Abu Garcia was founded in Svangsta, Sweden, near the Morrum River in 1921. Originally a watch factory, the company turned its focus to the development of precision fishing reels in the late 1930s under the direction of the founder’s son, Gote Borgstrom.

Its first reel was the Abu Record® in 1941 followed by the world famous Ambassadeur® reel in 1952 and the Cardinal® spinning reel in 1965.  Today, Abu Garcia is the world's most advanced fishing reel factory, as its fine Swedish engineering and craftsmanship continue to develop and produce rugged, dependable rods, reels, and lures for all types of fishing.