Pelagic Company Profile

Background

Pelagic is a privately held company specializing in high-performance fishing apparel and accessories. Founded in 2002 and headquartered in Costa Mesa, California, Pelagic caters to fishing enthusiasts by offering a comprehensive range of products, including fishing shirts, shorts, jackets, swimwear, and accessories like sunglasses and headwear. The company is deeply rooted in fish, dive, and surf culture, aiming to provide a brand that resonates with individuals passionate about the ocean lifestyle.

Key Strategic Focus

Pelagic's strategic focus centers on delivering high-quality, functional, and stylish fishing apparel and accessories. The company emphasizes innovation and cutting-edge design in its product offerings, ensuring that modern anglers have the best tools for their adventures. By combining technical fishing apparel with casual lifestyle wear, Pelagic aims to connect with a global community that shares a passion for the ocean.

Financials and Funding

As of July 2025, Pelagic's annual revenue is estimated to be approximately $3.8 million, with around 32 employees across three continents, including North America, Africa, and Asia. The company has secured funding through a debt financing round, raising $470,000 in April 2020.

Pipeline Development

Pelagic continually expands its product line to meet the evolving needs of anglers. Recent product launches include the Flexfit Delta Alpha Dark Navy / L/XL, 20oz Deluxe Black / NS, 20oz Deluxe White / NS, 10oz Lowball White / NS, and Navigator - Polarized Mineral Glass Matte Black/Blue / OS. These additions reflect Pelagic's commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Pelagic leverages advanced e-commerce technologies to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency. The company utilizes the Shopify platform for its online store, integrating various applications to optimize performance. Additionally, Pelagic employs technologies such as Facebook Pixel, Cloudflare CDN, Google Cloud, and Next.js to support its digital infrastructure.

Leadership Team

Pelagic is led by CEO and Founder Beth Kawaja, who has been instrumental in establishing and growing the brand since its inception. Under her leadership, Pelagic has become a recognized name in the fishing apparel industry, known for its commitment to quality and innovation.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The fishing apparel market is characterized by a diverse range of products catering to various segments, including casual anglers, professional fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts. The industry is influenced by factors such as technological advancements in fabric and design, sustainability trends, and the growing popularity of fishing as a recreational activity.

Competitor Analysis

Pelagic faces competition from several companies in the fishing apparel sector. Notable competitors include:

Mountain Hardwear: A brand known for its outdoor apparel and equipment, offering products that cater to various outdoor activities, including fishing.

Kuhl: An apparel company specializing in outdoor clothing, providing a range of products suitable for fishing and other outdoor pursuits.

Reel Sportswear: A brand focusing on fishing apparel, offering a variety of clothing and accessories designed for anglers.

These competitors, among others, contribute to a dynamic and competitive market landscape, driving innovation and quality improvements within the industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Pelagic collaborates with various partners to enhance its product offerings and market reach. The company works closely with dealerships to understand their strategies and critical needs, enabling the structuring of proprietary value-added financial transactions that meet the needs of dealerships and the companies and their drivers that they market to.

Operational Insights

Pelagic's strategic considerations include maintaining a strong brand presence in the fishing apparel market, differentiating itself through high-quality products and innovative designs. The company focuses on understanding market trends and consumer preferences to adapt its offerings accordingly. By leveraging its expertise in the fishing apparel sector, Pelagic aims to strengthen its market position and achieve sustainable growth.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Pelagic's strategic roadmap involves expanding its product line to include new and innovative fishing apparel and accessories, enhancing its digital presence through e-commerce platforms, and exploring new markets to reach a broader audience. The company's commitment to quality and customer satisfaction positions it well to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the fishing apparel industry.