Every year Southwick Associates, an outdoors research firm, surveys a large sample of U.S. anglers to gather data on which fishing product brands are most preferred. They just announced the results of the 2007 survey, which gathered responses from 16,258 anglers. Orvis took the top spot for fly rods and flies, while Scientific Anglers earned the top position for fly lines. Gamakatsu was the top hook.

In 2007, the top brands and activities included:

Top rod brand: Shakespeare Ugly Stik (16.7% of all purchases)
Top reel brand: Shimano (18.1% of all purchases)
Top rod and reel combo brand: Shakespeare (20.9% of all purchases)
Top fly rod brand: Orvis (17.5% of all purchases)
Top fishing line brand: Berkley (Trilene, Fireline, Big Game and Vanish (38.5% of all purchases)
Top hardbait brand: Rapala (25.6% of all purchases)
Top softbait brand: Zoom (15.9% of all purchases)
Top spinnerbait brand: Strike King (21.3% of all purchases)
Top hook brand: Gamakatsu (30% of all purchases)
Top sinker brand: Bullet Weights (20.1% of all purchases)
Top fly line brand: Scientific Anglers (25.7% of all purchases)
Top fly brand: Orvis (12.6% of all purchases)
Top electronics: Lowrance (55.5% of all radio or GPS and 35% of all fish finder purchases)
Top tackle box brand: Plano (50.3% of all purchases)
Top fishing knife brand: Rapala (46.4% of all purchases)

Launched in 2006, AnglerSurvey.com helps the outdoor equipment industry, government fisheries officials, and conservation organizations track consumer activities and expenditure trends. The list above represents only a small sample of the vast amount of information that is available from the complete survey results. The results are scientifically analyzed to reflect all U.S. anglers. Find out how a subscription to the complete survey data can help your business, government agency, or organization.