Weihai Hanhigh: 30 Years of Rod-Making Heritage and Why China Fish Still Matters

With so many rod manufacturers exhibiting at China Fish, it takes something special to stand out. For Weihai Hanhigh Fishing Tackle Co., Ltd., the differentiator is three decades of industry experience — and the confidence that comes from having built one of the most comprehensive OEM rod ranges in the Weihai cluster.

Hanhigh owner Wang Qian Gang has been attending China Fish for decades. Speaking to Angling International after the 2026 edition, he offered a veteran’s perspective on where the show stands, what matters to buyers, and how the rod-making capital of the world is navigating uncertain times.

China Fish Still Among the Premier Shows

Despite noticeably fewer visitors at China Fish 2026, Wang is clear: the show remains one of the world’s premier fishing tackle trade events.

“China Fish is still one of the biggest fishing trade shows in the world,” he said. “It compares well with ICAST in the US and perhaps even has more exhibitors. In recent years the event has been affected by the worldwide economy and that has seen fewer and fewer people coming to Beijing. However, during the same time we have seen more manufacturers showing off their goods.”

For Hanhigh, the show delivered despite lower foot traffic. “This year the number of visitors looked significantly down and fewer people came to our booth. But it was still an OK show for us. Our aim at China Fish is to bring new models to market, meet new business contacts, and link up with current customers and friends. Although numbers were down, we were successful in that.”

A Realistic Outlook

Wang’s assessment of the mood at the show was candid. “Generally speaking, there was not much optimism around. As news unfolded regarding the war in the Middle East during the show, people became more concerned about the economic prospects.”

“I have the same feelings as many others. The world is becoming more and more uncertain with rising inflation and tariffs. The weakness of the global market is a major challenge and it will take some time to recover.”

This honesty reflects the experience of a manufacturer that has weathered multiple industry cycles over 30 years. Hanhigh’s perspective carries weight because it is rooted in decades of direct engagement with international markets, not short-term observation.

New Product Development as a Constant

Despite the macroeconomic headwinds, Hanhigh showed off an impressive range of new rods at China Fish 2026:

• New sea bass series
• Egi (squid jigging) and Aji rods
• Spinning and carp feeder models
• A new value-for-money line-up

“I am pleased to say that they all generated strong interest from buyers,” Wang said.

The breadth of the new offerings is significant. It demonstrates that Hanhigh — and by extension the Weihai rod cluster — continues to invest in product development even when market conditions are challenging. For international buyers, this signals that Chinese rod manufacturers are not simply cutting costs to compete; they are innovating to capture new segments and applications.

The Heritage Factor

Hanhigh has been involved in the fishing tackle industry for around 30 years, with more than 20 years of dedicated rod production and quality-control expertise. That heritage has helped the Weihai-based factory build one of the most comprehensive OEM ranges in the region — from entry-level to premium rods across spinning, carp, feeder, lure, predator, and more.

“Our wide range is important,” says Wang. “It shows our development capability and the experience we have accumulated over many years. But more important is that buyers can see how carefully we pay attention to detail. That is what creates trust.”

The emphasis on detail-oriented quality control is particularly relevant for buyers evaluating Chinese rod manufacturers. In a market where hundreds of rod factories operate in Weihai alone, the difference between a reliable OEM partner and an inconsistent one often comes down to the quality systems behind the products.

Weihai’s Rod Cluster

Weihai accounts for approximately 60% of the world’s fishing rod production, with nearly 5,000 fishing tackle manufacturing and trading firms operating in the city. The scale of the cluster creates both opportunities and challenges for international buyers.

On one hand, the concentration of expertise means that Weihai rod factories can produce at virtually every price point, from budget fiberglass models to high-end carbon fiber blanks used by premium international brands. The supply chain depth — blank production, guide assembly, handle wrapping, finishing — is unmatched anywhere in the world.

On the other hand, the sheer number of manufacturers makes supplier selection critical. Hanhigh’s three-decade track record and Wang’s willingness to speak candidly about market conditions suggest a manufacturer confident enough in its quality to be transparent — a useful signal for buyers conducting due diligence.

European Market Perspective

Wang has been equally candid about the European market — one of Hanhigh’s biggest export destinations. The European tackle market has suffered in recent years, impacted by the war in Ukraine and high interest rates across the region. Yet Wang believes the worst has passed.

“Following the last Angling International LIVE, we still believe that we have found new contacts to do business with,” he said. “Those who saw our European models believe that they are suitable for the region.”

He described 2024 as Hanhigh’s toughest year in two decades, but remains cautiously optimistic about recovery. “I am expecting a challenging year with the market in a low state with businesses facing increasing competition. Our only option is to face it bravely and strive to improve what we do and offer quality and service at a competitive cost.”

His assessment of what matters most to buyers in tough times is characteristically direct: “In such a difficult situation, customers are looking for best value products.”

Wang also welcomed the shift of Angling International LIVE back to a June date, which better aligns with the show calendar. “For us there are some really important shows that we need to attend in September and October, so it was hard for us to make a satisfactory decision. The June date is a really good change.”

Contact

Weihai Hanhigh Fishing Tackle Co., Ltd. welcomes international buyer inquiries for OEM rod production across all categories.

• Tel: +86 1390 6301 426
• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.hanhigh.cn

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