Ugly Pike Podcast

JP Bushey is one of the most prolific multi species anglers in Ontario.  He is also a muskie addict who guides all over the Ontario, focusing on Georgian Bay but also angling all over Lake Nipissing, the French River, and beyond!  JP provided so much information on amazing tactics and approaches to muskie hunting in this session, it was truly amazing.  Points of discussion include:   Keys to guiding success and what makes a great guide How passion turns into success  Why fundamentals are an essential element to success on the water  Vital casting techniques that get your bait to hit the water the perfect way

Part 2 in our amazing talk with Matt O'Brien dives into great detail on how to target and boat big fish.  Some real out of the box approaches that have lifted Matt to the elite guide level.  Topics include: Matt's encoded waypoint system created to pinpoint the spot on the spot The use of livescope Targeting fish in open water Lure selection in open water How tactics change when going after big fish

Epic guide Matt O'Brien sits with Chris and Frank to talk about those amazing Canadian Shield waters.  Topics include:  Dissecting the lower/middle/upper French River as a muskie fishery "Leapfrog" casting technique used by Matt to cover more water and move more fish Spinnerbaits - which models to use and when

Fresh off the heels of an incredible Muskie Odyssey that saw 1000 people, a ton of vendors, and some talented speakers get together in Oshawa to enjoy the sport of muskie fishing and all that comes with it.  Ryan sits with us to talk about changes to the Muskies Canada Inc organization and how it will improve the membership experience as we look down the road.  Highlights include: The value of being an MCI chapter member How the chapter function is changing to be more accommodating to outlying locales  Using technology to give members even better service and utility Facilitating youth memberships into MCI

Muskies Canada President Ryan Pickering drops by the studio to talk about the vendors, the speakers, and the events that will make the 2023 Muskie Odyssey in Oshawa, ON, the best Odyssey yet! 

Part 2 in our talk with Josh Borovsky is an extension of the road map put forth in part 1 on how to become a better muskie angler.  Points of discussion include:  Fishing techniques and how/when to change things up Pink Days:  Finding the right time to hit the water for optimal success Shade lines and other environmental conditions for identifying muskie spots Musky Insider discussion Josh reveals his new muskie lure concept coming to market

To our community, Josh needs no introduction.  He is a guide with 20+ years experience, focussing primarily on Lake Vermillion.  Josh is also an accomplished tournament angler with PMTT Top Gun and World Championship titles to his credit!  On this episode we discuss the following:   The challenges and allure of new water to experienced anglers The use of livescope technology Ethics and angling How fish react to transducers and surface noise Advanced figure 8 techniques

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