Mud Hole Custom Tackle, a prominent name in the fishing industry, is commemorating its 50th anniversary in 2026. This significant milestone is marked by an enhanced product range, exclusive promotional offers, and a notable collaboration with FishSkins Custom Rod Grips. These initiatives underscore Mud Hole's continuous commitment to innovation and its established position as a global provider of rod building components and fishing equipment, catering to both amateur and professional anglers.
Established in 1976 as a modest tackle and rod building shop in New Jersey, Mud Hole's journey saw it relocate to Oviedo, Florida, in 1999. Since then, it has blossomed into the world's largest distributor of custom rod building supplies, tools, educational resources, and fishing-related products. To honor five decades of operation, the company is unveiling its 2026 Rod Building Catalog, featuring unique commemorative covers and a section dedicated to chronicling key historical achievements. The anniversary festivities also include engaging digital content across its website and social media channels, alongside various promotions spanning its extensive product catalog.
Brook Oliva, President and COO of Foundation Outdoor Group, Mud Hole's parent company, expressed enthusiasm about the company's longevity and its renewed focus on traditional fishing tackle. He highlighted that while the dedication to rod building remains unwavering, reintegrating conventional fishing gear has proven to be a successful strategy for the brand.
This strategic shift towards its foundational roots commenced in 2025, when Mud Hole significantly broadened its product offerings. The expansion now encompasses reels, fishing lines, lures, terminal tackle, apparel, and even complete factory-assembled rods and combos. Anglers can now access a comprehensive selection of products from esteemed brands such as Shimano, Daiwa, St. Croix, Z-Man, NLBN, Bates, and AFTCO, available through MudHole.com and its Oviedo retail showroom, consolidating all their fishing needs into a single convenient location.
As part of the anniversary launch, Foundation Outdoor Group is offering a limited-time promotion, providing a 25% discount on two of the most sought-after rod building tools: the CRB PRO G2 Power Wrapper and the CRB PRO Ultimate Power Wrapper Kit.
In parallel with its anniversary celebrations, Foundation Outdoor Group also announced an exclusive global distribution partnership with FishSkins Custom Rod Grips. This collaboration will make FishSkins' innovative polymer fishing rod grips accessible worldwide via MudHole.com and the Mud Hole Advantage B2B purchasing program.
FishSkins grips are engineered to provide exceptional comfort, enhanced grip, and enduring durability across all fishing conditions. They are also aesthetically striking, featuring vibrant designs that emulate popular game fish like largemouth bass, redfish, mahi-mahi, and wahoo. These grips offer a unique blend of visual appeal and top-tier performance, distinguishing them from conventional cork or EVA options.
Hunter McKamey, Vice President of Foundation Outdoor Group, conveyed his excitement about welcoming FishSkins into their portfolio of distributed brands. He emphasized the unparalleled quality, resilience, and distinctive designs of FishSkins' polymer grips, anticipating their popularity among rod building enthusiasts.
Furthermore, Foundation Outdoor Group and FishSkins intend to collaborate on developing new grip colors, shapes, and designs, aiming to meet the evolving demands of both hobbyist and professional rod builders. John Mazzanoble, President of FishSkins, views this partnership as a substantial opportunity for growth. He believes that aligning with Foundation Outdoor Group for international distribution is an ideal pathway to introduce FishSkins to a broader rod building community, expressing confidence that MudHole.com's extensive reach and expertise will enable FishSkins to surpass its growth projections.
FishSkins rod grips are currently available for purchase online at MudHole.com, at Mud Hole’s expansive 10,000-square-foot Oviedo retail showroom, or by telephone. This array of distribution channels ensures easy access for customers seeking high-quality, innovative rod grip solutions.