Ugly Pike

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:   

• 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

Episode 168 is live!! 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 scale a bait building operation

- Ugly Pike makes a special announcement about beer

- What makes Rover Baits different, how to use them, and how they act

- LSC fishing methods and best

- Colour selection in lures

- When to swap a non productive bait and how to troubleshoot or do different things with a bait

- Confidence 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: 

• 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) 

Episode 166 is live!! 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 underlied 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 fisheries

- Precision 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

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 protein snacks that every angler needs in their fishing bag!  Robbie runs a master class on how sourcing well fed and raised meat is key to a healthy diet, and also goes into detail on the different cuts of meat and how to best prepare them! 

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 been cultivating his career

• Marlons second favourite fish to target / guiding style

• Breaking down the Eastern region and topography   

• How and where muskies are located on the Saint John River

• Why New Brunswick muskies are so fat

• The ethics of fishing in hot weather / deep water

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 muskies on the Saint John River

- How covid restrictions lead to a rediscovery of that regional fishery for many

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

Episode 161 is live and it 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 building a successful fishing show

- Fishing with muskie legends, their differences and similarities

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! 

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

Episode 158 is Live! We're gettin' the band back together! Straight out of Buffalo. The guys sit with the original founders of the iconic Red October Baits - Marc Arena, Hans Mann, and Joshua Ross 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 weight loss

- The origins of Red October Baits

- How to best rig and work a monster tube

- This season on Buffalo Harbour

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 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 lows - why persisting is essential

- Fishing Lake Erie and the difference an elite guide can make on your muskie education  

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 

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 learned from losing fish while trolling and new tactics for minimizing this

- Importance of acting as a team and knowing your role in the boat when that fish hits

- How to select the best fishing line for late season

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. Cookes team at the Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Labratory

- 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

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

Episode 151 is live!!! The conclusion of 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)

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 meat

• How to make a great shore lunch

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 on the upcoming UFC event that has been made better by 2 top fighters dropping out and being replaced last minute

• Parents/mentors turning kids on to fishing: How to do it and how/when to incorporate that first muskie hunt!

• The process of growing as a muskie angler and getting better

• Points of value learned from the guys' recent discussion with Dave Grey, particularly modifying baits for deeper exposure

Episode 147 is live! Dave Grey is a life long outdoorsman who was on the winning boat at the recent Unleash the Beast challenge on the French River/ Lake Nipissing. Despite not being familiar with the water, Dave and his boat partner managed to bag the biggest fish and win the challenge. We reached out to Dave to talk about how he formulated his winning strategy and to talk about his huge event on Lake St Clair in November

In this second part with Dave Anderson, we take a deep look at what it takes to succeed both on and off the water.  Dave provides amazing insights and gave us one of the most informative and well rounded discussions that we have had to date.  Topics include:

• Casting and retrieving techniques in deep water

• Using the "splash down technique" to attract lazy fish

• How Dave relates his success in life/business to muskie fishing 

• Comparing the great Ontario muskie fisheries 

• Prop wash and trolling line lengths 

• Dave's 3 crucial tips for success 

In this episode of Full Moon Friday the guys talk about how Chris found the strongest man in the world at his gym overseas.  Discussion then shifts to the upcoming Unleash the Beast tournament on the French River.  Tournament organizer Todd Dowell from Tickle Bait calls into the show to talk about this years UTB event and why it is going to be so amazing.  

In this episode we talk to mega angler Dave Anderson. Dave as fished all over the best muskie waters in Canada and the US and has a number of muskie and multispecies tournament titles to his name. He has also had segments published in In Fisherman Magazine on the topic of toothy giants! We had an epic discussion with Dave.

Part 2 of our epic discussion with muskie angling legend Pete Maina picks up where part one left off. A practical analysis full of tips for troubleshooting some of the most common roadblocks experienced by muskie anglers. Pete weighs in on:

- How Pete breaks down and explores new water to find spots

- What to do when fish aren't moving or biting

- Stepping into the mind of a muskie

Muskie fishing pioneer Pete Maina comes back onto the show to talk all things muskies with the guys.  Straight out of the birthplace of American muskie fishing, Hayward WIsconsin, Pete calls in to talk about what and how he is doing this season. It is always a real thrill when we get to chat with Pete and this discussion, much like the last episode with Pete was both fun and informative.  In this episode we discuss:

• The perception by some of Muskies as inconvenience/nuisance predators

• Pete's recent trip to Lake of the Woods

• How fisheries across the US differ from one another in terms of both angling approach & culture

In this episode the guys have a chat with Jamie Pistilli who is a muskie guide and avid predator hunter around the world! Discussion begins with a talk about chasing fresh and saltwater predators around the world. Jamie then goes on to expand on approaches to fishing for muskies in the Ottawa region where he works as a guide. The guys also discuss Jamie's new podcast, The Tacklebox, that he co-hosts with Brad Sinopoli, a show that recently debuted on the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network!

Probably one of the most anticipated conclusions to an interview we have done. This episode will make you a better angler.

In the conclusion of this incredible session with Pete Bostelmann, we dig deep into the nuances of muskie fishing. Pete puts forth some real gems that break convention. A talk that will surely produce more muskies for our listeners. This interview was so well received by the community, we are very proud of this discussion. Highlights include:

- in-depth lunar analysis

- weather changes and how they affect the bite

- the 3 different types of lakes and how to target muskies in each

- how to provoke a strike in slow conditions

- finding that life/fishing balance

Episode 138 is live!! In this episode we talk with Pete Bostelmann, former President of Muskies Canada Inc and avid blade bait maker. Pete brings years of experience and insights to the table and this discussion is loaded with amazing information. In part 1 of this epic interview we examine:

- Pete's preference for fishing in windy conditions

- Casting vs trolling - when and where

- The benefits of focusing on a single fishery

- Pete's role as a former president of MCI

- Pete's approach to blade bait building

In this episode, Chris and Frank broadcast live from Tama Kwa Vacationland Resort on the famed Lake Nipissing. The discussion revolves around the days spent on the lake with guide Nikko Guido and how the guys managed to find success on a notoriously inhospitable body of water.