Ugly Pike Podcast

In this second part of a truly remarkable discussion with one of the pioneers of Georgian Bay Muskie fishing, Shawn gives a great discussion on what baits were run back then and also provides chilling insight into absolute giant fish that were witnessed during this era.  This is going to shock a lot of listeners.  Points of discussion include: Lures of the 1990sSix or seven-foot muskies?How to choose the right lure on the BayGeorgian Bay Nothingness 

With all of the talk recently of the rich history of Georgian Bay, Chris and Frank wanted to connect with one of the veterans of this body of water.  Shawn McCarthy was fishing the Bay in the very early 1990s and comes on to the podcast to give a glimpse as to what trying to conquer such a daunting body of water like Georgian Bay was like in the earlier days, before technology and social media made it easier.  In this episode the topics discussed are: The decision to fish the BayLearning about muskies before the internetTrolling and structure before electronics became accurateFishing deep waterShawn's best lure ever

The Ugly Pike Podcast wraps up its deep dive with Johnny Dadson and Pete Bostelmann in Part 3 of this wide ranging conversation. This episode shifts from stories to strategy as the group digs into casting versus trolling, how elite anglers decide when to use each approach, and why big fish so often live just a couple tail kicks from deep water. Johnny breaks down his philosophy of lure innovation as problem solving, explaining how decades of tweaking blades, weight, and action are all driven by fish behaviour and pressure. Pete shares his methodical approach to finding fish, scouting water, and committing to the right spot at the right time. The discussion touches on confidence, visualization, decision making, and how experience reshapes the way anglers fish over a full season rather than chasing moment to moment results. This episode closes out the trilogy with hard earned insight, honest reflection, and the kind of conversation that rewards pen and paper listening. 

In Part Two of this deep dive on The Ugly Pike Podcast, the conversation with Johnny Dadson and Pete Bostelman continues right where it left off.This episode digs into the evolution of Dadson Blade Baits, the realities of modern muskie pressure, and how fish behavior has changed alongside advancing technology, stocking programs, and increased angler knowledge. From Georgian Bay’s glory days to today’s heavily pressured fisheries, Johnny and Pete break down what still works, what no longer does, and why confidence often matters more than any single lure or pattern.The discussion goes beyond tactics and into mindset. Wind versus calm, weeds versus open water, casting versus trolling, and how two completely different fishing styles can coexist in the same boat and actually make anglers better. Along the way, they share personal best fish stories, close calls on the Great Lakes, lessons from guiding, and the physical grind of hand building baits for decades.If you’re serious about muskie fishing, lure building, o

The Ugly Pike Podcast opens 2026 with an unfiltered, wide-ranging conversation on musky fishing, experience, and long-term strategy.Frank and Chris sit down with Johnny Dadson and Pete Bostelmann to reflect on the 2025 season and explore how mindset, conditions, and time on the water shape success more than predictions ever could. From travel fishing and adapting to unfamiliar water, to casting versus trolling and late-season decision-making, this episode focuses on perspective earned through decades of experience.The discussion builds toward a memorable Georgian Bay story that underscores patience, preparation, and why sometimes one last cast truly matters.This is part one of a two-part conversation, setting up a deeper dive into modern musky fishing and bait building in the next episode.

Chris and Frank take a look back at the 2025 year on and off the water, reviewing memorable events, interviews, and lessons learned

Chris and Frank take a look back at the 2025 year on and off the water, reviewing memorable events, interviews, and lessons learned

In this second part of our interview with Kory, the focus shifts to the fine details of fishing both conventional and unconventional water systems.  Kory drills down on his approach to the various environments that we all love to tackle and provides essential details that will aid the listener to become a more diverse and adaptive angler.  Topics include:Fishing shallow water River systemsHow seasonal water temperatures change your approach Winter "holes"Fishing Northwest Ontario shield watersAdjustment lessons learned from Jim Saric

Kory Maxfield is a genuine outdoorsman.  In this episode, we sit with Kory and talk about the rituals that crafted his childhood as he grew up in a family that put the outdoors first.  On his page, Slump Bust Outdoors, Kory displays his life lessons as they relate to muskie fishing and in this episode, we tie it all together.  Points of discussion include: Growing up in an outdoor familyGenerational Commercial fishing and the wisdom passed downFishing multimedia in 2025Backwater fishing lessons learned

In this second part of our discussion with Zach, we get into the details on how to catch fish.  Zach breaks out tournament fishing tactics, as well as how to select and work baits. Zach gives tremendous detail in this second part and winds it up with a truly special fishing story.  This was truly an amazing chat for us.  Points include:Muskie tournament strategy vs casual angling Lure selection for tournamentsHow work baits to provoke a strike Are all muskies the same?

Zach Baker has been fishing muskies for decades.  He is a unique person and angler that provided not only detailed information on targeting muskies in this part one of our interview, but wonderful stories.  This interview exemplifies why muskie fishing, and the people we do it with, is so special.  A truly remarkable interview.  In this first part, we drill down on:  Zach's origin story The evolution of muskie fishing Targeting strategies for inland lake fisheries When to target shorelines vs open waterDepth vs speed vs colourFishing your past

In this Full Moon Friday episode, the guys take a call from Kyle Carruthers, organizer of the juggernaut CANCAST fishing show.  Kyle talks about the recent decision to merge with the Musky Odyssey and why he feels this will be a big positive for the muskie anglers in attendance.  A great talk ensued about the origins of CANCAST and how his never-quit entrepreneurial spirit helped Kyle transform the show over the years.  Following this, Chris and Frank discuss Frank's recent adversity on the water as he was challenged by horrific weather while in pursuit of a winter giant!  

In this second part of our episode with Pete and Cody, Pete lends more incredible insights into the behaviour of these amazing fish.  Cody, who is coming to the dark side as he fishes more and more for muskies, talks about how what it takes for serious MMA training is not all that dissimilar to pursuing the queen of queens!  To top off the discussion, the guys tell a story about what happened a few weeks ago when Frank, Pete, and Cody took to the great Georgian Bay for a muskie hunt that was like no other!  Topics include:Identifying whether a fish has come out of dangerously deep waterHigh-pressure systems The guys' fish catch story from their recent GBay tripParallels between muskie fishing and MMAThe Queen

This episode is a banger!  Newly signed UFC fighter Cody Chovancek comes onto the podcast with friend of the show Pete Bostelmann to talk about hunting muskies.  Cody is an amazing multi-species angler who is introduced as the Best Fisherman in MMA for all his bouts!  Pete needs no introduction and is widely known for producing some of the very best and most insightful Ugly Pike Podcast content in the show's history.  In this episode, the guys chat about:Cody's entry into the UFC and fishing life How conditions affect spot selection/targeting 2 rules for success on Georgian BayIdentifying seasonal change How muskies hunt bait fish on windswept locations 

In this second part of our interview with muskie guide Cooper Edwards, we get into the red-hot issue of live scope usage before shifting focus to talk about how to hone the right skills for a successful trip on a great Ontario muskie lake and what new anglers should know and be aware of before heading out on the water.  Cooper closes the show with a hilarious and epic story of a big fish adventure!  Topics include:The question of LivescopeBoat-side skills How to educate novice anglers

Cooper Edwards has had the privilege of fishing and guiding some of the very best muskie lakes in Canada and the US.  We wanted to sit with Cooper and talk about his experiences on these incredible bodies of water.  Cooper recalls some of the laughs, the highs, and the lows of working as a guide on places like Lac Seul, Eagle Lake, and Lake St. Clair.  In this part one, we discuss: Fishing during covidHow water levels change the game Shoreline fishing for muskie Eagle Lake Island lodge Changing game plan when looking for a giant vs numbers 

In this Full Moon Friday episode, the guys have a look toward the end of the season.  It is the start of the final stretch, otherwise known as giant season!  Frank gives a review of how the Unleash the Beast outing on the French River/Lake Nipissing went, as well as an update on a recent adventure to Georgian Bay with Pete Bostelmann and newly signed UFC fighter, Cody Chovancek.  Following this, Dave Gray calls in to talk about this year's Musky Brawl.  Dave has an unrelenting drive to keep growing this tournament and making it better. He calls in to talk about what is new and exciting at this year's event.   

In this second part with Ben LaDuca, the conversation shifts to fishing, how to build baits, and how approaches to using these baits shift for Fall/Winter season success!  Points include: Building the Dukes Dozers company Building and fishing spinnerbaits Using spinnerbaits in fall and winter season specifically for best results  Jigging successNiagara Musky Association log keeping  

In this episode the guys sit for a riveting talk with Ben LaDuca, owner of Dukes Dozers Spinnerbaits.  Ben is an avid angler and the story of what lead him to this sport will lave listeners on the edge of their seats.  The guys had an amazing discussion on Ben's history as a USAF soldier who survived multiple deployments to the Middle East and how he turned to fishing to deal with the aftermath.  A truly unique and impactful chat with Ben.  Topics include: How Ben became a muskie anglerBen's deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan Transitioning from military to angling lifeFishing as therapy Fishing and family

In part 2 of our discussion with Fisheries Technician Erin Wilson, we turn our attention to the science of muskies and muskie ecology.  Erin delves into the whys and hows of collecting data and provides fascinating insights as to how she uses not only technology to learn about these fish, but also how she draws upon the community of anglers itself to provide critical data on this elusive species.  An insightful and interesting talk on the science of muskies is the result.  Topics include: - Casting and breaking down spots - Equipment setup- Using livescope- Erin's undergraduate - talking to muskie anglers for research- The individualism of muskies- Telemetry and other technological data collection efforts