Ugly Pike Podcast

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 J...

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...

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 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:...

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 an...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 fi...

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...

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...

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...

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 Clair Why the Musky Brawl event is so much fun, how it is administered, and what types of anglers participate Dave's interest...

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 No...

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 provided amazing insights and gave us one of the most informative and well-rounded discussions that we have had to date.  Topics include: How Dave relates his success in life/business to muskie fishing  Comparing the great Ontario muskie fisheries  Prop wash and trolling line le...

In this episode, we talk to mega angler Dave Anderson.  Dave has 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.  Highlights include: How tournaments and outings differ in both Canada...

In this episode of Full Moon Friday the guys talk about how Chris found the strongest man in the world at his gym overseas.  The 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 year's UTB event and why it is going to be so amazing.    

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...

In this episode, the guys have a chat with Jamie Pistilli who is a muskie guide and avid predator hunter around the world!  The 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 Tackle Box,...

In this episode of Full Moon Friday, Chris and Frank review the finer points of their amazing discussion with Pete Bostelmann.  This epic interview resulted in the most feedback from listeners in the show's history.  After that discussion, the guys get a call from Bryn Roach who calls in to talk about bait building and optimizing performance of lures in the water.