Few tackle companies have transformed themselves as dramatically as Okuma. What began in 1986 as a machine shop in Taichung, Taiwan, has grown into one of the fishing industry’s most recognized global brands, with products trusted by freshwater and saltwater anglers in more than 90 countries. Along the way, Okuma has built a reputation for pairing innovative engineering with accessible price points, proving that high-performance fishing tackle doesn’t have to come with a premium price tag.
That philosophy remains at the heart of the company as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.
For Okuma President Alwyn Liu, the milestone is less about the number of years than the people who made them possible.
“A company doesn’t reach 40 years on its own,” Liu tells Wired2fish. “It takes the dedication of our employees, the belief of our partners, the support of our dealers, and the trust that anglers around the world place in our products.”
Designing Fishing Tackle Around Real Anglers’ Needs
Since its founding, Okuma has focused on designing tackle that solves real-world problems on the water. Rather than chasing trends, the company has built its product development around conversations with charter captains, tournament anglers, fishing guides, and everyday fishermen. That collaborative approach has become one of the company’s defining principles.
“We don’t simply manufacture fishing tackle,” Liu says. “We listen, collaborate, and innovate alongside anglers, captains, guides, and industry partners to create products that meet real-world needs.”
That philosophy has produced some of the brand’s most recognizable technologies. Offshore anglers know the MAKAIRA series for its durability in demanding big-game fisheries. Freshwater anglers have embraced reels like the Safyre and X-Series, using them for everything from finesse fishing to frogs.
Balancing Premium Performance with Everyday Value
The company’s engineering efforts have also earned international recognition, including multiple iF Design Awards and a Good Design Award in recent years. Despite those accomplishments, Okuma never abandoned one of its core beliefs: Quality fishing gear should be accessible to more anglers.
“Fishing should be an activity that more people can enjoy,” Liu says. “When products combine both quality and value, we enable more people to enter sport fishing and help them create unforgettable experiences.”
That commitment to value has helped Okuma build loyal followings across nearly every fishing discipline, from bass and walleye to surf, inshore, and offshore fisheries.
Liu’s own leadership reflects a similarly long-term outlook. With a background in finance and experience across multiple industries, he emphasizes sustainable growth over short-term gains, allowing the company to continue investing in product development, customer support, and manufacturing while maintaining financial stability.
His perspective was shaped early in his tenure when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted businesses around the world. During that uncertain period, then-President Douglas Lasko impressed upon Liu that the company’s first priority was taking care of its employees and their families.
“I saw a company that truly puts people first,” Liu recalls. “When I stepped into the president role, I promised myself that I would uphold this exact same philosophy.”
Why Conservation Is Part of Okuma’s Future
While innovation remains central to Okuma’s identity, the company increasingly sees conservation as another responsibility of modern tackle manufacturers. At its Taiwan headquarters, the Okuma Center serves as the world’s first fishing-themed experience factory, introducing visitors to fishing while promoting marine conservation and responsible stewardship through interactive educational exhibits.
The company has also expanded partnerships with conservation organizations and research groups, recognizing that protecting fisheries is inseparable from growing the sport. During its 40th anniversary celebration at ICAST 2026, Okuma partnered with The Billfish Foundation to raise funds supporting billfish research and conservation.
For Liu, sustainability isn’t separate from the company’s mission. It’s essential to ensuring that future generations can enjoy the same experiences that inspire anglers today.
“Fishing has given countless people unforgettable memories,” he says. “It’s our responsibility to help ensure future generations can experience those same moments.”
As part of its anniversary celebration, Okuma also unveiled a commemorative reel inspired by the connection between anglers and the water, while launching a global campaign centered around its anniversary theme, “Rising with Every Challenge.”
The slogan reflects more than four decades of overcoming technical obstacles, expanding into new markets, and continually refining products through collaboration with anglers worldwide. It also signals where the company intends to go next.
“We will continue listening to our community, pushing product innovation, and championing sustainability alongside our industry partners to protect the future of fishing,” Liu says. “Together, we will continue to rise with every challenge.”
What’s Next for Okuma
Forty years after its founding, Okuma’s story remains one of steady evolution — combining engineering, accessibility, and a willingness to listen to the anglers who use its products every day. In an increasingly crowded tackle market, that combination continues to define the company as it looks toward its next chapter.
