Jackall Joins the Shimano Group: What the 27 October 2026 Share Transfer Means for Anglers

Big news from the Japanese tackle industry: lure maker Jackall became part of the Shimano group on 27 October 2026. On social media people are calling it a “Shimano–Jackall merger”, but strictly speaking it is a share transfer, not a merger. Here is what was announced, and what it might mean for anglers.

Jackall announced on its official website that, as of 27 October 2026, it had become a member of the Shimano group.

Key points of the announcement

In other words, this is not two companies becoming one. Shimano now owns Jackall’s shares, and Jackall has become a Shimano group company. This article is based on the official announcements from Jackall and I-Sigma Capital on 27 October 2026. Check each company’s updates for details of future plans.

Merger vs. joining the group

Jackall’s announcement says nothing about changes to its brand, products or customer support. It says it will “carry on its own product development”, which suggests it will keep its own identity while working more closely with Shimano.

Who is Jackall?

Jackall is best known for bass lures, but it also makes saltwater, surf and trout tackle, including the surf brand Sabull and the Big Backer range. I-Sigma Capital says that during its ownership it worked with Jackall’s management on new businesses, a new overseas factory and stronger back-office functions.

Shimano and Jackall already had a close relationship

The two companies have worked together for years, most notably on the Poison bass rods.

These rods combine Jackall’s product planning with Shimano’s rod-making technology, and have been popular with bass anglers. This deal deepens that relationship. Shimano has also handled Jackall distribution in North America for some years.

What might change for anglers?

So far, the only stated direction is that Jackall aims to offer more attractive products through its partnership with Shimano. No specific changes have been announced. The following are my own predictions.

• Shimano technology in Jackall products: rod and reel technology, or lure internals, could find their way into Jackall gear
• More collaboration: Poison-style partnerships could spread beyond bass to saltwater and surf
• Wider overseas availability: Shimano’s global sales network could make Jackall products easier to find outside Japan
• The brand stays: the wording suggests Jackall’s brand and product development will continue

Either way, it is very unlikely that Jackall gear you already own will suddenly stop being supported. Nothing announced so far suggests you should hold off buying Jackall products.

What to watch for next

• How the Jackall brand, logo and lineup are handled
• New products that use Shimano technology
• Whether collaborations like Poison expand into saltwater and surf
• Any changes to repairs, parts and retail
• Wider overseas sales through Shimano’s international network

My take

Partnerships and group deals have become more common in the tackle industry in recent years. This one stands out: Japan’s biggest tackle maker joining forces with a lure company known for original ideas. Jackall’s strength is sharp, fish-catching ideas. Add Shimano’s technology, production and sales network, and we could see products that did not exist before. As an angler, I also hope Jackall keeps its freedom to try unusual ideas.

Read next

• Shimano 26 Poison Glorious
• Jackall Big Backer Forged Bait
• Shimano and Daiwa New Reels
• Tsuri Fes 2027: Japan’s Biggest Fishing Show
• Jackall Sabull Overhead

MINAGIMAN

JAPAN ANGLER

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Born in 1994. Originally from Hyogo Prefecture, I moved to Iwata City in Shizuoka Prefecture in search of the sea. I am an Enshunada surf angler who enjoys surf fishing. I am also active on YouTube, and my fishing grounds range from Irago to Iwata.