Mandatory pilgrimage

On May 30^th I packed my bags and headed across the North Atlantic. 18 hours and a few plane changes later I was in Oslo, Norway where I met up with resident friends Jeff Leopold and Ole Wilmann. The first objective was to get to a small cabin along the Stordal River and usher in Atlantic salmon season. In order to accomplish that it would still require a 6 hour drive from Oslo over the Norwegian high country, a ferry ride to the Fosen peninsula and then more driving, but the possibility of catching the regal chrome fish transformed the lengthy trek into a mandatory pilgrimage. At our destination cabin we met up with Egil Wilmann who was waiting for us with steaming hearty sodd, aquavit and cool beers. For the next couple of days we two handed flies through the beautiful pools of this river.

Now those of you who chase this fish know that there are no guarantees when it comes to catching Atlantic salmon and in this trip’s case, relatively warm conditions combined with low water stacked the deck in favor of the fish. We had tide and water temperature as our trump cards. It’s a hard game no matter what, especially when you only have a few days. Skill and luck are always tested and big winners are few. I always set my expectations on this mantra, “It only takes one”.

We did manage to coax fresh silver blue torpedoes to take our Leopold tied Jock Scott variations (Ole’s favorite fly for this river). A few small sea trout (pictured above) found themselves deceived as well. During our long and mostly sleepless sessions we tested new waders and features, a variety of packs, a new soft shell shirt and a host of current styles including R2 Jackets, Insulator Pants, Riverwalker Boots, the Guidewater Jacket and more. It was also a chance to see some new product line coloration in this environment. Great session, great place and really great people….but it was time for part II of my trip.

The later half of this excursion was the fixed point and the real purpose behind my travel. It was time to head to Annecy, France for the Patagonia Spring 2009 EU Sales Meeting. I was a bit nervous but was looking forward to it since getting the nod to attend. I would get a chance to present the Patagonia Fishing category to our hard core representatives from a wide variety of countries in their neck of the woods. It would also be a chance to hang with my team members on an “away game” level. Needless to say it was awesome. The presentations, company, food, accommodations, organization and activities (which included Dragon boating and Sumo wrestling) were all commendable. I’m looking forward to next time already as a mandatory pilgrimage.

Photos by El Pescador

Guidewater Jacket

I wanted to post a bit more detail on this new jacket since comments have been generated. Here's copy that Dylan Tomine (pictured right) penned for this style, "Pounding into the teeth of a Nor’Easter or swinging tips through the deluge, the Guidewater Jacket keeps you fishing comfortably long after other anglers have headed for the barn. This jacket combines our best knowledge of fabrics, design and technology to create a full-featured piece of angling equipment. Waterproof/breathable, 3-layer stretch nylon along with a longer cut make this the shell of choice for skiff, bayboat and jet sled guides. The ergonomically placed pockets and custom, dual-density “fish pulls” (which vastly improve waterproof reverse-coil zipper function) put everything you need at your fingertips. Tuck-away hood won’t flap in the wind. The brushed-fleece lined collar and handwarmer pockets provide decadent comfort. More fishing-specific details include: glued-in waterproof zippers; mesh pockets, waterproof interior pocket, glued on exterior pocket, zinger/tool daisy chain; rod holder; forceps/glasses loop; modified Stretch Coat cuffs."

Topher Browne (pictured below) has been testing the piece and had this to say about the GWJ, "I tested the new Guidewater Jacket in some particularly nasty conditions during the late Fall in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia (sub-freezing air temperatures, driving rain/snow while standing in a 42-degree F. river). The jacket performed flawlessly and gets a major thumbs up."

Photos courtesy of Dylan Tomine and Rene Braun

Guidewater Duffle

I've been meaning to circle back on some questions that came up in past comments about new gear. One question was about an angler-inspired duffle bag. Here is some workbook copy and pictures for you to review.

Whoever said getting there is half the fun obviously wasn’t dealing with dripping waders, muddy boots or current airline restrictions. Whether you’re traveling by truck, skiff, floatplane or jetliner, the Guidewater Duffle makes hauling gear easy. This new design is a more technical version of our original Wet/Dry Gear Bag with a welded waterproof dry compartment and breathable/drainable mesh side. The coated, floating baffle separates wet and dry gear, so your wading boots won’t soak your “coming home” shirt. Tough dual-coated fabric, high-airflow mesh, water-resistant zippers and rod tube attachment points combine to create the ultimate angler’s duffle. Better yet, both sizes (reg. and large) meet domestic airline carry-on requirements, eliminating worries of arriving waderless. So maybe getting there can be, shall we say, a quarter the fun?

Let me know what you think. I'll try to address the Double Haul changes in a future post too.

Top photo by Rene Braun

Product shots by Steve Swartzendruber

Copy by Dylan Tomine