The MEND Fly Fishing Podcast

Episode 102 - Espiritu Santo Bay Deep Dive: Tail End Lodge, Permit & Tarpon

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.

Episode 101 - Muddy Water Blues w/ Shop Manager Bob

The river’s running high after heavy runoff and full reservoirs, forcing guides and anglers to find alternative fisheries. The hosts discuss current river conditions, predictions for an exceptional dry-fly summer, and recent outings to lakes for bass and lahontan trout.They also cover gear prep, fly-tying, youth programs, upcoming events (Reds Rendezvous on May 30 and a tying class on April 16), and distant trips to Mexico—plus practical tips for fishing local ponds and planning future trips while the water settles.

Episode 100 - Adventures You Need to Know About with Jon Covich

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.

Episode 99 - Backyard Fisheries with Josh Potter // Tuesday's Tippets

Joe Rotter and longtime pal Josh Potter reenact a classic spring-creek trip, sharing tactics for tightline nymphing, streamer work, and using New Zealand-style yarn indicators in windy, gin‑clear water.
The episode mixes technical instruction—leader setups, cider material, long casts and stripping—with storytelling about a 25‑mile roadless backpack-fishing documentary, nostalgic memories, and finding joy in small, lesser‑known backyard fisheries.
They close with seasonal hatch notes for North Idaho cutthroat waters and encourage listeners to explore and protect their own favorite local streams.

Episode 98 - 3 Weeks of Fishing in Christmas Island and a Tough Trout Creek

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/
 
 

Episode 97 - George Cook. Spey Revolutions, Sage Rod Lore & Alaska Kings

Host Joe Rotter is joined by George Cook, longtime industry pro and guru of all things fly. Roger Shearer of Red's Fly Shop joins Joe and George and they dive into fishing lore, covering the new Sage ARROW rod, decades of Sage rod development, and the evolution of Spey lines and techniques.
They share Alaska guiding memories, big-fish trip plans (kings, pike, bass, stripers and reds), vintage rod stories, and how modern gear changed the game.
 
Connect with Red's :
Email: staff@redsflyshop.com
Phone: (509) 933-2300
Instagram: / redsflyshop
Facebook: / redsflyshop
Shop Online: https://redsflyfishing.com/

Episode 96 - Subway to Super Spey. Deschutes, Carp, & More w/ Jeremiah Houle

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/
 

Episode 95 - Coached by "The General" Jason Randall // Was I Even Nymphing Before?

On this episode of the MEND Podcast recorded at Red’s Fly Shop, hosts and guests (notably Jason Randall and TFO’s Nick Conklin) share a full day on the river focused on tightline/euro nymphing. The group breaks down practical coaching, leader setups, and when to choose tightline over indicators.
They cover key techniques like back-roll (roll-jig) animation, controlling sink rate and fly descent, stalling/inverting the sighter, and staying tight to the fly from the cast to catch eager strikes. Subtle rod-tip movement and intentional presentation are emphasized throughout.
The episode also touches gear and testing—TFO prototype rods, leader builds, and fly choices—plus takeaways for anglers wanting to fish pressured waters more effectively.
Bottom line: be intentional, practice tight connections and subtle animation, and use descent and leader choices to improve your nymphing success.
 
Connect with Red's :
Email: staff@redsflyshop.com
Phone: (509) 933-2300
Instagram: / redsflyshop
Facebook: / redsflyshop
Shop Online: https://redsflyfishing.com/

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.