Page 1 of 1

Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Acquired by GSM

Posted: Thu Oct 21, 2021 7:46 pm
by WB Staff
gycb-homepage02.jpg
Irving, TX – GSM Outdoors, a powerhouse manufacturer and technology innovator of specialized hunting, shooting, and outdoor gear, has just completed the acquisition of Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits. This acquisition represents a new and very exciting category initiative for GSM. The company has steadily expanded its core product offerings for hunters and shooters in recent years, and Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits is the organization’s first step into the fishing segment.

Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits are heralded in the fresh and saltwater fishing communities for their high quality and proven performance on game fish throughout the world. Gary Yamamoto, a dedicated angler, formed the company in 1983. His goal was to produce premium soft baits and has expanded manufacturing over the last several decades to include spinner baits, buzz baits, hooks, jigs, fluorocarbon line, baitcaster, spinning rods, and weights. Currently, the company ships over 2.5 million baits world-wide each year!

“This is a turning point at GSM Outdoors,” said CEO of GSM, Eddie Castro. “Although our company enjoys a long history that has been focused on providing innovative products for hunters and shooters, we fully embrace and appreciate all aspects of the outdoors. Especially our time on the water, just as much as we do in the woods or on the range. Bringing Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits into our family of brands aligns perfectly with our mission to provide consumers with premium products to help them be successful in their outdoor recreation pursuits.”

“One of the most exciting acquisitions in GSM’s history, this plants our flag into a whole new category with one of the most iconic brands in fishing of all time.” said Zach Henderson, GSM Outdoors Vice President of Sales. “This is one I personally am extremely passionate about and have put some of my best bass in the boat flipping a ‘Senko’ in the Spring time. We have many anglers on our team at GSM and I’m excited to see us continue to grow the legacy of Yamamoto Baits.”

For more information on Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits and their product offerings, visit their websiteHERE.

For any additional questions or inquiries, please email marketing@gsmorg.com. Or, if you’d like to check out the entire family of GSM brands, please visit www.gsmoutdoors.com. We look forward to earning and keeping your business!

About GSM Outdoors:

Few American outdoor companies enjoy a mutually respected relationship with their customers that spans over five generations.GSM Outdoors is among those few! For over 70 years, the GSM family of brands has been helping passionate hunters and shooters succeed through innovation and the manufacture of high-quality, reliable products that continue to prove themselves in the field and on the range to this day. GSM Outdoors continues to leverage the latest technology and provide customers with the best products on the market. Tradition, heritage, and loyalty to outdoor enthusiasts of generations past and generations to come...that’s the GSM Outdoors guarantee!

Re: Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Acquired by GSM

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2021 10:20 am
by ryanerb
Am I the only one maybe concerned bait quality goes down?

Re: Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Acquired by GSM

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2021 1:18 pm
by DanC
ryanerb wrote:Am I the only one maybe concerned bait quality goes down?
Nope....I thought the same thing. Hopefully they stick with what has worked for 20+ years

Re: Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Acquired by GSM

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2021 1:24 pm
by Shooter
Hopefully GSM will have enough brains to leave things alone but I am also concerned about possible changes. Happy retirement Mr. Yamamoto..

Re: Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Acquired by GSM

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2021 3:12 pm
by gabuelhaj
Nope. GSM looks to be a private company and don't report to shareholders which is a good thing.

Hopefully, they won't get flipped to Strike King........

And happy retirement to Mr. Yamamoto!

Good luck!

Re: Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Acquired by GSM

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2021 4:23 pm
by Jboutfishn
ryanerb wrote:Am I the only one maybe concerned bait quality goes down?
My first thoughts.

Re: Gary Yamamoto Custom Baits Acquired by GSM

Posted: Fri Oct 22, 2021 9:33 pm
by The Himester
GSM has been passed around between various investment firms over the last few years. Huron Capital sold it to Sentinel Capital in 2018, and Sentinel sold it on to Gridiron Capital not long ago. Key word here is "investment firm".

Things may be the same in the short term, but as usual, in the longer term, it will change. They will try and streamline the manufacturing process, low cost packaging, and other cost reductions to meet the greedy needs of the investment community. Don't expect new innovation, if there are new products, they will be cookie cutter, just like other manufacturers. They will not be the brainchild of Gary, but just desperate attempts to keep business flowing. Nothing last forever, and this signals the end of an almost 40 year run of fantastic baits and a gentleman of our sport.

It's painful to say this, but we've all seen this before, and seen what happens. I personally will make a run for my favorite baits.