St. Croix Tannic Series Warmwater Rods -- Press Release 17 June 2025

 

St. Croix Fly Introduces Premium Warmwater Rods New for 2026, TANNIC Series rods deliver radical performance, optimized for bass and Esox presentations     PARK FALLS, WIS. (June 16, 2025) – Today’s rod actions are increasingly sophisticated. Variations in materials, technologies, tapers, and layups create very different fly rods within the same primary parameters of length, line weight, and action. This modern truth that all rods are not created equal is a great thing, because advanced fly casters need distinct rods that perform in varied scenarios.   Driven by a relentless commitment to provide every angler the upper hand, our rod-design process at St. Croix Fly starts with understanding the angling equation. Variables like species, habitats, flies, lines, and presentations translate directly to a rod’s desired flex, feel, and functionality in an intended pursuit. We obsess over the minutia of rod action with conviction - designing the most efficient casting and fishing tapers possible.   Our technologies, R&D resources, and experience fuel solutions, which are next-level blank materials, layups, and componentry – new rods developed solely on behalf of anglers who demand peak performance, effectiveness, and durability in diverse fishing scenarios.   New for 2026, species-specific TANNIC Series rods are the latest example of our commitment to designing and crafting premium fly rods that elevate performance in targeted pursuits. TANNIC BASS and TANNIC MUSKY/PIKE series rods leverage every bit of knowledge and technology we’ve garnered over the past 77 years to give warmwater-predator anglers the upper hand.       Fly fishing for bass within the diverse habitats they hunt requires specialized rods. Technique-specific fast-action tapers that master aggressive lines, feature stiff tips for highly animated presentations, and can lift and carry large amounts of line are a must. Uncompromising durability, balanced swing weights, and angler-friendly ergonomics are also required.   The new TANNIC BASS series delivers all these essentials, along with line speed, tip recovery, and line control like bass bums have never experienced - all courtesy of an advanced carbon materials matrix enhanced by MITO Graphene. Combining bass-centric lengths and rod sizes with the progressive ergonomics necessary to fish hard and long in any bass pursuit – from feeding Boogle Bugs and crayfish patterns to river smallmouth or knocking cabbage tops and pads with giant deerhair frogs, to targeting stripers anywhere they swim or harassing jungle peacocks – TANNIC BASS wraps clean, tech-forward aesthetics around sizzling, bass-specific St. Croix performance.   TANNIC BASS FEATURES   Titanium tangle-free stripper guides Chrome snake guides Full wells slim-profile super-grade cork handle with composite cork accents Super-grade cork fighting butt with composite cork accents Custom uplocking, machined aluminum reel seat Aluminum rod tube with rod sock 15-year warranty Designed and precision-crafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA   TANNIC BASS TECHNOLOGY GROUP Warmwater bass-optimized tapers, precision crafted from an advanced matrix of high-modulus high-strain SCIV and SCIII carbons, plus premium-quality mid-modulus SCII carbon MITO Graphene unlocks the power of hybrid polymer materials and delivers radical hoop strength, optimized loop stability, and absolute accuracy Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel tooling provides improved energy transfer, increased strength, and mega-efficient rod recovery Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART) adds a magnitude of 10X strength with virtually no increase in blank diameter or weight Fortified Resin System (FRS) boosts blank strength by 33% over standard resins and curing methods Reinforced Slim Profile Ferrule (SPF) design adds herculean strength with minimal added weight   TANNIC BASS MODELS   TCB690-4 / 6-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $695 TCB790-4 / 7-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $695 TCB810-4 / 8-weight, 8’10”, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $695 TCB990-4 / 9-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $695     Musky anglers grind out long hours on the water hucking huge flies while hoping to elicit equally huge eats. One of the ultimate freshwater fly games deserves rods purpose-engineered and built to support elevated performance with minimal fatigue throughout the hunt.   TANNIC MUSKY/PIKE answers the call with powerful, dialed-in tapers that excel in carrying heavy sinking lines that can deliver massive morsels, plus hefty tips for maximum fly animation and strip-setting power. But that’s just the start. Advanced St. Croix materials and technologies combined with MITO Graphene up the ante with extreme strength and durability while maintaining light-in-the-hand feel and dream-state swing weights.     TANNIC MUSKY/PIKE doubles down on meaningful musky-focused performance with additional details like ceramic-insert titanium and stainless-guides for increased wear resistance against tungsten coated lines, plus custom Cactus Cork handle designs that maximize angler comfort and control while casting, strip-setting, and executing deep and effective figure-eights and other finishing moves.   TANNIC MUSKY/PIKE FEATURES   Black stainless-steel Nanolite single-foot running guides and tip top Black titanium tangle-free stripper guides Custom 12” extended full wells Cactus Cork handle with 4” fighting butt and composite cork accents on #11 and #12 models Custom full wells Cactus Cork handle with 3” fighting butt and composite cork accents on #10 model Custom uplocking, machined aluminum reel seat Aluminum rod tube with rod sock 15-year warranty Designed and precision-crafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA   TANNIC MUSKY/PIKE TECHNOLOGY GROUP Warmwater Esox-optimized tapers, precision crafted from an advanced matrix of high-modulus high-strain SCIV and SCIII carbons, plus premium-quality mid-modulus SCII carbon MITO Graphene unlocks the power of hybrid polymer materials and delivers radical hoop strength, optimized loop stability, and absolute accuracy Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel tooling provides improved energy transfer, increased strength, and mega-efficient rod recovery Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART) adds a magnitude of 10X strength with virtually no increase in blank diameter or weight Fortified Resin System (FRS) boosts blank strength by 33% over standard resins and curing methods Reinforced Slim Profile Ferrule (SPF) design adds herculean strength with minimal added weight   TANNIC MUSKY/PIKE MODELS   TCMP1090-4 / 10-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $795 TCMP1190-4 / 11-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $795 TCMP1290-4 / 12-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $795   End the hunt for the ultimate warmwater-predator rods and move forward equipped for total satisfaction on the water. TANNIC BASS and TANNIC MUSKY/PIKE deliver optimized St. Croix performance paired with one-of-a-kind aesthetics and progressive ergonomics.   New-for-2026 TANNIC Series rods will be introduced at ICAST 2025 in July. TANNIC BASS will be available to anglers and authorized St. Croix specialty fly retailers on or about November 1. TANNIC MUSKY/PIKE will follow on or about December 1.     ABOUT ST. CROIX FLY At the core of our brand ethos lives a simple yet fierce conviction; we exist to create dynamic fishing tools that intuitively help you evolve as a caster and angler. Our focused philosophy continually questions conventional wisdom, inspires innovation, and drives our persistent pursuit of fly rod perfection. When you own a St. Croix — it’s more than just a rod, it’s a promise. It’s more than seven decades of hard-earned knowledge aimed at designing and building the Best Rods on Earth, so you can be at your best in your own persistent pursuit. Join our journey at stcroixfly.com. The St. Croix Family of Brands includes St. Croix Fly, St. Croix Rod, SEVIIN Reels, and Rod Geeks.

MCFF Tying Night -- 16 June 2025

Not totally sure mine turned out 100%, but the St. Simon Scampi was a fun tie at tonight's MCFF Tying Night! Flash, rubber legs, crystal chenille and plastic beadchain all topped off with a rabbit zonker strip will make for a fly with great light manipulation and some amazing movement in the water! 

  The MCFF Tying Night is the third Monday of every month! As always, all are welcome and I'll be glad to save you a seat!

Mid-Coast Flyfishers Meeting -- 9 June 2025

 Such a great meeting of the Mid-Coast Flyfishers tonight that I forgot to snap a picture! Thanks everyone who attended! I'll echo Bill's statement that it was a great turnout for a June meeting! It certainly gave me some more insight into the direction we should be moving in and what the membership wants to get out of the club. Please don't hesitate to reach out with suggestions or improvements any time! I've got to say though, the mention of bluegill, small natives and bluelines made me awfully nostalgic! 

  MCFF meets the 2nd and 3rd Monday of each month. As always, all are welcome and I'll be glad to save you a seat!

Hobie® Eyewear Launches New Pioneer and Frontier Sunglasses from Field & Stream Collaboration -- Press Release 02 Jun 2025

 

Hobie® Eyewear Launches New Pioneer and Frontier Sunglasses from Field & Stream Collaboration

Oceanside, CA (June 2, 2025) - Hobie® Eyewear is excited to announce the official launch of its two new sunglasses styles—Pioneer and Frontier—the first products born from its collaboration with Field & Stream, one of America's most respected outdoor brands. The collection is now available online at www.hobieeyewear.com, marking the start of a bold new chapter in Hobie® Eyewear’s expansion beyond the water and deeper into land-based adventure. This release brings to life a shared vision between two iconic outdoor names. Designed to blend performance with timeless style, Pioneer and Frontier reflect both brands’ commitment to quality, utility, and a life lived outside.

“These sunglasses are a celebration of classic outdoor style reimagined through a modern lens,” said Darren Goldman, Vice President of Hobie® Eyewear. “We worked closely with the Field & Stream team to create frames that meet the demands of today’s outdoorsman while honoring the heritage both brands represent.”

Pioneer by Hobie® Eyewear

The Pioneer and Frontier styles draw inspiration from vintage aviators, updated with lightweight materials, Hobie® polarized lens technology, and rugged design details suited for adventure in all environments—from open water to wooded trails. They provide 100% UV protection and superior glare-cutting clarity, making them as functional as they are stylish.

Frontier by Hobie® Eyewear

With this launch, Hobie® Eyewear continues to expand its reach, offering versatile sunglasses built for anglers, hunters, hikers, and everyday explorers. The Field & Stream collaboration is a natural progression for the brand, bringing its water-tested expertise to a broader audience. Fans of the new collection can also experience Pioneer and Frontier in person this fall at the 2025 Field & Stream Music Festival, held October 3–5 in Winnsboro, South Carolina. Hobie® Eyewear will be on-site selling these exclusive styles and connecting with festivalgoers through a weekend of music, gear, and outdoor culture. The Pioneer and Frontier sunglasses are available now at www.hobieeyewear.com.

As the exclusive licensee for Hobie® Eyewear, Eyeking LLC stands as a multi-generational, award-winning design firm dedicated to crafting and delivering distinctive eyewear globally. Specializing in private label and licensed eyewear, Eyeking LLC fosters the evolution of Hobie® Eyewear, a brand inspired by the legendary waterman Hobie Alter. This sunglasses collection is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, water sports athletes, and those passionate about adventure. Since 1982, our extensive line of performance polarized sunglasses has consistently upheld a legacy of cutting-edge vision technology and design focused on enhancing performance. Committed to excellence and driven by a shared love for enriching outdoor experiences, Eyeking LLC and Hobie® Eyewear jointly shape the future of performance eyewear. Explore the collection at www.eyeking.com or www.hobieeyewear.com for more information.

For more information, please visit  WWW.HOBIEEYEWEAR.COM

MCFF Tying Meeting -- 19 May 2025

 

At tonight's MCFF Tying Night, we took a shot at Stu Apte's Black Death! Under the direction of our new club treasurer Guy, this was a fairly easy pattern to tie, but required a few techniques and several different materials! Fun tie and a great looking tarpon fly!

MCFF Meeting -- 12 May 2025

 

The Mid-Coast Flyfishers meeting was held al fresco tonight as Tres. Will, who happens to be a past Commander of the Daytona Beach America's Boating Club (US Power Squadrons), demonstrated the process and requirements of a Vessel Safety Check on Sec. Bill's personal Hewes Bayfisher! It was a fascinating run through with loads of great info and excellent safety reminders!

MCFF meets the second and third Monday of each month. As always, all are welcome and I'll be glad to save you a seat!

Hobie Eyewear 2025 Lineup Expansion -- Press Release 05 May 2025

 

Hobie® Eyewear Expands 2025 Lineup with Three New Standouts: Cove Float, Mya, and Commander Oceanside, CA – May 5, 2025 — Following the successful launch of Hull Float earlier this year, Hobie® Eyewear is thrilled to announce the addition of three new premium styles to its 2025 lineup: Cove Float, Mya, and Commander. Each frame reflects Hobie® Eyewear’s unwavering commitment to blending performance technology with authentic coastal style—and ensures that adventurers, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts are covered from sunrise to sundown. “Our goal has always been to design eyewear that doesn’t just keep up—it leads,” said Stephen Vaughan, Senior Director of Product Development. “With these new additions, we’re giving our community more ways to stay protected and look great while doing what they love most.” Cove Float by Hobie® Eyewear Cove Float The evolution of a fan favorite, Cove Float takes the beloved clean-lined silhouette of the original Cove and introduces Hobie’s ultra light, floatable frame technology.  Polarized Nylon Lenses Ultra light Floatable Frame HydroClean™ 360° Coating 100% UV Protection Co Molded Megol Rubber for Grip Rx Ready “The original Cove was a hit because of its clean, unisex design and that laid-back, sporty vibe,” said Vaughan. “But we kept hearing from our water loving customers that they needed a little extra peace of mind, so we added our Floating technology. Now, you get the same style you love, but with the confidence that if they hit the water, they won’t sink. It’s fashion and function, effortlessly combined.” Mya by Hobie® Eyewear Mya Designed for the woman always on the move, Mya delivers an elegant, lightweight frame that doesn’t compromise durability or comfort. Polarized Polycarbonate Lenses TR-90 Frame HydroClean™ Coating 100% UV Protection Co-Molded Megol Rubber for Comfort & Grip Rx Ready “With Mya, we set out to create a frame that speaks to active women who care about style but also demand performance,” Vaughan explained. “We fine tuned the grip on the temples—just enough to keep them in place without pulling your hair, which we know is a dealbreaker for many women. It’s lightweight, flattering, and built to move—whether you're headed to the beach or out on a run.” Commander by Hobie® Eyewear Commander A bold reinterpretation of the classic aviator, Commander is built for those who lead from the front—on land, water, or in the air. Polarized Polycarbonate Lenses Stainless Steel Frame HydroClean™ Coating 100% UV Protection Adjustable Silicone Nose Pads Rx Ready “For Commander, we wanted to modernize that classic aviator silhouette without losing its timeless edge,” said Vaughan. “We chose TR-90 for the temples to cut weight and boost durability, then added adjustable silicone nose pads for that dialed in fit. Whether in the cockpit, behind the wheel, or on the dock, it’s a design that commands attention and comfort.” While Hull Float made waves with its launch earlier this year, the arrival of Cove Float, Mya, and Commander further cements Hobie® Eyewear’s leadership in durable, water ready sunglasses that are as functional as they are stylish. All new styles are now available at select retailers and online at hobieeyewear.com. To view the online version, As the exclusive licensee for Hobie® Eyewear, Eyeking LLC stands as a multi-generational, award-winning design firm dedicated to crafting and delivering distinctive eyewear globally. Specializing in private label and licensed eyewear, Eyeking LLC fosters the evolution of Hobie® Eyewear, a brand inspired by the legendary waterman Hobie Alter. This sunglasses collection is tailored for outdoor enthusiasts, water sports athletes, and those passionate about adventure. Since 1982, our extensive line of performance polarized sunglasses has consistently upheld a legacy of cutting-edge vision technology and design focused on enhancing performance. Committed to excellence and driven by a shared love for enriching outdoor experiences, Eyeking LLC and Hobie® Eyewear jointly shape the future of performance eyewear. Explore the collection at www.eyeking.com or www.hobieeyewear.com for more information. To view the online version, please visit  WWW.HOBIEEYEWEAR.COM