I was recently able to acquire a set of catalogs for Ryobi fishing reels covering the years from 1977-1988. This covers my area of interest because from what research I've done so far it appears that Ryobi entered the US market fully in 1977. Ryobi did manufacture reels for other companies before 1977, most successful of which were their models made for Zebco which I will cover more in depth at a later date. The 12 year period of Ryobi's US marketing saw, by my count, 148 spinning reels in roughly 30 different series. Sometime in 1988 Ryobi either outright sold or somehow licensed their fishing tackle business to Fintek which was a subsidiary of the fishing industry giant Berkley. Although I do not have, nor have I ever seen a Fintek/Ryobi catalog, from what I've seen of the Fintek era reels makes it appear that the focus was more on value than quality.
I am not sure when the Fintek Ryobi relationship ended and the history between that point to now is shrouded in darkness. As least as relates to the US market.
Below is a statement I found on Ryobi International website:
"Since its establishment as a die casting manufacturer in HIROSHIMA in December 1943, Ryobi Limited has accumulated innovative technologies by making components for automobiles, electronics, telecommunications and other industries. In 1944, Ryobi has leveraged these technologies and drawn on its experience to diversify into the manufacture of printing equipment, fishing tackle, golf supplies, power tools and builders' hardware. Therefore RYOBI, DAIWA and SHIMANO are the top three fishing tackle brands in Japan.
In 2000, JOHSHUYA company, the largest Japanese chain group of fishing tackle, gained the ownership of RYOBI fishing tackle sector.
In November 2008, JOHSHUYA company and WEIHAI RYOBI INTERNATIONAL TRADING CO., LTD reached agreement that WEIHAI RYOBI INT’L was authorized to manufacture, sell and operate RYOBI fishing tackle products worldwide (excluding Japan Market).
Wherever in the world our dedicated R&D department and local engineering teams work to create innovative fishing products that keep you one step ahead.
Ryobi is all around you, making an enjoyable, comfortable daily lifestyle possible."
Here is a link to the page. Which was last copyrighted in 2009.
I am currently in the process of digitizing the catalogs and other information I have. As my research continues I will share relevant portions of that info here.
Until next time. Tight lines!
