Minnow,
I found a new boot that you might like. It will go with your flip flops. You could wear these when you bend your next prototype rod. Even better, you could wear them on the deck of the Big E when the deckhands are washing it down. Bring that reel on that Cinco trip and I'll have Mrbill put it to the test.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ESPRIT-PRINTOUCH...QQcmdZViewItem