The MEND Fly Fishing Podcast

Episode 75 - Tuesday's Tippets with Steve Burns // Golden Trout, Steelhead, and Old Waders

Joe Rotter chats with guide Steve Burns about transitioning to fall fishing: dealing with smoky skies, adjusting tippet and flies for clearer, cooler water, and techniques from yarn indicators to small streamers. They share guiding tips for new anglers, spay-casting advice, and stories from the Sierras to Alaska.
Listeners get practical takeaways on leader and tippet choices, how to read fish behavior through drift and presentation, and when to switch strategies to find fish as the season changes.
 
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 

Episode 74 - Tactical Mends and Reading Water: Skyler’s Guide to Catching More Trout

Joe Rotter and guide Skyler Lancaster break down practical, easy-to-use tips for fall trout fishing: managing slack and mends, choosing indicator depth, when to use unweighted nymphs with split shot, and how to set the hook for streamers.
They also cover wading strategy and scouting, tightline nymphing basics, simple fly-tying ideas (like a plain sculpin), and seasonal tactics for October caddis and mop flies to help anglers catch more fish.
 
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 

Episode 73 - Tuesday's Tippets - Swing Addiction: Hayden Williams

Joe Rotter sits riverside with Hayden Williams for a wide-ranging Tuesday's Tippets: a salmon trip full of pinks, smoking fish, and a near-Chinook hook-up leads into an in-depth look at swung flies and trout spey. Hayden shares why he loves the swing, his early two-handed rod story, and the inspirations behind his "War Pig" sculpin pattern.
The episode delivers practical, actionable advice — gear picks (rod, reels, heads and sink tips), casting distances, step cadence, fly size and presentation tips for trout, chums, and steelhead — plus on-water tactics for fishing chunks, managing lift on the swing, and how to get reps as a beginner.

Episode 72 - Tuesday's Tippets with Steve Joyce // Skating Cranes and Chuckin' Spey

Joe Rotter and guide Steve Joyce break down practical, easy-to-use fishing tips for the fall transition — from skateable crane-fly techniques and trout spey basics to carp, bass and redfish strategies.
They discuss flip-flop flows on the Yakima, gear and leader choices, where to focus your casts, and how to make the most of tough days to become a better angler.
 
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 

Episode 71 - Tuesday's Tippets with Joe Rotter and Leif Kvinsland

Welcome to the MEND podcast! Dive into a sponsor-free, ad-free fishing experience as we continue with our series, Tuesday's Tippets. In this episode, our host explores the world of fly fishing with one of the Pacific Northwest's most renowned guides, Leif Kvinsland from Red's Fly Shop. Discover captivating stories, expert tips on mastering fly fishing techniques, and witness the profound evolution of a fly shop into a fishing haven.
Leif takes you through the transformation of Red's from its humble beginnings to a major fishing destination, sharing humorous anecdotes and the camaraderie of guiding. Learn about the essential skills every angler should develop, the nuances of casting, mending, and boat fishing dynamics, as well as the timeless importance of patience in fishing.
Whether you're wade fishing, navigating drift boats, or just eager to improve, this episode delivers a wealth of knowledge and inspiration for both novice and seasoned fly fishing enthusiasts. Tune in for a rich blend of personal stories, practical advice, and the undeniable allure of the river.
 
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 

Episode 70 - Tuesday's Tippets with Joe and Eric

Join host Joe Rotter for a new edition of the MEND podcast from Red's Fly Shop, where the only promise is uninterrupted, ad-free discussions. This episode kicks off the 'Tuesday's Tippets' series, where Joe, along with Red's staff member and travel manager, Eric Nickum, dive into effective and relevant fishing tips for the current season.
Listen in as Eric shares his journey into the fly fishing world, from competing in championships in his teens to guiding trips across various rivers. The conversation provides valuable insights into fly casting techniques, the importance of mastering casting for better trips, and the challenges and joys of fishing in remote, high mountain streams.
Discover the richness of lake fishing, the joys of catching panfish, and the tactics behind successful hopper dropper fishing. Whether you're an experienced angler or a novice eager to learn, this episode promises a wealth of knowledge and some great storytelling from the heart of fishing culture.
 
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 

Episode 69 - Hitchiking, Mentors, and Mom is a Bad Ass

Join Joe Rotter from Red's Fly Shop as he takes you on a journey through his fishing escapades of the spring and summer. In this episode of the MEND podcast, Joe shares his adventures, from bass fishing with his sons on a secret river to enjoying quality family times on the water.
Discover the nuances of different fishing techniques, including streamer fishing for bass and the benefits of tight line nymphing. Joe also recounts relatable stories of navigating rivers, dealing with unpredictable fishing conditions, and learning valuable lessons from each outing. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just along for the ride to work, this episode offers insights and entertainment for all.
 
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 

Episode 68 - Fly Design and Function with Patrick Kilby of RIO Flies

In this episode, we sit down with Patrick Kilby of RIO Flies to dive into the art and science of fly design. Patrick shares his approach to creating innovative patterns, the rigorous testing process he uses to ensure they perform on the water, and the key attributes that make a fly truly effective. We also explore what it takes to balance form and function in fly design and discuss how RIO Flies continues to set the standard in the industry. Whether you’re a seasoned tyer or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration for every angler.
 
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 
 
 

Episode 67 - 6 Days Straight of Trout Fishing and My Thoughts on the Gear I used

Join Joe Rotter of Red's for an exciting episode of the MEND podcast, recorded from a remote location in Buenos Aires after a thrilling trout fishing trip in Argentina's Chebut province. Over six days, Joe explores diverse fisheries, fishing everything from lakes to rivers and spring creeks, focusing uniquely on the gear that powered his adventure.
Without diving into exhaustive reviews, Joe shares his experiences and insights on the rods, reels, and lines that accompanied him, from the reliable Sage R8 and Orvis Helios D rods to favorite lines like the Sonar Titan Trout Express. Learn about Joe's top fly choices, perfect for any trout enthusiast looking to refine their arsenal, including his beloved Sir Stix A Lot streamer.
Gear up and tune in for practical tips on fly fishing in beautiful locales and discover why Joe believes he's got the world's greatest job, alongside tales from his unforgettable fishing adventures in Patagonia.
 
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 

Episode 66 - Gear of the Year and Lessons from 2024

Join host Joe Rotter from Reds for a solo episode packed with fishing updates, exciting events, and tips for both seasoned and new anglers. With no ads to interrupt, Joe keeps it real as he covers the joys of winter fishing, the benefits of a guided trip, and exclusive lodge deals for fishing and hunting enthusiasts.
Discover the ins and outs of the Tightline Rendezvous event on March 15th, featuring clinics, a women's fly fishing course, and a used boat swap meet - all perfect opportunities for collaboration and learning. Joe also shares insights from his latest fishing adventures and tips for fishing efficiently throughout the year, touching on gear selection and tightline indicator 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