Nexus Outdoors Acquires Blackfin Rods, Fueling Next Chapter of Growth for the Saltwater Fishing Brand
Hobe Sound, FL / Muskegon, MI — Nexus Outdoors, a global leader in performance-driven outdoor apparel and equipment, today announced the acquisition of Blackfin Rods, the Hobe Sound, Florida-based manufacturer known for its American-made saltwater and freshwater fishing rods. The acquisition adds Blackfin to a growing portfolio that includes ScentLok Technologies, Blocker Outdoors, Whitewater Fishing, Hardcore Waterfowl, and TUO Gear.
The transition marks a new chapter for Blackfin, with Nexus Outdoors committing fresh capital, expanded resources, and a forward-thinking brand strategy designed to accelerate the company's growth while preserving the qualities that built its reputation among saltwater anglers: domestic manufacturing, hands-on craftsmanship, and gear built by anglers, for anglers.
Beyond manufacturing, the new ownership group is placing significant emphasis on product innovation and a distinctive approach to marketing the Blackfin brand. Nexus Outdoors intends to invest in new product development initiatives that build on Blackfin's engineering heritage, while introducing a fresh brand voice and marketing strategy designed to reach saltwater and freshwater anglers in new and compelling ways. The goal is to ensure Blackfin not only maintains its reputation for quality, but stands out in a crowded category through bold, authentic storytelling that resonates with anglers on the water.
Customer service excellence is also a cornerstone of this transition. Nexus Outdoors is committed to elevating every aspect of the customer experience, from order fulfillment to post-purchase support, ensuring that Blackfin's dedicated consumer base receives a level of service that matches the quality of the rods they've come to trust. This commitment reflects a broader promise: as Blackfin grows, its customers will always come first.
Blackfin will continue to operate out of its established manufacturing facility in Hobe Sound, Florida, where the brand designs, engineers, and hand-crafts its rods. That domestic manufacturing capability — spanning saltwater series like Offshore Elite and Carbon Elite to freshwater lines including Bass Elite — remains central to the brand's identity and will continue under the new ownership group, ensuring continuity for the dedicated consumer base that has come to trust Blackfin's quality and durability on the water.
Domestic manufacturing is a key pillar of the new ownership group's strategy for the brand. In a fishing rod category where the majority of production has shifted overseas, Blackfin's Hobe Sound facility stands out as one of the few remaining American-made options available to anglers. Nexus Outdoors intends to build on that distinction, investing directly in Blackfin's U.S.-based production capabilities to grow the brand's American-made offering and reinforce its position as a leader in domestic rod manufacturing.
Jim Schiefelbein, who will lead Blackfin as Brand President under the new ownership, shared his enthusiasm for the road ahead: "Blackfin has built something special — a loyal community of anglers who trust this brand every time they're on the water. Stepping into this role, I'm excited about what's ahead. With the backing, resources, and strategic focus that Nexus Outdoors brings, we're positioned to invest in our people, our products, and our Hobe Sound facility in ways that will strengthen everything anglers already love about Blackfin, while opening doors to new opportunities for growth. This is just the beginning for Blackfin, and I couldn't be more optimistic about where we're headed."
The acquisition reflects Nexus Outdoors' broader strategy of investing in category-leading outdoor brands with strong consumer loyalty and product integrity. As part of the transition, Blackfin will gain access to additional resources across product development, operations, and go-to-market strategy, while maintaining the manufacturing excellence and hands-on craftsmanship that have defined the brand since its founding.
"Blackfin's commitment to domestic manufacturing and its deep connection with the saltwater fishing community made this an easy fit for our portfolio," said Patrick Hylant, CEO of Nexus Outdoors. "We're excited to invest in Blackfin's future and support the team as they build on everything that's made this brand a trusted name among anglers."
Blackfin Rods will continue to operate under its existing name and product lines, with no interruption to manufacturing, distribution, or customer support. Retail and wholesale partners can expect continued reliability from the Hobe Sound facility as the brand enters the next phase of growth.
About Blackfin Rods | Blackfin designs and hand-crafts fishing rods from its facility in Hobe Sound, Florida. Known for its saltwater and freshwater rod lines — including Offshore Elite, Carbon Elite, Fin Legacy, and Bass Elite — Blackfin is built on a foundation of precision engineering, durability, and a passion for fishing shared by its team of anglers and craftsmen. https://blackfinrods.com
About Nexus Outdoors | Headquartered in Muskegon, Michigan, Nexus Outdoors is a global leader in the design, development, and distribution of performance-driven outdoor apparel, footwear, and equipment. Its portfolio includes ScentLok Technologies, Blocker Outdoors, Whitewater Fishing, Hardcore Waterfowl, and TUO Gear — brands united by a commitment to innovation and building confidence in the field. https://nexus-outdoors.com