PARK FALLS, Wis. (January 3, 2023) – St. Croix Rod, craftsman of the best rods on Earth® for 75 years, is pleased to announce the hiring of Zack Dalton as Director of Fly Fishing Sales. Dalton brings 23 years of experience in the fly fishing business to his new position in St. Croix.
A lifelong fisherman, Dalton grew up in Idaho Falls with immediate access to world-class trout fishing. He entered the fly fishing industry as a manufacturing leader and customer service representative for RIO Products in 1998. His career at RIO would take him all over the world, and the true fly fishing skills of Dalton won widespread recognition that extended to the realms of steel, salmon. , salt water and beyond. Dalton was already an established authority and respected voice in the fly fishing industry when Far Bank Enterprises acquired RIO in 2005, at which time he remained on board and began managing sales for both the RIO and Sage brands . He continued as sales director for all Far Bank brands until December 2021.
Now living in Poulsbo, Wash., Dalton, 44, begins the next chapter of his professional career with St. Croix Fly Fishing this week.
“I am very grateful for my many years at RIO and Far Bank,” says Dalton. “We’ve released many highly successful products over the course of several years, and that goal – to bring new products to market that help fly anglers be more successful and more satisfied – is really what motivated me to join to this exceptional team that St. Croix is building. to re-establish their brand of fly fishing for the benefit of anglers.”
The general manager of St. Croix, Scott Forristall, has deep roots in the fly fishing industry and has worked closely with Dalton in the past. “Zack briefed me during my time at Far Bank,” says Forristall. “He is a student of the institution of fly fishing, sport and industry, and was instrumental in the sales success of the company, but he was also very involved and skilled in product development. He had personal relationships with almost everyone in the company and was the best sales manager in the fly fishing industry at the time. I think he still is.”
Forristall emphasizes that St. Croix is serious about leveraging its research, technology, materials and manufacturing capabilities to provide fly anglers with exciting, inspiring and compelling new rod options moving forward. “St. Croix has always been in the fly fishing market and was an important part of our portfolio for many years,” he says. “Our ability to design and manufacture rods is second to none, and now we are putting together a team that I believe will will allow you to gain and dominate a seat at the table in the fly rod market.”
Dalton points out many factors that make St. Croix a special company and a unique career opportunity. “There are 75 years of history and heritage here, which translates into so many stories and personal memories associated with the St. Croix on behalf of fly fishermen everywhere. There is also a very strong family culture that permeates the brand. Then, of course, there are the significant design and manufacturing capabilities of St. Croix, which, in my opinion, are unmatched in the industry. All of this adds up to tremendous excitement to re-engage with the fly fishing community, reestablish authentic relationships, and ultimately do the work that will earn the attention and respect of fly anglers. I couldn’t be more excited.”
In his capacity as Director of Fly Fishing Sales, Dalton will work closely with the Vice President of Sales for St. Croix, Steve Self, as well as the fly fishing brand manager of St. Croix, Tom Larimer, to build relationships with a network of the best and most trusted fly fishing retailers in North America and eventually around the world.
“Zack’s skills, knowledge and humble personality have served him well, and are the very attributes that make him the best choice for this critical new position on St. Croix,” says Self. “He has earned respect in the fly fishing industry because he gives what he gets; has built relationships of trust by being a good partner and advocate for the community, both the fishermen and the trade. We know we have our work cut out for us, but success in any job starts with the people who take charge, and we’ve worked very hard and invested the necessary resources to build the best team possible. Now, Zack has the responsibility to carry this position forward and cement the relationships that will expand the St. Croix Fly Fishing to include our critical retail partners.
Larimer agrees. “I’ve known Zack for years, but only as a fierce competitor. Watching his leadership from afar, I’ve always admired his approach to the game. In my opinion, there is no one better equipped to lead the team of sales as St. Croix reimagines the fly side of our business In addition to his primary role of consolidating and supporting our retail presence, Zack’s significant experience in developing fishing products with mosca will add great value to our overall go-to-market strategy. There is a groundswell under this brand—a tangible energy that is building internally as we continue to execute on our new direction and test prototypes that will challenge the market. With Zack joining the team, that momentum just reached warp speed.”
About St. Croix Rod
Based in Park Falls, Wis., St. Croix has been proudly producing the “Best Canes on Earth” for nearly 75 years. Combining state-of-the-art manufacturing processes with expert craftsmanship, St. Croix is the only major producer that still builds rods completely from design to manufacture. The company remains family-owned and operates duplicate manufacturing facilities in Park Falls and Fresnillo, Mexico. With series from popular brands such as Legend®, Legend Xtreme®, Victory Avid®, Premier®, RIFT, Imperial®, Triumph® and Mojo, St. Croix is revered by all types of anglers around the world.