The “old time” PB forum members may recall a fly naming contest of one of my flies, and numerous names were suggested, with the winning name to be selected by my Lady.
The winner was to receive two of my original “Spinsters” for the PB version.

Eric West won the contest with the name Mrs. G’s $Gill and received his flies.
This “backfired” on me big time because PB members wanted to buy my flies and I don’t sell flies, I make friends by giving away flies.
Long story short – I tied dozens of Mrs. G’s $Gills – a couple for every one that submitted a name.

I donated a couple of flies for the 1st PB Conference held in Atlanta.
Anyway that’s how “PB Conference Flies” began.

Not only that Eric won the naming contest, he caught the first bass on the Mrs. G’s $Gill:




Then Todd caught this 34lb BlueCat on a 7wt TFO flyrod:



OK fast-forward to 2009 - ewest is already pushing for a 2009 Conference fly.
I have passed the torch to Brandon Powers who many of you met last year in Arlington, who is one of best fly tyers in the country, but an outstanding fly casting instructor, as well as a TAMU graduate fisheries biologist.

Photo below is a deer hair bass bug that Brandon tied for me last year and I have suggested that this be the 2009 Conference fly, proceeds of sale of these flies will be donated to the SDSU Jesse West scholarship fund.

George, that is a beauty!!

I am the proud owner of the 2008 Pond Boss shadow boxes (there were three) of George's flies. They will hang proudly in our pond retreat.

Is Brandon going to be at Branson?

I was the proud recipient of of one that George gave away in the naming contest, and then lost it trying to make that perfect cast into the brush. That one above looks great, and I will buy one at the next conference, but not to fish with.

Jeesh, that thing looks so real I just smudged my screen when I swatted it.

George that thing needs a name. Cedar Lake Mighty Mouse.

That is a beauty of a fly!! Brandon and I used to work together at a bait shop in Bryan TX and he'd tie these bugs while on shift. He is very skilled I must say. One day he helped me tie one of these bugs, and I caught a 5# bass with it on my very first cast...he was there to see it happen!

I like the name, Eric, so unless Brandon already has a name, my vote has been cast.

Thanks Todd but hold your vote. Lets see some other names guys. We need more than one to pick from.

How about "PB3-Bass Bandit"?

"glassy-eyed sea kitten"

How about "The Pond Boss Mouse"