Broader material choices drive upgrades

	These lures from Beijing Hirun Hengda adopt metal, rabbit hair and chicken feathers.

Combining various composites or metal enable makers to cut quotes and enhance usability.

China suppliers of fishing equipment are targeting improved durability and performance even as they continue to emphasize the low end and midrange. Using different materials in a single design is one strategy employed in fishing rods.

Because of its lightweight, elastic and anti-corrosive properties, carbon fiber is now combined with fiberglass in various sections of models. The front end and thread guides are made of the former. Fiberglass is adopted for the area near the handle.

These products are on a par qualitywise with pure carbon fiber rods, but are significantly less expensive, reaching only $150.

Versions in the second category can go for as much as $200, due primarily to the high cost of manufacturing inputs. Designs are fabricated from carbon fiber sheets, about 85 percent of which are sourced from Taiwan, South Korea and Japan at rates up to four times those of domestic types. Such variants also boast longer service life. Suppliers, however, are facing availability issues as the raw material is also critical in other industries and resources are therefore limited.

The trend of combining materials is likewise seen in recent lure designs, in which a lead component is added to the brass head to enhance buoyancy.

Meanwhile, the use of magnesium alloy in lieu of aluminum alloy for fishing reel housings continues to grow. The former material is lighter and sturdier, and its adoption lowers prices by about 10 percent.

Makers are also employing various surface treatments under efforts to boost durability. Glossy coatings are utilized in some midrange reels instead of regular spray painting to improve not only corrosion resistance but aesthetics as well.

Anodization has similarly become a common process. Applying a 30μm layer of the treatment, which is 200 percent thicker than the standard 10μm coating, makes models eight to 10 times more capable of withstanding wear.

Further, accessories such as mini balls or feathers are attached to achieve a realistic look. Flashing LEDs are also incorporated.

Encouraged by these developments, interviewed suppliers are optimistic with their export projections for 2010. In fact, companies are anticipating an increase of 15 to 20 percent from 2009 figures.

Fishing rods from China are designed for both professional and amateur use, and come in spinning, surf, fly, pole, telerod, spigot, sea, ice and boat types measuring 0.35 to 18m.

Aside from application, products can be classified according to the materials adopted. Prices range from about $2 to $200 per piece, depending on the various manufacturing inputs employed.

Because they are heavier, pure fiberglass models are suitable for fresh water fishing. Such designs can exceed $20. Within this category, models between 0.35 to 4.5m and with locally sourced guides, ceramic rings and EVA grips go for $3 to $8. These types have a hollow or semisolid construction.

Midrange rods measure from 1.5 to 15m and are priced at $9 to $30. These telescopic or multipiece designs have a solid or semisolid form, and are made of fiberglass, carbon fiber, or a combination of both materials. Inputs are domestically procured or are from Taiwan. Accessories such as line guides, ceramic rings and EVA or cork grips are purchased within mainland China or imported.

With lengths reaching 18m, high-end versions are likewise telescopic or multipiece. Fabricated entirely out of carbon fiber, some of which is from South Korea or Japan, models boast titanium or aluminum oxide rings and cork grips. Guides are also imported. Quotes are between $31 and $200 or more.

Spinning types dominate more than half of China’s range of fishing reels. Other kinds include baitcasting, trolling, fly and ice. These come in sizes 1,000 to 10,000.

Low-end versions have spray-painted aluminum alloy, nylon or graphite housings. Together with the last two materials, ABS is adopted for the spool. A multistopper, anti-reverse system serves as the gear. With a buttoned handle and up to four ball bearings, models start at $3 and can reach $10 each.

Going for up to $30, midrange designs usually have spray-painted or electroplated graphite or aluminum or magnesium alloy casings, although some can boast a glossy coating. The spool can come in aluminum or magnesium alloy, nylon or stainless steel. Different options for gears are available, including a one-way clutch for instant reverse, multidisc front drag and bait runner system. Models also have as many as eight stainless steel ball bearings and a machine-cut handle.

High-end reels adopt stainless steel, or aluminum or magnesium alloy from outside sources such as South Korea and Japan for the spool. Gears are also imported from these countries. Housings, which are similarly in aluminum or magnesium alloy, can be treated with a special type of electroplating that costs three times more than the regular treatment. Containing 14 ball bearings, models exceed $200 each.

Some suppliers also offer electronic reels in their selections. Ranging from $500 to $600, units come with a 12VDC motor, US-made carbon drag washer and shielded ball bearings.

Fishing lures from China consist of jigheads, spoons, spinners, poppers, minnows, skirts, cranks, buzzbait, shrimp, squid jigs, and vib or vibration models in both fresh- and saltwater versions. Most measure 3 to 5in long, but 7 to 11in types are offered as well. Models have plastic-and-metal constructions.

Hard plastic, including ABS and PVC, is utilized for the bodies of low-end versions. Heads are made of lead or steel. Hooks and paint are locally sourced.

Models in the category are priced from $0.30 to $0.50 each. Items do not have realistic movements, but use brighter colors to make them more attractive.

Midrange types adopt the same kinds of metal for the head as low-end counterparts, but have more options for the body, which comes in PP, PP-ABS, PE or TPR. High-quality domestic hooks and South Korea- or Japan-made paint are employed. Glow-in-the-dark coating is also available. Quotes reach $1.

Unlike low-end lures, versions in the middle of the price spectrum feature complex constructions that allow for more natural movements, including swimming, diving and floating.

Going for up to $2.50, upscale designs employ soft plastic such as TPR or silicone for the body. Heads can come in copper, steel or lead. Hooks are sourced from Taiwan, while South Korea and Japan are the common providers of paint. Models boast of three-piece construction for added realism and ICs and LEDs that provide sound and light.

Most designs in the segment are fish-shaped, although products resembling frogs, mice and shrimp are also available. Some combine a metal interior with a soft exterior for a lifelike appearance and added durability.

China is the largest production hub for fishing equipment worldwide. Companies turn out approximately 80 percent of global output. Their selections consists of hooks and nets, in addition to rods, reels and lures.

There are about 1,500 domestic providers. Roughly 300 to 400 manufacture rods, while 100 make reels. The rest offers other variants of tackle.

Small suppliers dominate the industry, over 80 percent of which have no more than 300 employees. Approximately 95 percent of makers rely on OEM contracts, except for large businesses and some foreign-invested enterprises.

For most labor-intensive companies, the current R&D focus is on enhancing design aesthetics.

Production is highly export-oriented, with roughly 95 percent of output sent abroad. The US, the EU, Japan and South Korea are the key markets.

Weihai in Shandong province is considered the primary hub in China, with about 400 makers. Of the number, 200 specialize in fishing rods, accounting for 60 percent of total yield in this particular category. Many of these companies have foreign investment, usually from South Korea given the latter’s proximity to Shandong.

Zhejiang is another center, with a mature supplier base for reels. About 70 percent of China’s output in the line originates from the province. Roughly 150 manufacturers cluster in Ningbo.