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.

The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta 2023

Good morning, Folks!

   With The Fly Fishing Show having already kicked off in other locations this year, and the Atlanta show very quickly approaching, I wanted to get these pictures posted up from last year's show.  I intend to be there again this year, live posting from the show floor as usual, so if there's anything you'd like to see or any questions you have, I'll do my best to get it for you.

  Hope you're all doing well!

     Make it a great day!

        Tight lines,

            -Nick

The show is open, time to walk the floor!!

 

East Cape Boats is here in Atlanta debuting the prototype East Cape Drift! The new carbon and kevlar hull combines cutting edge tech, modern design and materials, 20 years of skiff building experience and the heart of trout fishermen to build a durable drift boat that weighs around 300lbs as displayed!!

Coming soon to a flyshop near you! RoxStar Fishing is taking some of the intimidation out of fly selection for new flyfishers. Their US hand-tied flies are packaged into selections by fly type, with an array of different variations to make sure you're stocked for any instance on the water.

 Dropped in on Jimmy Jacobs' talk on Georgia's Best High Country Trout Options. This will definitely inspire you to get off the beaten path!!

 Lots going on in the Alpharetta Outfitters booth today! They've got deals on gear and guides, a chance to win a Sage rod and $100 gift card, and a few seats left on each of their awesome curated fishing trips!!

Landon Mayer is in the seat at the Featured Fly Tier Booth giving up the secrets to Guide Flies: Easy To Tie Patterns For Tough Trout.

 Mark introducing a crowd to the benefits of The Original Ty-Rite! The best tool for handling small flies!

Checking out the Fly Caddy from Atollas Gear out of Charleston, SC. The foam patch has a rigid plastic baking with a clip, so it can be worn on a hat brim, shirt collar or even your truck visor! Included is a self-adhesive "docking station" so you can park your patch on a cooler, boat box, or almost anywhere! I think I want at least one of each size!

 I was able to catch the last few minutes of Capt. Michael Mauri's presentation Adventures Along The Treasure Coast and Indian River Lagoon. I hope he repeats the presentation again this weekend, because he certainly made it sound exciting!

 Celebrity Fly Tier Todd Arnold down on Tier's Row demonstrating his techniques for tying Gamechangers and Jerkchangers for the local striper population!

Jeff Currier is on the pond demonstrating casting techniques to improve your dryfly presentation! Need to know the difference between a Parachute Cast and a Pile Cast, this is the demo for you!

 Karin Miller of Zen Tenkara gave a very informative talk on fishing for big fish with a tenkara rod! The insightful tips she gave can easily be implemented in both tenkara and traditional fly fishing situations. Can you imagine catching tarpon and bonefish on a tenkara rod? I'd sure like to give it a try!

Day 2 of the 2023 The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta is well underway!

Always fun checking out the Seigler Reels booth! These reels evolve with time and it's always fascinating to learn about all the small improvements.

 Luong Tam of Tenkara Tanuki gave a great presentation on the Fundamentals of Tenkara Casting on Pond 1 this morning!

Tier's Row is about a mile long and I don't think there's a single empty seat! There's an awful lot of fly tying talent in this picture and all of these folks are eager to share their specialty with the crowd!

 One of the masters holding class on the casting pond to a very large crowd! Bob Clouser giving one of his great presentations on How To Cast Weighted Flies and Line!

Beautiful fishy art available in the M. B. Meeks Block Prints booth! There's a huge assortment of species available in these prints, and even some t-shirts!

I always enjoy walking through the Hardy booth! Did you know they celebrated their 150th anniversary last year? That kind of history and legacy is absolutely amazing!

TFO is here in Atlanta with a huge selection of rods for you to check out! Some are rigged and ready to try out on the casting pond!

 Cohutta Fishing Company of Blue Ridge is here with a good selection of gear, and always great advice for your next trip to the Trout Capital of Georgia!

The folks from Simms brought out lots of demo gear in their display booth, so showgoers can check it all out hands on!

Cristian Rodriguez of Fly Fishing The Run gave an excellent presentation on his fly fishing operations in Cuba! With two resort bases and a liveaboard yacht, they have plenty of lodging available, but through environmental partnerships and government assigned waters, they choose not to increase accommodations to preserve the state of the fishery!

Took in the Fly Fishing North Georgia and Beyond presentation with Andy Bowen of Cohutta Fishing Co. He gave examples of some the excellent fly fishing that North Georgia has to offer, then went into some of the travel packages through the fly shop to extend your fly fishing, literally, around the world!

One of the Women's Casting Clinics has moved out onto the lawn!! Gotta love seeing new flycasters learning the ropes!!!

Could it really even be The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta without Badger Creek Fly Tying stretched across the aisle?

Currently no line, no wait at the Douglas Outdoors booth! Swing by and grab a demo rod and hit the casting pond!!

 Author, columnist and small fly artist Ed Engle sharing his tips for effectively Tying Small Dry Flies in the Featured Fly Tier booth!

Jeff Currier gave a great presentation with pictures of jaw dropping fish from all over the world in Tips and Tactics for the World's Best Flats!

 I was able to catch one of my good friend Steve Hudson's presentations today on Bluelining in North Georgia! Always a very informative talk from the man that wrote the book on the subject! It's titled "Bluelining 101" and it's packed with information to get you started in the right direction.

Day 3!! The third and final day of The Fly Fishing Show Atlanta! More booths to see, more lectures to attend! Let's go!!

 I was able to catch Chris Scalley's presentation, 30 Years of Guiding And Advocating On The Chattahoochee River Tailwater, first thing this morning. It was great to catch up with him in the booth, and my good friend and fly tyer to the stars David Aviles! The 'Hooch knowledge flowing in this booth is overwhelming!

Made it by the On The Fly South booth to get my autographed copy of Jimmy Jacobs and Polly Dean's new book, The Angler's Guide To Georgia State Parks! I'm really looking forward to reading this one and will post a review on TheSuburbanAngler.com real soon!

 Just met Randall from AppSouth Fly Co. tying big, gorgeous Yard Sale flies in the Daiichi booth! Check out his flies on the AppSouth IG page and drop him a follow for more good things to come!

More from Sunday at the Fly Fishing Show Atlanta. Chattahoochee Riverkeepers had a busy booth all weekend educating folks on the river and what they do to protect the watershed.

It's my understanding that the Georgia Trout Unlimited booth had been manned the whole weekend by high school or collegiate members! Very cool!"

I'm pretty sure Sunday afternoon saw the very first lull in the booth of the Georgia Women Flyfishers! This is a great, supportive group to help encourage more women to get on the water."

 More from Sunday at the Fly Fishing Show Atlanta. Fly Fishers International Southeast Council had a busy booth at the show explaining what they do and projects they're involved in, as well as recruiting new members and operating an Intro to Fly Tying table.

More from Sunday at the Fly Fishing Show Atlanta. Due South Outfitters out of Boone, North Carolina was selling some gear and scheduling guide trips for the Watauga and South Holston rivers.

Bob Clouser tying up when of his namesake minnows at the Featured Fly Tier table, and, as always, keeping the audience laughing!

 Gourmet pork sausage, do I really need to say any more than that? The Pineapple Pepper Jack was awesome, and I really wish I could've tried more and brought a lot home! If you're in the Atlanta area, make sure to check them out, Real Cajun Market!

The Airflo and Abel booth stayed very busy throughout the show! You could even drop off your old flyline to be recycled!

The Norvise booth stayed busy all weekend, sometimes with three tiers, demonstrating their mesmerizing tying system!