Ugly Pike Podcast

Chris and Frank sit down with Muskies Canada members Bryan Mathes and Peter Robertson to talk about the organization and the upcoming 2022 Muskie Odyssey on April 2nd in Hamilton, ON.  Highlights include:   A look back on Muskies Canada programs and what is in store for the future Detailed discussion on the prizes and speakers happening at this year's Muskie Odyssey  Chris and Frank make a MASSIVE announcement about a new Ugly Pike project that is launching Summer '22

Nate Andrychuk has enjoyed guiding careers on two of the best muskie lakes in the world - Lac Seul and Lake of the Woods.  In this episode Nate comes on the show to discuss the finer points of each body of water and what it takes to land big muskies.  Episode highlights include:   The question of Thunder Bay/Lake Superior muskies Top water click baits  Lessons learned guiding on Lac Seul  Bait colours: When/how it matters Simplifying bait selection How to target fish from under downed trees - proper conditions and tactics 

The conclusion of Chris and Frank's discussion on some of the most notable clips and most valuable pieces of muskie hunting information from the 2021 season. 

Chris and Frank take a look back at the amazing year that was 2021 for the Ugly Pike Podcast.  Never before has the show had such a multitude of detailed, technical tips and information.  Show guests gave an incredible volume of useful and effective muskie fishing tips and strategies and the guys discuss the some of gems that they found to be most noteworthy.  

Part 2 of our 100th episode discussion with John Anderson from Ottawa River Musky Factory and Musky Factory Baits and Alex Boutin from Barbarian Braid.  Discussion topics include:   John talks about stepping outside the box for lure selection Targeting strategies once bait schools are located John turns the tables and asks Chris and Frank about past episode preferences and milestones An in depth discussion on electronics selection and use

To celebrate our milestone 100th Episode, we sat in studio with John Anderson of Ottawa River Musky Factory and Musky Factory Baits, and Alex Boutin of Barbarian Braid to discuss the recipe for late season GIANTS in the boat, including: What keeps a lifelong angler inspired to fish in the coldest of temperatures Difference between hunting for a muskie and hunting for THE muskie Fish feeding behaviour throughout the Fall/Winter Migration and Holding Patterns Highest activity times for muskies

In this second part, Ben goes into detail about his experience targeting and catching the fish of a lifetime and lessons learned along the way.  

When we saw Ben Kelly's video about his first muskie challenge and fishing adventure ever, we had to have him on the show.  Ben talks to us about how he transitioned from an otherwise normal job and into a career of outdoor media.  Ben soon found an obsession for fishing that lead him to the ultimate challenge, a fish he had never targeted or caught - a hunt for the apex predator, the muskellunge! 

Part 2 in our discussion with Mark Perkins.  In this conclusion of our interview we discuss how to read the mood of the fish, how to adjust your figure 8's in order to adapt to changing conditions, the impact of rusty crayfish on LOTW, and how to change your approach to bait selection as the Fall GIANT season approaches! 

Mark Perkins guides out of the Shangri-La that is Obabikon Bay Camp on the famed Lake of the Woods.  In this episode Mark drops as much knowledge as we have ever had from a guest and the conversation was enlightening.  In just part one alone we covered so many points of interest like fishing in tough weather, proper hook sets, the importance of "first dark", chasing big fish, and going outside the box when the going gets tough out on the water.  We are very excited to share this episode with our listeners.  

Chris and Frank travel to one of, if not the most difficult bodies of water to go after muskies on - the legendary Georgian Bay.  The guys talk about what made it an interesting and extremely challenging trip and how they had to make changes to their approach in order to combat unfriendly weather and fishing conditions.  

Part 2 in our discussion with Mike Nabulsi.  Mike expands on the best waters to cast certain baits, why a damaged bait may not necessarily be a bad thing, modifying his baits, the muskie bait making community, and what his ideal muskie fishing tactic looks like! 

Mike Nabulsi from Waterwolf Lures chats with us to discuss how Waterwolf came to be, which baits/colours to select for different water types/locations, the best way to use rubber to target muskies, and how to decide which rubber techniques to use and when!      

In this remainder of our discussion with Julian Kalka, we discuss the aftermath of enduring border closures and restrictions on the fishing hospitality industry in Northern Ontario as well as Eagle Lake as a premier muskie destination for all of North America. 

Julian Kalka is the owner of Andy Myers Lodge on the famed Eagle Lake.  Julian comes onto the show to discuss the devastating effects of the Government restrictions and ongoing border closures on the Northern Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Industry.  

Part 2 in our discussion with Andrew Rideout where he elaborates on the importance and utility of using guides, the best lures and tactics across different seasons on Lake of the Woods, jigging for muskies, and how tournament angling has influenced his outlook on muskie hunting.  

Andrew Rideout spent much of his youth fishing around North Bay but eventually settled on the famed Lake of the Woods, where he works as a guide out of Crawford's Camp (Sioux Narrows).  Andrew shares his vast knowledge with us as he talks about how to dissect LOTW, its different zones, and which early season baits and tactics to use in order to maximize your potential to boat a giant! 

Samantha elaborates on how to deal with challenging days on the water and the importance of keeping the mood positive.  She explains her keys on how to do this and why taking breaks is not always a bad thing.  Sam then goes on to reveal how she not only constantly creates, but innovates in the shop, as she turns out a seemingly never ending line of unique and effective blade baits.  

An American transplant recently turned Canadian resident, Samantha Dadson almost needs no introduction.  She has fished waters for muskie all across North America and consistently pulls giant fish.  Samantha is also a talented lure maker and is one of the creative engines behind Dadson Blade Baits.  

Part 2 in this amazing and informative discussion.  Josh talks about his unique approach to guiding that has made him one of the industry's best, giant producing "pink days", and how innovation in fishing equipment helps him to refine his approach and problem solve on the water with great success.