Shimano Brands Chart a Course to World Record Catches

Global Angling Achievements Enabled by Shimano, G. Loomis and PowerPro 

Fishing success boils down to being in the right place at the right time and having the proper equipment in hand, an adage that is particularly true for anglers pursuing record-size game fish. In 2021, Shimano brands took top honors in the International Game Fish Association’s annual compilation of world record tackle, attesting to the powerful advantages anglers leverage with Shimano, G. Loomis and PowerPro products.

Governing the rules of angling and recognizing extraordinary achievements in recreational fishing since 1939, the IGFA maintains world record categories for both freshwater and saltwater game fish in All-Tackle, Line Class, Tippet Class, Junior, Smallfry and Live Release categories. The IGFA added an incredible 422 new records to its 2021 IGFA World Record Game Fishes book, documenting angling achievements across 28 countries. Notably, record-setting anglers relied on products from Shimano, G. Loomis and PowerPro for 262 new world records – over 60% of the total records established in 2021.

Shimano products enable success and set new standards for performance and reliability across the globe. Leveraging more than 100 years of purposeful design and innovation, Shimano reel technologies continue to elevate the on-the-water experience. Shimano engineering helped anglers set 102 new IGFA records in the Saltwater Reel category, including Lily Simms’ gargantuan 322.50 kg (711 lb) black marlin captured with help from a Shimano Tiagra TI130A – a fish that bested the existing record by more than 300 pounds. No stranger to world record accomplishments, Simms also caught a 15.10 kg (33 lb 5 oz) black marlin on a Shimano Talica in 2020, a fish that still stands as the Women’s 2-pound-test record. Shimano performance also enabled anglers to set 60 new IGFA world records in the Freshwater Reel category. Notably, Texas angler Wyatt Frankens set the new All-Tackle world record for a smallmouth-largemouth bass hybrid at 3.43 kg (7 lb 9 oz) with help from a Shimano SLX DC baitcasting reel. 

Shimano rods deliver a masterful blend of technology and intelligent design to a wide range of fishing styles. Anglers used Shimano conventional rods to set 42 new records in the Saltwater Rod category and G. Loomis fly rods to establish 8 Tippet Class records in the Saltwater Fly Rod category. Shimano and G. Loomis freshwater rods combined to help anglers set 20 additional world records, making Shimano-family conventional and fly rods responsible for an astonishing 70 new IGFA records in 2021 alone.

PowerPro braided lines influence how elite anglers approach specialized fisheries and how manufacturers design the latest rods, reels and lures. PowerPro enables anglers to push tackle and technique to the extremes, leveraging exclusive technologies to set 30 new world records across the Saltwater and Freshwater Line categories.

Shimano looks forward to another record-setting 2022, filled with even more excitement and product innovations that extend Shimano’s legacy of excellence. Shimano, G. Loomis and PowerPro stand ready to transform fishing experiences and propel record-seeking anglers to believe that the impossible is well within reach.

About Shimano

Leading the fishing industry in innovation and quality for 100 years, Shimano’s manufacturing capabilities allow for anglers worldwide to enjoy their time on the water to the fullest. We designed the entire lineup of Shimano products to elevate angler experiences with features that continuously evolve to push the boundaries of modern fishing tackle while raising the bar for the whole fishing industry.