Is Big Jon Sports Made in USA?
Last checked Oct 19, 2026 · 2 verified products · see the evidence
Verdict · checked Oct 23, 2026
Yes
Big Jon makes its downriggers at its own production plant in Interlochen, Michigan. The company says its "skilled artisans transform Aircraft Grade Aluminum" there using CNC equipment, and that it is "proudly boasting our 'Made in America' distinction." Its homepage adds: "Made in the USA. We take pride in our American heritage."
| Product line | Made in | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Electric downriggers (The Legacy, The Captain's Pak) | Interlochen, MI | Made in USA |
| Manual downriggers, mounting bases and rod holders | Interlochen, MI | Made in USA |
Big Jon was established in 1968 by Big Jon Emery and says it invented the downrigger. Its downrigger line includes the electric Legacy and Captain's Pak and manual models such as the Gadabout. The site lists no imported exceptions, though it gives no separate origin line for its apparel and small gear.
How we checked: On 2026-10-23 we read Big Jon's homepage and Our Story page at bigjon.com (the former bigjonmarine.com address no longer resolves) and its electric downrigger pages.
Sources: Big Jon Our Story: production plant in Interlochen, Michigan · Big Jon homepage: Made in the USA · Big Jon electric downriggers
American Score
Average American Score across 2 listed products. Only products at 70% or higher appear on this site.
Manufacturing Details
- Made in
- Interlochen, MI
- Headquarters
- Interlochen, MI
- Location detail
- Specific city confirmed
- History
- Long record of US manufacturing
- Founded
- 1968
How we verified Big Jon Sports
Most recent check: Oct 19, 2026
From the brand's website
We re-read bigjonmarine.com on Oct 6, 2026 and did not find an explicit statement about where its products are made. This page relies on the other evidence below.Store listings
We read the live store listing for 2 of the 2 Big Jon Sports products on this page (most recently Oct 19, 2026). 1 of them states US origin on the listing itself:
- “Manufactured in United States” on Big Jon Sport Fishing Electric Downrigger 24-Inch Boom
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About Big Jon Sports
Big Jon makes electric and manual downriggers, planer riggers and rod holders at its own plant in Interlochen, Michigan. The company dates to 1968 and says its founder invented the downrigger.
Big Jon Emery and the downrigger
Big Jon was founded in 1968 by angler Big Jon Emery, who wanted a better way to fish deep water. The company says he invented the downrigger, the boat-mounted reel and weight that hold a lure at a set depth while trolling.
The production plant is in Interlochen, Michigan. The company says its workers machine aircraft-grade aluminum there on CNC equipment, and its homepage reads "Made in the USA."
What comes out of Interlochen
The downrigger line includes the electric Legacy and Captain's Pak and the manual One-Hand-Crank and Gadabout. Big Jon also makes planer riggers, planer boards, mounting bases, tracks and rod holders. We list two electric downriggers, one with a 24-inch boom and one with a 30-inch telescoping boom.
The site lists no imported products. It also gives no separate origin line for its hats, shirts and small gear, so check those labels.
American-Made Big Jon Sports Products
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Big Jon Sports made in the USA?
Yes. Big Jon Sports is made in the United States, with manufacturing in Interlochen, MI. Big Jon Sports manufactures electric and manual downriggers for fishing in Interlochen, Michigan. Founded 1965. All downriggers made in Michigan. Strong reputation among Great Lakes fishermen.
Where is Big Jon Sports made?
Big Jon Sports is made in Interlochen, MI. The company is headquartered in Interlochen, MI.
Which Big Jon Sports products are made in the USA?
The site lists 2 verified American-made Big Jon Sports products in Sports & Outdoors. Each one links to a store that sells it.
Are Big Jon downriggers made in the USA?
Yes. Big Jon says its downriggers are machined from aircraft grade aluminum at its own production plant in Interlochen, Michigan, and its site states "Made in the USA."
Where is Big Jon Sports located?
11541 US 31, Interlochen, Michigan. The company has been in business since 1968.
Who invented the downrigger?
Big Jon says it invented the downrigger. Its story credits founder Big Jon Emery, who started the company in 1968 because he "just wanted to go fishing in northern Michigan."