Building Rods. Building Community
For more than 50 years, Mud Hole has been built on a love of fishing, craftsmanship, and doing things the right way. What began as a small tackle shop has grown into a trusted leader in custom rod building, while never losing sight of the passion and personal service that started it all. Today, we proudly honor our roots by offering not only the finest rod-building components, but also the fishing tackle that completes every custom build.
Thank you for being part of our story and for trusting Mud Hole through five decades of fishing traditions.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
1976 - The Original Mud Hole
Mud Hole opens in New Jersey as a small tackle shop and rod-building business. Named after a legendary New Jersey fishing spot in the New York Bight, Mud Hole quickly gained recognition for its expertise in custom rod building.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
1986 - First Product Catalogs Distributed
Mud Hole's first product catalogs are distributed to customers. These early catalogs featured a wide range of products & details for rod building enthusiasts.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
1999 - Relocation to Florida
Mud Hole relocates to Oviedo, Florida, to begin a new chapter in the business. With the move to Oviedo, Mud Hole sets its sights on introducing rod building to the masses through MudHole.com.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2007 - Mud Hole YouTube Channel Launches
Free rod building content begins on YouTube, giving new & experienced rod builders access to in-depth instructional videos, product release information and insights from industry professionals.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2008 - Mud Hole Education Program Begins
Rod building expands into schools and youth organizations. With over 1,000 schools and 200,000 students reached, the knowledge of custom rod building has steadily spread nationwide.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2009 - CRB Brand Introduced
Mud Hole's line of rod building tools, CRB, is introduced.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2009 - MHX Blanks Launch
Mud Hole rolls out MHX, their own comprehensive line of rod blanks. MHX becomes the industry leader in technology-driven premium rod blanks.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2009 - Mud Hole Wholesale Program
Mud Hole unveils its very own wholesale program, allowing rod builders to take advantage of volume pricing, and help entrepreneurs launch their finished rod business goals.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2010 - ProProducts Introduced
Mud Hole introduces ProProducts, which offers a comprehensive line of professional-grade epoxies, adhesives, and thread designed specifically by rod builders, for rod builders.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2012 - Mud Hole Rod Building Classes Begin
Mud Hole begins rod building classes, packed with useful tips and hands-on learning, making them the perfect way to dive into the craft.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2013 - Mud Hole Acquires Merrick Tackle
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2016 - John Cox Wins
John Cox, a seasoned professional angler with expertise in the field and valued Mud Hole Pro Staffer, secures victory at the prestigious Forrest Wood Cup.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2016 - Debut of Mud Hole Live
Mud Hole rolls out Mud Hole Live, a live-streamed show that is still going strong. Mud Hole Live lets rod builders watch and interact with the hosts to discuss various rod building topics, techniques, industry news, Q&As and so much more.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2019 - The BIG Move
Mud Hole moves into the 76,000+ sq. ft. headquarters still located in Oviedo, Florida. The larger facility boast many upgrades, including a full retail showroom, education center and full-fledged video studio.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2023 - Foundation Outdoor Group Formed
Mud Hole and American Tackle merge to form Foundation Outdoor Group, creating the largest consolidated rod building distribution program around the world.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2024 - GAHO Reel Seats Distribution Acquired
Foundation Outdoor Group revealed at ICAST 2024 an exclusive distribution partnership with GAHO, a leading manufacturer of premium CCT reel seats. GAHO brings expertise in producing high-quality carbon seats for top OEM brands.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2025 - Flex Coat Joins the F.O.G. Family
In a cooperative and strategic agreement, Foundation Outdoor Group acquires Flex Coat Company, the Driftwood, TX-based rod building supply manufacturer.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2025 - Full Service Tackle Center
Mud Hole revamps their showroom to showcase an incredibly wide selection of rod building & fishing products, making it Oviedo's Largest Tackle Center.
Mud Hole 50th Anniversary
2025 - Amazon Shipping
Mud Hole adds Amazon Shipping fulfillment, pairing Mud Hole's stellar customer service with Amazon's world-renowned fulfillment & shipping speed.