Ugly Pike Podcast

On this episode, Chris and Frank hook up with one of the best guests in this podcast's history - Pete Bostlemann. The guys tackle the notoriously difficult waters of Georgian Bay, and did it ever live up to its reputation! Despite having the weather against them, an amazing time was had fishing with Pete.  Join us in our discussion that dissects the different water zones in Georgian Bay, and also, take a deep dive into the rich history of muskie fishing on the Bay! 

In this second part of our Live from Nipissing, the guys continue to talk about methods for approaching Lake Nipissing and the French River.  Lots of detail and lots of stories swapped in this lakeside chat.  French River/Nip Guides Matt O'Brien and Nikko Guido provide more excellent insights into fishing this region

It is that time of year again! The guys return to one of their favourite spots - Tama Kwa Vacationland on the daunting Lake Nipissing.  Despite being handcuffed by high winds, Chris and Frank talk about the challenges of the trip.  They are joined by ace muskie guide Matt O'Brien and, owner of Tama Kwa, Nikko Guido!

In this second part with Danny Colomby, Danny breaks down his formula for success.  We could have talked for hours with Danny and still not tapped the vast amount of knowledge that he has for this fishery.  For anyone fishing Lake Nipissing, this episode is an absolute must!  Points of discussion include: Using Electronics and tech Keeping recordsThe West ArmUnderstanding the differences between the French River and Lake NipissingOpen water fishing Lure selection

Danny Colomby is more than just a muskie angler, he is a scientist as he would say.  His approach to muskie fishing is as thorough and meticulous as we have ever seen.  Danny is well known for his rich history of muskie fishing on Lake Nipissing and it would be tough to find anyone else who has spent more time on this fabled body of water.  We met Danny on the Lake a couple of years ago and are very excited to bring this episode to our listeners.  Topics include:  -Muskie boat configuration for weather variability -Reading the wind to locate fish -Why are muskies unique - the relic species -How to trick big, smart  fish to bite -Early summer muskie behaviour, locations, patterns, and the shadfly effect-Taking a census during the spawn to understand your population and waterway 

Episode 186: Full Moon Friday - If you dont eat your meat you can't have any puddingChris and Frank recap Frank's recept season opener trip to the Rideau River and how bucking trends and conventional wisdom paid off on the water.  The guys also look down the road at their upcoming adventure back to Tama Kwa Vacationland to see friend of the show Nikko Guido and fish the mighty Lake Nipissing!  

In part 2 of our discussion with muskie guide Orlando Zecca we focus on working baits, building baits, and reacting to variable weather conditions that are often seen in Ontario's Sunset Country! Topics include: -Tactics for targeting muskie early season on a lake like Lac Seul -Logic behind downsizing bait early season -Adapting to weather variability -Lure building -How to coordinate fishing prime spots at prime time 

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

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 

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

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

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

In this second part of our chat with Johnny Lubera of Lubowski Lures, we get into bait construction and how to up your odds of hooking and landing fish when using single hook baits.  This was a very unique discussion and one that will give listeners new options for spinnerbaits, especially fishing heavy cover, weeds, or deeper water.  Points of discussion include: Bait selection approaches Singlehooks vs treblesHow to fish a single hook. Boat speed and rod type Bait construction Using hog collars with plastic baits 

It has been far too long since we sat with Johnny Lubera, maker of the famed Lubowski Spinnerbaits!  Johnny returns and we sat down over some cool, crisp Last Light Lagers at our Brewery in Beamsville to talk fishing and bait making.  Johnny runs a clinic on how to target these beasts and select the correct baits during the right times of year.  Makes us wonder why we waited so long to reconnect!  Topics include: Early season targeting strategiesUnderstanding fish based on how they are hooked. How to extrapolate and up your odds Fishing musky tournaments and the community

In this Full Moon Friday episode Chris and Frank recap the recent Muskie Odyssey including why the guys changed the recipe for the upcoming Last Light Lager launch in May.  Then John Vinen and Cole Bailey, co-owners of Angling Sports in London, ON call in to talk about some great deals that they are offering anglers looking to gear up for the season, as well as an EPIC giveaway that they are partnering with Ugly Pike and FIshn' Canada on!  It is not long before the discussion turns to fishing and John and Cole quickly illustrate why they are not only great businessmen, but also excellent muskie anglers.  A talk about how downsizing on Lake St Clair is a must during early and mid season fishing, as well as the unexpected muskie behaviour that they have observed on their livescopes, and how that has completely changed their approach to angling for the apex predator!  Visit www.anglingsports.ca  (or in person) and use promo code UGLY15 to receive 15% off of everything in store (offer ends June 30)!

IN this second part of our discussion with Eagle Lake guides Steve and Danny Herbeck, we focus on targeting big fish in one of the best muskie lakes on the planet.  Steve and Danny conclude with sharing some extraordinary stories that speak to the special relationship between a father and son and their times together on the water.  Points of discussion include: Approaching/targeting certain depths on eagle lakeWhat makes Eagle Lake fish hit boatside? What influences this?Herbies figure 8 technique Live scope ethical useRetargeting fish that don't strike

Legends are rare in our sport but to get 2 in the same family is even harder to find!  On this episode we have an amazing discussion with Eagle Lake ace guides Steve and Danny Herbeck!  This season looks like it is going to be a great one on Eagle and Steve and Danny explain why and what to do to get your best chance at landing a famous Eagle Lake Giant!  Topics include:The State of the Eagle Lake fisheryWhy Steve and Danny think this could be a banner year for muskie fishing Eagle Lake Pike population and its impact on the fisheryFinding hot zones when fishing is slow on Eagle LakeUpper vs lower sections of Eagle Lake and how they differWhy guides are valuable on eagle

The conclusion of our Live From the Toronto Sportsman's Show series is a whopper!  First off, Maxime Gilbert from Zale Outdoors stops by the booth to talk about Costa Sunglasses to educate us on how to pick the right style of sunglasses with the correct lenses for various types of water bodies and times of day.  Our chat is interrupted by a surprise guest from Chris' past - Taro Murata!  Following that we are joined briefly by Rick Young, Manager of Anderson's Lodge on majestic Lac Seul!  Rick talks about what a dream fishing getaway on one of the best muskie lakes on the planet looks like.  To cap it off, veteran angler and guide Brent Bochek swings by and shows why he is one of the most sought-after speakers in the sport!  

In Part 2 of our series Live from the Toronto Sportsman's Show, Chris and Frank begin the episode by recapping memorable booths and encounters on the show floor.  The guys then take a look forward at the offerings coming this Spring for the new Ugly Pike e-commerce store as well as a look at what the Ugly Pike Podcast will be doing at the 2024 Muskie Odyssey.   Following that, CJ and Hookset from the Eating Wild Podcast stop by the studio to talk about muskies! 

Episode 172 sees Chris and Frank broadcast live from the 2024 Toronto Sportsman's show!  First up, friend of the show Mike Parker drops by to talk about fishing Lake St Clair and what is new and exciting from Handlebarz Lures.  Then Luis "Top Dog" Pereira and Antonio "Smash" Meleca from the Eating Wild Podcast sit down to talk about a variety of topics including, their exciting new line of cooking spices, a review of the 2023 muskie fishing season including adventures on Lake St Clair, Nipissing, and Scugog.  The discussion then focuses on new product launches for Ugly Pike - a new beer product and Ugly Meat grass-fed, hormone/steroid-free beef pepperettes!