The MEND Fly Fishing Podcast

Episode 119 - Pit Tags to Pinot: Fisheries, Fly Tying & Family with James St. Clair

James St. Clair of @509Flies joins the Mend Podcast to trace his path from fisheries technician tagging salmon in the Wenatchee basin to studying viticulture, all while r

Episode 118 - Christmas Island FAQ's | No More Paralysis by Analysis. Just do it.

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

Episode 117 - Tough Questions for Eric, Flip Flop, Fall Tips, Rafts vs. Drift Boats

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

Episode 116 - Alaska Unleashed at BearClaw: Creek Hikes, Arctic Char & Unexpected Pike

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

Episode 115 - Fishing w/ Our Gals, Chaotic Tuber Rescues, and Funny YouTube Comments

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 s

Episode 114 - Q & A LIVE from YouTube // Trout Time

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-dr

Episode 113 - Best Fly Fishing Country on Earth, Danny's D Day, Backyard Summer Fisheries

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

Episode 112 - Roosterfish, Drift Boat Pirates, Alaska Pre-Funk, and Our Pet Turkeys

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 c

Episode 111 - Smallmouth Mayhem: Popper Blows, Streamer Secrets & Hyperspeed Reels

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 br

Episode 110 - Freshwater Giants. Carp on the Fly Guy Ryan Mock

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

Episode 109 - Guide Bologna, Gear, Smallmouth & Golden Stone Hatches

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, an

Episode 108 - When Storms Shuffle the Deck: How Dark Skies Move Trophy Trout

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 h

Episode 107 - Stormy Guiding & Smallmouth Bonanza: Tips from the MEND Podcast

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 expla

Episode 106 - Caddis Chatter and Texas Redfish.

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

Episode 105 - 13 Permit, Grand Slams & Shark Mayhem: A Week at Tail Inn Lodge

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 m

Episode 104 - Packing Light, Fishing Heavy: Joe’s Gear Hacks & Saltwater Plans

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

Episode 103 - Road-Tested Fishing Plans & Reds Rendezvous Preview

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 Rendezvo

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 t

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, pre

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