If you are looking to buy new fishing gear, there are plenty of great companies that feature products made in the USA. Based in all different states, their products include rods, reels, bait, tackle, and lures. Here is a list of 10 companies making fishing gear in the USA.
- Berkley – Iowa
- AFTCO – California
- Huddleston Deluxe, Inc. – Nevada
- Eppinger Manufacturing – Michigan
- Magic Bait – Oklahoma
- Seigler Reels – Virginia
- Mold Craft Fishing Products – Florida
Berkley is a fishing supply manufacturer located in Spirit Lake, Iowa. It focused originally on wire leaders and fly-fishing lures, but soon expanded to nylon lines and rods. Its Trilene Big Game fishing line is an example of an affordable monofilament line that is suitable for both saltwater and freshwater angling. With line lengths of up to 10,800 yards and weight-tested from 8 to 130 pounds, Berkley’s Trilene Big Game is one of their most popular and highest-rated lines. The line has reportedly been used for striped bass, muskie, and even Ugandan Nile perch!
AFTCO is a fishing equipment manufacturer based in Santa Ana, California. Originally started in the 1950’s as the Axelson Fishing Tackle Company, AFTCO was purchased in the 1970s by Milt Shedd, a saltwater fishing enthusiast and co-founder of Sea World. The company initially focused on saltwater tackle, but expanded to freshwater fishing and even a clothing line. For those interested in AFTCO’s (now officially the American Fishing Tackle Company) saltwater roots, check out their Aluminum Fishing Gaff. The gaff comes in lengths from 3 to 8 feet and black or gold colors. Combine that with a slim head and a lightweight aluminum build that’s resistant to marine corrosion, and you’re ready for an incredible deep-sea catch.
Huddleston Deluxe is a Las Vegas, Nevada-based artificial bait manufacturer that specializes in fully functional swimbait fishing lures. Here you can find lures based on trout, shad, minnows, and other animals. To use swimbait lures, you have to cast them, let them sink, and slowly retrieve them. The Huddle Bug is recommended for freshwater bass fishing or any other fishing that requires crayfish. Coming in cola, black, red, and a variety of other colors, the Huddle Bug is a great on-hand accessory for the freshwater angler.
Eppinger Manufacturing is a fishing lure manufacturer based in Dearborn, Michigan. Family-owned and operated since 1906, Eppinger specializes in its famous “Dardevle” lures — a name derived from the founder’s World War I military unit nickname. The Dardevle 1-ounce lure is a uniquely-shaped lure that triggers strikes in bass, pike, walleye, or just about any type of fish. Coming in a variety of colors with a copper finish (other Dardevle lures have nickel or brass finishes) the Dardevle lure is definitely one to have on-hand.
Magic Bait is a fishing bait manufacturer based in Guthrie, Oklahoma — and has featured all-natural, all-American-made baits since 1970. Specializing in trout, catfish, crappie, and carp baits, Magic Bait also sells saltwater baits and fishing kits. Their Catfish Kit boasts bait holders, hooks, floats, sinkers, and the company’s signature King Kat and Whopper catfish baits. The baits are all-natural and tested for performance — Magic Bait wouldn’t have it any other way.
Seigler Reels is a fishing reel company based in Virginia Beach, Virginia. It makes conventional and fly fishing reels — and one of its specialties is the saltwater fly fishing reel. The MF (Medium Fly) Lever Drag Fly Reel is one such reel, and it features an asymmetrical spool, a dovetail reel seat, a lever drag system, and an oversize handle ready to take in those striped bass or albacore. With a preset drag dial, this reel can apply drag pressures with precision. So if you’re ready to take the next step in saltwater fishing, give Seigler Reels a try.
Mold Craft is a fishing lure and accessories manufacturer based in Pompano Beach, Florida. Their store features a variety of lures, teasers, rigs, and daisy chains (for drawing up schools of fish in large numbers). Their Squirt Squid is touted as being the best for catching giant tuna (the Atlantic Bluefin) — and with a record 1,228-pound tuna caught on rod and reel with this lure, its reputation is hard to contest. Coming in white, blue, tan, and other colors, this 6 to 16 inch lure is certainly one for your next saltwater fishing trip.