Lews Fishing is not a subsidiary of Shimano, but the two companies have worked together in the past. In 2012, Lews and Shimano released a co-branded line of baitcasting reels and rods called the Lews/Shimano Baitcasting Series. The series was designed to offer anglers high-quality, affordable baitcasting gear. However, the partnership between Lews and Shimano ended in 2013, andLew's now manufactures all of its own products.