Pristine Vintage Custom Al Ellis 8' 4" Seven Weight 1st Generation Graphite Fly Rod.

Custom-built 8'4" Seven Weight fly rod on 1st generation graphite Scientific Anglers System G blank (1977). This rod is a rare limited-edition rod and unique piece of graphite rod history. It was created by custom fly rod builder Al Ellis (Phoenix, Arizona) for Bruce Richards, Scientific Anglers in 1977.

The rod is inscribed in gold: "Very Limited Edition: V.L.F.M.F. 21007 8'4" Graphite Fly Rod, Handcrafted by Al Ellis for Bruce Richards 1977 Presentation Rod N. Three. SAS 7 MCF7140 3.07 oz. #5173"

Rod includes velvet rod sleeve and metal tube.

Donated by Bruce Richards

With Scientific Anglers (SA) since 1976, Bruce worked a variety of jobs from production and office supervision to international sales and tech service. Before retiring in 2009 his main responsibilities included product development and process improvement. Bruce has been part of the SA lab operation for many years and also held every management position in the SA factory at one time or another. Bruce continues to help SA when they need him.

Bruce attended Michigan Technological University, graduating with a degree in aquatic ecology in 1973. He has taught, and run fly fishing schools for over 30 years and is a charter member (and former chairman) of the Board of Governors for the Federation of Fly Fishers casting instructor certification program (CICP). This board developed and administers the program that certifies fly casting instructors worldwide. He is recognized as being one of the top fly casters and instructors in the world. Bruce is also a past AFFTA board member and served on the board of the Madison River Foundation.

Bruce is an experienced world angler having fly fished extensively in both fresh and saltwater. His travels have taken him to Europe, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South and Central America, the Bahamas, and most American states.

Bruce is considered an expert in fly fishing, casting, and the materials, design and manufacture of fly lines. He is the author of "Modern Fly Lines" and is currently working on a fly-casting book. He has also written numerous magazine articles and was named "Angler of the Year" by Fly Rod & Reel magazine in 2006.

Bruce retired from SA/3M in 2009 and is living, fishing, writing and teaching in Bozeman and Ennis, Montana.