Ugly Pike Podcast

The Musky Hunter himself, Jim Saric calls into the show for a 4th of July Muskie extravaganza!  It is always a thrill to spend time with Jim and in typical fashion, he drops a ton of muskie knowledge!  Tons of practical tips as it relates to locations and methods are found in this episode.  Topics include:   Early fishing in Ontario  USA early year fishing  USA stocking  operations  Upping the cat...

In this second episode with kayak muskie hunter Dan Joseph, the guys get into it.  The discussion shifts toward how to catch and land monsters and what that feeling is like as you handle a giant, boatside and without a net!  The episode concludes with a pulse-pounding story of weather turning ugly on big water, while fishing in a small kayak!  Points of discussion include:   How to land a muskie i...

In this episode, Chris and Frank reveal big plans for their Summer fishing adventure including the location and the lodge.  After that they welcome Dan Joseph onto the show.  Dan got the guys' attention during a recent discussion with Matt Toth who talked about Dan landing fish as big as 55 inches from a kayak.  This episode is a cool look into the world of apex predator kayak fishing!  Highl...

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, chasin...

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...

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 lakes Topwater fishing and bait tuning Water bodies...

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 grounds How a guide team...

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 baits When to use certain colours for lures  Big Vermilion Lake  Lac S...

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 Seul Opening Moosehorn Lodge  Keys...

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 eve...

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...

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 update Fish movement p...

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 anglers Covering the water column when...

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,...

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 ba...

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...

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 bait How 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 guide LOTW unique characteristics / understanding the lay of...

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 2025 Building the MCI...

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 ar...

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 fisheries Sunset Country adventures Water quality, and bait selection  Ontar...

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 fish...

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 busin...