Ugly Pike Podcast

In this episode, we speak with one of the best multi-species anglers in the muskie game, Tom Barry.  The guys wanted Tom on the show not only because of his muskie knowledge but to have a greater talk on multispecies angling and how similarities across species and styles could be connected.  Tom put on an absolute angling masterclass in this series.  Topics include: Out-of-the-box solutions for trolling/boat controlsScouting locations for multispecies Crossover knowledge gained by fishing different species Strategies for open water fisheries vs shield waters 

Chris is laid up with a broken ankle but the show must go on! The guys chat about Fall muskie hunting strategies. Good friend of the show and Frank's brother from another mother Josh Ketry (co-founder of Red October Baits) calls in to lend his wisdom to the topic of Fall muskie hunts.  Josh recently landed an absolute slob of  a fish so the guys wanted to hear all about it.  Josh also mentions a very interesting project that he has created and how it can relate to fishing.  

In this second part of our chat with Kevin Goldberg, Kevin goes into more technical detail that will give anglers tips and tactics to not only net more fish, but to target the big girls.  Such an excellent session with Kevin. Points include: Selecting the right colour for luresWhy big, finicky fish will hit a topwater when nothing else worksHow to best set up on a spot and optimizing the first passThe love for the great Canadian muskie fisheries (and how they differ) Optimal time of day/year to fish and associated conditions

Kevin Goldberg came so highly recommended by great anglers in our community and boy did he deliver!  We had a great chat with Kevin and he brought some amazing and heartfelt insights into the sport that we all love.  Kevin is not only a beast angler in both the US and Canada, but he has a genuine appreciation for the ceremony that is muskie fishing, and all that comes with it.  This was a truly enjoyable chat that produced a great episode.  Topics of discussion include:Discussion on Kevin's home waters Ohio muskie fisheries: stocking and fishingThe difference between 50-inch muskies in USA vs NW OntarioFishing for THE fishThe value of travelling Keys to being successful on new watersBringing the right baits on a trip

Dadson Blade Baits

Dadson Blade Baits

In this episode Chris and Frank reflect on an amazing milestone - 200 podcasts published!  The guys talk about the genesis of the podcast and the journey along the way.  Focus of the chat then shifts to the recent Unleash the Beast outing on the French River/Lake Nipissing and how the event went.  60 incredible anglers converged on the French River for bragging rights on who can catch the biggest and the most muskies.  This was an unforgettable event this year full of exciting twists and turns!  

In this second part with Peter Levick, he continues to impart his amazing wisdom on fisheries in Ontario (and beyond) and discusses what can be done to help improve the situation on many of our lakes and rivers and even shares some success stories on the tireless work that volunteers and researchers do each and every day to preserve and restore our fisheries.  Topics include: Solving the St Lawrence issuesHow the average muskie angler can make a differenceMuskie habitat success stories

Peter Levick is a respected Canadian muskie authority.  He has many accolades to his name including past President of Muskies Canada Inc.  We sat with Peter who put on a clinic on the challenges of one of the greatest Canadian muskie fisheries - the mighty St. Lawrence River.  Points of discussion include:Peter getting started in muskie anglingPeter's bio and birth of his passion. FishiotherapyMission and history of Muskies Canada IncSt Lawrence River hayday and challenges/die off events (vhs/goby population explosion ) 

In this second part of our interview with Chelsea Birmingham, we get into some fun talk about the sport that we all love.  Chelsea opens up about going after all sorts of fish and divulges what it is like to always be on the water with a spouse.  We had an amazing time chatting with Chelsea and can't wait to do it again! In this episode we discuss: -Targeting multispecies-Trolling benefits outside of catching fish -Fishing with your spouse -Chelsea's equipment set up 

A couple of seasons ago we interviewed Chelsea Alexander as part of our Live from Nipissing episode when we were on location fishing, and the download stats on this episode were through the roof!  Ever since then we have been wanting to get her back for a full interview session and so now we have!  We sat with now married Chelsea Birmingham to get her to open up about her secrets to success.  Chelsea is not only one of the best female muskie anglers out there, she is one of the best out there period and she continues to boat fish after fish, season after season.  Topics of discussion include:   -Her "Origins" story on how she found her love for fishing -Midseason success and confidence lure talk-Mentally staying in the game-Strange muskie behaviour -Being a female in the muskie community 

In this Full Moon Friday discussion, Chris and Frank recap the Summer season so far.  Adventures on Nipissing, Georgian Bay, and the Niagara along with lessons learned are discussed.  The guys also talk about health and wellness, and give a glimpse toward what the Fall season in the muskie universe in Ontario looks like! 

In this special collaboration with the Eating Wild Podcast, we continue the excellent discussion that started on the last episode of Eating Wild, so if you have not listened to that part 1, please download and listen to this weeks episode on that show.  This was one of the best discussions we have had with guys who have the same hobbies and values that we do.  We were extremely pumped to be in studio with Antonio and CJ and also to have Chris in town with us!  Topics ranged from muskie fishing to hunting, to cooking, and all things that outdoorsmen and women love to do in between! 

In this second part of our time spent with Pete Bostelmann, we continue our discussion on this fabled body of water, how we approached fishing it, and the amazing history that it holds for all of Canadian muskie anglers! 

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!