Shimano was set up in Japan in 1921. The organisation's background started in cycling for its first fifty years in business. However, in 1970 the company set up the Shimano tackle side as a division to produce Shimano reels to lead the market.

Shimano UK Ltd was created in 1998 by John Lofthouse, who single-handedly launched the brand to fishermen across the United Kingdom. The products were cutting-edge, with fishing rods and reels suiting carp, match, specialist and sea usage. The team at Shimano connect with anglers by working with consultants to create unique items that function superbly and land more fish. Shimano UK designs items for anglers no matter their fishing style, helping to make fishing a more productive experience, and making a top-quality tackle that performs better.

The ethos of Shimano is promoting people’s health by making them want to go fishing and enjoy an outdoor pursuit. It’s in their DNA to design tackle to aid the angler and protect their quarry with every turn of a reel’s handle. All their rods and reels are created based on the type of fish they are designed to catch, with weight and ergonomics crucial factors in each product's design.

The ranges over the last few years have included luggage and fishing lines. However, with their match fishing side evolving, reels for that category have been the cornerstone of many latest products - alongside already popular carp models.

Shimano designs items to help connect anglers to fishing outdoors, encouraging them to be at one with nature and spend more time at the water’s edge.