Introduction: Once known primarily for their reel handle and knob upgrades, Gomexus has fully embraced metal craftsmanship investing in tooling, design, and even acquiring a swimbait manufacturer to expand into precision-made, metal-based tackle. To get a firsthand look at what’s next, we met with member of their product team during their visit to our California office to discuss Gomexus' latest innovations and upcoming products.

Gomexus has been busy expanding their product offering beyond their original handle and knob upgrades

Metal Gear: Our first experience with the Gomexus team was exploring their reel handle and knob upgrades, which provided a more affordable alternative to popular options from Livre and DRT. Since then, the company has expanded its offerings to include a diverse range of tools, and even a CNC-machined metal swimbait.

Gomexus is now introducing new knobs including titanium and carbon fiber options

By investing in design, tooling, and the acquisition of a swimbait manufacturer, Gomexus has honed its expertise in metal craftsmanship. This dedication has not only refined their reel upgrade components but also driven the development of their aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium tools.

A closer look at the Gomexus carbon fiber knob which is lightweight and ergonomically shaped

To give us a firsthand look at their latest products, Vernon Chou, Marketing Director, and Maggie Zhang, Product Manager, visited us in California to showcase new tool designs and discuss what anglers can expect from Gomexus this season.

Vernon shows us the new aluminum spool upgrade for the Shimano Stella. This spool can be used as an upgrade or second line option and weighs 32.7g, which is 7% lighter than the OEM spool

The highlight of last season for the brand was Gomexus’ first entry into the swimbait market. To bring their vision to life, the company acquired South Korea-based swimbait design house VIX and invested in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) manufacturing, a technology more commonly used in precision tooling and aerospace engineering than in baitmaking.
Their goal was to create a highly refined metal swimbait with adjustable swimming action.

The Gomexus spinning spool upgrade is super-duralumin which basically means additional alloys like magnesium and copper have been added to increase strength. This is a common practice in aircraft components where high strength is critical
 

The result is the Cyberbait 240, a 9.45-inch, 4.3-ounce bait with a striking all-metal body. Its most distinctive feature is the X-Stretch hinge design, which allows anglers to modify the length of the joint arms, altering both the glide action and the sound of the bait as it moves through the water.

Over the last season Gomexus has been making major investments in CNC machined baits and tools

I've been fishing the Cyberbait for a season now and have landed a few fish on it. Its bright, flashy appearance certainly draws attention, but I’m curious to see how it would perform with more natural, realistic finishes. My main feedback to the Gomexus team is that while the bait’s action and flash generate plenty of follows, fish seem hesitant to fully commit.

My best fish to date on the Gomexus Cyberbait. The bait draws but I wonder how many more I could convert with a more lifelike pattern

To explore this further, I’ve enlisted the help of custom swimbait painters like Final Boss Baits and experimenting with different patterns to see how they influence strike rates. Stay tuned for those results. Meanwhile, Gomexus is also developing their own unique finishes, along with an expanded lineup of all-metal swimbaits featuring new profiles and sizes. These additions are expected to debut at this year’s ICAST.

The Gomexus SharkBite is a nipper and retractor combo made from aerospace aluminum

Maggie also introduced us to prototypes of new tools she has been developing, including the SharkBite Nippers and Retractor, designed for both conventional and fly anglers. Constructed from AL6061 aerospace aluminum and fitted with stainless steel blades, these nippers can cut through lines ranging from 10 to 85 pounds with ease.

I've been fishing with the original Gomexus Plier X tool for three months so far and have found it very good when it comes to ergonomics and functionality

The tool features a locking mechanism for secure storage, while a swing-out knot-tying tool helps anglers tie stronger knots quickly. A hook eye cleaning pin is also integrated at the base for added utility. The retractor’s built-in carabineer allows for easy attachment to belt loops, jackets, or tackle bags, and its 34-inch lanyard ensures convenient access while making cuts. With its precision construction and premium feel, the SharkBite rivals high-end fly fishing tools and will be available in three colors, retailing at $39.99.

The coiled kevlar lanyard helps keep the Plier X in close reach

Vernon and Maggie also introduced us to the latest Plier X Titanium fishing pliers—precision-engineered tools designed to resist rust and built to last a lifetime. The current lineup includes 7-inch and 7.5-inch models, featuring titanium jaws, a spring-loaded hinge, and a tungsten carbide blade for cutting through tough lines. The pliers also include a split shot crimp and split ring tip, making them versatile for various rigging tasks. Each pair comes bundled with a leather sheath and lanyard, retailing for $179.95.

Vernon shows us the first run prototype of the new Gomexus Offshore Plier X

Expanding on this design, Gomexus has also developed the Offshore Plier X Titanium, built with a reinforced 14mm frame and heavy-duty jaws and cutters for tackling bigger game.

The Offshore Plier X measure 7.5" and features and even more robust titanium construction and dual cutters

This model features both a tungsten carbide center cutter and a high-nitrogen steel side cutter, capable of slicing through mono, fluorocarbon, and even 32lb wire leaders. Despite its increased strength, the TI-6AL-4V titanium construction keeps the tool very lightweight at 9.17 ounces. These new offshore pliers are launching now and retail for $299.95.

Maggie shows us a new high-performance fish landing tool that she has been developing
 

The new tool features a higher level of refinement than we have seen to date from the company

Finally, they revealed a new aluminum fish landing tool, currently in the final testing phase before production. While Gomexus already offers an aluminum fish gripper with an integrated scale, this prototype is noticeably more robust and features a trigger mechanism that allows the tool to lock open, with the jaws deploying instantly by pulling back on the lock-ring trigger.

Pull down on the trigger and it opens the stainless steel jaws

Despite its robust design, the tool is beautifully crafted with excellent ergonomics. Its stainless-steel jaws are engineered for easy entry into a fish’s mouth, while the CNC-machined aluminum and stainless construction enhance durability - making it well-suited for handling larger, toothier species. This landing tool is still undergoing testing, and pricing has yet to be announced.

To make it easier to deploy the jaws lock open until you trigger the release below

Metal Gear Solid?: Tackle companies evolve, and where they start isn’t always where they end up excelling. For many U.S. anglers, Gomexus was initially seen as an affordable alternative for reel handles - sometimes even dismissed as a “KO” of other established component brands. Today, however, the company is making a name for itself by investing in design, manufacturing, and precision metalwork.
From a full range of reel spool and handle upgrades to stainless and titanium tools, and even the aluminum Cyberbait, Gomexus is doubling down on high-quality, precision-machined metal components. While many brands turn to plastics and composites, Gomexus is carving out a niche in durable CNC tackle.

The titanium Offshore Plier X and stainless steel soon to launch landing tool are examples of Gomexus raising their metal based tool game

When I spoke with Vernon and Maggie about what’s next, they shared that the company has an ambitious roadmap focused on aluminum, stainless steel, and titanium products. Expect new all-metal swimbaits, expanded reel upgrades, complete in-house machined reels, a broader selection of tools, and even marine and hunting gear like steering wheel upgrades and tactical scope rings. Simply put, Gomexus already has a solid offering of reel upgrades and tools, and has big plans on taking its metal game to the next level in 2025, and beyond.

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