Shimano and Jackall Lures Officially Join Forces

Introduction: More and more reel manufacturers are now joining forces with lure manufacturers to offer a complete spectrum of tackle to anglers and this morning Shimano broke the news of a sales, marketing, and distribution agreement with Jackall Lures. This announcement came from none other than the big man himself, Dave Pfeiffer, President of Shimano America Corporation. Pfeiffer stated that Shimano and its rep network would take on sales and marketing responsibilities for Jackall baits in the U.S. and Canada as of January 1^st with all warehousing and shipping logistics coming out of Shimano’s distribution Center in Irvine, California. “We look forward to bringing the strengths of Team Shimano to help Jackall become the leading player in the premium bass lure market,” notes Pfeiffer.

Toshiro ‘Ty’ Ono (left), Jackall Inc. president, and Shimano American Corp. president Dave Pfeiffer (right) shake on the new distribution agreement between their respective firms starting on January 1, 2013. Shimano will handle sales, marketing and distribution of Jackall lures in both the U.S. and Canada.

“This is an ideal strategic partnership for both Shimano and Jackall in the North American fishing tackle market,” said Carey Graves, Shimano’s fishing division vice president. “Our challenge is growing the Jackall brand and product presence among key bass tackle retailers, and expanding our rod-reel-line-lure tackle system approach to bass fishing techniques.”

Toshiro ‘Ty’ Ono, company president, along with noted Japanese lure designer and company chairman Seiji Kato started Jackall in 1999, and began selling lures into the North American market in 2003. “While this new agreement will be a solid benefit for both our companies, it will be bass anglers throughout North America who will benefit the most from this relationship,” said Ono. “Tackle dealers will become more aware of our lures, and will be able to stock the right models, sizes and colors most effective for the bass fishing waters in their areas.”

All Jackall lure warehousing and shipping logistics will come out of Shimano’s distribution Center in Irvine, California

Jackall’s North American operations will continue to be based in Los Alamitos, Calif., with Curt Arakawa, Jackall LLC vice president of sales, marketing and operations, supporting Shimano’s efforts. Shimano’s Ted Sakai will handle product management responsibilities for Jackall.

Jackall’s parent company shares a partnership with Shimano Inc. on the development of bass fishing rods for the Japan domestic market so this marriage makes a lot of sense. Jackall has long been known for attention to detail in design and using 3D computer modeling to create exacting actions in their lures. Award winning baits like the Jackall Squad Minnow and Crosstail Shad are popular baits among our staff and the company has proven that it knows how to design and build quality offerings on both the finesse and reaction side. Shimano brings a very strong channel to the table as well as resources that are second to none and with this partnership Shimano truly can offer anglers a total solution. Shimano already had a robust portfolio of reels, rods, PowerPro line, homegrown saltwater lure offerings, and now they complete that arsenal with premium bass lures. Suffice to say “Team Shimano” just got stronger.