The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on the retail industry at-large, with the lockdown forcing the majority of brick-and-mortar retailers to close up shop. The subsequent widespread shift towards e-commerce and social commerce is also being experienced within the fishing sector, with Fishbrain (www.fishbrain.com), the world’s largest social network for anglers, revealing that sales within its in-app and web Shop have surged since mid-March. 

Sales of items including baits & lures, rods, boat accessories, and reels, increased 93% from February to March, and then soared by 307% from March to April, showing there is a huge demand from consumers who are turning to Fishbrain Shop to purchase their fishing gear. This will come as a huge relief for fishing brands that can still sell their products to a passionate 9 million-strong userbase, despite nationwide store closures.

 

 

Fishbrain Shop, available on mobile and web, allows users to find and purchase the best fishing gear from some of the world’s most respected brands. Speeding up the process of purchasing tackle, users able to do so within a centralized marketplace, and without having to leave the Fishbrain app, providing a seamless and frictionless buying experience. There are currently 80 brands selling a total of 30,000 products on Fishbrain Shop.

 

Increase in users and revenue

Data reveals that the state of Texas has witnessed a 335% increase in Fishbrain Shop users and a 300% rise in revenue. Meanwhile, Florida and New York have seen the greatest revenue rises, of 650% and 840%, respectively. A breakdown of the Top 5 products which have been purchased most frequently since the beginning of lockdown, can be found below.

• Non-Tipping Can Cooler, +1045%.
• Favourite fishing FIRE CASTING COMBO, +2800%.
• Abu Garcia® Revo® X Baitcast Combo, +2230%.
• Fishbrain Fishing Buff – Camo, +8300%. (This is being used as a face protector)
• Ugly Stik® GX2™ Spinning Combo, +3800%.

 

 

Quotes

Below are quotes from two fishing brands that are utilizing Fishbrain Shop during the lockdown, and a quote from Fishbrain CEO and co-founder Johan Attby. Do let me know if you’d like to jump on a call with Johan to discuss this in more detail.

Fishbrain CEO and co-founder Johan Attby: “This is, of course, a hugely concerning period for everyone, but the increased popularity of Fishbrain Shop data should come as a welcome boost to the fishing sector. Rather than letting store closures get in the way of their next fishing trip, anglers who are abiding by state regulations are instead turning to digital platforms to get their gear, meaning that not only are they getting their hands on the equipment they need, but also that the world-class brands we have partnered with are still able to sell their products to consumers.”

Winston Tucker, Favorite Fishing CEO and Founder: “Favorite Fishing prides itself on helping anglers maintain their best performance, regardless of location or situation. During a time where many of us find ourselves in need of an escape, we’re dedicated to ensuring that our gear is readily available. We’ve been selling on Fishbrain since its launch in May last year and it’s been great to see the sales increase. Getting our products in front of their 9 million users has been fantastic.”

Thor Rhodin, CMO at Toadfish: “As a company with coastal roots, Toadfish understands why Americans are turning to rivers and oceans to find peace of mind while social distancing. Fishbrain has been a fantastic sales channel for us. Our products have been flying off the shelves, and getting our products in front of Fishbrain’s millions of users, while spreading our mission of coastal conservation. Fishing is one of the few sports that we can still enjoy responsibly, so we are proud to be able to continue making Toadfish products easily available via online platforms like Fishbrain. Millions of anglers use Fishbrain each month, so it makes sense for us to work together to keep as many families, as is safely possible, on the water.”

 

Also look at:
https://flyfishing-blog.com/flyfishing-blog.com/2019/10/16/fishbrain-shop-allows-users-to-find-and-buy-the-best-fishing-tackle-and-gear-via-the-fishbrain-app/
https://flyfishing-blog.com/flyfishing-blog.com/2020/05/31/asa-reveals-plans-for-icast-2020-online/
https://flyfishing-blog.com/flyfishing-blog.com/2020/04/18/a-message-to-the-sportfishing-industry-icast-a-virtual-show-for-2020/