ONTARIO, Calif.— Okuma Fishing Tackle proudly announces that John Bretza has been promoted to Vice President of Product Development, where he will continue to lead product strategy and development across all fishing categories.
Bretza joined Okuma in 1997 at a defining moment for the brand's growth in the U.S. market and has been instrumental in shaping what Okuma is today. He began his career in internal sales, managing the California territory during the brand's foundational years. His success in the field led to roles as National Sales Manager and National Marketing Manager, providing him with a holistic view of the business before he stepped into the role of Director of Product Development, a position he held for over 15 years.
His tenure at Okuma is a testament to his deep-rooted understanding of the tackle industry. He has helped lead the evolution of Okuma's product strategy across both freshwater and saltwater, driving innovation, category expansion, and long-term brand credibility. With his vision, Okuma has built a deep, competitive product portfolio and emerged as one of the industry's leading fishing tackle manufacturers, earning best-in-class recognition across several key fishing categories.
"John has been instrumental in shaping not just our product line, but our philosophy around product development," said Alwyn Liu, President at Okuma Fishing Tackle. "His ability to listen to anglers, understand niche fisheries, and translate that feedback into meaningful innovation is a huge part of why Okuma continues to grow and lead in key markets."
At the heart of Bretza's approach is Okuma's pillar of Co-Creation, which means working directly with the fishing community, industry experts, and in-house designers. From small regional fisheries to large national segments, Bretza is known for showing up, listening, and designing products specifically tailored to how people actually fish.
"My 29 years at Okuma have allowed me to see the inner workings of every facet of this business," said John Bretza, VP of Product Development. "I feel incredibly fortunate for the mentorship I've received from Okuma's ownership and management. I am excited to continue building a world-class team and advancing the brand to new heights as a global market leader."
While many brands focus primarily on volume and margins, Bretza has consistently prioritized long-term relationships with anglers and fisheries, ensuring Okuma delivers gear that performs where it matters most on the water. His promotion to Vice President reflects both his lasting impact on Okuma's success and the company's continued commitment to innovation, authenticity, and angler-driven design.
About Okuma Fishing
For 40 years, Okuma Fishing USA has been dedicated to designing and building high-performance rods, reels, and tackle, engineered in-house by anglers who know the grind, the patience, and the payoff that fishing demands. Every component, from the smallest screw to the most powerful drag system, is carefully tested and refined because trust isn't outsourced and shortcuts aren't an option. Built to endure rough weather, hard impacts, and years of heavy use, Okuma gear is made for real-world fishing. No hype, just proven durability, consistent performance, and reliability trusted by anglers everywhere. From seasoned professionals to weekend warriors, Okuma delivers honest value and a commitment to rise with every challenge.