Currents

Release 018: Angling Essentials - Then & Always

Jun 26, 2025

∙ Paid

I know for a fact there are some vintage fly fishing purists out there. The kind of folks who only wear old gear, and fish with vintage tackle. I respect it. I even wish I could be one of them.

But the truth is, I use new gear.

Do I wear vintage hats, shirts, and jackets? Of course. Do I own a couple of old reels I’ll never part with? Absolutely. But when I’m on the river, it’s usually a mix, some old, some new. Let’s be honest: when it starts raining, there’s no beating a modern Patagonia Swiftcurrent wading jacket.

I still love flipping through old Orvis, Filson, Patagonia, and L.L. Bean catalogs looking for the next vintage grail. And when I do, I notice something, some of that old gear just works. It holds up. In a lot of cases, it’s still better than what’s out there today. So here’s a list of vintage fishing items worth keeping an eye out for.

Patagonia

Patagonia - Shortie Fishing Vests
Perfect for deep wading and comfort.

Patagonia - Vented Broadbill Hat
Sun protection is so essential on the water. These do the job in the warm days while keeping you cool.

Patagonia - SST Jacket
Made for the days that could be ruined without them. Keeps you dry and warm when the conditions are harsh. These rival the new Swiftcurrent.

Patagonia - Synchilla Snap T
This is a Patagonia staple. I own a couple of these and they are the quintessential insulation layer on chilly mornings. I never go on a trip without mine.