Last Summer I purchased a 12 weight XT51 blank from Hook and Hackle, intending to use it on a trip to Loreto for Dorado. It CC'd at a whopping 15.17, much more than I wanted, so I put the blank aside for another day. Now I'm working on the rod, and I would expect to use it for Sailfish and such. My question is whether or not I should put a foregip on this rod. This is the first rod in this weight range I have built. I don't use foregrips on my 12 weights.

For those who are interested, the AA measured at 69.

I'm not sure what you are asking... It sounds as if you are wanting to build a fly rod.... All grips with fly rods are foregrips, technically speaking.

Am I missing something here?

Dan, A foregrip isn't necessary, but, when fighting or landing big fish, I think it will be helpful to have a proper place to locate your free hand.
I recently completed a couple of FR108-12's. They both included 5 inch hand-shaped foregrips beginning 2 inches from the main grip. The foregrips are shaped smaller in diameter than the main grip. Most of whom I have shown them to, have given me positive comments. I plan to fish them for King Salmon, so I thought the foregrip would work out well. I'll find out this spring. I haven't decided if I will build other flyrods the same way, however, I don't plan on building anymore 12 wgt rods for sometime, unless I'm commissioned to.
Patrick Vernacchio

Dan,

I have found that many fisherpersons who fish mostly salt with big rods use the foregrip alot. One gentleman was even shocked to see the 12wt I sent him did not have one! I would say if you were planning on sail fish and larger, you might want to install one although it may be a good idea to wrap the blank under that foregrip as well as extra wraps at the closest ferrule for extra strength. Remember that by reaching up the rod to creat more leverage, you are putting much more strain on the ferrules.

Dan Craft