ECM Outfitters

05/18/2026

Hello all – it has been a while since our last post, but we have ben busy at the outfitters. We have been planning trips, acquiring new equipment and doing a bit of testing. Today, is a trip review. We set up these trips 6-9 months in advance, and this trip was to fish the famous San Juan River in Navajo Dam, NM. Getting there is easy fly into Durango, Co. (45 min drive). We posted up at the right on the river. They have nice cabins with a sink and a fridge for your cold beer, and ice for your post fishing bourbon streamside on the porch as our porch looked out on the river. BUT WE WENT THERE FOR THE FAMOUS SAN JUAN TROUT!!!!!!!! Our guides Pat and BigMac did not disappoint. We were constantly chasing and catching 18”-24” browns and bows and put plenty in the boat with the occasional double HOOK UP. Excellent guides that are top notch all day with door-to-door service. In the evening the food is excellent – Grilled Ribeye w/ steamed vegetables, oven baked Chicken breast on a beautifully prepared bed of rice, etc. The guys at the have this “FLY FISHING THING” dialed in. Thank you for a great trip.

Stay tuned next week, when I review the Bauer RVR used on this trip!! :-)

Special thanks to -

03/18/2026

With Krieghoff International, Inc. – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉 Love the Fit, finish and balance of one the worlds great shotguns!!!!

02/11/2026

REVIEW TIME - We are reviewing the R.L. Winston Polarized fishing glasses. I have not done a review in a couple of weeks as I have been putting these glasses through the "ringer". I wanted to wear them for a while as when I purchased them I noticed that they have a little bit of heft to them and was concerned. NO FEAR - the finish is smooth, glasses are tight and UNBELIEVABLY comfortable right from the time you put them on. The lenses are a dark brown and use lightweight polarized triacetate cellulose (TAC) lenses with excellent optics. The brown is excellent for bright sunny to bright cloudy conditions. The polarization and clarity on these glasses is one of the best I have ever owned, even better that the "ground to perfection" glasses I have purchased over the years. THANK YOU for some of the best sunglasses I have ever owned.

ON SALES NOW - These sunglasses can be purchased at https://winstonsunglasses.com/

Special thanks to -

01/08/2026

Hi All - Winter is upon us. Cold weather gear and the winding down of the hunting season. :-(
DON'T BE SAD!!!!! - This gives us time to hone our skills on the clays course and work with new individuals who have the same affinity for the clay and upland bird sports that we all do.
Did a little coaching today and will be tuning up for the Arizona State Sporting clays championships. Should be a good time to be with friends.
A few pics from today's coaching session.

Special thanks to:

12/29/2025

WELL, WELL, WELL – It is time to wrap up all the fun in 2025 with EACM Outfitters. There is just not enough space to write about everyone and everything, but I will say that whether it is fishing for big steelhead in Northern California, rainbow/brown trout in Montana and Colorado, tiny native Apache trout in Arizona or hunting ducks in Southern California and Dove in Argentina being with your close friends makes enjoying the outdoors that much sweeter. Thank you to all my friends and guides for making this all work. Here’s to a fun and adventurous 2026.

Special FISHING thanks to: -

Special HUNTING thanks to:

12/17/2025

Back to the "DUCK HUNTERS STAY WARMER SAGA" - BUT TODAY IS ABOUT GEAR!!! Let me just say that I am not here to disparage the Fly Fishing gear community - To the contrary - My sincere hope is to make somethings better. I love my gear for travel with clothing and waders/boots - Well made, well thought out and very durable.

But i digress - I have started using the blind bag as a travel fly-fishing gear bag and it is the best fly-fishing gear bag yet!!!!! and from a hunting company. Hmmmmmmmm......... https://www.drakewaterfowl.com/collections/men-wf-bags-packs-blind-bags/products/large-blind-bag?variant=40441073729603
As you will notice from the pictures, this bag has all water-resistant pockets, see-through interior pockets to keep all your fishing accoutrements, map pockets/license pockets, large interior space to organize multiple fly boxer/reels. ( I use the Plano 3500 to organize bulk flies) https://www.purefishing.com/products/stowaway-3500?_pos=1&_sid=54febcfdb&_ss=r
Side pockets for sunscreen/first aid/SUNGLASSES. Front pockets for your leader wallets. I have put this bag through the ringer before writing this review - It has been thrown around, smashed, tied to the top of a car, etc.... High quality bag for sure!!!! This drake bag just fits the bill without breaking the bank at $84.99.

Hope you like this review. Please follow me for more reviews.

Special thanks to -

12/16/2025

Hello All - Well finished our last trip of the calendar year here. What a great hunt with my favorite son-in-law Steven Dawson and one of his buddies from the . The hunting was a bit slow, but we bagged a few on a beautiful day. Can't think of a better way to spend a Saturday. THANKYOU STEVEN AND ELIJIAH FOR A WONDERFUL TRIP!!!!!!

Remember "DUCK HUNTERS STAY WARMER"

Special thanks to -
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12/01/2025

Simms Stocingfoot Waders – Freestone Z Review - Now for an OVERDUE BREAK in the "Duck Hunters stay Warmer" Saga – Let’s review Stocingfoot Waders – Freestone Z – Yessir these are the one’s with the zipper!!!! For us guys when it is really cold, wet or rainy or all 3 - having that zipper for recycling beer is a god send.:-) What else is there – Am I right here!!!!!!

Quick Plug about the reviewer - This is never about tooting my own horn, but I have been a happy customer of Simms waders for 32+ years and have never been disappointed, especially now. In my long term experience with Customer service, friendliness and fairness were a 10/10 when it was family owned and is still 10/10. Thank you!!!!!!

Well – Quick Assessment - Simms Stocingfoot Waders – Freestone Z - BADASS - The quality of these waders at a $550 msrp is simply well worth the money. High quality, durable zipper, tapped and welded seams and thick neoprene stocking feet for ultimate comfort, heavy duty suspenders that will not stretch out, warm front hand pockets, 2 front zippered pockets and a belt loop in the back so you don’t lose your wading belt and I could go on.

Now let’s go through Comfort, performance, price and overall. Here we go – let’s break it down:

Comfort - The Simms Stocingfoot Waders – Freestone Z couldn't be more comfortable. These are EASY in/out waders – no struggling to get the feet in/out or the waders pulled up. These waders have extra room where you need it. The knees and butt provide 0 restriction of movement and relieve pressure on the seams. The waterproof zipper is “really waterproof” and works great when it is time to recycle those beers without getting undressed like in traditional waders. Additionally, the roominess provides plenty of room for warm layers in REALLY cold conditions.

Performance - Men's Freestone® Z Waders - Stockingfoot were leveraged on multiple fishing trips, but they got the biggest workout on the Trinity River for both a Drift Boat and wading application. Water temps in the low 40's, air temps in the high 30's. I have never been drier, warmer or more comfortable due to the design of these waders and integrated zipper😊. THANK YOU .

Price Point - MSRP $550 - Worth it for this kind of quality, comfort and performance.

Overall (1-10) - 9 - Rationale. This is a well thought out, versatile, high-performance wader at decent price point. I am giving it a 9 because I wish I could affrord the Men's G4Z Waders - Stockingfoot. LOL

Special thanks to -

11/25/2025

We are going to make a minor change - The continuing series of "Duck Hunters stay Warmer" is now becoming a Saga :-) - Now for another review of warm gear from The Core Merino 102 LS Crew as a base layer. Continuing with the working theory that Duck Hunters (me being one) know how to stay really warm, let's keep moving fwd with applying\\not apply this technology to fly-fishing? So how is it going? - So far so good.

Well - quick recap - Core Merino 102 LS Crew as a base layer - BAAAADAAAAAAAASS.

Now let's get serious on the Core Merino 102 LS Crew.

Comfort - As with all of the we have reviewed this base layer top couldn't be more comfortable. EXTREME light weight that reminds me of a sun shirt and not a base layer. I have experienced Warmth in the mid 30's and wicking after a long day hiking the fields for pheasants. Why do I mention wicking - Well friend - wicking is critical to pull perspiration away from the body after exertion so as not to get chilled we you slow down. remember this is a base layer so the warmth is there, but breezy condition will require another layer.

Performance - Fished and hunted with this shirt as a stand alone and under a mid-layer. I couldn't have been warmer or more comfortable. The freedom movement, flat seams (no Irritation), thumb holes in the sleeves for layering and exceptional light weight make this the base layer top an absolute go to for me.

Price Point - MSRP $90 - The price is a tad high in my humble opinion but spending a couple of extra bucks for this quality, comfort and performance is money well spent.

Overall (1-10) - 9 - Rationale. This is a well thought out, versatile, high performance base top, but gets a 9 due to price.

There you have it folks - The Sitka Core Merino 120 LS Crew mens base layer top.
https://www.sitkagear.com/products/core-merino-120-ls-crew/optifade-subalpine
Thanks to -

Stay comfortable and undetected in the Core Merino 120 LS Crew. Our lightest merino baselayer, it's perfect for early season hunts and mobile hunters. Its ultralight merino wool blend regulates temperature and naturally resists odor.

11/21/2025

Well, Well, Well - from a crazy good steelhead trip to bagging some Pheasants. Iowa never disappoints when it comes to knocking a "few tasty treats" out of the sky and Cali for a yummy fish or two. I can't really say enough about being friends with these fellas. The camaraderie, common interests and sparring is spectacular. These friends are a gift from God!!!!! Thank you all for two awesome trips!!!!!!

Special thanks to -

11/13/2025

I have had a few folks ask for instructions on the Rod holders - Thank you for your interest. Here are some helpful instructions.

You need the follows tools and parts.

Tools - Dremel, Heat gun and drill w/ 1/4 bit

Supplies:
PVC Glue
4ft - 3/4in PVC
4 - 3/4in PVC T's
4 - 3/4 ni***es
3ft - 3/16 bungee
2 - bungee balls
4 - 1/4 20 x 2in bolts
4 - 1/4 20 nuts w/ nylon inserts
2 - 1/4 clevis pins w/ pins
2 - harbor freght 85lbs suction cups (https://www.harborfreight.com/4-23-in-85-lb-dual-suction-cup-lifter-59689.html)

How to: remove 1/3 of bottom (long section) PVC T with Dremel long ways, File out the raised lip inside the T so that the entire ID of the T is flush.
Place over the handle of the suction cup and use your heat gun to fit the T to the handle. Drill your 1/4 holes through the PVC and Handle and attach. (do not over tighten as this can warp the top of the T.
Cut a 2" connector piece of the PVC and attach the top T with glue (No mods required) Do not glue the bottom as you will drill 1/4 holes through the bottom T and connector for the clevis pins to insert. This allows you to break down the Rod holder for Storage.
Cut 2 - 7" pieces of the 3/4 PVC and glue to the top T.
Drill 1/4 holes in the ni***es. On one side of your T make a small loop with the bungee and push through. On the other side cut approx. 5" of bungee knot on end and push through ni**le and the other end put on your Bungee ball/stopper and knot that in - You can use this to adjust the tension on your bungee - You do not need to glue these ni**le connections.
There you have it. I hope this helps. Please follow me at ECM outfitters