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Nexus Outdoors has expanded its portfolio of fishing and outdoor brands with the acquisition of Florida-based rod manufacturer Blackfin Rods.
The deal brings the Hobe Sound, Florida, company into a stable that already includes ScentLok Technologies, Blocker Outdoors, Whitewater Fishing, Hardcore Waterfowl and TUO Gear, as Nexus continues its strategy of investing in established outdoor brands with strong customer loyalty.
Blackfin has earned a reputation among saltwater and freshwater anglers for its American-made rods, designed, engineered and hand-crafted at its manufacturing facility in Hobe Sound. Nexus says the acquisition will accelerate the brand’s growth while preserving the domestic manufacturing, craftsmanship and angler-focused approach that have defined Blackfin since its inception.
The new owner plans to invest in Blackfin’s manufacturing operations, product development and marketing, while maintaining uninterrupted production, distribution and customer service.
A key priority will be expanding the brand’s American-made offering at a time when much of the global fishing rod industry has shifted production overseas. Nexus says it believes Blackfin’s U.S.-based manufacturing capability provides a significant point of differentiation in the marketplace and intends to strengthen that position through continued investment in the facility.
Alongside manufacturing, Nexus is targeting increased investment in product innovation, building on Blackfin’s engineering heritage with new rod development programmes aimed at both saltwater and freshwater anglers. The company also plans to introduce a refreshed brand strategy and marketing approach designed to broaden Blackfin’s reach while retaining its authentic appeal among core anglers.
Customer experience is another focus of the transition, with Nexus committing additional resources to enhance order fulfilment, after-sales support and overall service levels as the brand continues to grow.
Blackfin will continue operating under its existing name, with its current product portfolio – including the Offshore Elite and Carbon Elite saltwater ranges and the Bass Elite freshwater series – remaining in production.
Jim Schiefelbein, who has been appointed Brand President of Blackfin under the new ownership, said: “Blackfin has built something special – a loyal community of anglers who trust this brand every time they’re on the water.
“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.”
Patrick Hylant, CEO of Nexus Outdoors, added: “Blackfin’s commitment to domestic manufacturing and its deep connection with the saltwater fishing community made this an easy fit for our portfolio.
“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.”
According to Nexus, Blackfin’s retail and wholesale partners can expect no disruption to manufacturing, distribution or customer support as the business enters its next phase of growth.
