Here is some of the latest fishing industry news:

Tightlines UV Technology is suing Pure Fishing, makers of the Berkley line of lures, for patent infringement for a number of soft plastic fishing lures produced by the tackle giant.

Tightlines UV, which is based in Maryville, Mo., filed the patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S Federal District Court for the District of South Carolina Columbia Division. The suit is against Pure Fishing, Inc., and was filed in October 2018.

It asserts that Pure Fishing produced soft plastic lures with reflective technology that infringes on the Tightlines UV patent, which was granted in 2014. Among the lures Tightlines UV says are in question are Berkley's Flatnose Minnow, Maxscent Flatnose Minnow and Maxscent the General stickbait. 

Tightlines UV confirmed the lawsuit June 24 in a brief press release. It says the lawsuit "is based on U.S. Patent Number 8,667,728 which was awarded to Tightlines UV Technology LLC March 11, 2014, following an application filed with the USPTO April 22, 2009." Pure Fishing is owned by private equity firm Sycamore Partners, which is based in New York and purchased the company in November 2018.

In late May, Tightlines UV also filed a patent infringement lawsuit in the U.S Federal District Court for the District of California against Damiki Corporation, a Korean tackle manufacturer.

Forristall To Lead St. Croix Rods

Fishing industry veteran Scott Forristall has been hired as thenew President and CEO of St. Croix Rod, the 70-year-old company announced Monday.

Forristall brings a keen understanding of the fishing-rod business and the greater fishing industry to St. Croix, earned from a rich employment history with premier companies such as Eagle Claw, Johnson Outdoors and Far-Bank Enterprises, parent company to the Sage, Redington, and Rio Products fly-fishing brands. Most recently, Forristall served as President and CEO of the R.L. Winston Rod Company and Bauer Reels. 

“St. Croix is the strongest brand in fishing rods in the U.S.,” he said. “To come to work in Park Falls for this premier, family-owned business with U.S. manufacturing is a rare opportunity in this industry that I love. St. Croix – its people, products and ties to the community – is everything I value and want to be part of.”

St. Croix Rod CEO and co-owner Paul Schluter announced a planned transition of leadership to St. Croix Team Members in January of this year. In his statement, Schluter cited his desire to hand over the day-to-day operations of the 70-year-old company in order to focus on family, fishing and other aspects of the company he loves.

“Scott comes to us with vast experience managing premium outdoor brands and exhibits a management style which is consistent with all that we value at St. Croix,” Schluter said. “I’m really excited to watch Scott and the rest of our strong team further our objective of providing every angler the upper hand. Between my father and myself, a Schluter has been responsible for the execution of St. Croix’s mission for the last 41 of our 71 years. I have the highest confidence in Scott as he assumes this leadership role while I remain an active member of our Board of Directors, and, of course, an owner of St. Croix along with my brothers Jeff and Dave, and sister Pam.”

In addition to fishing, Forristall enjoys training and competing in triathlons during his free time. He and his wife of 44 years, Lynn, will relocate to Park Falls from their current home in Dillon, Montana. Forristall begins work at St. Croix on June 24.

Paul Schluter's journey with St. Croix started in 1983 when his father, Gordon, hired him to manage retailer accounts in Minnesota. A year later, Paul was promoted to Sales Manager. In 1989, Gordon stepped aside, and Paul assumed the role of President. Brothers Paul, Jeff, Dave and sister Pamela Smiley purchased St. Croix from Gordon and Irene in 1990, and continue to own the company.

Big Bite Baits Offers College Team Grants

Big Bite Baits is looking to help collegiate anglers on the water with a new soft plastic craw and also off the water with a new grant program.

Two percent of all sales of the College Craw will go towards a grant to be awarded to teams selected based on an application process at the end of each year. Big Bite Baits will match the two percent, for a total of a four percent donation going towards the grants.

The grant application will be open to any recognized college team, and awarded in December of 2019. A minimum of one $500 scholarship will be awarded.

The College Craw is available in 3.5- and 4-inch sizes, with nine colors to meet any water condition. The ninth color, Spicy Purple, was designed by a collegiate angler earlier this year; he won 5,000 of the baits as a prize for his submission.

Mustang Survival Now Part of Wing Group

The Safariland Group has completed the divestiture of Mustang Survival, Inc. and its related entities to the Wing Group, a leading manufacturer of inflatable sponsons, small combat craft, whitewater rafting solutions, life rafts, and marine doors and windows. Financial terms were not disclosed.

“Since we acquired Mustang over six years ago, it has developed into a premium life-saving category leader with best-in-class products and capabilities," said Warren Kanders, Safariland's Chairman and CEO. "We are pleased to have completed this transaction with Wing and we are proud that Mustang has found a home in a platform focused on marine and aviation applications.”

The Wing Group is privately owned and led by President and CEO Andrew Branagh and includes Wing Inflatables, Henshaw Inflatables, Patten Company, and FabTek Industries. Mustang Survival, established in 1967 by Irv Davies, the inventor of the world’s first Floater Coat, has been designing and manufacturing lifesaving solutions for more than 50 years.