Ugly Pike Podcast

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 Head over to their shop in person or online at ezokofishing.com and Let EZOKO turn those fishing trips into epic stories! 

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 allHead over to their shop in person or online at ezokofishing.com and Let EZOKO turn those fishing trips into epic stories! Head over to their shop in person or online at ezokofishing.com and Let EZOKO turn those fishing trips into epic stories!

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 Head over to their shop in person or online at ezokofishing.com and Let EZOKO turn those fishing trips into epic stories!

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! Head over to their shop in person or online at ezokofishing.com and Let EZOKO turn those fishing trips into epic stories! 

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 

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 lengths Dave's 3 crucial tips for success 

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 and the USHow to approach tournament muskie fishing How and when to target fish at different depths in the water columnHow to approach/ take advantage of the major and minor moon eventsUsing a cold front to your advantageCasting and retrieving techniques in deep waterUsing the "splash down technique" to attract lazy fish

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 onHow Pete breaks down and explores new water to find spotsWhat to do when fish aren't moving or bitingStepping 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 predatorsPete's recent trip to Lake of the WoodsHow 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!  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, which he co-hosts with Brad Sinopoli, a show that recently debuted on the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network! 

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.  

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 

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 whereThe 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.   

Introducing Full Moon Fridays, where Chris and Frank drill down on the best tips and techniques from recent interviews, take calls from listeners, and discuss what is happening in the muskie fishing world!