Ugly Pike Podcast

It has been 8 years almost to the day since we first had Pat Tryon on the podcast.  Knowing what an absolute stick he is, we had to reach out and tap his brain as we all look forward to opener.  Pat puts on a clinic and his passion just bleeds through the microphone.  An amazing and energetic discussion was the result.  Topics include:  The spark that lit Pat's fishing passionThe draw of the French RiverThe Dokis community Defining a Canadian Shield enthusiast angler How fishing lake Nipissing and locating fish indicates where the fish in the French River are

Chris and Frank review the 2026 Muskie Odyssey and discuss how the event went.  Following this, Chris springs a secret that he has been keeping for months - he had planned his life's dream as an angler to chase Giant Trevally in the legendary Gulf of Oman.  Problem was this is right next to the Straight of Hormuz, in the middle of a war.  The story is nothing short of epic.  Chris brings us all through this wild ride.  This episode is not to be missed! 

In this second part with Jaime Sebastian, Jaime really peels the layers away and reveals incredible tricks of the trade designed to increase success on the water.  From bait and tackle, to trolling tactics, Jaime runs a master class on angling and shares some extremely unique and innovative tips!  Points of discussion include: Using hooks creatively Trolling tacticsBait sizeScentFishing lesser-known water systems 

Jaime Sebastian is an absolute beast of an angler! With 4 decades of hunting monster predator fish in Ontario waters, he also spends much of his time in Central and South America chasing giants in saltwater.  Jaime comes onto the show to discuss how he approaches both types of fishing and how tactics and strategies tend to overlap.  Topics include: 40 years of angling Targeting predator fish in South AmericaTargeting predators using structure and wildlifeTargeting big fish in an active bait fish environment Speed trolling 

Part 3 of this epic series rounds off with a discussion on the state of fisheries, fishery management, and proper fish handling.  Big thanks to Larry and Pete for giving this show so much time and for providing their valuable insights!Fisheries managementFish handling 

In this second part of this interview, the guys drill down on the topic of record keeping and world record claims in the muskie world.  Larry lends the fiery and passionate opinions that he has become well known for regarding this part of muskie fishing.  No punches pulled by either man in this one!  Points of discussion include:World record fish protocolsCanada / USA World Record claimsRecord keeping formulas

Chris and Frank sit with 2 legends of muskie fishing Larry Ramsell and Pete Maina.  In this amazing session, the Canada/US muskie landscapes are discussed and Pete and Larry provide their unique insights.  Topics include: What is it about MuskiesIs muskie still the fish of 10,000 casts? Why fish don't bite Fishing for THE fish

Chris and Frank sit with Muskies Canada Inc President Joe Found to talk about the new and exciting format to this year's Muskie Odyssey as it merges with the powerhouse CanCast show in Peterborough, Ontario 

In part two the guys delve deeper into how to target these monster pike and then tie it all back to muskie fishing!  Florian gets in to the ideal conditions and discusses his North American muskie fishing adventures!  Points include: Shallow water giants vs pelagic fish Florian's monster pike Proper weather and moon conditions for giant pike Florian's muskie adventures 

For the first time in the show's history, the guys have a fishing chat on 3 continents!  Florian Berger is a master monster pike hunter based out of Germany.  Florian has caught giants, including one pike over 55 inches!  The guys sat with Florian to hear his fascinating story and to talk about the similarities and differences between hunting giant pike, and giant muskie!  Topics include: Florian's origin storyFishing in different European watersWater landscapes for catching big pike Big pike behaviour Taking muskie approaches back to Europe for dramatic success

In this second part of a truly remarkable discussion with one of the pioneers of Georgian Bay Muskie fishing, Shawn gives a great discussion on what baits were run back then and also provides chilling insight into absolute giant fish that were witnessed during this era.  This is going to shock a lot of listeners.  Points of discussion include: Lures of the 1990sSix or seven-foot muskies?How to choose the right lure on the BayGeorgian Bay Nothingness 

With all of the talk recently of the rich history of Georgian Bay, Chris and Frank wanted to connect with one of the veterans of this body of water.  Shawn McCarthy was fishing the Bay in the very early 1990s and comes on to the podcast to give a glimpse as to what trying to conquer such a daunting body of water like Georgian Bay was like in the earlier days, before technology and social media made it easier.  In this episode the topics discussed are: The decision to fish the BayLearning about muskies before the internetTrolling and structure before electronics became accurateFishing deep waterShawn's best lure ever

The Ugly Pike Podcast wraps up its deep dive with Johnny Dadson and Pete Bostelmann in Part 3 of this wide ranging conversation. This episode shifts from stories to strategy as the group digs into casting versus trolling, how elite anglers decide when to use each approach, and why big fish so often live just a couple tail kicks from deep water. Johnny breaks down his philosophy of lure innovation as problem solving, explaining how decades of tweaking blades, weight, and action are all driven by fish behaviour and pressure. Pete shares his methodical approach to finding fish, scouting water, and committing to the right spot at the right time. The discussion touches on confidence, visualization, decision making, and how experience reshapes the way anglers fish over a full season rather than chasing moment to moment results. This episode closes out the trilogy with hard earned insight, honest reflection, and the kind of conversation that rewards pen and paper listening. 

In Part Two of this deep dive on The Ugly Pike Podcast, the conversation with Johnny Dadson and Pete Bostelman continues right where it left off.This episode digs into the evolution of Dadson Blade Baits, the realities of modern muskie pressure, and how fish behavior has changed alongside advancing technology, stocking programs, and increased angler knowledge. From Georgian Bay’s glory days to today’s heavily pressured fisheries, Johnny and Pete break down what still works, what no longer does, and why confidence often matters more than any single lure or pattern.The discussion goes beyond tactics and into mindset. Wind versus calm, weeds versus open water, casting versus trolling, and how two completely different fishing styles can coexist in the same boat and actually make anglers better. Along the way, they share personal best fish stories, close calls on the Great Lakes, lessons from guiding, and the physical grind of hand building baits for decades.If you’re serious about muskie fishing, lure building, o

The Ugly Pike Podcast opens 2026 with an unfiltered, wide-ranging conversation on musky fishing, experience, and long-term strategy.Frank and Chris sit down with Johnny Dadson and Pete Bostelmann to reflect on the 2025 season and explore how mindset, conditions, and time on the water shape success more than predictions ever could. From travel fishing and adapting to unfamiliar water, to casting versus trolling and late-season decision-making, this episode focuses on perspective earned through decades of experience.The discussion builds toward a memorable Georgian Bay story that underscores patience, preparation, and why sometimes one last cast truly matters.This is part one of a two-part conversation, setting up a deeper dive into modern musky fishing and bait building in the next episode.

Chris and Frank take a look back at the 2025 year on and off the water, reviewing memorable events, interviews, and lessons learned

Chris and Frank take a look back at the 2025 year on and off the water, reviewing memorable events, interviews, and lessons learned

In this second part of our interview with Kory, the focus shifts to the fine details of fishing both conventional and unconventional water systems.  Kory drills down on his approach to the various environments that we all love to tackle and provides essential details that will aid the listener to become a more diverse and adaptive angler.  Topics include:Fishing shallow water River systemsHow seasonal water temperatures change your approach Winter "holes"Fishing Northwest Ontario shield watersAdjustment lessons learned from Jim Saric

Kory Maxfield is a genuine outdoorsman.  In this episode, we sit with Kory and talk about the rituals that crafted his childhood as he grew up in a family that put the outdoors first.  On his page, Slump Bust Outdoors, Kory displays his life lessons as they relate to muskie fishing and in this episode, we tie it all together.  Points of discussion include: Growing up in an outdoor familyGenerational Commercial fishing and the wisdom passed downFishing multimedia in 2025Backwater fishing lessons learned

In this second part of our discussion with Zach, we get into the details on how to catch fish.  Zach breaks out tournament fishing tactics, as well as how to select and work baits. Zach gives tremendous detail in this second part and winds it up with a truly special fishing story.  This was truly an amazing chat for us.  Points include:Muskie tournament strategy vs casual angling Lure selection for tournamentsHow work baits to provoke a strike Are all muskies the same?