1. Be knowledgeable about brands, styles, new technology and applications of a wide variety of sportfishing rods and reels.
2. Offer a wide range of fishing reels and rods that will fit the needs of different kinds of fishermen.
3. Provide a variety of fishing accessories, such as fishing tackle, nets and fishing apparel.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Be sure to feature durable, innovative and attractive fishing rods

Match your customers with rods that fit their particular needs. There are a variety of rods to choose from: fly fishing rods, saltwater or freshwater fishing rods, ice fishing rods and other types.

I recommend: Angler Pacific has a selection of rods, fishing reels, fishing reel parts and accessories. St. Croix Rods offers a variety of fly fishing rods, ice fishing rods, fly fishing reels, saltwater rods and reels and spinning and casting reels. Sage, which specializes in hand-crafted, high-performance fly fishing rod and reel sets, refers website readers to dealers nationwide that carry its products. One of the leading manufacturers of fishing rods, Berkley, designs and builds freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing and ice fishing rods. It also produces reels, baits and fishing tools. Its website lists dealers worldwide.

Custom fishing rods are a viable alternative to commercial fishing rods

If your customers want custom fishing rods--and you can't do the job yourself--find a manufacturer that can offer a selection of sizes, unique components, actions, powers, colors and personalized labels.

I recommend: G2 Custom Rods has been building high-quality customized fly and spinning rods for more than 25 years. It allows customers to completely customize their own fishing rods. Ken Preston Custom Rods is a company that creates custom spinning and fly rods and also offers professional repair services.

Offer a selection of fishing reels to fit your customers' needs

There are different types of fishing reels: the fly fishing reel, the casting (also known as conventional) reel, the trolling reel, the baitfeeder reel and the spinning reel. Ascertain the best type for your customers and have a wide variety of choices available.

I recommend: Shimano produces a great selection of casting and spinning reels, as well as an offshore spinning reel for big-fish freshwater anglers. Penn Tackle Manufacturing Company has an impressive variety of casting and spinning reels and also offers a fly fishing rod, outriggers and fishing line. In addition to fly fishing reels, Okuma Fishing Tackle manufactures a highly regarded line of spinning, casting and trolling reels.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Serious fishermen take customer service to heart. Know your equipment functions, brands, new styles and new technology. You must be ready to meet your customers' particular needs by recommending the right fishing tackle.