The MEND Fly Fishing Podcast

Joe Rotter and Eric walk listeners through a concise FAQ-driven episode all about fishing Christmas Island — covering travel logistics, lodging differences, what gear and flies to bring, how many rods to pack, guide culture, sunglasses and packing tips, realistic expectations for giant trevally, and common mistakes first-time anglers make. The hosts emphasize that the trip is easier than many expect, explain the West Coast–to–Honolulu–to–Christmas Island travel flow, compare the two lodges, and encourage anglers to keep gear simple, be patient for big fish, and book through the hosts for smooth planning.

Joe and the crew press travel manager Eric Nickum with tough questions in a wide-ranging episode covering rooftop tent camping, gear (Redington Claymore, Sage Signal, the travel net), and Alaska BearClaw lodge trips. They compare rafts vs. drift boats, tease upcoming spey trips, and share product deals (promo code PODBEER). The show closes with practical fall trout-fishing tips for wading and boat anglers during Yakima27s flip-flop, a deep dive into hopper-dropper and yarn indicator tactics, and a humorous roundup of memorable YouTube comments.

Joe Rotter and crew recount a week at Bearclaw Lodge (Bristol Bay): creek hikes, float‑plane flyouts, dry‑fly rainbows, Arctic char, pike fishing, and even surprise boat rescues. The episode covers logistics, guide life, essential gear and practical tips for anglers planning a remote Alaska fishing adventure.

A chaotic river day unfolds after a sudden microburst pins floaters against a cliff wall, prompting dramatic rescues by guides and the sheriff; the hosts share survival stories, safety takeaways (life jackets, strapping paddleboards, whistles), talk fishing tips, Alaska plans, hoot owl restrictions, and lighter moments about bird apps, quail, and YouTube comments.

Join Joe from Red's Fly Shop for a live fast-paced Q&A covering summer trout tactics: youth camp advice, when to start kids in fly fishing, best rods and lines for dry-dropper and euro nymphing, Hopper-dropper setups, streamer strategy, leader and tippet tips, and gear recommendations for travel destinations like Chile. Practical, relatable guidance for DIY anglers and those wanting to improve casting, presentations, and on-river decision-making.

On this episode the crew chats with Danny about his move, memories at Red’s, and summer plans, then dives into practical fly‑fishing topics: streamlining your summer gear, wet‑wading tips, and choosing the right boots and rods for small creeks. They also discuss recent canyon fires, a Project Healing Waters raffle supporting veterans, and why the U.S. ranks high for fly‑fishing diversity and public access. Practical scouting, safety, and family‑friendly fishing ideas round out the conversation.

Joe Rotter returns with Bob, Eric and Dallas for a freewheeling episode of The MEND Podcast. They swap stories about the company turkeys, a river calamity where a guest commandeered a rental boat to chase a dog, and a new shop drone. The group recaps a recent trip to Baja—roosterfish, dorado and a yellowfin adventure—plus tips on rods, reels, lines and flies. Joe also previews an upcoming Alaska fishing trip and shares travel details and booking information. Short, practical gear talk and vivid on-the-water stories make this episode part travel briefing, part fishing clinic, and all entertainment.

This episode follows lively shop banter about a busy guiding season, a new four-day/four-river package, and scouting trips to the Methow, Naches, and Yakima. The hosts break down recent smallmouth and largemouth outings, popper and streamer tactics, rod and reel setups, and favorite flies like the Knotty Zirdle Bug and Ballyhoo. They also cover travel plans and trip Q&A for Christmas Island, the Baja sardine situation and its impact on roosterfish, river safety and drone scouting, rattlesnake education, and stories of lost-and-found gear around the rivers.

Joe Rotter and crew talk with Ryan of "Carp on the Fly" about sight-casting for carp: how to read fish behavior, when carp feed, and where to find the best shallow-water fisheries. Ryan shares practical gear and presentation advice — rod, line and leader recommendations, paddleboard and skiff setups, the drag-and-drop method, hookup technique, and handling big carp. The episode closes with fly suggestions (Carp Maul, Moll Hybrid, Trouser Worm), tips for scouting water, and encouragement to get out and practice sight fishing for carp.

Hosts Joe Rotter and Dallas Murrey chat with Bogey about life at Red’s Fly Shop—warehouse systems, guiding tales, Golden Stone and caddis hatches, salmon smolt pushes, and technical dry-fly fishing. They dive into the explosive smallmouth fishery on the lower Yakima, gear tips (rods, shoes, lines, streamer choices), carp curiosity, and the upcoming Red’s Rendezvous event.

Joe Rotter solo recaps a day of adapting to wild weather on the Yakima: leveraging storm-driven changes to find and catch mature trout using larger balanced leeches and heavier nymphs when appropriate. He also shares a smallmouth bonanza downstream, highlights gear and casting tips (from six-weight streamers to vintage Fenwick rods), and recommends lighter tippets, New Zealand rigs, the Trout Routes app, and organizational tools to stay effective on the water.

Joe Rotter gives a concise fishing update covering a stormy guiding day, a productive smallmouth trip with his sons, and practical gear and fly recommendations. He explains how he adapts tactics for changing weather, fishing nymphs, streamers, and poppers, and notes upcoming events and new gear to try.

The MEND Podcast goes hybrid with practical trout-guiding tips from recent days, a deep dive on the Mother’s Day caddis hatch (dry-fly tactics, emerger options and short casting technique), and hands-on advice about leaders, floatants and presentation. Plus a big welcome to Dallas fresh from a Texas redfish trip — saltwater casting and line-management tips for beginners, recommended flies and gear, guiding stories, and a bit of lodge life and morel-hunting fun.

Joe and Eric recap a week at Tail Inn Lodge in Espiritu Santo Bay, sharing highlights from permit, bonefish and tarpon fishing, wild encounters (sharks, barracuda), and memorable guest moments including multiple grand slams. They also give practical advice on casting, gear choices and spotting fish, discuss hosted-trip logistics and community, and announce an upcoming saltwater Q&A and the May 30 rendezvous event.

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.

Welcome to the MEND Podcast with Joe Rotter — quick updates, event details, and practical spring fishing advice. Joe covers a May 6th Zoom Q&A, the May 30th Reds Rendezvous, the purchase of a jet sled, and the value of physical scouting. He explains hatch-rod prep for March Brown mayfly hatches, single-nymph New Zealand rigs, two-rod setups, and gear tips (Paragon rod holder). Joe also previews upcoming warm-water fishing, bass season timing, and encourages local scouting and YouTube subscription for more content.

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.

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.

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.

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.