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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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Email: [email protected]

Phone: (509) 933-2300

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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.

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Phone: (509) 933-2300

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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.

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.

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 [email protected] with questions or to set up a trip with Patagonia Trout Outfitters! 

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.

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Phone: (509) 933-2300

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