A Portland Odyssey: Stolen Van, Lost Hope, and a Police Discovery for Canadian Fishing Vendors

Imagine traveling hundreds of miles, crossing an international border, all in pursuit of your passion and livelihood. That's precisely what Rod Toth and Paul Clark, Canadian fishing tackle vendors, did, arriving in Portland to showcase their wares at the bustling Pacific Northwest Sportsmen's Show. Their mission? To connect with fellow anglers and sell their high-end gear. Then, boom – overnight on a seemingly ordinary Thursday, their world was turned upside down. Their van, the very heart of their mobile business, was simply gone, vanished from the Embassy Suites parking lot near the Portland International Airport.

This wasn't just any van, you see. It was their lifeline. Inside, packed meticulously, was their entire inventory – a collection of specialized fishing tackle valued at a staggering "tens of thousands of dollars." But the loss extended far beyond the reels and lures. Their personal belongings, crucial passports, and even their hard-earned cash were all swept away in one fell swoop. The theft wasn't just a financial blow; it was a devastating personal one, threatening their ability to conduct business, travel, and even continue their journey home.

Just as despair might have been setting in, a glimmer of hope appeared on the horizon early Friday morning. Officer Jeff Pontius of the Portland Police Bureau, sharp-eyed and dedicated, spotted a familiar-looking vehicle. Lo and behold, there it was – the stolen van, found on Southeast 146th Avenue and SE Lincoln Street. What a sight that must have been for the officers, knowing they were potentially solving a major headache for someone!

Now, let's be clear: it wasn't a perfect Hollywood ending where everything was restored untouched. Toth himself described the van as being "a bit trashed," and indeed, many of their valuable lures and reels had vanished, likely already sold off or discarded by the thieves. But crucially, some core business essentials, like those vital display fixtures that make their booth functional, were still inside. It was a partial victory, yes, but a victory nonetheless, preventing total ruin.

Despite the significant financial hit and the obvious distress, a palpable wave of relief washed over Toth and Clark. Both men were just overwhelmed with gratitude – not just for the quick and effective work of the Portland Police Bureau, but also for the sheer outpouring of support from the local community. It's a testament to their spirit and resilience that, even after such a disheartening experience, they still showed up at the Sportsmen's Show. They might have been missing a good chunk of their stock, but their determination to be there and connect with the fishing community remained unbroken.