The MEND Fly Fishing Podcast

Joe Rotter gives a solo recap of a hectic guiding week: packing tips for an upcoming Espiritu Santo Bay trip, events (Reds Rendezvous on May 30 and a saltwater Q&A on May 6), and practical gear advice like lists, Ziplocs for tackle, lens care, and floatant recommendations. He summarizes recent Yakima River fishing—salmon fly and March Brown activity—shares tactics that worked (New Zealand rigs, hopper-droppers, deeper double-nymph approaches), coaching notes for improving angling skills, and teases a post-trip update after Mexico.

On this episode of the MEND Podcast Joe Rotter sits down with travel manager Eric Nickum, Steve Joyce and guide Cam Short to break down a trip to Espiritu Santo Bay and the Tail End Lodge. They cover fishing highlights — permit, tarpon, bonefish and grand slams — plus the surprise of sargassum, memorable guide tips, and standout catches from the week. The guests also walk through logistics (flights to Tulum, a long beach drive), rod and leader setups, lodge life and hospitality, and practical advice for anglers planning their own trip to this increasingly popular and exclusive fishery.

On this episode the MEND podcast welcomes world traveler and guide Jon Covich to discuss his 35-year career in the fishing industry, recent gear highlights (including the TNT Contact 3), and the hosted international trips he leads. John outlines the different trip styles, outfitter standards, and what makes each destination unique. The conversation covers a variety of fisheries and itineraries — Argentina’s Pira-Suinda Golden Dorado combo, Colombia’s Akuani and Black Sands programs, Brazil’s Rio Mariete, Bolivia’s Secure Lodge dorado experience, and Belize’s El Pescador tarpon week — plus practical notes on seasons, fitness demands, gear recommendations, and booking logistics.

In this episode, Eric Nickum, Bob Miller, and Joe Rotter sit down after each spending a full week fishing Christmas Island—but on different schedules, with different guides, different tides, and wildly different experiences. The crew compares notes on what worked, what surprised them, what they’d do again, and what they’d recommend for anyone heading to the island next season. From bonefish first‑timers to GT‑hunters, they break down real‑world tips that’ll help you get more out of your own trip. Along the way, Joe adds a side‑story detour about getting his butt kicked on a wild spring creek in Eastern Washington, sharing a few laughs and lessons learned the hard way. The result is part fishing report, part travel prep guide, and part storytelling session—delivered with the very real, very honest perspective that only comes from time on the water. Whether you’re booked for Christmas Island, thinking about it, or just love a good fishing story, this episode is packed with helpful nuggets, laughs, and the no‑nonsense candor these three are known for.   Connect with Red's : Email: staff@redsflyshop.com Phone: (509) 933-2300 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redsflyshop/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redsflyshop Shop Online: https://redsflyfishing.com/    

Jeremiah Houle joins the MEND podcast to share his 21‑year fly‑fishing journey from shop floor to guide to industry rep, plus event dates and insider gear talk. The episode covers his favorite flies and rods, guiding on the Deschutes and lakes, and a deep dive into carp fishing—tailing behavior, fly choices (crayfish, mussel patterns), presentation tactics, and recommended gear (weighted flies, 8‑weight rods, fluorocarbon, 12–20 lb leaders). Practical tips, hot‑seat Q&A, and the value of local fly‑shop mentorship round out a lively conversation for new and experienced anglers alike.   Connect with Red's : Email: staff@redsflyshop.com Phone: (509) 933-2300 Instagram: / redsflyshop Facebook: / redsflyshop Shop Online: https://redsflyfishing.com/  

Joe Rotter, Steve Joyce, Curtis Frisbie, Skyler Lancaster, Max Karns, and Eric Nickum recap recent saltwater trips to Crooked Island and Espiritu Santo Bay in Mexico, share fishing highlights (bonefish, permit, tarpon) and memorable moments from sportsman shows and upcoming Rendezvous events. They discuss gear and techniques — beads, poppers, leaders and sunglasses — guide tips, travel logistics, and how to book future trips and dates.

The hosts open with Red's Fly Shop news — upcoming shows, sold‑out Texas redfish dates and a local saltwater rendezvous — then recount a week in Patagonia with Patagonia Trout Outfitters with mixed fishing conditions, creative lodge pivots and memorable social moments. They cover fishing tactics (streamers, nymphs, padstone techniques), gear and packing advice, travel mishaps, mate culture and tips for couples and anglers planning similar trips. Interested in coordinating a trip here? Patagonia Trout Outfitters in Argentina — Red's Fly Shop Email joe@redsflyshop.com with questions or to set up a trip with Patagonia Trout Outfitters! 

Hosts Joe and Eric describe a quick, highly productive Redfish weekend at Bay Flats Lodge, sharing travel logistics, guide-led tips, and on-the-water highlights from two days of sight-fishing. The episode covers presentation techniques (gurglers, drag-and-drop, short strips), shallow-water sight-reading, gear and clothing recommendations, and why guided trips and provided gear make this an approachable fishery for newcomers and experienced anglers alike. Listeners get an inside look at the scenery, the lodge experience, and why a 4 day trip is recommended for maximum fishing and learning. Trip Info: Bay Flats Lodge Redfish Trips — Red's Fly Shop YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/i0Axyq1AKVM  

High school teacher Ryan Burch describes a year‑long solo journey to catch a fish in each of the lower 48 states, four months in and 10,000 miles traveled so far. He shares stories from the road—camping, local fly shops, standout fisheries like Henry’s Lake and the Madison, and close calls such as a tense encounter in Wisconsin. The episode covers gear and rig details, memorable people he’s met, lessons learned from guides, and the highs and lows of long‑term travel and fishing. Follow his project on Instagram at @TalesOfThe48 and expect more adventures through the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Joe Rotter ties a simple, fast nymph and walks through why he ties flies on short notice—how pattern choice supports fishing style, materials to use, and keeping flies light and effective. He also explains how tying your own flies increases focus and success on the water. The episode also covers fishing techniques that produced recent success: mono yarn tightline indicators for technical currents, jigging chartreuse mop flies and leech-style patterns in slow edges, short-line evening nymph rigs, and practical takeaways from guided trips and outings. Tight Line Indicator Rig:  https://youtu.be/gjWVUndhwTQ?si=7aj9v6XDoe1ow0G5  

Joe Rotter and Hayden Williams chat riverside about fishing this week and focus on the technical aspects of fishing the BWO hatch this past week. Tips and BS. Good stuff. Connect with Red's : Website: https://www.redsflyfishing.com YouTube Channel: Red's Fly Shop - YouTube Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redsflyshop/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redsflyshop Email: staff@redsflyshop.com Phone: (509) 933-2300

Joe and Shop Manager Bob deliver short, practical fall fishing advice for DIY anglers: observe the river and other fishermen, favor small BWO patterns (sizes 18–20), use yarn indicators and shorter nymph rigs, and avoid over-deep setups. Pre-rig rods and keep flies, tippet and tools organized so you can fish efficiently. The episode also shares shuttle‑peeping and wade vs. float tips, steelhead trip anecdotes, the value of humility and experimentation, and recommends soft hackles and focused strategies for October low-water fishing.   Connect with Red's : Website: https://www.redsflyfishing.com YouTube Channel: Red's Fly Shop - YouTube Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redsflyshop/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redsflyshop  Email: staff@redsflyshop.com Phone: (509) 933-2300