Ugly Pike Podcast

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 

In this second part of our discussion with Linda Rice, we focus on her unique fishing strategies for Lac Seul.  Linda has a method that is truly like no other!  Linda also talks about giants she has seen in the lake before giving two of the very best stories the show has ever heard.  Points include:Fishing mainly with topwater baitsWhen to use certain colours for lures Big Vermilion Lake Lac Seul Giants  

In this episode, the guys chat with the one and only Muskie Mama, Linda Rice! Linda is the owner of the Moosehorn Lodge on majestic Lac Seul.  Linda is well known in Northern Ontario for her passion for the sport and for the excellent service that her lodge provides.  In this first part of our discussion, we touch on the following topics:Linda's life on lac SeulOpening Moosehorn Lodge Keys to success for the lodge The majesty of Lac Seul wildlife

In this Full Moon Friday episode, the guys discuss Chris' recent surgery and (another) brush with death (not lion related), as well as extracting and analyzing the best fishing tips from recent episodes before taking a call from Matt Toth, organizer of the Kayak Musky Challenge, a tournament that spans the Canadian Muskie waters and runs all season long!  In addition to talking about this event, Matt gives some very cool insights as to what it is like landing a monster muskie from a kayak, inches away from the angler's toes!  

In this second part of our discussion with Davin Heinbuck, Davin gives yet another master class on reading environmental conditions in order to ascertain the very best times to be on the water.  We then get into a unique discussion about the psyche of an angler and how intuition plays a role in everything that we do. This part of the discussion was unexpected, but it really made an impact.  Points of discussion include: Making sense of lunar cycles aka 'lunar lunacy'Maturing as an angler and fishing smarterFishing times of day / light cycles Anglers instinct 

Davin Heinbuck returns to the show to follow up on what is often referred to as one of the mega episodes in this show's history.  Davin's level of detail and scientific approach to muskie hunting is truly unique, and in this second interview, he completely outdoes himself.  In this first part, Davin provides amazing insights on the following topics:Research effort updateFish movement patternsTrip planning using weather patterns 'hindcasting'How pre-season conditions affect the season Weather fronts - How to fish them

In this part 2 with French River/Lake Nipissing guide Corey Warden, the discussion shifts into a deeper look at tactics where working baits are concerned.  Corey then answers some insightful questions that might surprise the listeners before finishing with one of the most epic fish stories in the show's history!  Points include:Guiding first-time muskie anglersCovering the water column when castingWorking baits in a different way to up your odds Using swivelling Boga Grips 

In this episode, Chris and Frank connect with friend of the show Corey Warden who works as a guide out of the Chaudière Lodge on the famed French River.  Corey has had a busy season both on the water and after the season, working hard at all of the fishing shows, so the guys wanted to chat with Corey to go over what he learned this season fishing and how the off-season shows went. In this episode, they discussed:Corey's origin story as a guide on the French River RegionFish handling adventuresRecap on 2025 fishing trade showsCorey's approach to guiding

In this second part of our discussion with Justin Gaudry, we take a detailed look at fishing methods and lure selection for targeting muskies on Lake of the Woods.  Justin ties everything together while addressing approaches to fishing the different structure types on the lake and gives a master class in angling in this conclusion of the episode.  Highlights include:  Trolling spots with heavy bait presentTargeting fish relating to certain structure types How to choose the right bait for each type of structureAnglers sharing knowledge 

Justin Gaudry spends his days running Mylie's Place Resort on the famed Lake of the Woods.  The guys sat with Justin to talk about the challenges of running a lodge in 2025.  Justin provides very unique insight into the day to day grind and the challenges of being a lodge owner.  Justin is also one heck of an angler and provides insights as to how to pick spots on LOTW and boat giants. Points include: How potential tariffs are impacting Lodge owners How Justin became a Lodge ownerWater changes to LOTW recently Picking the right time to go to LOTW

Part 2 of the discussion with Andrew Rideout is further affirmation as to why another interview was in order!  In this conclusion, the guys dissect the Lake and discuss the best approaches for success!   Highlights include:Angling approach to each of the five zones of LOTW How to select the right baitHow forward facing sonar changed the game Trolling tactics 

Back to Lake of the Woods the guys go!  Guide Andrew Rideout comes back onto the show to discuss what he has learned on one of the best muskie fisheries in Ontario in the years since he came onto the show.  In this episode we dissect this great lake and discuss how to find success amidst it all!  Topics include:The importance of using a guideLOTW unique characteristics / understanding the lay of the land if you're newHow to execute an optimal figure eight on LOTWUsing majors and minors to your advantage

In this second part of our discussion with Muskies Canada Inc, the focus shifts to the organization itself.  The guys dive into how the organization is bolstering its brand and its initiatives.  Following this, a look at how current research projects are going, along with a breakdown of statistics associated with these projects, are discussed.  Topics include:MCI mission for 2025Building the MCI brandFundraising through new corporate partnerships Growing  membership baseSpanish River and Simcoe updates By the numbers:  MCI Research stats 

It is that time of year again and the Muskies Canada Inc 2025 Muskie Odyssey is right around the corner!!   The guys sat with 3 members of the MCI brass to talk about what is new and exciting for the Odyssey this year as well as the evolution of the organization, how it is changing, and what the results of the many conservation projects that they oversee are so far.  In attendance for this show are MCI President Joe Found, Treasurer Peter Robertson, and Show Organizer Bryan Mathes.  Points of discussion include: Odyssey detailsShow SpeakersEngaging youth at the OdysseyVendors Muskie community building 

In this second part with Jeremy Smith from Lindner Media Productions, Chris and Frank turn the discussion homeward and talk about muskie fishing in Ontario.  Ontario is truly a special muskie destination and the guys go into detail as to what makes it so magical.  Points of discussion include: Dissecting Minnesota muskie fisheriesSunset Country adventuresWater quality, and bait selection Ontario baitmakersLindner media organization and landscape 

Episode 217 is live!  It has been many years since the guys have sat with Jeremy Smith of Lindner Media Productions.  The first time was a pivotal moment in the show's history and one that put the Ugly Pike Podcast on the fishing map. Jeremy comes onto the show to reveal not only that he is an avid listener of the UPP, but also to discuss his life as one of the highest-profile anglers in fishing media today.  Topics include:The Lindner career and lifestyleMinnesota muskie population declining Breakdown of forward-facing sonar and other similar technological tools What can be done to protect muskies from technological advance 

In this Full Moon Friday episode, the guys chat about rod building and how future smart technology integration might change the game for anglers. Alex Boutin from Barbarian Braid calls in to add to the discussion and discuss his approach to building muskie rods.

In this second part of our epic chat with Doug Wegner and Jessie Baker, Chris and Frank dive deeper into the keys to success that both anglers espouse for boating big muskies!  Doug talks about what motivates him after countless hours on the water and how he breaks down new locations in order to discover where the big girls can be found!  Whether it's success on the water, or success in business, we dive into a great, deep discussion on being happy and being successful.  Topics include: What motivates Doug after being on the water so muchDoug's approach to new water/targeting strategies Using technology to uncover structureDoug's YouTube subscription service for anglers Being an entrepreneur Guiding: what makes a great guideGreen Bay fishery update - Stocking and population 

In this episode, the guys are lucky to have not one but two amazing muskie anglers to sit and chat with.  There are not too many couples anywhere who boat more big fish than Doug Wegner and Jessie Baker and in this episode we sit and talk about their personal journeys that lead to the level of success that they are both enjoying on the water.  Not only are Doug and Jessie super active on the water, but together they create an absolute ton of amazing online content for anglers to learn from and enjoy.  Points of discussion in this first part of the interview include:Fishing Eagle Lake with Steve HerbeckDoug and Jessie's schedule on the waterCreating interesting online content Making great friends in the muskie communityJessie's annual women's retreat 

The beginning of the year means that the guys go over pivotal moments and lessons learned during adventures and interviews from 2024

In this second part with Greg Attard, the focus shifts heavily toward tactics for targeting and catching giants on this special Lake.  Greg gives a treasure trove of tips on targeting muskies and provides a full seasonal breakdown of how anglers should adapt their structure targets and presentations in order to maximize success.  Points of discussion include: Breaking down tactics by seasonSucker fishing Throwback bait technique and selectionThe moon and the lake 

Back to one of the guys favourite destinations with this episode - the MIGHTY Lac Seul!  This time around Chris and Frank sit with Winoga Lodge Guide Greg Attard as he takes us through his journey to become a guide in search of the apex predator on one of the most challenging waterways in Ontario!  Topics include:Greg's origin as a multi species anglerWhat turned Greg into a muskie angler Becoming a guideWhat makes a special guide The Lac Seul fishery - breaking it down 

In this second part of the discussion with Tilted Toque Lodge owner Terry Godreau, the discussion focuses on fishing both the French River and Nipissing and what the differences are.  The discussion then takes a different turn, as the guys discuss their mutual interests in Bitcoin and why it is shooting up in value these days.  Terry concludes the interview with a very heartfelt fish story that everyone can relate to. Points of discussion include: Differences between fishing the French River and Nipissing The Bitcoin Revolution

The guys chat with Terry Godreau, owner of the Tilted Toque Lodge on the famed French River.  There are not too many people in muskie fishing more interesting than Terry and in this conversation we get a sense of what it is like to live the dream that many muskie anglers dream - being a lodge owner.  In this first part of the series the topic focuses on the rich history of this part of the Province and what it is like being in the lodge on the cusp of the season's conclusion.  Points include:Being on the French River in NovemberOwning a LodgeTilted Toque Origin story French River history 

In this second part of the discussion with Dave Grey, the discussion turns toward muskie fishing.  Not a lot of anglers put more time on the water hunting giants than Dave does and so he expands on how to be successful locating and landing muskies.  Points of discussion include:Global fishing adventures Winter weather patterns How tactics change across different bodies of water How the muskie community has changed over the years

In this episode we gathered at our brewery for a chat with Dave Grey, organizer of the biggest muskie fishing tournament in Canada, the Musky Brawl.  Dave recaps how the tournament went and talks to why this is such an epic event on Lake St. Clair every year.  Following this, the guys get into a deep discussion about vital muskie fishing tactics!  Topics include:Musky Brawl performance and future plansWhat was different this year/rule changesUse of PolygraphsThe tournament as a business 

In this second episode of an excellent discussion with Tom Barry, the guys delve into the details that all muskie anglers love to analyze.  Environment, techniques, and technology are all topics in this half of the interview and Tom delivers in a way that will assist any angler who tunes in.  Points of discussion include: Late season baits: what to use and how to use themMoon phasesImportance of PMA: The ups and downsAggressive Summer techniques: Glide baitsEthical use of Livescope 

In this episode, we speak with one of the best multi-species anglers in the muskie game, Tom Barry.  The guys wanted Tom on the show not only because of his muskie knowledge but to have a greater talk on multispecies angling and how similarities across species and styles could be connected.  Tom put on an absolute angling masterclass in this series.  Topics include: Out-of-the-box solutions for trolling/boat controlsScouting locations for multispecies Crossover knowledge gained by fishing different species Strategies for open water fisheries vs shield waters 

Chris is laid up with a broken ankle but the show must go on! The guys chat about Fall muskie hunting strategies. Good friend of the show and Frank's brother from another mother Josh Ketry (co-founder of Red October Baits) calls in to lend his wisdom to the topic of Fall muskie hunts.  Josh recently landed an absolute slob of  a fish so the guys wanted to hear all about it.  Josh also mentions a very interesting project that he has created and how it can relate to fishing.  

In this second part of our chat with Kevin Goldberg, Kevin goes into more technical detail that will give anglers tips and tactics to not only net more fish, but to target the big girls.  Such an excellent session with Kevin. Points include: Selecting the right colour for luresWhy big, finicky fish will hit a topwater when nothing else worksHow to best set up on a spot and optimizing the first passThe love for the great Canadian muskie fisheries (and how they differ) Optimal time of day/year to fish and associated conditions

Kevin Goldberg came so highly recommended by great anglers in our community and boy did he deliver!  We had a great chat with Kevin and he brought some amazing and heartfelt insights into the sport that we all love.  Kevin is not only a beast angler in both the US and Canada, but he has a genuine appreciation for the ceremony that is muskie fishing, and all that comes with it.  This was a truly enjoyable chat that produced a great episode.  Topics of discussion include:Discussion on Kevin's home waters Ohio muskie fisheries: stocking and fishingThe difference between 50-inch muskies in USA vs NW OntarioFishing for THE fishThe value of travelling Keys to being successful on new watersBringing the right baits on a trip

Dadson Blade Baits

Dadson Blade Baits

In this episode Chris and Frank reflect on an amazing milestone - 200 podcasts published!  The guys talk about the genesis of the podcast and the journey along the way.  Focus of the chat then shifts to the recent Unleash the Beast outing on the French River/Lake Nipissing and how the event went.  60 incredible anglers converged on the French River for bragging rights on who can catch the biggest and the most muskies.  This was an unforgettable event this year full of exciting twists and turns!  

In this second part with Peter Levick, he continues to impart his amazing wisdom on fisheries in Ontario (and beyond) and discusses what can be done to help improve the situation on many of our lakes and rivers and even shares some success stories on the tireless work that volunteers and researchers do each and every day to preserve and restore our fisheries.  Topics include: Solving the St Lawrence issuesHow the average muskie angler can make a differenceMuskie habitat success stories

Peter Levick is a respected Canadian muskie authority.  He has many accolades to his name including past President of Muskies Canada Inc.  We sat with Peter who put on a clinic on the challenges of one of the greatest Canadian muskie fisheries - the mighty St. Lawrence River.  Points of discussion include:Peter getting started in muskie anglingPeter's bio and birth of his passion. FishiotherapyMission and history of Muskies Canada IncSt Lawrence River hayday and challenges/die off events (vhs/goby population explosion ) 

In this second part of our interview with Chelsea Birmingham, we get into some fun talk about the sport that we all love.  Chelsea opens up about going after all sorts of fish and divulges what it is like to always be on the water with a spouse.  We had an amazing time chatting with Chelsea and can't wait to do it again! In this episode we discuss: -Targeting multispecies-Trolling benefits outside of catching fish -Fishing with your spouse -Chelsea's equipment set up 

A couple of seasons ago we interviewed Chelsea Alexander as part of our Live from Nipissing episode when we were on location fishing, and the download stats on this episode were through the roof!  Ever since then we have been wanting to get her back for a full interview session and so now we have!  We sat with now married Chelsea Birmingham to get her to open up about her secrets to success.  Chelsea is not only one of the best female muskie anglers out there, she is one of the best out there period and she continues to boat fish after fish, season after season.  Topics of discussion include:   -Her "Origins" story on how she found her love for fishing -Midseason success and confidence lure talk-Mentally staying in the game-Strange muskie behaviour -Being a female in the muskie community 

In this Full Moon Friday discussion, Chris and Frank recap the Summer season so far.  Adventures on Nipissing, Georgian Bay, and the Niagara along with lessons learned are discussed.  The guys also talk about health and wellness, and give a glimpse toward what the Fall season in the muskie universe in Ontario looks like! 

In this special collaboration with the Eating Wild Podcast, we continue the excellent discussion that started on the last episode of Eating Wild, so if you have not listened to that part 1, please download and listen to this weeks episode on that show.  This was one of the best discussions we have had with guys who have the same hobbies and values that we do.  We were extremely pumped to be in studio with Antonio and CJ and also to have Chris in town with us!  Topics ranged from muskie fishing to hunting, to cooking, and all things that outdoorsmen and women love to do in between! 

In this second part of our time spent with Pete Bostelmann, we continue our discussion on this fabled body of water, how we approached fishing it, and the amazing history that it holds for all of Canadian muskie anglers! 

On this episode, Chris and Frank hook up with one of the best guests in this podcast's history - Pete Bostlemann. The guys tackle the notoriously difficult waters of Georgian Bay, and did it ever live up to its reputation! Despite having the weather against them, an amazing time was had fishing with Pete.  Join us in our discussion that dissects the different water zones in Georgian Bay, and also, take a deep dive into the rich history of muskie fishing on the Bay! 

In this second part of our Live from Nipissing, the guys continue to talk about methods for approaching Lake Nipissing and the French River.  Lots of detail and lots of stories swapped in this lakeside chat.  French River/Nip Guides Matt O'Brien and Nikko Guido provide more excellent insights into fishing this region

It is that time of year again! The guys return to one of their favourite spots - Tama Kwa Vacationland on the daunting Lake Nipissing.  Despite being handcuffed by high winds, Chris and Frank talk about the challenges of the trip.  They are joined by ace muskie guide Matt O'Brien and, owner of Tama Kwa, Nikko Guido!

In this second part with Danny Colomby, Danny breaks down his formula for success.  We could have talked for hours with Danny and still not tapped the vast amount of knowledge that he has for this fishery.  For anyone fishing Lake Nipissing, this episode is an absolute must!  Points of discussion include: Using Electronics and tech Keeping recordsThe West ArmUnderstanding the differences between the French River and Lake NipissingOpen water fishing Lure selection

Danny Colomby is more than just a muskie angler, he is a scientist as he would say.  His approach to muskie fishing is as thorough and meticulous as we have ever seen.  Danny is well known for his rich history of muskie fishing on Lake Nipissing and it would be tough to find anyone else who has spent more time on this fabled body of water.  We met Danny on the Lake a couple of years ago and are very excited to bring this episode to our listeners.  Topics include:  -Muskie boat configuration for weather variability -Reading the wind to locate fish -Why are muskies unique - the relic species -How to trick big, smart  fish to bite -Early summer muskie behaviour, locations, patterns, and the shadfly effect-Taking a census during the spawn to understand your population and waterway 

Episode 186: Full Moon Friday - If you dont eat your meat you can't have any puddingChris and Frank recap Frank's recept season opener trip to the Rideau River and how bucking trends and conventional wisdom paid off on the water.  The guys also look down the road at their upcoming adventure back to Tama Kwa Vacationland to see friend of the show Nikko Guido and fish the mighty Lake Nipissing!