The MEND Fly Fishing Podcast

Guide Eric Nickum returns fresh off the river to walk through fall trout tactics: light nymph rigs, small dry flies, fine tippets, yarn indicators, and how guides tailor gear and presentation to get fish in the boat.

The episode also covers gear picks (rods, lines, Watermaster boats), destination fly lists, shop stories, AI thumbnail talk, and safety reminders — practical advice for anglers heading out this season.

Episode 120 of the MEND Podcast features Jon Covich and Eric Nickum talking fly casting as an art, tightline nymphing clinics, new gear highlights (including glass rods and upcoming TNT rods), and practical casting tips for anglers.

They also share travel reports and trip advice from Black Sands (Colombia) — tuna, sailfish and peacock bass — to jungle payara and Cuba flats (bonefish and tarpon), plus packing and travel logistics for international fly trips.

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 raising a fishing family. The conversation moves easily between conservation work, practical angling tips, and life as a guide and teacher.

The episode also dives into fly tying—long-form tutorials, favorite patterns (Blowtorch, hoppers, foam caddis), tight-line nymphing, youth fishing strategies, and ideas for managing access to sensitive waters.

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.