Supply Chain Issues Hit The Outdoors Industry Hard
I have the privilege of spending some time down here in Florida for the winter break. With my kayak and my camper all attached to my truck I was excited to make my way down and get some time to do some bass fishing as well as some salt water fishing.
One of the things I like to do when I’m at a town is visit local tackle shops the mom and pops, to just check out what kind of local baits are being used as well as just some local dock talk, it’s a great place to just get a feel of what’s going on during that time.
On my way to Ponce Inlet in Daytona Beach Florida there is a small tackle shop I’ve been going to since I was a boy, over 35 years. I wanted to stop by and see if they had any Z man swim baits that are commonly used when hunting trout, redfish, and snook. To my dismay I walk in and I’m staring at nothing but a bare pegboard with nothing but empty hooks everywhere in the store.
One of the offshore boaters came in about 6 AM and asked the clerk about getting some live bait so he can go out and enjoy the day. He was told by the clerk that he only had 50 minnows left. This gentleman called the shop the night before and the clerk told them they had 2000 minnows available. By 6 AM the next morning they were all gone.
Needless to say this gentleman walked away with his head down and very upset and he asked why was there such a rush in live bait. And the clerk answered because there’s no artificial baits to be found anywhere. This is common not only with the local tackle shops but if you go online like Tackle Warehouse or Bass Pro it’s almost impossible to find what you’re looking for.
The supply chain issues has affected United States economy for sure but it’s really hitting home for the common man who just wants to have a good time in the outdoors. From fishing tackle, to ammo, even arrows there is a lack of supply which is obviously creating a lot more demand and raising prices exponentially that’s affecting the outdoors industry. In talking with some kayak makers they are also feeling this squeeze because they cannot receive the products or the plastics to make their boats.
In 2021 there was a backlog and talking to some anglers and receiving their pre-ordered kayaks as long as 6 to 7 months before receiving their kayak. I’m not sure how long the supply issues are going to continue but you have this author’s permission if the wife ask you do you need more of these baits, you tell her absolutely yes you’ll never know if you’ll ever see these again. Go get em if you can find em.