New rod releases

[Uknowme]

Why do fishing gear companies release new products later in the season and into fall? Late winter to spring would be the best times to have new products released and ready for purchase. I saw the new Shimano Expride will not be out until 9/24. At least on TW. Not looking to purchase that rod it just seems every year the releases of new gear is for purchase later than they should.

[Cal]

It used to be product was announced at ICAST, then available the following Fall into Winter/Early Spring.

Pre-pandemic, a lot of that availability was moved up to be almost concurrent with ICAST.

At the same time, a lot of new bass tackle was beginning to be announced at the BASSMASTER Classic and available shortly thereafter.

Regarding the issue you see with the availability of Expride, it all has to do with the scarcity of raw materials and other resources that is affecting all industries, not just fishing and all brought about by the global pandemic. Some manufacturers are able to get their orders in and fulfilled, many more are not. There is no rhyme or reason and delays are the norm and will likely take some time to shake out.

[Thunderblack1984]

Cal is very right. Materials, manufacturing, lead times are all affected right now with almost all products including fishing.

[slipperybob]

The good ones, seems to always come late. The rest of them, like the cheapo budget stuff, always comes early in the spring.