Ugly Pike Podcast

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 fisheriesPrecision 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 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 

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 careerMarlon's 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

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 fishingQuick strike rigs, and when/how to set the hookProtecting resources and spots while doing a fishing show

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 incomeThe 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 woodFuture of the Red October Baits product lineThe different species of fish that can be targeted using Red October Baits  

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 weight lossThe origins of Red October BaitsHow to best rig and work a monster tubeThis 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 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 lows - why persisting is essential- Fishing Lake Erie and the difference an elite guide can make on your muskie education  A big thank you to our sponsors! Support the show by supporting them at:EzokoFishing.comAnglingSports.ca

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 yearsTips for fishing in variable late-season weather conditions Lessons learned from losing fish while trolling and new tactics for minimizing this The 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 

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

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 

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! 

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 meatHow 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 guestsA quick discussion on the upcoming UFC event that has been made better by 2 top fighters dropping out and being replaced last-minuteParents/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 betterPoints of value learned from the guys' recent discussion with Dave Grey, particularly modifying baits for deeper exposure

Part 2 of our awesome chat with Dave Grey!  This interview was so much fun for us and took such an interesting turn as we took a deeper look into what it is like to run a massive muskie fishing event.  In this conclusion we touch on:The ins and outs of fishing Lake St ClairWhy the Musky Brawl event is so much fun, how it is administered, and what types of anglers participateDave's interesting story of how he was catfished and how it lead to the ultimate happy ending! 

Dave Grey is a lifelong 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 - The legendary Musky Brawl!  In this first episode, we talk about:  how Dave and his outing partner approached fishing a relatively new lake (to them) and netted the biggest fish out of 60 seasoned anglers at Unleash the Beasteffectively working baits on the French River and Nipissing the business of making and selling baits adapting baits to make them heavier and targeting deeper fish