Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Ugly Pike Podcast

In this Full Moon Friday discussion, Chris and Frank recap the Summer season so far.  Adventures on Nipissing, Georgian Bay, and the Niagara along with lessons learned are discussed.  The guys also talk about health and wellness, and give a glimpse toward what the Fall season in the muskie universe in Ontario looks like! 

In this special collaboration with the Eating Wild Podcast, we continue the excellent discussion that started on the last episode of Eating Wild, so if you have not listened to that part 1, please download and listen to this weeks episode on that show.  This was one of the best discussions we have had with guys who have the same hobbies and values that we do.  We were extremely pumped to be in studio with Antonio and CJ and also to have Chris in town with us!  Topics ranged from muskie fishing to hunting, to cooking, and all things that outdoorsmen and women love to do in between! 

We were fortunate to snag Lac Seul muskie guide Orlando Zecca while he was in Southern Ontario and convince him to meet us at the Ugly Pike brewery HQ for a good talk about hunting muskies on one of the greatest lakes for it in the world.  Orlando gives a sneak peak into what it is like to work as a guide in an epic lodge like Anderson's Lodge, on the storied Lac Seul before getting into a deep discussion on breaking down this legendary waterway. Tim Dawson from Campus Crew also sits in on the session to unbox the new Ugly Pike UV fishing sunshirts that are available now at www.uglypike.ca! Points include: 

-Guiding history
-What it's like working at one of Canada preeminent lodges 
-Training anglers to be guides
-What makes Lac seul the legendary fishery it is
-The West side of Lac Seul

Part 2 in our discussion with Mike Nabulsi.  Mike expands on the best waters to cast certain baits, why a damaged bait may not necessarily be a bad thing, modifying his baits, the muskie bait making community, and what his ideal muskie fishing tactic looks like! 

Mike Nabulsi from Waterwolf Lures chats with us to discuss how Waterwolf came to be, which baits/colours to select for different water types/locations, the best way to use rubber to target muskies, and how to decide which rubber techniques to use and when!  

In this remainder of our discussion with Julian Kalka, we discuss the aftermath of enduring border closures and restrictions on the fishing hospitality industry in Northern Ontario as well as Eagle Lake as a premier muskie destination for all of North America. 

Julian Kalka is the owner of Andy Myers Lodge on the famed Eagle Lake.  Julian comes onto the show to discuss the devastating effects of the Government restrictions and ongoing border closures on the Northern Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Industry.  

Part 2 in our discussion with Andrew Rideout where he elaborates on the importance and utility of using guides, the best lures and tactics across different seasons on Lake of the Woods, jigging for muskies, and how tournament angling has influenced his outlook on muskie hunting.  

Andrew Rideout spent much of his youth fishing around North Bay but eventually settled on the famed Lake of the Woods, where he works as a guide out of Crawford's Camp (Sioux Narrows).  Andrew shares his vast knowledge with us as he talks about how to dissect LOTW, its different zones, and which early season baits and tactics to use in order to maximize your potential to boat a giant! 

Samantha elaborates on how to deal with challenging days on the water and the importance of keeping the mood positive.  She explains her keys on how to do this and why taking breaks is not always a bad thing.  Sam then goes on to reveal how she not only constantly creates, but innovates in the shop, as she turns out a seemingly never ending line of unique and effective blade baits.  

An American transplant recently turned Canadian resident, Samantha Dadson almost needs no introduction.  She has fished waters for muskie all across North America and consistently pulls giant fish.  Samantha is also a talented lure maker and is one of the creative engines behind Dadson Blade Baits.  

Part 2 in this amazing and informative discussion.  Josh talks about his unique approach to guiding that has made him one of the industry's best, giant producing "pink days", and how innovation in fishing equipment helps him to refine his approach and problem solve on the water with great success.  

Josh Borovsky is one of the most sought after guides in the US and has over 20 years experience putting clients on monster fish.  Josh is also very active on the seminar circuit, travelling and educating anglers everywhere.  You can often find Josh on web based and TV media, including regular spots on Lindner's Angling Edge.  In this episode Josh shares a mountain of detailed and valuable information describing his own processes and systems where casting, bait selection, and figure 8s are concerned, as well as a range of other topics.  There is just a ton to be learned from this episode.   

In part 2 of our unique discussion with John Jarvis, we do a deep dive into identifying conditions for big fish.  Topics include:

-How to find a lake with 60 inch muskies

-Wanderlust fish 

-Matching forage patterns for lure selection 

-Barometer, air pressure and weather patterns 

Part 2 in the discussion with Nipissing guide and lodge owner Shawn Degagne.  At the conclusion of the episode, Chris and Frank give thoughts on the discussion and also look ahead at what is happening in the muskie world this coming Spring. 

After enjoying a career in the NHL, Shawn Degagne turned his attention to his passion and purchased a fishing resort on Lake Nipissing.  In this episode we talk with Shawn about the Mighty Nip and how to break down its zones, locate muskies, and select the right bait for landing monsters! 

Part 2 with Kyle Garon. In this second part we dive deep into alternative but amazing Ontario fisheries like Lake Nipissing, Lake Nosbonsing, and the French River.  If you thought fishing Georgian Bay for muskies was difficult, try doing it solo!  Kyle explains his approach to tackling this monster body of water by himself and how he finds, and lands absolute giants! 

Kyle Garon has some of the most incredible fishing adventures chronicled on Slobland Flicks.  Perhaps more importantly, Kyle embodies the very concept of rising to the challenge, as day in and day out he braves the mighty Georgian Bay in search of true giants.  Kyle comes on to the show to talk about his fishing and media methods, and what it is like to target and land huge muskies while fishing solo on the Bay and beyond! 

Brian Skaife is an accomplished muskie angler who published 52 fishing videos in 2020 on his incredible YouTube page, Angling Anarchy.  Brian comes on to the show to discuss his channel, his co-ownership of Chaos Tackle, and what his keys to success are on Eagle Lake that allowed him to boat 17 fish in 5 days on one of the toughest muskie lakes in the world! 

Chris and Frank take a look back at how an otherwise challenging year produced some epic time on the water, as well as incredible guests and milestones.  The Ugly Pike Podcast surpassed 100,000 unique downloads and interviewed some of the greatest muskie angling minds on the planet, amassing some incredible tips and information from subject matter experts like Jim Saric, Doug Wegner, Pete Bowman, and many more.

Part 2 of our discussion with Jim Saric.  In this episode Jim goes on to elaborate on how to scout locations prior to hitting the water, the importance of record keeping, trip preparation rituals, the 3 core skills vital to a muskie angler, and techniques for getting fish to bite! 

In celebration of our 100,000th download, we asked the one and only Musky Hunter, Mr. Jim Saric to join us on the show to lend his expertise to our listeners.  Jim puts on an absolute clinic as he talks about the best ways to approach the hobby.  In this ~2 hour discussion Jim talks about everything from how and when to target muskies, to tackle selection, understanding and creating patterns that work, using electronics, and so much more!  

In this episode we take a complete departure.  In our quest to understand the parallels between traditional hunting and muskie hunting, we invited Caleb onto the show to discuss the subject.  Caleb has fished muskies on some of Ontario's greatest waters and harvested animals all around the world.  What ensues is a fascinating discussion on hunting, muskie hunting, and the marvels of wildlife photography.  

Guide and avid muskie angler Brent Bochek has several decades of angling experience and calls into the show to discuss muskie fishing across some of Ontario's most popular lakes.  Brent has experience fishing numerous bodies of water and offers an amazing perspective.  The boys have a chat about effective Fall tactics, Brent's new and exciting TV show "Setting the Hook", as well as working the right baits and modifying hardware in order to maximize presentations and entice those big fall fatties to bite! 

John Jarvis has had over 12 years experience in the fishing services industry and his passion for learning has made him an adept muskie angler and guide.  We reached out to John so that we could get a perspective on the lesser known hidden gem muskie waters in Ontario's Sunset Country.  Currently John works out of the great Nordic Point Lodge on Lake Perrault, which is nestled between its big muskie brother lakes, Eagle and Seul.  We had such an enlightening talk with John and he really opened our eyes as to the abundance that this area has to offer for muskie anglers.  Points of discussion include: 

 John's career path that led him to guiding

Hidden gem muskie lakes in Sunset Country

Bait and special leader selection for early season targeting 

Perrault Lake characteristics and most successful bait colours

How to find a lake with 60 inch muskies

Kurt Hansen, owner of the legendary Thorne Bros Rod & Tackle calls into the show to talk about some big changes in store for this legendary muskie fishing institution.  Kurt is an avid angler and spends time fishing both the stocked lakes in the US as well as some of the natural muskie meccas in Ontario.  The discussion also focusses on making correct tackle choices, customizing muskie rods, and looking at the future of our sport (technology & conservation).  

Mike Parker returns to the show to discuss the effective targeting tactics that have made him one of Lake St. Clair's preeminent guide.  Mike expands on bait selection and what works on LSC, as well as the exciting new innovations coming from Handlebarz Lures.  If you fish or want to fish LSC, you do not want to miss this discussion.  

Friend of the show Alex Boutin chats with Chris and Frank about early Fall season muskie fishing.  Topics range from the importance of timing and efficiency, to navigating the tough and ever changing conditions of the Fall season.  The discussion ends with an in depth talk about when, why, and how to troll, and how to dissect the water column to find those inactive giants! 

Part 2 of our discussion with Marlon Prince who guides on the St. John River.  Discussion focuses on how to approach the various zones of the St. John River, muskie fishing on the fly, and ending the cull. 

Marlon Prince is a muskie guide based on the St John River in New Brunswick.  Marlon is also a brand ambassador with a wide range of angling skills including targeting muskie using both conventional tackle as well as on the fly.  Marlon calls in to the show to talk about the state of this unique and burgeoning fishery and of course, how to target muskies out East! 

Red October Baits Co-Founder and BJJ Black Belt Josh Ketry calls in to the show to discuss the creation of one of the most unique baits out there for muskie fishing.  Josh also expands on tactics and strategies on the 2 waters he fishes the most - the St. Lawrence and Niagara Rivers.  The discussion then shifts to thee parallels between muskie fishing and the amazing and complex art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  

Chris and Frank dive into how the crew did on opener, where they fished, and what tactics were used that yielded tremendous success, including a 6 fish day!  

Part 2 of our discussion with seasoned angler Rob Cadeau

Rob is an active member of Muskies Canada and volunteered on the Lake Simcoe Muskie Restoration Program, as well as many other conservation initiatives.  Rob was one of the guest speakers at both the 2017 and 2019 (power panel) Muskie Odyssey and has been featured in numerous fishing magazines and TV shows including Angler and Hunter TV, as well as the Musky Hunter, where Rob guided Jim Saric to the show's first ever Tiger! 

In part 2 of this series, Larry expands on the subject of BIG FISH tactics!

In this second part of our amazing interview with John Anderson, we pick up where we left off and John goes into even more detail on targeting and tactical strategies.  Part 2 will help you land more muskies, plain and simple.  In this conclusion of our chat we touch on the following subjects: 

-John's off-season/summer camps and the ramp-up to the season!

-How/why different bodies of water open earlier vs others

-Why the Ottawa region is so amazing for muskie/multi species fishing 

-Ottawa and MCI community clean up and restoration efforts

-How to prepare for season opener 

-Early season targeting strategies

-Why early season is the best time to fish for muskies 

-Leading a team of excellent guides at Ottawa River Musky Factory - the team's strengths and dynamic

-Fundamental changes has John made to his game recently 

-Seasonal bait selection strategies 

-Using a glide bait - rods, reels, and technique

Muskie Legend Larry Ramsell offers a unique view of the past, present, and future muskie fishing landscape.  

Larry is a two term past President of Muskies Inc and a permanent Board of Directors member.  He is also a world records advisor for the hall of fame as well as an author published in a multitude of international angling publications.  

Part 2 of our discussion with JP Leblanc on the state of some key Ontario muskie fisheries.

JP Leblanc is a Fisheries Ecologist currently working as a post-doctoral associate at the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry.  For 10 years JP has been studying early life ecology of muskies in Georgian Bay, St Lawrence River, and Lake Huron.  JP offers an amazing and educated perspective on the delicate state of affairs in some of our most treasured muskie fisheries.

Chris and Frank talk about the challenges, the anticipation, and the new approaches being taken for the 2020 muskie season opener. 

Part 2 in our discussion with Doug Wegner who guides both in the US and Canada.  Doug has a wealth of experience on fabled muskie waters such as Green Bay and Lake of the Woods.  In this second part, Doug expands on his methods and tactics that contribute to his success on the water and to his growing reputation as one of the best guides out there.  

Doug Wegner spends time both in the US and Canada guiding for giants.  Doug has strung together some amazing seasons on the water so we were extremely happy when he called into the show to talk about tactics and strategies on several different types of water systems. 

Fishing Media Pioneer and Canadian Angling Hall of Fame inductee Pete Bowman calls into the show to talk about his muskie adventures fishing the very best muskie waters in Ontario for the Fish'n Canada TV show. 

Chris and Frank look back at an unbelievable 2019 season and discuss the top ten tips gleaned from the experts who were on the show.

Matt Myers is a board member on the Saint John River Chapter of Muskies Canada.  He also owns and operates the YouTube channel Master Crow Outdoors.  Matt talks about what it takes to find the apex predator on what might be the most underrated muskie fishery in Canada - New Brunswick.  

We close out our Muskie Odyssey series with arguably the most brilliant muskie minds ever assembled on one stage.  Legends of muskie angling Shawn Maher, Mike Lazarus, Jim Saric, John Anderson, Bill Barber, and Rob Cadeau put forth an amazing amount of knowledge.

John Anderson is a Canadian Muskie Institution.  Despite the fact that he is one of the pioneers of Canadian muskie fishing and one of the best guides out there, and despite that we are lucky enough to share a boat with him from time to time, we are most thrilled in those times we get to hang out and spend time together because John is one heck of a guy.  Whether it is shooting the breeze, or digging into muskie 101, chatting with John is a pleasure and in this episode we do both (but mostly talk muskies!).  Our discussion topics include:  

John's off season / summer camps and the ramp up to the season!

How/why different bodies of water open earlier vs others

Why the Ottawa region is so amazing for muskie/multi species fishing 

Ottawa and MCI community clean up and restoration efforts

How to prepare for season opener 

Early season targeting strategies

Also known as the "Power Panel", angler John Cowan moderates maybe the largest panel of muskie angling legends ever assembled on one stage.  Mike Lazarus, John Anderson, Jim Saric, Rob Cadeau, Bill Barber, and Shawn Maher talk about the tactics and strategies that have set them apart from the muskie hunting pack and enabled them to have long and illustrious careers in the industry and on the water. 

Continuation of the amazing women's panel discussion from the 2019 Muskies Canada Muskie Odyssey.

Muskies Canada put together a panel of impressive women who fish from all different prime muskie waters.  They lend their unique perspective and expertise on a variety of topics ranging from equipment selection to bait and targeting tactics.