Other than a clean slate, about the only parts of inventory I can deal with are searching out the Trinity Fly Shop’s attic while tallying back stock. For some strange reason, I always seem to discover rare, weird, sometimes cool, misplaced, lost and or forgotten items hiding in the dusty nooks and crannies; attic treasures. This year I didn’t let anyone down and would like to share with you the following oldies and timeless goodies.

Seal Dry Waders – during the 70-s and early 80’s simply the “in” wader to have and complimented year round fishing conditions was the Seal Dry wader; a one piece pure latex rubber wader that was comfortable, allowing plenty of underclothing and came in S-M-Lg.-XL-XXL sizing. No need for king/portly/long sizes, the unique latex material stretched to fit the mold. They also came in 50’s (most popular) regular thickness retailing for 39.95 and 100’s, extra thick retailing for 69.95. Other than the occasional stench from the latex absorbing sweat and other nasty’s Seal Drys also packed well for travel. As for durability they were a strange wader. Regardless of their thickness, you either got lucky and wore them for a long time, with the occasional bicycle latex patch to heal the wounds, or ripped them right off the get go. I vividly remember, leaving the Greased Line Fly Shop, Vancouver Wa., with my good friend and fishing partner Roy Pearson after purchasing a new pair of 50’s, in route to sneaking into the Red Zone of the Kalama R.. (Before Mt. St. Helens blew, the upper river was closed to the public) NOT! We rigged rods and suited up. Stoked, we had the “Fly Waters” to ourselves; we were ready for action until Roy stood up from the old windfall and yelled— SHIT! What the Hell? Right out of the box, Roy had caught them on the timber, tearing the entire ass out of the waders and transforming them into an unsightly set of latex chaps. Most anyone who seriously fished was also victim to a set of short term latex. In the event anyone is interested the Trinity Fly Shop currently inventories three sizes; memories priceless, sale price, let’s talk.

ANGLER-The Western Fisherman’s magazine. Found a box full! During the same era, Angler mag was a highly regarded periodical (published-Early Spring-Late Spring-Summer-Fall-Winter) that was one of the very best sources for local fishing reports, information, articles (highlighted with great photography) all blending together for a great read. Based in Oakland, editor Ed Ow, maintained a solid, reputable staff that included: Dan Blanton, Marty Seldon, Nick Curcione, Larry Green, Mike and Christie Fong, Ken Morrish, Abe and Angelo Cuanang , Bill Rhodes, Jim Freeman and others. Popular columns were Jim Freeman’s up-to-date “Ca. Fishing reports” Ken Morrish’s “Old Timer” as well as Conservation Alerts, occasional tributes and of course exciting featured articles by Jim Rizzuto, John Gierach, Bill Rusk, Ed Hinke, Louis Bignami, Jack Ellis, Chiyo Sagara and numerous others including a few by myself. Ed filled a long time void and produced a great publication that had a positive impact on anyone that fished—You eagerly looked forward to your next issue. Anyone wanting to step back in time, a stack of Anglers is in the shop for you and your friends to reminisce.

Irish Crusher – Stylish, easily shaped, warm, sunshield and good luck lid, the Irish Crusher was a popular fishing hat that also complimented the 60’s-70 and 80’s. What was so cool about this hat was how one style could look so different on other faces. Appearance varied from serious and conservative to debonair, European, what the, funky and whatever anyone intended it to look like. Anyway, like other software’s, hang around long enough and they usually recycle. In case anyone is interested in a new fishing hat with style, we are sitting on about a doz…

Currently, we are getting a solid pounding with some long needed rains and snow in the high country. It is just what the Doc ordered and key to activating our winters runs. As of this post, the upper Trinity is fishable and holding while the lower river below the North Fork is up and out. We should experience winter steel in a week or so if they maintain a full on charge. More rain is forecasted, wow sounds rather strange after a three month dry run, so for current conditions contact your local source—Trinity Fly Shop (530) 623-6757…