Ugly Pike Podcast

In this second part of our discussion with bait maker and extraordinary muskie angler Cullen Veiders, we dive into the art and craft of bait making.  Cullen talks about the traits and methods that produce excellent lures and how to use them.  Topics include: How obsession affects craftsmanship in baitmaking  What makes a great lure  Working lures in different ways   Finding new lures to work 

It took us a while to book Cullen Veiders but it was worth every minute!  In this episode we sit with Cullen who is a big personality on and off the water.  He is a revered bait maker and angler and in this first part of this series, Cullen talks about coming out on the other side of struggles to channel the lessons learned and turn it all into success stories.  In this part 1 we explore:  Addicti...

In this Full Moon Friday Chris and Frank talk about the opening of the season and take a call from Frank's brother from another mother, Red October Baits co-founder Josh Ketry.  Josh chimes in about what is new and exciting on his side of the border, fishing the Niagara, and what makes a good lure, a great lure.  Josh also talks about the special guest to his Jiu Jitsu Academy, Buffalo United...

In part 2 of this epic early opener session, lures and baits are the focus!  The guys talk with Johnny Dadson and Alex Boutin about curating lures when you have access to many of them.  Also, what's it like to read an encrypted bump board!  Points of discussion include:   Early season lure size Selecting lure types Early season blade baits Breaking down fisheries early season 

 On location with Johnny Dadson from Dadson Blade Baits and Alex Boutin from Barbarian Braid.  The guys talk about their tactics and approaches to this season's early outing.  With these two sharp and innovative muskie minds, a robust and exciting discussion about issues and tactics ensues.  Topics include:  Using livescope  Crankbait building  Using the right hooks 

With the 2026 season upon us, Chris and Frank talk about their plans for this year including some epic destinations to hunt muskies.  Friend of the show Pete Stefenac calls in to reconnect with the guys and talk about his epic career as a guide on the French River.  Pete was one of the first people from the community to connect with the podcast and can be heard on the earliest episodes when the Sl...

In this second part of our discussion with Matt "Catfish" Firestein, we get into the diverse fishing ecosystems in both Canada and the USA before shifting the discussion toward gearing up for the inland season opener that is just around the corner!  Topics include:  Running down the US and Canadian muskie fisheries  Tactics for early season 

Matt "Catfish" Firestein has hunted muskies all over North America.  Matt also works as one of the busiest and most sought-after guides on Lake St Clair.  In this episode, we connected with Matt to tap into his vast knowledge of North American muskie fisheries!  Points of discussion include:  Life of a charter captain  The Lake St Clair fishery How muskie use water types to hunt  Boat bi...

In this second part with global nomad angler Paul Charbonnea, we get into chasing predators in some of the most remote locations on earth.  As Paul says, he lives and works to fish, and in this segment, he takes us with him into boats in South America and Africa as he chases some of the most exotic giants on the planet.  Points of discussion include: Saltwater epiphany  The Amazon  Madagascar 

In this first part with muskie angler Paul Charbonneau, we talk about Paul's entry into the fishing world and what makes a special angler, as well as what makes the muskie such a unique predator.  Paul travels the world chasing predators and explains why muskies are always unique and special. Topics include:   The fishing generations  The thing about muskies   Choosing Baits to bring in the b...

In part 2 of this insightful session, Pat does what he does best - talks about breaking down waterways and identifying patterns that translate to fish in the boat.  Pat really has a unique ability to dissect water systems and give anglers a roadmap on where to begin and how to move through spots on lakes and rivers.  Points of discussion include:  Current and muskies  How to identify patterns and...

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 passion The draw of th...

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 a...

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 tactics Bait size Scent Fishing lesse...

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...

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 management Fish 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 protocols Canada / USA World Record claims Record...

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 Muskies Is 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:  Fl...

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 1990s Six or seven-foot muskies? How to...

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 mad...

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...

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 to...