Spro: Dutch fishing tackle brand for predator anglers

1994: Set up in the Netherlands by Gamakatsu
Vianen: European head office, near the port of Rotterdam
15,000+: Items in the brand's catalogue

The story of the brand

Born in 1994 to bring Gamakatsu to Europe

Before 1994, Gamakatsu products went through several distributors in Europe. The Japanese hook maker then decided to set up its own company in the Netherlands. It took the name Spro and settled in Vianen, near the port of Rotterdam.

At first, Spro mainly sold Gamakatsu hooks and lines. Its own range was limited to a few rods, reels and accessories. Products under its own name soon took a growing share of the catalogue. In 1999, the brand opened a distribution centre in Germany.

In the United States, a Spro company based in Kennesaw, Georgia, works with bass anglers. In 2022, it presented the KGB Chad Shad 180, designed with Kevin Brightwell. In Europe, the Freestyle range targets urban lure anglers fishing for perch and zander.

Key dates

1994 Gamakatsu sets up Spro in Vianen, the Netherlands
1999 Opening of a distribution centre in Germany
2022 KGB Chad Shad 180 presented with KGB Swimbaits

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything about the brand

Who founded the Spro brand?

Spro was set up in 1994 by Gamakatsu, the Japanese hook maker. Before that, its products went through several European distributors. Gamakatsu wanted its own company to serve the European market better. Spro is still part of the Gamakatsu group.

Where is the Spro brand based?

Spro has its head office in Vianen, in the Netherlands. The town was chosen for its logistics position, near the port of Rotterdam. The brand opened a distribution centre in Germany in 1999. A Spro company is also based in Kennesaw, Georgia, in the United States.

What is the link between Spro and Gamakatsu hooks?

Gamakatsu is the parent company of Spro. In its early years, Spro mainly distributed Gamakatsu hooks and lines in Europe. Most Spro lures now come fitted with Gamakatsu hooks. Some of the brand's jig heads carry them too.

Spro, a lure fishing brand from the Gamakatsu group

Spro is a fishing tackle brand based in the Netherlands. It belongs to the Japanese Gamakatsu group, known for its hooks. Its catalogue now lists more than 15,000 items. The brand mainly designs gear for lure fishing for predators.

The range covers hard and soft lures, reels and jig heads. It also includes sinkers, leaders and tackle boxes. Spro designs this gear for pike, zander, perch and bass.

Lures designed with anglers

Spro develops part of its lures with well known anglers and lure makers. The Little John crankbait was designed by John Crews, a professional bass angler. Its micarta bill, a circuit board material, stands up to hard knocks on rocks. The KGB Chad Shad 180 glide bait came out of joint work with Kevin Brightwell, the man behind KGB Swimbaits.

The link with Gamakatsu shows on the water. Most of the brand's lures come fitted with Gamakatsu hooks. Several Spro jig heads also carry a hook from the parent company.

Little John: a tungsten weight transfer system, for long casts with a small crankbait.
KGB Chad Shad 180: a sinking glide bait of 18 cm, based on a KGB Swimbaits model.
Zander Fireball: a jig head built for zander fishing.
Freestyle: a range of lures and accessories for light lure fishing in town.

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Spro Lures Moulinets Spro

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Spro: lures, reels and jig heads

Born in 1994 to bring Gamakatsu to Europe

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