13 Fishing rods and reels are heading your way as the Rapala machine starts to roll

Rods and reels from one of the top brands in the US are now on sale across Europe and the rest of the world.

Rapala VMC Corporation has started distributing 13 Fishing products outside North America. The move follows the group’s acquisition of a 49% stake in DQC International, owner of 13 Fishing, which was announced at the ICAST trade show in Florida last year.

Rod & Reels Business Unit International Director of Sales Enrico Ravenni is handling distribution, which has already been set up in most of Europe. The exceptions are some parts of eastern Europe and Russia, which have yet to come on stream as they are still being distributed by Shimano under a previous agreement.

Ravenni told Angling International: “We are looking to have the world covered by 2021. Initially we are starting with 13 Fishing rods and reels with some rods custom-designed for the European market. From May we will start introducing soft plastic baits as well.”

Distribution is currently being handled by Rapala’s branches directly to stores and will later be dealt with through export partners in countries where Rapala does not have its own offices.