For some reason this rod project took a long time to get rolling. I ordered this green H&H IM6 7 wt four months ago and the kit sat on the shelf. I finally found the fighting butt I like, but that didn't inspire me. Last Saturday I told someone they could borrow the rod for a fishing trip planned for the end of the month, just to commit to a date. Last night I spined it, got the assembled reelseat with the fixed fighting butt on the rod, tiptop on, and got the grip on after work today. Now I'm rolling and it should be done this weekend, finally getting excited about it. Lakes should be warming up soon! Tying some poppers for this rod to toss.