Sawgrass Anglers
Collins Illich – Co-Founder
Capt. Collins D. Illich is a USCG Master Captain who has been fishing all his life. He specializes in light tackle and fly fishing with a passion for tuna on the fly rod followed closely by bluegill on his home creeks in and around Dallas. He is the GM here at Sawgrass and is always ready to chat about rods or fishing.
His book on fly fishing pressured Western Waters is available on our site and ships with a personalized message from Collins.
Brad Whitaker – Ambassador
To look back and realize that a lifetime of doing something that I did simply for fun, has allowed the opportunity to be a part of an elite company and group of anglers is unimaginable at times. The Sawgrass team collectively brings angling experiences from all over the world. For me, I was a legacy of North Carolina watermen. From coastal and estuarian, piedmont lakes and river systems to scenic mountain rivers, my state has provided some of the most diverse angling anyone could ask for and I have generated great passion for every aspect of it. Being a part of this industry has provided the great opportunity to share this same passion and learn from so many others. The exciting part is that there is so much more out there for me to experience. Hopefully it will be with anyone of you.
Grant Braudrick – Ambassador
Lifelong angler and longtime industry insider Grant Braudrick fishes from Idaho to Texas both salt and fresh…his Native-American ancestry cultivated the drive the more remote, the better. When Grant is not fishing, he is preforming as an internationally recognized musician.
Scott Null – Ambassador
Captain Scott Null is a full time guide out of Port O’Connor, Tx. Scott guides both fly and conventional tackle trips for redfish aboard his Sabine poling skiff. He also runs a Xplor Boatworks X24 Andros for jetty, beachfront and nearshore trips targeting tarpon, jacks, bull reds, kings, cobia and snapper on both fly and conventional gear depending on the season.
Captain Scott is also a host of the popular Bite Me Saltwater Fishing Podcast and has written hundreds of articles for various fishing magazines.
Chris Ralls – Lead Rod Builder / Ownership Team
Chris is a lifelong fisherman who has travelled across the country honing his skills. Since 2018 Chris has taken a deep dive into rod building and finishing up to and including studying directly under Gary Loomis. Chris can talk fishing, design and builds any time you want.
Gilbert Miller – Ambassador
Gilbert Miller is a retired 21 year Army Combat Veteran. He’s the owner of GTB Outdoors LLC and a full time DFW bass fishing guide. At one time he was an accomplished tournament angler who set it aside to coach, he’s been coaching a local HS bass fishing team for over 7yrs now. Fishing has been a way of life for me, from bass fishing across the country to offshore chasing marlin in Mexico. One thing I’ve learned is quality equipment makes for a great experience. I enjoy helping Sawgrass develop quality rods for anglers, you want to keep equipment failures to a minimum when you have that fish of a lifetime on the line. Feel free to hit me up if you have questions about rod/technique application and how I use the Sawgrass lineup in my daily fishing. Checkout www.gtboutdoorstx.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Let’s get you out on the water with a Sawgrass rod in your hand.
Gary Dubiel – Ambassador
Captain Gary Dubiel began fly tying and fishing at the age of eight in Western Pennsylvania, inheriting these skills from his father. He fished rivers and streams for trout, as well as lakes for bass and panfish. His interest in saltwater fly fishing sparked in the late 1970s during visits to the Outer Banks, eventually leading him to relocate to North Carolina and begin his career as a guide in 2000. Captain Gary is renowned for his expertise in light tackle and fly fishing, having written extensively on the subject and delivered lectures. His knowledge has been showcased on various angling programs across numerous networks, He’s a regular presenter at fishing shows nationwide, such as the Saltwater Sportsman’s National Seminar Series, the Fly-Fishing Show, and the Virginia Fly Fishing Festival. His innovative fly patterns have gained recognition in numerous leading sports fishing publications and books. Additionally, Gary holds an IGFA Fly Rod World Record for silver salmon, caught using one of his unique fly designs.
Rick Roy – CMO
I’m thrilled to be part of the Sawgrass team! My love for fishing and the outdoors began at the age of 8 while living in Florida, where I spent every day after school fishing at the Flagler Beach pier. After moving back to New Hampshire, my cousin and I were like Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn, seizing every opportunity to hunt and fish—I’m incredibly grateful to have shared my passion for fishing with my children and, now, my grandchildren.
When I’m not behind a keyboard, I enjoy wildlife photography, sharing hunting and fishing adventures with friends & family.
Mike Trometer – Ownership Team
Lt. Mike Trometer of the Dallas Police Department has twenty-one years’ experience as a peace officer and is a member of the Sawgrass Ownership Team managing all our first responder relations. Mike is an avid bass fisherman that also spends a lot of time fishing Walleye and Northern Pike. If you have any questions about our program and are an EMT, peace officer, fire fighter or member of the military, reach out to Mike.
Guy Tillotson – Ambassador
Why I’m Proud to Introduce Sawgrass Fishing Rods
If you know me, you know how passionate I am about great fishing products. That’s why I’m beyond excited to share Sawgrass Fishing Rods with you—a brand I believe in and am proud to stand with. These rods are 100% made in the USA by good friends who have spent decades perfecting rod design and delivering top-notch customer service.
Built with the lightest carbon fiber materials and components and designed by the legendary Gary Loomis, these rods set a new standard in performance and innovation.
I’ve been lucky enough to fish with these rods throughout their development over the past couple of years, and I can honestly say—they’re the lightest and most responsive rods I’ve ever fished.
And for my fly-fishing friends, we produce the lightest one-piece fly rod available today. These rods outperform anything else on the market, whether imported or made domestically.
Guides, Industry Pros and Outfitters, please contact me directly for info on how to put these rods on your sleds.
Shannon Drawe – Ambassador
Shannon Drawe is a passionate and accomplished fly fisher based in North Texas. Since launching his popular website, Texas Fly Caster, in 2007, Shannon has been a leading voice in the Texas fly fishing community. Through his website and Texas Fly Caster YouTube channel, he shares his extensive knowledge, experiences, and insights into the unique challenges and rewards of fly fishing in Texas.
Specializing in fly fishing for carp in North Texas, Shannon offers guiding services and lessons, inspiring anglers of all skill levels to explore this exciting pursuit. His journey in fly fishing began in 2007, the same year he met Captain Collins Illich, a pivotal moment that helped shape his approach to the sport. Since then, Shannon has fly fished from the north edge of Texas to the Borderlands of the Lower Laguna Madre, and most points in between.
Now, as a proud affiliate of Sawgrass Fishing Rods, Shannon is excited to represent the brand and its exceptional fly rods in 2025. His deep connection to the Texas waters, combined with his expertise and enthusiasm, makes him an ideal ambassador for Sawgrass. Shannon looks forward to continuing his mission to grow the sport and share the art of fly fishing with a broader audience. Shannon’s home base is in the DFW area, but feel free to contact Shannon, and he will gladly meet you in the area so you can try out these truly game-changing fly rods.
https://www.texasflycaster.com
https://www.youtube.com/@Texasflycaster Ph: 940-380-0408
Mike Pharr – Ambassador
Capt. Mike Pharr is a 28 year member of the Shreveport Fire Department and a devoted husband and father. The 2010 – 1st place winner of the Bassmaster Central Open Tournament on Lake Texoma, Mike can best be described as one of the most passionate bass anglers currently on the local, regional, and national pro circuits. He has found great success at all levels of competition. Most recently Mike and his team partner logged 9th, 10th and 12th finishes in the 2024 Texas Team Trail Series ending the year in 17th over all out of over 300 teams. If you would like to book a trip, reach out to Mike.
Dylon Lyons – Ambassador
Bio here
Jeffrey Margaritondo – Ambassador
Bio here
Matt Reed – Ambassador
Former Elite angler and national MLF Tour fisherman Matt Reed is an integral part of the Sawgrass family and has been in the Sawgrass fold since day one. Sawgrass is proud to announce his promotion to National Field Staff Lead. Matt’s role as Field Staff lead is just a formality. Matt has been communicating with our pros and refining our builds based on the feedback of our excellent field staff.
When he is not tournament fishing, Matt spends his months in South Texas on Lake Falcon. He is recognized as one of the best deep water and offshore structure bass fishermen in the world.
Reed said “Sawgrass’s work with contact fishing rods is really second to none. The XH BDA 776-1 OS/S-C rod has become my go to. Often, I put the boat on the trailer and realize I have only fished one model all day. The 7’7” XH! Sawgrass listens and delivers.”
Fishing is a passion here at Sawgrass and we are proud to have Matt leading a critical portion of our business.
“Matt is an excellent fisherman and a better person. I can’t pick a better representative for Sawgrass. Plus, it gives me another excuse to head South and fish with Matt on Falcon”, said Sawgrass founder Greg Zwernemann.
Phone: 936.348.0640