The MEND Fly Fishing Podcast

Episode 94 - ESB, Crooked Island, Shark Bites, and (6) Red's Guides Talking Salt Trips

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.

Episode 93 - Patagonia to the Bahamas and Things that Make Joe Sick

Welcome to the Mend Podcast with Joe Rotter, Eric Nickum and Jason Harwood. They recap trips to Patagonia (Estancia del Zorro and Cinco Rios) and Crooked Island, Bahamas, covering trout tactics (dry flies, beetles, caddis, streamers), sight fishing, gear choices, leader setups, sunglasses advice, and saltwater bonefish and permit experiences. The episode mixes trip stories, technical tips, and guide insights for anglers planning similar adventures.

Episode 92 - Patagonia, Marital Advice, and Stripping Pat's Stones

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! 

Episode 91 - Fly Lines Matter with Chris Walker of RIO

In this episode Joe Rotter talks with Chris Walker from RIO Products about matching fly lines to rods and fishing situations, how fly lines are manufactured, and the materials and design choices (microballoons, densities, welded loops) that affect performance.
They cover practical line recommendations for specific fisheries, temperature and taper considerations, line maintenance tips, and why choosing the right line can transform your casting and fishing.
 
 
Connect with Red's :
Email: staff@redsflyshop.com
Phone: (509) 933-2300
Instagram Fly Tying: / redsflyshop_tying
Instagram: / redsflyshop
Facebook: / redsflyshop
Shop Online: https://www.redsflyfishing.com

Episode 90 - Lonestar Redfish. Eric and Joe on a 2 Day Banzai Trip

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
 

Episode 89 - Company Outing - Steelhead, Poker, Chukar Hunt, and Fiddle Playin'

A group of Reds Fly Shop staff and industry friends head to the Snake River and Grand Ronde for steelhead swinging, Hell’s Canyon chucker hunting, jet-boat runs, and a chaotic poker tournament.
The episode covers gear and casting tips, favorite flies and setups, memorable catches and mishaps, and invites listeners to the Reds Rendezvous on May 2nd.
Connect with Red's :
Email: staff@redsflyshop.comPhone: (509) 933-2300 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/redsflyshop/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redsflyshop Shop Online: https://www.redsflyfishing.com

Episode 88: 48 Tales. One Man’s Quest to Catch Fish in ALL Lower 48 States.

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.

Episode 87 - Tightline Transformation: From Garage Casting to Competition Beats

Casual group podcast. Joe Rotter and Jason Harwood host Chris Waddle to discuss tightline nymphing, competitive angling, and the learning curve from backyard casting to mini-comps. They share personal fishing stories, gear choices, and why tightline techniques reveal more trout in close, pressured water.
Key takeaways include reading water and beats, changing depth before flies, maintaining contact with your nymphs, practical competition rules and strategies, and tips to get over the beginner hump with tightline nymphing.

Episode 86 - Tying Flies Morning of My Guide Trip. Jig, Drift, Hook: Yarn Indicators, Mop Flies, and Practical Fly Tips

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
 

Episode 85 - Blue-Winged Olive Bonanza: Small-Flies, Big Fish

Joe Rotter goes solo and covers a week of fishing highlights: a long-running blue-winged olive hatch, precise small-dry fly tactics with ultralight rods, and tips for slow hook sets. He also talks about jig streamers, a strong worm bite after rain, new Gray Watermaster Kodiaks at Red's, and the value of vintage and modern Sage rods.
Listeners get practical gear notes (sink-tip and single-fly rigs, New Zealand indicators), tying tips for squirmy worms, and advice for spotting and targeting pods of feeding fish during hatches.