Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Ugly Pike Podcast

(2018) One of the major turning points of the show was when the guys were invited to PinePost Studios to record an episode of the Outdoor Journal Radio AM Radio Show with Angelo Viola.  Angelo agreed to sit and talk muskies after the recording and this was the start of what would be an enormous partnership for the Ugly Pike Podcast. 

(2018) Boss Shad!  Paul makes incredible baits and catches incredible fish.  He called into the show in 2018 to share his secrets to success both in the baitmaking world and on the water 

(2018) As active editor in chief of Musky Hunter Magazine, Steve joins the guys to talk about the most successful muskie publication ever, what it is like to work with the one and only Jim Saric, and of course, his tips and tricks for catching toothie predators! 

(2018) The discussion was so good that we had to keep it going and split into 2 parts.  Pat is a goldmine of muskie fishing knowledge

(2018) The start of an awesome friendship!  Pat travelled to come in studio for an epic discussion.  Pat brings a blend of energy and experience that is simply unmatched.  Beers, Burgers, and of course, muskies!   

(2018) The guys connect with dedicated female anglers Erin Howard and local friend Olivia Michaud to talk about muskie fishing in Canada and the USA

(2018) This was a pivotal episode for the podcast.  Fishing media powerhouses Al Lindner and Jeremy Smith came onto the show to talk about a bill in the Minnesota legistlature that would be destructive to their muskie fishing habitats and populations.  The guys could not help but talk to these established anglers about their lives and careers.  An amazing time and discussion! 

(2018) This was the year that we met a giant of a man with a giant talent for carving (and we would later learn, guiding) fish replicas.  Hans came into studio with his massive wooden replica and with it started a genuine friendship full of mutual respect and admiration.  Unfortunately Hans was taken from us in 2026 far too early and so these episodes serve as a reminder to the outstanding artist, angler, and human being he was! 

(2018) The guy sit down for what will be the first of many talks and trips with Ottawa River Guide Legend John Anderson! 

2017 The guys look back on the year 2017 and its most memorable moments

(2017) Fresh off his purchase of Musky Hunter Magazine, Gregg Thomas sits with the guys to discuss the US muskie fishing scene and his new venture 

(2017) Another episode where you will hear the guys talk about in the modern episodes.  The scene was epic - tired after a long day on the water, the guys went into their small cottage right on the edge of Eagle Lake and opened a bottle of scotch.  Legendary guide Steve Herbeck sits down and tells some absolutely rivetting tales of Eagle Lake Giants.  His tone and delivery was gruff and intense, reminiscent of Quint's tale told on the boat in the movie Jaws.  

(2017) This episode changed everything!!  After this interview, a solid friendship emerged where Alex would not only take many, many trips with the guys, but he would also be a show regular, recording "Live from the Lake" episodes once or twice a year.  Alex also started his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu journey, and the super successful Barbarian Braid company that started with line, and has branched out to hooks, rods, and now even reels!  This is where it all began

(2017)  Live from Eagle Lake.  This is the episode that you may have heard Frank say on other podcast interviews was one of if not his favourite.  The guys were in the lodge one night and came upon an epic storyteller and one of a kind man - they had to turn the microphone on!  Enjoy this post fishing lodge side good old fishing chat!  You won't believe some of these stories 

(2017) Frank had initially seen Ben in a well known article he wrote in Ontario Outdoor Magazine.  The guys reached out to tap into the brain of one of the best guide to ever do it on Lac Seul.  This also marked the beginning of a great friendship, as the guys would end up taking several trips on the water together! 

(2017) This episode was the start of an amazing friendship with all of the Red October Baits founders!  It all started when Chris and Frank travelled across the border to visit and interview Marc Arena at the ROB HQ to see how the most kicka$$ tube baits are made! 

(2017) You will often hear Frank talk about his first and biggest muskie landed on Lac Seul with his buddy in the boat.  Well Dave is that buddy and he happens to now be full on Fire Captain. Dave came into the studio to talk about boat safety and f course, muskie fishing! 

(2017) Back when neither the podcast nor Kristine were well known, we knew she was special.  Since then Kristine has absolutely blown up in the angling world.  Here is our interview with her.  We saw her first!! 

(2017) This was the guest that really propelled the show.  Italo is not known for his muskie focus, but his clout allowed the show to parlay his appearance and use it to approach other high profile media anglers

2017 interview with fellow recreational angler Pete Mitges chatting about community

In the second part of our episode with artist Joe Sampson, we shift focus toward building and using the unique products that Joe has created.  Joe uses his artists eye to create some amazing and different lures that can be extremely versatile when used properly. We get into it all in this part!  Topics include:  

• Great Canadian culture 
•  Building muskie Baits
•  Optimal techniques for dive and rise lures 

In this episode we sit with one of the most interesting and unique people in this community - artist Joe Sampson.  Joe has turned his passion and talent into his job and works as a full time artist.  Inspired by the waterscapes he fishes, talks about his life as an artist and yes, as an avid muskie angler!  In this first part we discuss: 

• Joe's inspiration
•  Painting water
•  Finding muskie 
•  Fishing Ontario lakes 

Hi Nik, episode description was emailed to Dean and the artwork is in the shared file that you guys use to access it.  Ive attached the artwork and the description is below.  Thanks 

In this second part of our interview with Tom Barry and Tyler Lancaster, the discussion takes an unexpected but eye opening turn.  Tom elaborates on the truly unique way that he uses live scope.  With special attention to keeping an ethical approach, Tom goes into how he uses the tool to challenge himself on the water.  After that we get into competitive fishing and winning strategies!  Topics include:

Responsible live scoping 

Competitive fishing 

Winning strategies for tackling Nipissing/The French River

In this episode we get 2 excellent anglers and all around great guys, Tom Barry and Tyler Lancaster.  Getting these two together was of particular interest as Chris and Frank discuss the upcoming Unleash the Beast outing on the French River/Lake Nipissing.  Tom and Tyler are returning champions!  In this first part, the guys talk about the upcoming outing as well as fishing a variety of lakes in Ontario.  The guys dig into their experiences on Lake Erie, Ontario, and Eagle Lake!  Points of discussion include:

• Barry Lancaster
• Growing up Lake Erie fishing 
• Tyler's guiding days 
• Fishing Eagle Lake 
• Technical multi species fishing with Tom 

In this second part of our Hans Mann tribute, his good friend and Red October Baits co-founder Marc Arena calls in to give a compelling and fascinating account of their origin story - how they met, became friends, and founded a bait company that presented anglers with a whole new way of catching muskies.  It is a warm and amazing tribute.  In this second part we talk about:

• Marc meeting Hans and forming Red October Baits
• How the concept of a tube for muskies came about 

In this special series, the guys remember a true innovator in the muskie fishing community - Hans Mann.  Hans was not only a master lure builder (he co-found Red October Baits) and excellent angler, but he was a rock to those who knew him.  A pillar of his and of our community.  In this episode we remember Hans and how he enriched the lives of those he knew.  In this first part we discuss: 

• Hans' first Ugly Pike episode many years ago
• Dan King recalls catching what might be the biggest Lake Erie muskie caught in history
• Making baits with Hans

In the second part of this exciting discussion with Dan Melby, the focus shifts to the add ons and equipment that kayak anglers are going to want to consider.  The guys then turn the discussion towards how to fish from a kayak for muskie and why it is different from fishing any other way!  Topics include:  

• Landing equipment and procedures in a kayak 
• Choosing the right type of kayak
• Fishing styles from a kayak 
• Optimizing trailers for kayaks 

On recent episodes Chris expressed a greater interest in kayak fishing and so the guys connect with Dan Melby, a muskie angler out of Wisconsin, to talk about not only his muskie fishing adventures, but how and why doing it all out of a kayak is a totally different muskie experience!  In this part one the guys drilled down on: 

• Transitioning from multi-species to muskie angling 
• Understanding the Wisconsin River system.
• Selecting the right river sections 
• Locating muskies
• Bait selection on Wisconsin rivers 
• Conventional lake fishing vs kayak fishing 
• Choosing and outfitting a muskie kayak 

In the conclusion of this series with bait maker and angler Cullen Veiders, we get the story that we have been waiting for.  Cullen gives us the most pulse pounding and intense story in this show's history - his quest to land a fish just shy of 60 inches and 60 pounds!   Chris and Frank wrap up the session with a discussion about the series and some other muskie fishing items of interest.  Points include: 

• The.most epic fish story 

In this second part of our discussion with bait maker and extraordinary muskie angler Cullen Veiders, we dive into the art and craft of bait making.  Cullen talks about the traits and methods that produce excellent lures and how to use them.  Topics include:

• How obsession affects craftsmanship in baitmaking
•  What makes a great lure
•  Working lures in different ways 
•  Finding new lures to work 

It took us a while to book Cullen Veiders but it was worth every minute!  In this episode we sit with Cullen who is a big personality on and off the water.  He is a revered bait maker and angler and in this first part of this series, Cullen talks about coming out on the other side of struggles to channel the lessons learned and turn it all into success stories.  In this part 1 we explore: 

• Addiction Issues muskie and otherwise 
• Cullen's health journey 
• Roots of fishing in NY State and Niagara 

In this Full Moon Friday Chris and Frank talk about the opening of the season and take a call from Frank's brother from another mother, Red October Baits co-founder Josh Ketry.  Josh chimes in about what is new and exciting on his side of the border, fishing the Niagara, and what makes a good lure, a great lure.  Josh also talks about the special guest to his Jiu Jitsu Academy, Buffalo United Martial Arts when A.C. Slater himself walked in the door last week, Mr. Mario Lopez!  

In part 2 of this epic early opener session, lures and baits are the focus!  The guys talk with Johnny Dadson and Alex Boutin about curating lures when you have access to many of them.  Also, what's it like to read an encrypted bump board!  Points of discussion include:  

• Early season lure size
• Selecting lure types
• Early season blade baits
• Breaking down fisheries early season 

 On location with Johnny Dadson from Dadson Blade Baits and Alex Boutin from Barbarian Braid.  The guys talk about their tactics and approaches to this season's early outing.  With these two sharp and innovative muskie minds, a robust and exciting discussion about issues and tactics ensues.  Topics include: 

• Using livescope 
• Crankbait building 
• Using the right hooks 

With the 2026 season upon us, Chris and Frank talk about their plans for this year including some epic destinations to hunt muskies.  Friend of the show Pete Stefenac calls in to reconnect with the guys and talk about his epic career as a guide on the French River.  Pete was one of the first people from the community to connect with the podcast and can be heard on the earliest episodes when the Slobland crew was interviewed at the St. Catharines Muskie Odyssey!  

In this second part of our discussion with Matt "Catfish" Firestein, we get into the diverse fishing ecosystems in both Canada and the USA before shifting the discussion toward gearing up for the inland season opener that is just around the corner!  Topics include: 

• Running down the US and Canadian muskie fisheries 
• Tactics for early season 

Matt "Catfish" Firestein has hunted muskies all over North America.  Matt also works as one of the busiest and most sought-after guides on Lake St Clair.  In this episode, we connected with Matt to tap into his vast knowledge of North American muskie fisheries!  Points of discussion include: 

• Life of a charter captain 
• The Lake St Clair fishery
• How muskie use water types to hunt 
• Boat bites vs board bites
• Value of muskie clubs 

In this second part with global nomad angler Paul Charbonnea, we get into chasing predators in some of the most remote locations on earth.  As Paul says, he lives and works to fish, and in this segment, he takes us with him into boats in South America and Africa as he chases some of the most exotic giants on the planet.  Points of discussion include:

• Saltwater epiphany 
• The Amazon 
• Madagascar 

In this first part with muskie angler Paul Charbonneau, we talk about Paul's entry into the fishing world and what makes a special angler, as well as what makes the muskie such a unique predator.  Paul travels the world chasing predators and explains why muskies are always unique and special. Topics include:  

• The fishing generations
•  The thing about muskies 
•  Choosing Baits to bring in the boat
•  Fishing across Ontario 
•  Casting/trolling

In part 2 of this insightful session, Pat does what he does best - talks about breaking down waterways and identifying patterns that translate to fish in the boat.  Pat really has a unique ability to dissect water systems and give anglers a roadmap on where to begin and how to move through spots on lakes and rivers.  Points of discussion include: 

• Current and muskies 
• How to identify patterns and extrapolate to catch more fish 
• Mapping 
• Bait selection 

It has been 8 years almost to the day since we first had Pat Tryon on the podcast.  Knowing what an absolute stick he is, we had to reach out and tap his brain as we all look forward to opener.  Pat puts on a clinic and his passion just bleeds through the microphone.  An amazing and energetic discussion was the result.  Topics include:  

• The spark that lit Pat's fishing passion
• The draw of the French River
• The Dokis community 
• Defining a Canadian Shield enthusiast angler 
• How fishing lake Nipissing and locating fish indicates where the fish in the French River are

Chris and Frank review the 2026 Muskie Odyssey and discuss how the event went.  Following this, Chris springs a secret that he has been keeping for months - he had planned his life's dream as an angler to chase Giant Trevally in the legendary Gulf of Oman.  Problem was this is right next to the Straight of Hormuz, in the middle of a war.  The story is nothing short of epic.  Chris brings us all through this wild ride.  This episode is not to be missed! 

In this second part with Jaime Sebastian, Jaime really peels the layers away and reveals incredible tricks of the trade designed to increase success on the water.  From bait and tackle, to trolling tactics, Jaime runs a master class on angling and shares some extremely unique and innovative tips!  Points of discussion include: 

• Using hooks creatively 
• Trolling tactics
• Bait size
• Scent
• Fishing lesser-known water systems 

Jaime Sebastian is an absolute beast of an angler! With 4 decades of hunting monster predator fish in Ontario waters, he also spends much of his time in Central and South America chasing giants in saltwater.  Jaime comes onto the show to discuss how he approaches both types of fishing and how tactics and strategies tend to overlap.  Topics include: 

• 40 years of angling 
• Targeting predator fish in South America
• Targeting predators using structure and wildlife
• Targeting big fish in an active bait fish environment 
• Speed trolling 

Part 3 of this epic series rounds off with a discussion on the state of fisheries, fishery management, and proper fish handling.  Big thanks to Larry and Pete for giving this show so much time and for providing their valuable insights!

• Fisheries management
• Fish handling 

In this second part of this interview, the guys drill down on the topic of record keeping and world record claims in the muskie world.  Larry lends the fiery and passionate opinions that he has become well known for regarding this part of muskie fishing.  No punches pulled by either man in this one!  Points of discussion include:

• World record fish protocols
• Canada / USA World Record claims
• Record keeping formulas

Chris and Frank sit with 2 legends of muskie fishing Larry Ramsell and Pete Maina.  In this amazing session, the Canada/US muskie landscapes are discussed and Pete and Larry provide their unique insights.  Topics include: 

• What is it about Muskies
• Is muskie still the fish of 10,000 casts? 
• Why fish don't bite
•  Fishing for THE fish

Chris and Frank sit with Muskies Canada Inc President Joe Found to talk about the new and exciting format to this year's Muskie Odyssey as it merges with the powerhouse CanCast show in Peterborough, Ontario 

In part two the guys delve deeper into how to target these monster pike and then tie it all back to muskie fishing!  Florian gets in to the ideal conditions and discusses his North American muskie fishing adventures!  Points include: 

• Shallow water giants vs pelagic fish 
• Florian's monster pike 
• Proper weather and moon conditions for giant pike 
• Florian's muskie adventures