Puff Junkie
Been a Puff Junkie (somebody that wears Puff / Down everyday during the fall-spring season), having layers of Puff for my upper and lower body. I have an addiction to these types of insulation and thus buy a few new layers of puff every year.
Even though Patagonia has the best return policy in the industry for their clothing, I still have clothing that has worn out it’s welcome. I wanted to recycle a few. Europe has a very cool recycling program for down (video below), that Patagonia is already using. I couldn’t find a similar program so far here in the USA. But Patagonia would take my old layers and make sure they are recycled, if I simply mailed them to Patagonia. If you are a Puff Junkie address to Patagonia below, to recycle your garments.
How to Recycle Patagonia Garments
Patagonia products for recycling, and the process is easy. While they encourage you to find a new home for any garments or items that are still useable, any Patagonia product that has reached the end of its useful life may be sent back to them to be recycled or repurposed. Simply wash the items first and use one of the following collection methods:
1. Mail them to the Patagonia Service Center at
Patagonia Service Center
8550 White Fir Street
Reno, NV 89523-8939
2. Drop them off at the Patagonia Retail Store nearest you or at a participating Patagonia dealer – ideally, while you’re running other errands, to reduce environmental impact.
Please note: Recycling your old clothes is voluntary. If you choose to recycle, you’ll gain the satisfaction of knowing that your old Patagonia clothing will not end up in a landfill or an incinerator.
Updated Design and New Colors
- A new color of Digital Camo Mangled Fly Hat is now in stock. The popular Sand Digital Camo from this summer has a new partner. The New color has a little green in the design and is overall a dark shade.
- Also added a different design to the Stocking Cap. Went with the classic logo now. We still have both the Fish Hook Design and Now the Classic Logo in stock. Both stocking caps/ beanie’s are the same fleece lined stocking caps, that is one of the warmest stocking caps that I’ve worn. With Mother Nature looking like she is going be playing business this winter, make sure you stay warm when you head out.
New Issue of This is Fly
If you have a few extra minutes, make sure to check out the new issue of This is Fly. Grant Wiswell is the featured photographer, I have fished with Grant a few times and besides being a great guy, he is a bad a$$ photographer. You will not be disappointed with his images from Bikini Atoll.
Patagonia: Yvon Chouinard Podcast
How I built This with Guy Raz interviews Yvon Chouinard from Patagonia
In 1973, Yvon Chouinard started Patagonia to make climbing gear he couldn’t find elsewhere. Over decades of growth, he has implemented a unique philosophy about business, leadership and profit.
Of course my favorite part is his explanation of fishing “one fly”, and how focusing and using his knowledge he caught more fish than he ever has. He explains that one of the hardest things to do is to simplify your life.
Beat the Bottle – Protect Michigan’s Rivers and Streams
If Michigan’s government wanted to send over 200,000,000 gallons of our precious spring water to another part of the country would you be for that? What if that water was coming from a key aquifer that feeds the Muskegon river system? That’s exactly what Nestle would like to do. A current proposal under consideration by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) is requesting “a large quantity increase” in extraction from the company’s Evart, Michigan facility. In case you’re wondering what a “large quantity” is, Nestle is seeking a nearly 300% increase in the volume of water it extracts (Source: Detroit Free Press). If the Southwest were trying to take our water to alleviate drought, there would be public outrage. But if you want to come in and extract it into 16 ounce bottles – SURE, c’mon in! Oh, and the cost to Nestle for this? Only $200. Yep, you read that right.
The DEQ has said studies show that the aquifer can more than support this increase. Although it did so after deciding to overrule the computer model that said that this withdrawal could adversely effect the Muskegon river watershed (Source: Mlive). Not to mention that Nestle’s chief spokesperson, Deb Muchmore is married to Governor Rick Snyder’s former Chief of Staff (who is now a registered lobbyist). Smell funny to you?
Normally, we stay out of politics here on Mangled Fly, but this one’s important. This is an issue that impacts anyone who fishes or enjoys our rivers. The Muskegon is Michigan’s longest river, and holds trophy steelhead, trout, smallmouth bass, and much more. It’s time we stood up to Nestle, and its insider trading with our State government. And you have a chance to do exactly that.
First, please send an e-mail to the Michigan DEQ voicing your opposition to this proposal (details here). E-mail can be addressed to: deq-eh@michigan.gov. Be outraged. Be logical. Be candid. But please take the time to weigh in on this issue. Protect Michigan’s waters, both for today and for future generations.
Beyond this, please consider voting with your wallet. Did you know that in 2107 for the first time bottled water consumption is expected to exceed soda consumption? According to Beverage Marketing, via USA Today, in early 2017 this will happen. We suggest not buying bottled water from any of Nestle’s 300 brands (complete list here). Beyond that, consider your consumption of any bottled water. Sure, sometimes it’s convenient, but purchasing a water bottle or two and refilling from the tap reduces demand. And, without demand, Nestle will turn its attention elsewhere.
New Mangled Fly Sweatshirt & Hat
Two New Items just added to the Shop Area make sure to check them out.
New Mangled Fly Zip-up Sweatshirt! This is one of the softest sweatshirts that I’ve ever worn. From the same company that did our Muskie T-shirt. If you have purchased the Muskie T, you know that soft feel that I’m talking about. The Zip-Up Sweatshirt has been a request of years, and we finally found the correct sweatshirt to put the Mangled Fly Logo on. This is a great sweatshirt for brisk mornings out fishing, or just a cozy sweatshirt that allows you the comfortable working around the house.
- Back in Stock but with a New Logo, is the popular Digital Camo Hat. We went classic Mangled Fly Logo on this run of hats, and think they turned out great!
Late Fall and Early Winter Steelhead Fishing
- Late Fall / Early Winter steelhead fishing is off to a great start make sure to check out the Manistee River steelhead report, with strong winds and some much need precipitation this past week steelhead were on the move. Along with the Mansitee River, another great tailwater to fish this time of year is the Muskegon River. Both rivers offer great steelhead fishing the month of December .
Muskegon River Steelhead Underwater – Pic of the Day
Amazing image by Kevin Fenestra, of a Muskegon River Steelhead. Hand model is Erik Rambo, great fish guys!
Streamer Fishing article with Russ Maddin
Great article about steamer fishing featuring good friend and fellow guide Russ Maddin. Russ, shares a few of this beliefs about streamer fishing. Check out this article, it will help you become a better streamer fisherman. NO matter the species you chase, from brown trout to muskie.
Booking Smallmouth Trips on Traverse Bay
Grand Traverse Bay Smallmouth Bass