ABOUT US
About Svensk Sportfiskehandel
Spofa Spöfiske was established in 2000 as a section of SPOFA. In 2006, we became an independent association, and our member companies include manufacturers, wholesalers, and importers whose products are well established in the Swedish market. In 2015, we changed our name to Svensk Sportfiskehandel.
We work to grow the market, improve profitability across the entire industry, and attract more people to sport fishing.
Some of the things we work on include:
1. How do we attract new sport anglers?
2. Environmental responsibility
3. Swedish networks
4. Political advocacy
Fish First
If there are no fish, there will be no anglers and consequently, no one visiting sport fishing shops to buy fishing products! We need a long-term, sustainable fisheries policy. It's time for sport fishing to be recognized as the most important sector within the fishing industry. For several years, together with Sportfiskarna, we have proposed various measures, some of which have led to real results. We can now count a few of these as victories, while we continue working toward achieving the others.
Examples of issues we are advocating for or have previously worked on:
• Limit net fishing in general
• Eliminate all subsidies for the expansion of hydropower. This is something we must continue to fight for!
• Establish marine reserves and areas with a total ban on all fishing
• Ban the sale of fish for all groups except licensed commercial fishers
• Ban bottom trawling
• Ban drift net fishing for salmon in the Baltic Sea. Achieved!
• Strengthen funding for fisheries conservation. Achieved!
How do we attract more sport anglers?
Each year, around 3 million people go rod fishing. Of these, approximately 900,000 fish more than 20 times a year, and over 400,000 consider rod-based sport fishing their main leisure activity. 80% of children and young people up to the age of 16 are interested in fishing. We work to raise the status of sport fishing through media, aiming to spark curiosity and inspire more people to try it. We also organize expos where we showcase our industry and offer many the chance to try rod fishing.
Sportfiskemässan
Sportfiskemässan is more than just a trade show – it’s an annual celebration of our shared passion. Everything related to sport fishing is gathered under one roof, and interest grows with each passing year.
Här samlas allt inom sportfiske under ett och samma tak, och intresset växer för varje år.
With over 16,000 passionate visitors, the expo offers an unbeatable opportunity for businesses to showcase products, make new connections, and strengthen their position in an industry that generates over SEK 15 billion annually.
The expo isn’t just a haven for seasoned anglers – it also inspires thousands of newcomers to try sport fishing for the first time.
Visitors get the chance to test equipment, join activities, book fishing adventures, and listen to knowledgeable speakers.
It’s hard to leave without wanting to head straight for the water!
As an exhibitor, you’ll gain access to a focused, engaged audience and a unique platform for visibility.
Sportfiskemässan actively contributes to promoting both sport fishing and fisheries conservation – and your participation makes a difference.
Be part of shaping the future of sport fishing – book your spot at Sportfiskemässan today!
Environmental responsibility
The success of our industry depends on a healthy environment. That makes it especially important for us to take responsibility for it. Environmental issues concern everyone in the industry, and we at Svensk Sportfiskehandel support the organizations and associations that place the environment at the top of their agenda. We take part in developments and drive the work forward through our member companies.
Political advocacy
Svensk Sportfiskehandel contributes to important political decisions for the industry by serving as a referral body or reference group in investigations that lead to government bills and, eventually, political action.
Networks and collaboration
It is important that the industry, through Svensk Sportfiskehandel, has the opportunity to influence developments in a number of key areas related to sport fishing. That’s why building networks is a vital task for the industry. This can include collaboration with, for example, Sportfiskarna, media companies, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, and other authorities.
Svensk Sportfiskehandel is, as an association, a member of EFTTA, The European Fishing Tackle Trade Association. One of EFTTA’s most important tasks is lobbying the European institutions.