JACKALL; History, Development Philosophy and Now
Ty HasegawaJACKALL is one of the most influential lure brands in modern Japanese fishing.
From iconic designs like the TN series to innovative creations like the GANTAREL, the company has built a strong reputation among anglers of every style. This article introduces JACKALL’s history, development style, signature products, and its expansion into global markets.
How JACKALL began
JACKALL was founded in 1999 in Shiga Prefecture, close to Lake Biwa, the center of Japanese bass fishing. The company was created by two key figures: Seiji Kato, a well-known lure designer, and Toshiro Ono, a professional angler. Their mission from the beginning was simple: create lures that perform in real fishing, not just in theory. This philosophy set JACKALL apart from many traditional lure manufacturers at the time.
A Development System Built for Innovation
One of the main reasons for JACKALL’s rapid growth is its unique development system.
Multiple Pro Anglers Involved
Multiple professional anglers participate directly in product design, each specializing in categories such as bass, saltwater, trout, or light game.
Many development lines running at the same time
The company also operates several development lines at the same time, meaning prototypes for different categories are constantly being tested and refined.
Real-world testing in every environment
These prototypes are tested in a variety of real fishing environments, including rivers, reservoirs, canals, saltwater areas, and even overseas locations. This results in a fast and efficient development cycle: idea, prototype, field test, improvement, and final product.
Because of this system, JACKALL often releases more new products per year than many other Japanese lure brands.
The Lures That Define JACKALL
Several lures have come to define JACKALL’s reputation.
The TN series is one of Japan’s most recognized vibration baits, known for its balance and bottom sensitivity.
The Deracoup offers a compact design with a blade tail that attracts fish even when they are inactive.
The GANTAREL and GANTERIA brought realistic glide-bait performance to a wider audience with designs that are both visually impressive and easy to use.
In addition to bass fishing, JACKALL has built a strong saltwater lineup, including the BigBacker shore jigs.
No matter the category, the company consistently focuses on lures that are easy to use and highly effective on the water.
JACKALL Today: A Truly Global Brand
Today, JACKALL is a global brand. In the United States, their partnership with Shimano USA has significantly expanded their presence among bass anglers.
In Asian markets such as Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, and China, JACKALL is considered one of the most reliable Japanese lure makers.
Within Japan, the company stands alongside major brands like Megabass, DUO, and O.S.P as one of the leading lure manufacturers, and it is often regarded as the fastest-moving in terms of innovation and product release cycles.
Anglers appreciate JACKALL for practical design, consistent performance, and constant innovation. Their approach of listening to field feedback and refining products based on real fishing conditions is the foundation of their success. Whether someone fishes for bass, light-game species, or saltwater targets, JACKALL offers lures that deliver results.
If you have a favorite JACKALL lure, share it with fellow anglers. Every angler’s experience adds to the story of why this brand continues to earn trust across the world.
