Ugly Pike Podcast

This is the Year in Review for 2022 where Chris and Frank discuss the highs and lows of the 2022 muskie fishing  season.  The guys also give a sneak peak into the guests and show changes coming soon! 

Part 2 in our discussion with Eagle Lake Guide Danny Herbeck produced some amazing insights.  Discussion highlights include:  Retargeting muskies after moving a fish Identifying sleeper spots where fish will be more active The different zones on Eagle Lake Experimenting with baits to find the right one

In this episode we sit down with one of the best guides on one of the best muskie lakes in North America - Danny Herbeck on the famed Eagle Lake!  Discussion points include:  Danny's participation at this years Musky Cup  How Eagle Lake changes from year to year and how to adapt in order to find success Finding big fish on Eagle Lake Boat side tactics for success and common mistakes

Part 2 in our discussion with the Co-Host of the Fishn' Canada TV Show and Outdoor Journal Radio, Angelo Viola. Some points of discussion include:   The perfect muskie moment Challenging times in Angelo's career Essential muskie baits every angler should have on board The psychology of picking baits The allure and team dynamic of trolling Angelo and Pete's historic double muskie catch on FnC

In this episode Chris and Frank interview a true Canadian Angling Legend, Angelo Viola, co-host of the Fishn' Canada TV show and Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast.  What ensued was a deep and substantive discussion about the cultural importance of the sport of fishing, and the need to preserve all of the wonderful things that come with it - especially in the modern digital age, and especially with regard to our youth.  Highlights of the discussion include: How Angelo became a fishing media professional The role of anglers and angling media in properly influencing Canadian youth The FNC genesis story, including the Izumi Brothers Why "Embrace the Grind" makes muskie anglers different

We continue part 2 of our discussion with Jessica Reid as she expands on her muskie research on the Jock River. In this episode we discuss:   Optimal time of day to target muskie based on environmental cycles What makes a muskie strike How encroachment is impacting muskie habitat

Jessica Reid is a Masters student at Carleton University working out of one of the most respected fisheries lab in the Country under the leadership guidance of Dr. Steven Cooke.  She explores the movements of freshwater fish in urban settings in order to understand the impact of human activities on the fisheries.  Jessica is focusing on muskie to understand their seasonal movements and habitat preferences on the Jock River.   Points of discussion include:  Physical characteristics, topography, and fish population of the Jock River Resident vs transitory fish How and why fish grow to different sizes on different waterways How tagging studies/equipment work and function

In this conclusion of our talk with Musky Cup organizer Byron Walker, the discussion focuses primarily on the highs and lows and methods of muskie hunting.  Muskie stories and tips are swapped and of course we have plenty of talk about the Musky Cup that happens annually on Lake of the Woods.

The illustrious Musky Cup happens Sept 23-24th this year and so we wanted to have organizer Byron Walker on the show to talk about the event.  In past years, the Musky Cup has attracted a veritable who's who of high profile muskie anglers.  In this episode we talk all things Musky Cup, including their choice to make Ugly Pike Pilsner the Official Beer of the Musky Cup!  This event takes place annually on the epic Lake of the Woods! 

Part 2 in this different type of episode.  Our tableside chat with Chelsea Lynn, Nik Birmingham, and Nikko Guido on the shores of the mighty Lake Nipissing continues.  More Ugly Pike Pilsners are opened, and more great tips on how to target and land giants on this great body of water are discussed! 

This episode is a little different.  We were grateful to be joined by resident anglers Chelsea Lynn, Nik Birmingham, and owner of Tama Kwa Resort and 5 Star Fishing, Nikko Guido.  We opened a few cans of Ugly Pike Pilsner and had a good ole fishin' chat session about hunting muskies on the Nip and what makes Lake Nipissing the famous, and sometimes infamous fishery that it is! 

In this episode we reunite with Gregg Thomas.  Gregg needs no introduction.  He is one of the pioneers of musky fishing in the US and is current co-owner of Musky Hunter Magazine.  Topics covered in the session include:  Musky Hunter Magazine going digital The new Musky Hunter Magazine app and it's cool features  How to break down zones and find active fish Boatside tactics on LOTW The ongoing debate over using sophisticated electronics

A huge day for Ugly Pike as the long awaited launch date for Ugly Pike Pilsner is announced!  Chris and Frank also get into the famed Lake Nipissing fishery.  Discussion includes:  Pilsner release date and how listeners can buy it Upcoming Ugly Pike Pilsner release party in St. Catharines and the custom baits that will only be available at this event Frank's recent trip to Nipissing, lessons learned, and how Chris and Frank will change their approach on this body of water as they head back there in early August Discussion on bait selection for the upcoming trip and what constitutes a confidence bait

Meg Patterson comes on to the show to talk about her experiences over a wide range of fisheries and what challenges await this season as she "fishes for three", carrying twins!  Discussion includes:  Meg's experience on some of the best muskie fisheries in the world The team dynamic in the boat How marketing dynamics mirror those of muskie fishing  Meg's preferred gear set up (rod & reel) New lure discussion  

The crew hits the Rideau River for muskie opener.  Discussion includes:  Adapting to variable weather patterns Selecting times of day to focus on for peak bite windows Bait selection Lessons learned for early season fishing 

In this episode, Chris and Frank focus exclusively on equipment, preparation and strategies for the season opener, as well as a look ahead to an opening day adventure on the Rideau River.  Discussion includes:  Frank's recent interview with Angelo Viola and Pete Bowman from Fishn' Canada TV Show for their Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Ugly Pike upcoming opener trip to the Rideau River Opening day gear and equipment checklist Bait selection and tactics for early season

In this second part of our discussion with Dr. Sean Landsman we dive deep into tactics and strategies employed when going after muskies.  Discussion includes: Out of the box strategies to locating muskies  Boat positioning and casting direction How do muskies stalk their prey/what sensory systems do they use to hunt Bait selection and colour Throwing baits muskies are familiar with vs no familiar with

Dr. Sean Landsman is a researcher and instructor at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario.  He is also an angler with a passion for muskies and focuses a good deal of his research and study efforts  efforts around this fish.  In this episode we discuss:  When science contradicts common muskie "facts" Testing for muskie handling fatality rates Muskie stress physiology Handling muskies:  What not to do

 Part two in our discussion with Nate Andrychuk.  In this conversation we discuss:  Bait colour selection  The value of confidence and downsizing the number of baits in the boat  LOTW/Lac Seul structure talk  Using Google Earth to identify structure  How to target muskies from under submerged trees High catch percentage areas on LOTW 

Chris and Frank sit down with Muskies Canada members Bryan Mathes and Peter Robertson to talk about the organization and the upcoming 2022 Muskie Odyssey on April 2nd in Hamilton, ON.  Highlights include:   A look back on Muskies Canada programs and what is in store for the future Detailed discussion on the prizes and speakers happening at this year's Muskie Odyssey  Chris and Frank make a MASSIVE announcement about a new Ugly Pike project that is launching Summer '22