ECM Outfitters

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 -

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 -

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!!!!

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 -

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:

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:

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.

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