Should You Rush to Buy a New Fishing Reel Before Trump’s Tariffs Take Effect?

Any angler looking to buy a new fishing reel this season might want to make that purchase as soon as possible. New tariffs enacted by President Trump could lead to price increases on fishing reels, landing nets, and other items that contain aluminum components.

On February 10, President Trump signed Executive Order 10895, increasing the tariff on aluminum products from 10% to 25% effective as of March 12, 2025. Additionally, the President has removed all country exemptions, suspensions, and quota limits – the order now covers imports from all countries equally. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has pointed out that the tariffs will have direct impacts on the sportfishing industry.

Tariffs on aluminum could eventually lead to price increases for aluminum-bodied reels like the Shimano Saragosa.

While the new duty will apply only to the aluminum components of products, they will increase the expense of importing items like fishing reels and landing nets. Manufacturers can absorb the increased expenses or pass them on to consumers through price increases.

Popular fishing accessories like this AFTCO fishing gaff are made primarily from aluminum.

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Reports have found that Americans have begun stockpiling items that they believe will increase in price as a result of tariffs, including maple syrup and toilet paper, and rushing to purchase big-ticket items like appliances, electronics, and cars.