St. Croix Fly Legend Elite & Legend Elite Salt -- Press Release 8 July 2025

 

Rule Your Water St. Croix Fly announces the return of Legend Elite and Legend Elite Salt rods for 2026     PARK FALLS, WIS. (July 8, 2025) – Moses and Merlin had staffs. Cronus had a scythe, Poseidon had a trident, and Athena had a rod. These mystical objects all wielded great powers and were not just tools. Each was an extension of its carrier’s essence, implementing and executing their will with ease, power, and precision.   Fly rods may not contain actual magic, witchcraft, or divine power, but here at St. Croix Fly, we do believe they should maximize abilities and elevate experiences. In other words, help implement and execute the will of the caster with ease, power, and precision.   St. Croix LEGEND ELITE and LEGEND ELITE SALT rods are back for 2026. Designed and precision crafted with the objective of helping all anglers rule their water, these all-new fly rods are rolled on the original angler-favorite LE and LE Salt mandrels, but have been completely updated with new materials, technologies, and componentry for new levels of sizzling St. Croix performance.       Designed for you and anyone else in your boat, new-for-2026 LEGEND ELITE #3 through #8 all-water rods deliver even more dutiful power, control, and satisfying lightweight performance. Medium-fast with loads of feel, refined and responsive LEGEND ELITE tapers are distinct across all 12 models to deliver technique-specific performance. Whether dropping a #22 trico on a six-inch seam or swinging an intruder past a far-bank boulder, LEGEND ELITE comes standard with inspiring made-in-the-USA St. Croix performance backed by a 15-year warranty… no extra charge for smiles, and high fives.   LEGEND ELITE TECHNOLOGY GROUP Advanced materials matrix consisting of high-modulus high-strain SCIV and SCIII carbons Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel tooling provides improved energy transfer, increased strength, and mega-efficient rod recovery Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART) utilizes an exotic carbon fiber scrim that adds a magnitude of strength (10x) with virtually no increase in blank diameter or weight. ART significantly increases hoop strength and reduces ovaling under severe loads while also supporting Slim-Profile Ferrule (SPF) design Fortified Resin System (FRS) technology combines a fortified super resin with computer-operated curing ovens delivering precise temperature and time management throughout all stages of blank curing. FRS prevents microbuckling, keeping carbon fibers in alignment and resulting in blanks tested to be 33% stronger than those built with standard resins and curing methods Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) incorporates precision-cut, curved blank patterns from state-of-the-art computer pattern-cutting machines. Curved TET patterns fit and lay up more precisely on IPC mandrels, resulting in stronger and more consistent actions with improved feel Slim-Profile Ferrule (SPF) design adds herculean strength with minimal added weight   LEGEND ELITE FEATURES Hard chrome snake guides Double-foot hard chrome Fuji SiC stripper guides Hook Keeper Snub nose (379-4 through 480-4), micro full wells (490-4 through 6100-4), or full wells (790-4 through 8100-4) super-grade cork handle with cork-rubber accents Tapered super-grade cork fighting butt with cork-rubber accents (.5”on 4100-4, 5100-4, 690-4, and 6100-4 models, and 1” on 790-4 through 8100-4 models) Custom uplocking, machined aluminum reel seat (all models) with rosewood inserts (379-4, 480-4, 490-4, and 590-4 models) Aluminum rod tube with rod sock 15-year warranty Designed and precision-crafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA   LEGEND ELITE MODELS FLE379-4 / 3-weight, 7’9”, 4-piece, medium-fast action / Retail $595 FLE480-4 / 4-weight, 8’, 4-piece, medium-fast action / Retail $595 FLE490-4 / 4-weight, 9’, 4-piece, medium-fast action / Retail $595 FLE4100-4 / 4-weight, 10’, 4-piece, medium-fast action / Retail $595 FLE590-4 / 5-weight, 9’, 4-piece, medium-fast action / Retail $595 FLE5100-4 / 5-weight, 10’, 4-piece, medium-fast action / Retail $595 FLE690-4 / 6-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $595 FLE6100-4 / 6-weight, 10’, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $595 FLE790-4 / 7-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $595 FLE7100-4 / 7-weight, 10’, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $595 FLE890-4 / 8-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $595 FLE8100-4 / 8-weight, 10’, 4-piece, fast action / MSRP: $595     Whether you live and work along the coast or it’s where your travels take you, saltwater fly fishing never gets old. The ocean is where new experiences happen daily – on windy flats, tide-flooded mangroves, estuaries and passes, or glassy offshore waters. Encompassing six models in #7 through #12 weights, LEGEND ELITE SALT is designed to maximize opportunity for all saltwater anglers via powerful and accurate fast-action tapers that are as satisfying to cast as they are to own. Engineered and precision-crafted with all top St. Croix technologies, LEGEND ELITE SALT rods begin with an all-new matrix of premium SCIV and SCIII carbon materials. This means lighter and more responsive blanks with reduced swing weights and improved balance without sacrifice to strength or power. Coupling its highly refined actions with premium ergonomics and aesthetics, LEGEND ELITE SALT capitalizes on opportunity with fast-with-feel performance in any saltwater arena.   LEGEND ELITE SALT TECHNOLOGY GROUP Advanced materials matrix consisting of high-modulus high-strain SCIV and SCIII carbons Integrated Poly Curve (IPC) mandrel tooling provides improved energy transfer, increased strength, and mega-efficient rod recovery Advanced Reinforcing Technology (ART) utilizes an exotic carbon fiber scrim that adds a magnitude of strength (10x) with virtually no increase in blank diameter or weight. ART significantly increases hoop strength and reduces ovaling under severe loads while also supporting Slim-Profile Ferrule (SPF) design Fortified Resin System (FRS) technology combines a fortified super resin with computer-operated curing ovens delivering precise temperature and time management throughout all stages of blank curing. FRS prevents microbuckling, keeping carbon fibers in alignment and resulting in blanks tested to be 33% stronger than those built with standard resins and curing methods Taper Enhancement Technology (TET) incorporates precision-cut, curved blank patterns from state-of-the-art computer pattern-cutting machines. Curved TET patterns fit and lay up more precisely on IPC mandrels, resulting in stronger and more consistent actions with improved feel Slim-Profile Ferrule (SPF) design adds herculean strength with minimal added weight   LEGEND ELITE SALT FEATURES Hard chrome snake guides Double-foot SiC hard chrome stripper guides Full wells super-grade cork handle with cork-rubber accents 1 “ contoured super-grade cork fighting butt with cork-rubber accents (790-4 through 990-4) Oversized super-grade cork fighting butt with cork-rubber accents (1090-4 through 1290-4) Custom uplocking, machined aluminum reel seat Aluminum rod tube with rod sock 15-year warranty Designed and precision-crafted in Park Falls, Wisconsin, USA   LEGEND ELITE SALT MODELS SLE790-4 / 7-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $650 SLE890-4 / 8-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $650 SLE990-4 / 9-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $650 SLE1090-4 / 10-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $650 SLE1190-4 / 11-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $650 SLE1290-4 / 12-weight, 9’, 4-piece, fast action / Retail $650   Rule your water by making every shot count. Back for 2026 better than ever, LEGEND ELITE and LEGEND ELITE SALT fly rods don’t possess witchcraft or divine energy; they just feel and perform like they do, courtesy of more than seven decades of continual innovation, rod-design expertise, and American-manufacturing excellence.   New-for-2026 LEGEND ELITE and LEGEND ELITE SALT Series rods will be introduced this month at ICAST 2025. See them both in the St. Croix Booth #2223 and the ICAST Fly Shop, as well as LEGEND ELITE in the Fly Rod category of the ICAST 2025 New Product Showcase. LEGEND ELITE will be available to anglers and authorized St. Croix specialty fly retailers on or about September 1. LEGEND ELITE SALT will follow on or about November 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.

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