Born and raised in a small town in Minnesota, professional angler Kayla Lockhart discovered her love of fishing at a young age. Over the years, her passion for fishing—especially fly fishing—kept growing. In 2015, she moved to the Pacific Northwest to explore new waters. Today, she is a trusted member of the Eddie Bauer community, and we were proud to partner with her while creating our Mendline Wading Jacket. We recently spoke with Kayla about what makes this jacket stand out and how it’ll change the game for women who love fishing.
How does the Mendline fill a need for women who fish?
The Mendline Wading Jacket was designed for women who love to fish and spend their time on the water, and it’s a game changer. Finally, women have a high-quality fishing jacket that offers protection and functionality while fitting comfortably and looking great. With its durable materials, practical features, and stylish design, this wading jacket is a must-have for any woman looking to elevate her fishing experience.
What are your favorite features on the Mendline?
My favorite features are hard to narrow down; the jacket offers so much! The fleece-lined hand warmers at the chest are perfect for those cold days swinging flies to winter steelhead, and the neoprene sleeve cuffs are great for those times when I have my hand submerged underwater (hopefully because I’m tailing a fish!). There’s even a tool holder where I can keep all my essentials in one location. And I can’t forget to mention the cleverly designed fly patch. The cover tucks into a small pocket, letting me add and remove flies quickly and with ease.
What advice would you give women who want to start fishing?
My best advice is to have FUN! The sport can be intimidating, especially as you learn about all the different flies and casting techniques. Enjoy the process, and don’t be afraid to contact your community and local fly shops for help. Remember, everyone was green at one point. With practice, you’ll get there!
Describe your ideal fishing day in five words or less.
That’s easy! Every day, I’m out there. Rain, sun, snow—any condition. If I have my dog by my side, it’s the ideal day for me.
You can only choose three products for a day on the river. What are they?
I’m a product and gear nerd, so that’s tough. If I had to narrow it down to just three, I’d start with my fly rod, of course—I can’t do much fishing without it! Next, I’d choose a net to ensure proper and safe fish handling. Finally, I’d choose my Mendline Wading Jacket. That way, I’m prepared for any weather, and all my tools and flies are where I need them to be.
