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Shimano’s InfinityConnect delivers the ultimate in teamwork – ensuring that your rod, reel and line are working in perfect unison to provide a completely new fishing experience for anglers.
In an industry where tackle is traditionally optimised separately, InfinityConnect forces a different mindset. Tim Bouwens, Shimano Europe Marketing Team Manager – Fishing, explained: “This is a quiet game-changer – it does not shout, but simply resets expectations on how premium tackle should be designed and how well a set-up should behave when everything works as one.
“Fishing involves many different actions, but this concept looks closely at the moment where everything begins – the cast.”
Utilising the InfinityConnect concept brings three key benefits for anglers:
- Improved casting feel: When the line flaps and touches the blank during casting it creates uncomfortable vibrations that not only affect the angling experience, but negatively impact on the casting distance. Shimano compared conventional products and InfinityConnect. Perfectly set systematic tackle minimises erratic movement by improved smooth line release, ultimately enhancing casting feel.
- Improved casting distance: Tackle optimised with InfinityConnect achieves a 5% improvement in casting distance compared to conventional combinations. If an angler usually casts 80m, he can now achieve 84m. “The gains are not dramatic in insolation, but in offshore fishing that translates into more water covered, less fatigue, better longevity and more confidence under load,” said Bouwens.
- Improved line strength retention: Line damage is reduced by lowering abrasion resistance during casting. While conventional tackle causes greater line wear – leading to the line fraying and reduced strength – InfinityConnect reduces line friction and keeps it in a nearly new condition for much longer.
It maintains 20% better line strength compared to conventional set-ups, reducing the frequency of retying and allowing anglers to concentrate focus on casting.
“Offshore casting was deliberately chosen as the first application for InfinityConnect because it is the discipline where inefficiencies in reel, rod and line interaction are most obvious and punishing,” explained Bouwens.
Following its launch – together with the introduction of the new Stella SW – last year, InfinityConnect was made available on that single, purpose-built combination consisting of the Stella SW spinning reel, the Ocea Plugger Limited rod series and Ocea 17+ PE line. “These three are considered the starting point, not the end goal,” said Bouwens.
These components were developed in parallel with the reel’s InfinityLoop line lay, the rod’s X Guide lay-out and the line construction, all designed to follow the same line path during the cast.
“The key point is that this is not about compatibility – its about intentional synergy,” added Bouwens.
“What you notice straight away with an InfinityConnect set-up is the clean, steady way the line comes off the rod. It sits tight even on the Stella SW, and the X Guide Touch-Free Titanium keeps it running clear of the blank. Everything feels controlled the moment the line starts moving.
“It almost feels as if you are fishing with lighter gear. There is very little resistance and the line seems to glide out more easily. The smooth, light feel makes your fishing more enjoyable, especially when you are spending long hours offshore.”
In lure fishing, extra distance always works in your favour – every metre helps you reach more water and opens new opportunities you would not get with a shorter cast.
“Other fishing applications where casting efficiency, line management and durability are critical are obvious candidates for the InfinityConnect treatment. The clear intent is to extend InfinityConnect logic into additional segments over time – always where a full system approach can deliver a measurable advantage rather than just a theoretical one,” said Bouwens.
T: +31 40 2612222
tim.bouwens@shimano-eu.com
https://fish.shimano.com/
