Louie got a new rod & reel yesterday. A milestone for a young fisherman I guess you could say. A big step up from what he’s used to. This wasn’t just any run of the mill rod & reel. The reel is an Okuma Trio-30. An awesome piece it is. Smooth as silk and loaded up with 15 pound braid.

It’s a reel that any fisherman would be proud to own. The rod…well the only way to describe the rod is…it’s a true work of art. Six foot, ten inches of pure functional beauty, custom built especially for Louie by Matt Sewell of Sewell Custom Rods down in Fort Myers, Florida (my home town).

Recoil guides that can get twisted and bent yet spring right back to their original shape. It has a composite graphite handle and reel seat, and the wrapping only has to be seen to really be appreciated.

This all arrived by way of Fed Ex yesterday. It was a surprise for Louie and meant to be here in time for a trip to the sub-tropics of Licatoville this coming weekend. The sweetest thing about this is…it’s a gift. Matt…you are awesome! Thank you so much. Your generosity is overwhelming.

We headed down to Mockingbird Lake yesterday afternoon so he could try it out. My goodness, he can cast that thing a half a mile. He’s one happy boy. (I’m wishin’ I was Louie!) Thanks again Matt!

P.S. Matt's also offered to take Louie Tarpon fishing sometime. (we can't pass up an offer like that either)!