyday fishing tasks, especially in states like Kerala, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. Fishing lines crafted from nylon and monofilament are favored due to their affordability and durability in warm, moist climates. Fishing rods for river use often created from fiberglass or light composites are favored in inland areas like Karnataka, Assam, Uttarakhand, and Madhya Pradesh, where fishers pursue carp, catfish, mahseer, and tilapia. These rods tend to focus on being flexible and inexpensive rather than high-end performance, thus aligning with widespread market needs. Reels also show a similar pattern small spinning reels and basic hand-operated models are the most commonly sold types throughout India. Their straightforward design and minimal maintenance requirements attract both novice and experienced anglers. Nets and traps are integral to India’s fishing culture, particularly in rural regions where cast nets, drag nets, bamboo traps, and small gill nets serve as vital tools. These options are low-cost, easily fixable, and deeply integrated into local fishing customs.

India fishing equipment market by nature is divided into fresh water, salt water and fly fishing. India boasts a fishing landscape that is incredibly varied, driven by a unique combination of extensive freshwater resources and one of the longest tropical coastlines. The network of freshwater within the country includes the Ganga, Brahmaputra, Godavari, Narmada, Krishna, plus numerous lakes, canals, ponds, and reservoirs. These inland bodies of water sustain vibrant fisheries and recreational fishing, making freshwater fishing particularly popular in states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, Kerala, and Karnataka. Common fish types in freshwater catches include rohu, catla, mahseer, murrel, carp, and catfish, leading to the demand for lightweight rods, float-fishing rigs, and small setups appropriate for various water currents. In mountainous regions like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, the high-altitude freshwater settings provide perfect conditions for pursuing trout and mahseer, creating a distinct market for longer fly rods and specialized bait methods. The fishing culture in India, which focuses on saltwater, is influenced by its extensive coastline measuring 7,500 kilometers along the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and Indian Ocean. Communities near the coast significantly depend on marine fishing for their livelihoods, pursuing species like mackerel, tuna, sardines, barracuda, pomfret, and squid. The saltwater environment characterized by vigorous tides, sandy ocean floors, and elevated salinity creates a need for gear that resists corrosion, including metal lures, trolling setups, surf rods, and robust nets. Regions such as Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Andhra Pradesh have rich marine fishing customs, each shaped by local boat designs, seasonal monsoon patterns, and cultural fishing traditions. India’s distinct mixture of extensive freshwater ecosystems and strong saltwater regions produces a diverse fishing scenario.

India fishing equipment market by distribution Channel is divided into online and offline. The framework for distributing fishing gear in India is changing quickly as more people embrace digital options, although traditional retail remains crucial in many rural and coastal areas. In major cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Delhi, and Kochi, online shopping has increased due to the growing confidence in e-commerce sites and the availability of specialized fishing products that local shops do not carry. These online platforms provide a broader selection of rods, reels, lures, and al equipment, often at appealing prices along with nationwide shipping. The convenience of home delivery particularly attracts beginner recreational fishers and younger buyers who prefer exploring equipment virtually rather than going to physical stores. Urban fishermen also gain from the online accessibility of brands and high-tech fishing tools like fish finders, carbon-fiber rods, braided lines, and imported lures. Even with the growth of online shopping, traditional retail remains integral to India’s fishing community, especially in rural and coastal regions where internet access is limited and logistics can be challenging. Small tackle shops, harbor markets, and local vendors continue to provide essential gear like hooks, lines, nets, bamboo rods, and regional traps. These outlets offer valuable insights, advice specific to the area, and tailored products appropriate for local waters benefits that online services cannot easily match. In regions like the backwaters of Kerala, the Sundarbans, fishing communities in Odisha, and parts of Andhra Pradesh, traditional retail predominantly serves as the main method to acquire fishing gear due to its immediate availability and cost-effectiveness.



Considered in this report
• Historic Year: 2020
• Base year: 2025
• Estimated year: 2026
• Forecast year: 2031

Aspects covered in this report
• Fishing Equipment Market with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Type
• Hooks
• lines
• Sinkers & floats
• Rods
• Reels
• Nets & Traps
• Baits & Lures.
• Others (Spears& Gaffs, Fishing Stopper, Swivel Fishing Line, Fishing Snap, etc.)

By Nature
• Fresh water
• Salt water
• Fly fishing

By Distribution Channel
• Online
• Offline