Compleat Journal

Gear Review: The Simms Bugstopper Hoody

March 21, 2019 5 min read

As it warms up and we venture to our favorite spring fishing spots, we will undoubtedly encounter insects. Mosquitoes, gnats, and ticks are all up and moving this time of year and keeping them from biting is a priority of mine. Having seen the severe effects of Lyme Disease firsthand, I cannot impress upon you enough how important insect protection is. The BugStopper makes insect control as easy as it can possibly be. No sprays, no smelly chemicals, no “I left the bug juice in the car”. Just throw on the BugStopper and head out.

Gear Review: The Rio Scandi 3D Integrated Spey Line

March 13, 2019 5 min read

Scandi heads are a popular choice among many salmon and steelhead fisherman. They’re less heavy and aggressive than skagits, but more practical than mid or long belly lines, at least on most salmon rivers in North America. If you like fishing Rio’s regular Scandi Head you’ll enjoy fishing this one as well. The difference is that the 3D has an integrated, graduated sinking tip.

Gear Review: The Fishpond Switchback Belt System

March 05, 2019 5 min read

Every now and then, there is an item that comes out that just makes you stand back and think “hey, that’s smart!” Our team at the Compleat Angler had that very reaction to the Fishpond Switchback Belt System and so have many of our customers. This unassuming pack really has changed what should be expected in a hip pack. With an innovative design and Fishpond top-tier construction the Fishpond Switchback Belt System is a safe buy for anyone looking to get into the hip pack game. Here is our take on the new Switchback system.

Gear Review: The Fishpond Wind River Roll-Top Backpack

February 27, 2019 5 min read

Fishpond’s tackle systems, luggage, packs and waterproof series are consistently one of our top sellers. And we expect the Wind River Roll-Top Backpack to be no exception. This backpack as all the features you need for a comfortable day on the water whether you are fishing from a drift boat, flats boat, or on foot.

Gear Review: The Simms Freestone Ambidextrous Sling Pack

February 13, 2019 5 min read 1 Comment

It was only a matter of time before we saw a product like this introduced to the market. Making a sling pack interchangeable from left to right hand seems like it would be an obvious design feature and yet very few sling packs on the market have incorporated this type of flexibility. In a sport where one of the most famous personalities was named “Lefty” it seems like a bit of a head-scratcher that no one had adequately addressed the issue. Simms new Ambidextrous pack does exactly that.

Gear Review: The Galvan Torque Fly Reel

February 05, 2019 4 min read 1 Comment

In terms of quality and variety, there has probably never been a better time to purchase a fly reel. Yet with so many options on the market it can often be difficult to decide which reel to go with. Today, we’ll walk through one option that we’ve increasingly recommended to many of our customers, the Galvan Torque series.

Gear Review: Gulff UV Fly Tying Resins

January 31, 2019 5 min read

It’s an open secret that Gulff resin is one of the hottest materials out right now. It’s been getting a huge amount of attention on Instagram and has grown in popularity over the last few months with tyers clamoring to get their hands on this stuff. If you are wondering what all the fuss is about, here’s our take on this new material.

Holiday Gift Guide: 12 Great Fly Fishing Gifts Under $50

December 13, 2018 3 min read

Sometimes the best gifts come in small packages. And if you're looking for a stocking stuffer, or a gift for the angler that won't break the bank, we've got you covered. Check out these 12 gift ideas under $50.

Holiday Gift Guide: Gear for the Fly Tyer

December 13, 2018 4 min read

Fly Tyers are a special breed. It takes patience (oh so much patience), a little inventiveness, and creativity to be a great fly tyer. But many will tell you that it's one of the most rewarding and enjoyable parts of being an angler (to say nothing of keeping busy during the winter months). If you have a fly tyer on your list this year, check out the following gift ideas.

Holiday Gift Guide: Gear for the Saltwater Angler

December 05, 2018 10 min read

Saltwater anglers are a special breed. Maybe it's the fresh salt air, the unpredictability of wind and weather, or the hit-and-miss frenzy that comes with chasing pods of big fish. Regardless, there is one thing that they have in common - they do a number on their gear, putting it through some of the toughest conditions imaginable. No one wants to get on blitzing fish, or get into casting range of an elusive permit, and have an issue. But never fear - we've pulled together some of our absolute favorite items for the saltwater fisherman. If you're on the hunt for new gear or trying to find something for the saltwater angler in your life, look no further.

Holiday Gift Guide: Gear for the Trout Bum

November 21, 2018 7 min read

There is one in every family. Their waders are always damp. They disappear inexplicably for weeks on end during the spring and early summer. They're frequently muttering about "hatches" and strange latin words for bugs. They seem to always have odd bits of fur and feathers stuck to their clothes. You know the ones we're talking about: Trout Bums! If that sounds like someone you know, we've got you covered this holiday season. Below you'll find our gifting guide for the Trout Bum in your life.

Cold Weather Gear Guide

November 14, 2018 4 min read

Cold weather is here to stay, at least for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere (and if you are in the southern, say fishing in Patagonia, well good for you!). And while most of us trim back a bit on our cold weather fishing, there is no reason why you need to give it up completely. In fact you shouldn't. As long as you gear up appropriately, winter fishing can be fantastic, whether you are swinging for steel or coaxing winter trout. The key is layering and moisture management, using well-made products that make smart use of materials. Here are a few things to make you a little more comfortable out there this winter, products which we've used and recommend.

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