Ugly Pike Podcast

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 

It's not everyday that we get to sit with an avid muskie angler who is also a scientist who has devoted her educational pursuits and working life to understanding muskies.  In this episode we sit down with Erin Wislon is currently employed as a Fisheries Technician at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, but recently graduated from her master’s at the Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Lab where she studied muskie movements in a remote Algonquin lake as well as the post release behaviour of angled muskie. Long before she ventured into muskie research she was and still is a very passionate multi-species angler with a major focus on muskie.  Points include: Erin's origin story as an anglerWomen's events for muskie angling Breaking down the Kawartha Lakes fisheriesFishing the Algonquin Lakes

In this Full Moon Friday episode, Chris and Frank discuss the high points of recent episodes and in particular, how mega guest JP Bushey's advice will influence Frank's approach to the upcoming Unleash the Beast outing on the French River/ Lake Nipissing.  UTB outing director Todd Dowell of Toddy Tickle Baits calls into the show to discuss this year's adventure, what has changed, and why it will be great.  

In this second part with JP Bushey, the talk turns technical.  How to properly use baits, especially rubber baits dominates the discussion.  JP gives a huge amount of details in this section. As Chris calls it, a true pen and paper session so prepare to take notes and to emerge from this second part a wiser angler.  What a session!! Points of discussion include:Auto chart  - the game changerOvercoming rock snot challengesOptimal use of rubber baitsControlled retrieves vs erratic baits Best methods for using tubesHow to properly pair rods and reels with the correct baits 

Episode 245 is live!!  We usually don't like to approach guides during the season for the show, but we absolutely had to get JP Bushey back on the show.  JP is one of the best multispecies guides on Georgian Bay and a top muskie angler in the community.  In this first part, we get into the fabric of the Canadian Angler, a gritty talk about who we are and what makes us different.  JP then gives a long opinion on forward facing sonar and angling.  It is an excellent discussion, one of our very best! Topics include:Fishing and Canadian cultureBeing built different as anglersForward facing sonar

In the final chapter of the Live from Lac Seul series, Chris and Frank sit with their guides and discuss the wonder of Lac Seul, what it is like working in such a paradise guiding people on their trips of a lifetime! 

In this third part of the Live from Lac Seul series, Chris and Frank are joined by guide Zack Tucker who broke the days long slump and helped the guys get the job done!  After days of relentless grind, the guys were all elated to get one in the bag.  In this part they talk about how they got the job done

In this second part, the guys carry on with their chat with guide Joe Marsh to discuss the challenges they faced in the early days of their trip and how to best approach the pitfalls of navigating a challenging lake like Lac Seul

Taking a trip of a lifetime to one of Canada's best angling lakes should be fun and easy, but not for muskie anglers.  In this first session of our series live from Moosehorn Lodge on the legendary Lac Seul, the guys go over the challenges that a cold front brought to their first days on the water.  Chris and Frank sit with guide Joe Marsh and review how the first days of the adventure went, and what will be done to change the approach and find success!  

In the conclusion of the guys' chat with The Musky Hunter Jim Saric, changing and adopting new tactics for hunting muskies are discussed.  Jim also lends some knowledge on how to deal with lethargic or picky fish and how to make them take the bait!  Points of discussion include:  Changing and adopting new habitsUsing Livescope to scout water and understand muskiesEnticing fish to strike 

The Musky Hunter himself, Jim Saric calls into the show for a 4th of July Muskie extravaganza!  It is always a thrill to spend time with Jim and in typical fashion, he drops a ton of muskie knowledge!  Tons of practical tips as it relates to locations and methods are found in this episode.  Topics include:  Early fishing in Ontario USA early year fishing USA stocking  operations Upping the catching odds - planning the dayBite windows

In this second episode with kayak muskie hunter Dan Joseph, the guys get into it.  The discussion shifts toward how to catch and land monsters and what that feeling is like as you handle a giant, boatside and without a net!  The episode concludes with a pulse-pounding story of weather turning ugly on big water, while fishing in a small kayak!  Points of discussion include:  How to land a muskie in a kayak  Customizing your kayak: The essentialsHow different baits influence how the angler controls the kayakTrolling in a kayak Fighting and landing monsters in a kayak 

In this episode, Chris and Frank reveal big plans for their Summer fishing adventure including the location and the lodge.  After that they welcome Dan Joseph onto the show.  Dan got the guys' attention during a recent discussion with Matt Toth who talked about Dan landing fish as big as 55 inches from a kayak.  This episode is a cool look into the world of apex predator kayak fishing!  Highlights include: The guys announce their summer trip to NWO Why fish in a kayak?Importance of Controlling the kayak What makes a kayak safe Lone wolf fishing vs fishing with friends 

In this Full Moon Friday episode, Chris and Frank analyze the many great Ontario Muskie fisheries in order to hone in on the best option for their Summer trip.  The guys also discuss early Ontario season opener and how the first adventure of the season went, with lessons learned!  

In this second part of our discussion with Winnipeg River guide Austin Sandstrom, the discussion turns toward the approaches and methods for finding big fish in this water system.  Austin goes into how to adapt to the different types of waterways and what his choices for baits are, before finishing with a couple of great stories of his time spent on these waters, practically all by himself, chasing monsters.  Points include: Guiding first-time muskie anglersAdjusting tactics for different types of fish Bait selection on the Winnipeg River 

It took over 200 episodes, but the guys finally found an excellent guide on the Winnipeg River to talk about this lesser-known, lesser-fished body of water.  Chris and Frank sat with guide Austin Sandstrom, who guides out of multiple outfits on this secluded and amazing body of water.  Austin describes what it is like to hunt for muskies on some of the most beautiful and remote lakes and rivers in Ontario.  In this episode, they discuss:Blind guiding as a new guide using no electronics Guiding by instinct The Winnipeg River systemFishing in various water types and dealing with water level fluctuation  

In the conclusion of our episode with Nate Andrychuk, we dive deep into how to approach the great waters of Northwestern Ontario.  Baits and tactics are the focus, as well as how to target the mega monsters that very few anglers are lucky enough to ever see.  The elusive 60 inchers!! Points include:Different bait approaches to the different NWO lakesTopwater fishing and bait tuningWater bodies like reservoirs and changing water levels Breaking down waterways and finding an approach to successHunting a sixty-inch behemoth

It has been a few years since we have talked with Nate, and since he is one of the most prolific guides on Lac Seul, we needed to have him back.  In this second interview with Nate, he completely outdoes himself and gives us a good understanding as to why there are muskie guides, and then there are exceptional muskie guides.  In this part 1, we discuss:Nate's guiding groundsHow a guide team instills confidence in anglersMuskie fishing gear breakdownRod length/style importance