ECM Outfitters

08/31/2026

Redfish in Louisiana - Memories

08/31/2026

BADASS FISHING on the review table today!!!!!! Rojas Fishing Charters just outside of New Orleans took care of took care of my favorite son-in-law and me for some off-the-charts redfish fishing. I cannot take credit for this trip. My son in law set this up and it was amazing. We stayed in Jean Lefite, LA and the drive to Rojas Fishing Charters was exactly 10 min. :-) Early start to the day to get to the fish and then it was game on. Our Capatain "Captain Casey" worked his butt off, got us on plenty of fish from the get-go, but I don't want to sell Casey short as "just" a fishing guide - that dude is friendly and has a great sense of humor - The heckles started right from the start and did not disappoint. It is great/serious fishing, but I laughed and fished for 4 hours straight and had the best time.
We used their gear - Well maintained, Quality stuff. The charter location is top tier and the boats are like the fishing gear well maintained qaulity boats. These guys have it dialed-in!!!! Please - when you are in New Orleans, LA do yourself a solid - Eat some oysters and fish with these guys. I would go back again and again for the fishing and the comedy.

THANK YOU Rojas Fishing Charters FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE!!!!!!

Please read prior review on Simms Fishing Products drifter shoes for the new Simms product I tried out on this trip. :-)

Special thanks to -

08/25/2026

ALRIGHT - Let's get a review going. Today we review the Simms Drifter Water Shoes.
https://www.simmsfishing.com/products/drifter-fishing-shoe?variant=45722016547006

I have had these for a couple of months and wanted to put them through their paces before my review. So Lets get after it!!!!!

Quick Assessment
The drifter boat shoes are excellent. When you put these on you look and feel like THAT GUY on a $10K fishing trip that can afford this stuff!!!!!! LOL But for only $80 for boat shoes, wet wading shoes that will also slip on over your stocking foot waders. What the HECK!!!! GO GET A PAIR!!!!!!
Ergonomics
These bad boys are comfortable like Crocs (same kind of rubberized material, but firmer, have more arch support, better heel lock-in and a TINY bit of SEXY that allows to stand in a drift boat or wet wade ALL-DAY LONG without the usual foot fatigue.
Performance
I got nothin' here but superlatives. Outperforms all my other boat shoes in comfort, support, quick dry times and walkability!!
Price Point
MSRP: $80
Is it expensive? Nope - Especially for the comfort, quality and design.
Is it worth it? HECK YEAH!!!!!
For this level of quality, comfort and performance - the price feels justified.
Overall Score (1–10)
9/10
Why not a 10? a 10 would come with free dancing girls and a trophy steelhead. :-)
Bottom line: the Drifter wading shoes are well designed, versatile, high-performance shoe with superlative support, heel lock-in and durability - THANK YOU Simms Fishing Products
Suggestion - How about designing a pair with Studs. :-)

Special thanks to -

Ultra-light, ultra-comfortable, and built for the boat. With a water-friendly EVA upper and a non-marking gum rubber outsole, this shoe offers a secure fit and superior grip on boat decks. Designed for anglers who demand all-day comfort and solid footing, no matter where the water takes you.PG-14312

08/17/2026

HELLO ALL –

First off - I need to apologize for not posting in a while (or I dunno, maybe y’all are happier not being pestered!! LOL)!!! However, The outfitters have very been busy and as a result we have a lot of material to review in the coming weeks. I will spread it out so as not to dump it all on you at once, but we do have some great guide reviews and equipment reviews coming up.

So – for the post we are going to give a monster shout out to Fins and Feather Guide service in Bozeman Montana (flyfishingbozeman.com). We had a group of 4 and 3 of 4 were inexperienced fly fishermen, but accomplished angers. We were outfitted with 2 outstanding guides (Hannah and Sam). Fishing conditions were challenging due to the weather, but Hannah and Sam delivered (Did I say that they are engaged and a teeny, tiny, little bit competitive with each other!! LOL. This worked to our groups advantage. Sam and Hannah worked their butts off to outdo each and shared tips, flies, etc. – They have the best attitudes and are soooo much fun to fish with – Thank you both!!!!

Day 1 – Fished the Madison as the Yellowstone was closed due to high and stained water. The Madison did not disappoint!!!!! Although conditions were challenging, we still put a significant number in both boats. Sam says “Nobody likes a counter!!, but on day 1 between both boats I would have to guess no less that 30 quality fish (Bows, Cuttbows, browns and Cutty’s) and I mean quality fish in the boats.

Day 2 – Fished the Yellowstone as the Madison did not produce what we were looking for – Boo Hoo right. PLEASE accept my apologies for the lack of pics – the water was warm and quick releases were in order to protect the fish. The Yellowstone kicked A$$ again!!!!! I lost count on the fish count for our boat and the count and quality for both boats on Day 2 exceeded day1 – NO KIDDING!!!! High-quality fish, fast action and too much fun!!!!!!

I can’t say enough positive things about Fins and feather guide service (flyfishingbozeman.com). This outfitter makes them our service of choice when in the Liveingston, Bozeman, Montana area.

Special thanks to -

05/26/2026

WELL, WELL, WELL… it is review time again — the BAUER RVR 4/5.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend and took a moment to remember and give thanks to those who sacrificed so we can pursue our God-given freedoms without persecution. Thank you to all of our U.S. patriots and warfighters for everything you do!!!!!

The Review — Bauer RVR 4/5

Quick Assessment

The Bauer RVR 4/5 is an excellent reel with a fantastic drag system and SUPER SEXY aesthetics. The machining on both the frame and spool is absolutely top notch. Bauer really nailed the look and feel of this reel.

Ergonomics

The Bauer RVR 4/5 has no sharp edges and fits beautifully on a 4/5 wt setup. The reel is compact, not bulky, and comes in at 4.9 oz empty and 6.2 oz loaded with 100 yards of 20 # backing and an Airflo Superflo Max Ridge 2.0 Tactical Taper line.

This reel balances extremely well with both 9-foot and 10-foot 4/5 wt rods, creating a setup you can comfortably fish all day long without fatigue.

Performance

The drag on the Bauer RVR 4/5 is “butter smooth” — and I mean REALLY butter smooth at all times. Contrary to the published specs, you can fit 100 yards of 20 # backing on the spool. It gets just a tiny bit full, but I experienced no real hang-ups or performance issues.

The drag system also has plenty of stopping power for big fish when things get serious.

Price Point

MSRP: $750

Is it expensive? Yep.
Is it worth it? HECK YEAH!!!!!

For this level of quality, comfort, machining, and performance, the price feels justified.

Overall Score (1–10)

9/10

Why not a 10? a 10 would come with a winning Lottery Ticket

Bottom line: the Bauer RVR 4/5 is a well-thought-out, versatile, high-performance reel with premium looks and excellent fishability. If you’re looking for a lightweight reel with a phenomenal drag and beautiful machining, this one deserves a serious look.

Special thanks to -

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: