Ugly Pike Podcast

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!  

Part 2 in this exciting discussion turns its attention to how the 2024 Muskie Odyssey will be bigger, badder, and a lot more fun!  Ryan and Peter divulge the amazing details for this epic event, including:Odyssey when and where, and event itineraryVendor listSpeakers (including a science panel) The brand new tackle swap eventWhy it's important / beneficial to buy tickets in advance!  

In part 2 of our discussion with Landry Smith, the discussion turns to focus on methods and targeting muskies.  Specifically, Landry puts on a clinic where modifying and repairing baits are concerned and also provides great insights into where and how to target big fish.  Topics include: Deep water targeting Casting methods - Situating or burying hooks into soft plastics for not fouling/getting a perfect land after castingLive scopes and soft plasticsRepairing rubber baits after strikes

In this session we sit down with Landry Smith, the creator of one of the most sought after and difficult to get rubber baits - the Rover Bait.  Landry not only talks about his journey as an accidental muskie enthusiast but also divulges a ton of information on great fishing methods, how to work baits, and how to target big muskies!  Points of interest for this awesome discussion include: Changing rods and introducing different rod features to up your game    Stumbling into the muskie universeHow to scale a bait building operationUgly Pike makes a special announcement about beerWhat makes Rover Baits different, how to use them, and how they actLSC fishing methods and best baitsColour selection in luresWhen to swap a non productive bait and how to troubleshoot or do different things with a baitConfidence and how it works Deep water targeting 

Part 2 in our talk with John Pensyl goes into even more detail.  John's mastery of muskie fishing is on full display as he drills down on past and present methods and how he uses what he has learned, along with new approaches and innovations, to maximize the number of fish he puts in the boat.  A true master class. Points include: How to take full advantage of presentation to catch more fish Putting your bait in the right spot at the right time Merging old methods with new technology (ethically) 

In this episode, we had the opportunity to speak with and learn from a truly elite muskie angler - John Pensyl.  As we got into this conversation, it became apparent that John's casual facade underlies not only an incredible amount of time spent on the water but also a relentless level of detail to his approach.  This is an episode that will inspire all anglers to push themselves to the limit in order to get multiple 50+ inches in the boat every season! Topics include: Niagara River/Lake Erie fisheriesPrecision targeting Lifestyle and fishing partners' importance to maximizing time on the water The amazing work and value to anglers that is the Niagara Musky Association