We have been attempting to have a meeting of the minds with a skilled fly fisherman concerning the build of a 16/18wt fly rod. He wants a high end rod with the express intent of breaking the IGFA records for yellowfin tuna.

I know absolutely nada about fly rods and have been soliciting information from a lot of sources. Lance has been acting as my brakes to insure that I do not go off the deep end. A CTS Revo, Fuji Gold Cermet Guide Set, Struble SDS reel seat and burl cork rings are waiting for assembly. Mark Crouse has agreed to provide the fixed fighting butt and Joe Imig is designing and constructing scrimshaw trim sections. The IGFA rules group has agreed to rule revisions to the present standards pertaining to the allowable measurements of the butt assembly.

We are presently at the point of design which pertains to the butt section and the set up of the foregrip, forward lifting piece and gimble. Everything the Swamp Boyz have come up with receives a funny look from the guy and a question of which is the best for what I want. Each meeting has ended with the customer moving his head from left to right and making the statement of "let me think about it some more".

I opened a package from Michael Taylor earlier today to find pictures of three different set ups of blue water foregrips and the advantages and disadvantages of each. Michael kindly explained the materials, sizing and positions of each style and what specific type of fishing they were designed for. I could not stand it and took the pictures and write up to the customers house - he took one look - smiled - and his head started bobbing up and down when he saw the one he wanted and why!

Michael, I can not thank you enough! You have made several people's day!!

All that is left is the approval of measurements from the IGFA Board.

Swamp Boyz Unit 2