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 strategies Understanding fish based on how they are hooked. How ...
May 10, 2024•56 min
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 ...
May 03, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 177
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 lake What makes Eagle Lake fish hit boatside? What influences this? Herbies figure 8 techniq...
Apr 26, 2024•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 176
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 fishery Why Steve and Danny think this could be a banner year for muskie fishing Eagle Lake Pike popu...
Apr 19, 2024•50 min•Ep. 175
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...
Apr 12, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 174
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!
Apr 05, 2024•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 173
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, ...
Mar 29, 2024•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 172
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 itinerary Vendor list Speakers (including a science panel) The brand new tackle swap event Why it's important / beneficial to buy tickets in advance!
Mar 22, 2024•1 hr 6 min•Ep. 171
Mar 15, 2024•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 170
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 casting Live scopes and soft plastics Repairing rubber baits after strikes...
Mar 08, 2024•54 min•Ep. 169
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 universe How to ...
Mar 01, 2024•1 hr 24 min•Ep. 168
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)...
Feb 23, 2024•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 167
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 fish...
Feb 16, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 166
In this Full Moon Friday chat, the boys talk about Frank's recent trip down to the Chicago Musky Expo! Chris and Frank talk about what was new and exciting at the show and how this event differs from the Muskie Odyssey that Canadian listeners are used to attending. Following this, Master Butcher Robbie Aggarwal, owner of Norcini & Co. in Niagara Falls joins the discussion as the Ugly Pike Podcast prepares to launch its "Boat Meat" line of products. High-end, well-sourced and made meat-based ...
Feb 09, 2024•1 hr 21 min•Ep. 165
In this second part of our chat with ace guide Marlon Prince, we drill down on his region out East. We talk about the politics of muskie fishing as the popularity of the sport grows and get into which tactics and gear anglers should use when fishing these unique waters for big toothy monsters! Topics include: The politics of muskie fishing in New Brunswick Baits and tackle used on the Saint John River for optimal results Fishing with wire line Discussing the great Canadian fisheries Jigging for ...
Feb 02, 2024•58 min•Ep. 164
In this episode we check in with an amazing guide from a truly unique and amazing fishery - Marlon Prince. It has been years since we have sat down with Marlon and a lot has changed out East! Most anglers know what a bounty the eastern waters like the Saint John River is but many are unaware just how round and fat their muskies get. From dodging icebergs on home water, to fishing in tricky river currents, we talked about so many things during this great session! Points include: How Marlon has be...
Jan 26, 2024•48 min•Ep. 163
Episode 162 is the conclusion of our epic discussion with fishing media legend John Gillespie. This was such an enjoyable session as we picked John's fishing brain about what it takes, and what it is like being an angling media success. Highlights include: Sucker fishing Quick strike rigs, and when/how to set the hook Protecting resources and spots while doing a fishing show
Jan 19, 2024•42 min•Ep. 162
Episode 161 was a special one. It is not every week that we get to interview a living legend. Few people work as hard as John Gillespie does on his show Waters and Woods. Over the years John has kept up an unthinkable schedule, releasing weekly shows that every angler has watched at one point. John sits with us and shares his amazing insights on a career as an industry leader. Topics include: John's start in media with his back against the wall Turning a life passion into income The key to build...
Jan 12, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 161
In this episode, Chris recalls his amazing trip to the Serengeti in Tanzania, Africa including a nail-biting encounter with a persistent lion! Following this, the guys recall notable discussions and valuable insights gained during interviews with some of the best muskie anglers on the planet in 2023! This was a groundbreaking year for the Ugly Pike Podcast and we sincerely thank the listeners and the team at the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network!
Jan 05, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 160
Episode 159 concludes the second half of our amazing session with the founders of Red October Baits. 2 hours with this awesome crew went by so quickly that we will have to do it again soon! There was so much knowledge on bait making, angling, and guiding at one table that it was tough to cover everything that we wanted. Highlights include: Hans' amazing carved works of wood Future of the Red October Baits product line The different species of fish that can be targeted using Red October Baits...
Dec 29, 2023•57 min•Ep. 159
Straight out of Buffalo! The guys sit with the original founders of the iconic Red October Baits - Marc Arena, Hans Mann, and Josh Ketry. A bunch of great friends and people got together to chat not only about muskie fishing, but about life improvements in general. This episode is loaded with amazing discussions about lifestyle, bait making, and of course, hunting muskies! Points of discussion include: How lifestyle changes by all of the guys at the table resulted in a cumulative 200 lbs of weig...
Dec 22, 2023•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 158
In this Full Moon Friday episode, the guys chat about learning hard lessons on the water and turning them into success. After one of the best seasons yet for Ugly Pike on the water, chatting about how to hang in there and learn was an essential topic. Points include: - The Introduction of a new show sponsor, Angling Sports in London, ON - Lessons learned from the recent trip to the St. Lawrence River system, keys to success, and how it changes patterning moving forward - The emotional highs and ...
Dec 15, 2023•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 157
Part 2 of our discussion Live on the St Lawrence River concludes with a robust talk about how the guys planned on adapting their approach to the changing weather. Points of discussion include: How Fall/Winter season affects muskie behaviour/patterning Adapting strategies for variable winds Livescope/technology discussion Casting in cold weather
Dec 08, 2023•47 min•Ep. 156
In this episode, we record live on location on the St. Lawrence River system. Frank is joined by his buddy and training partner Attila Ipacs, as well Alex Boutin aka Rex St. Pierre of Barbarian Braid/Taxeman Custom Lures. The guys have a great discussion on how the end-of-season trip is going and what the state of the waterway is. Points of discussion include: The consistency/inconsistency of the fishery over the last few years Tips for fishing in variable late-season weather conditions Lessons ...
Dec 01, 2023•43 min•Ep. 155
Part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Steven Cooke concludes with topics that every muskie angler values. We had a great discussion with Dr. Cooke and made sure that his vast knowledge was tapped and that we addressed vital points of interest to anglers such as: - Critical factors affecting muskie habitat - Information Dr Cooke has discovered that could help muskie anglers discover patterns - Can fish be educated (re: baits)? - The importance of moon cycles, if at all...
Nov 24, 2023•48 min•Ep. 154
In this episode, we speak with Professor of Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology at Carleton University, Dr. Steven Cooke. In this episode, we discuss: - Dr. Cooke's team at the Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Laboratory - The research papers on fish ecology that Dr. Cooke has published - the intrinsic biological weapons of the apex predator, the muskie! - When do muskies eat? - Muskie movement and migration
Nov 17, 2023•47 min•Ep. 153
From real brawls to muskie brawls, Chris and Frank begin the discussion with the recent Fury vs Ngannou prize fight and then take a call from Dave Grey, organizer of the Musky Brawl that just took place on Lake St Clair. Dave recaps how the event went, what transpired, and what is on tap for Musky Brawl 2024!
Nov 10, 2023•54 min•Ep. 152
Our fun talk with Chef Antonio Smash Meleca concludes with what else....a good muskie chat! Highlights include: Antonio kidnaps Kit Harington from Game of Thrones Why Antonio struggles with trolling for muskies The trials and tribulations of being the net man Losing the fish of a lifetime Antonio reveals who he would cook for if given the choice (anyone in the world)
Nov 03, 2023•49 min•Ep. 151
Antonio "Smash" Meleca is our guest this week! Antonio is an accomplished chef and entrepreneur and happens to be as obsessed with muskies as anyone else. He is also co-host of the excellent Eating Wild Podcast on the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network. In this episode, we talk muskies, but first, we had to take advantage of Antonio's excellence in his field. Part 1 includes: Why passion matters Up your game: Simple starting ingredients to use if you're new to cooking Importance of resting me...
Oct 27, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 150
In this Full Moon Friday episode, Chris and Frank review the tactics of seasoned anglers and tournament fishermen and women in this community - information gained from the past discussion with Musky Brawl Creator, Dave Grey. This episode incorporates different aspects of muskie fishing, both from the point of view of the angler, as well as that of a parent or mentor. Highlights include: A look at Fall fishing activities for the Ugly Pike crew, as well as possibly future guests A quick discussion...
Oct 20, 2023•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 149
