Ugly Pike Podcast

Mark Perkins guides out of the Shangri-La that is Obabikon Bay Camp on the famed Lake of the Woods.  In this episode Mark drops as much knowledge as we have ever had from a guest and the conversation was enlightening.  In just part one alone we covered so many points of interest like fishing in tough weather, proper hook sets, the importance of "first dark", chasing big fish, and going outside the box when the going gets tough out on the water.  We are very excited to share this episode with our listeners.  

Chris and Frank travel to one of, if not the most difficult bodies of water to go after muskies on - the legendary Georgian Bay.  The guys talk about what made it an interesting and extremely challenging trip and how they had to make changes to their approach in order to combat unfriendly weather and fishing conditions.  

Part 2 in our discussion with Mike Nabulsi.  Mike expands on the best waters to cast certain baits, why a damaged bait may not necessarily be a bad thing, modifying his baits, the muskie bait making community, and what his ideal muskie fishing tactic looks like! 

Mike Nabulsi from Waterwolf Lures chats with us to discuss how Waterwolf came to be, which baits/colours to select for different water types/locations, the best way to use rubber to target muskies, and how to decide which rubber techniques to use and when!      

In this remainder of our discussion with Julian Kalka, we discuss the aftermath of enduring border closures and restrictions on the fishing hospitality industry in Northern Ontario as well as Eagle Lake as a premier muskie destination for all of North America. 

Julian Kalka is the owner of Andy Myers Lodge on the famed Eagle Lake.  Julian comes onto the show to discuss the devastating effects of the Government restrictions and ongoing border closures on the Northern Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Industry.  

Part 2 in our discussion with Andrew Rideout where he elaborates on the importance and utility of using guides, the best lures and tactics across different seasons on Lake of the Woods, jigging for muskies, and how tournament angling has influenced his outlook on muskie hunting.  

Andrew Rideout spent much of his youth fishing around North Bay but eventually settled on the famed Lake of the Woods, where he works as a guide out of Crawford's Camp (Sioux Narrows).  Andrew shares his vast knowledge with us as he talks about how to dissect LOTW, its different zones, and which early season baits and tactics to use in order to maximize your potential to boat a giant! 

Samantha elaborates on how to deal with challenging days on the water and the importance of keeping the mood positive.  She explains her keys on how to do this and why taking breaks is not always a bad thing.  Sam then goes on to reveal how she not only constantly creates, but innovates in the shop, as she turns out a seemingly never ending line of unique and effective blade baits.  

An American transplant recently turned Canadian resident, Samantha Dadson almost needs no introduction.  She has fished waters for muskie all across North America and consistently pulls giant fish.  Samantha is also a talented lure maker and is one of the creative engines behind Dadson Blade Baits.  

Part 2 in this amazing and informative discussion.  Josh talks about his unique approach to guiding that has made him one of the industry's best, giant producing "pink days", and how innovation in fishing equipment helps him to refine his approach and problem solve on the water with great success.  

Josh Borovsky is one of the most sought after guides in the US and has over 20 years experience putting clients on monster fish.  Josh is also very active on the seminar circuit, travelling and educating anglers everywhere.  You can often find Josh on web based and TV media, including regular spots on Lindner's Angling Edge.  In this episode Josh shares a mountain of detailed and valuable information describing his own processes and systems where casting, bait selection, and figure 8s are concerned, as well as a range of other topics.  There is just a ton to be learned from this episode.   

Part 2 in the discussion with Nipissing guide and lodge owner Shawn Degagne.  At the conclusion of the episode, Chris and Frank give thoughts on the discussion and also look ahead at what is happening in the muskie world this coming Spring. 

After enjoying a career in the NHL, Shawn Degagne turned his attention to his passion and purchased a fishing resort on Lake Nipissing.  In this episode we talk with Shawn about the Mighty Nip and how to break down its zones, locate muskies, and select the right bait for landing monsters! 

Part 2 with Kyle Garon. In this second part we dive deep into alternative but amazing Ontario fisheries like Lake Nipissing, Lake Nosbonsing, and the French River.  If you thought fishing Georgian Bay for muskies was difficult, try doing it solo!  Kyle explains his approach to tackling this monster body of water by himself and how he finds, and lands absolute giants! 

Kyle Garon has some of the most incredible fishing adventures chronicled on Slobland Flicks.  Perhaps more importantly, Kyle embodies the very concept of rising to the challenge, as day in and day out he braves the mighty Georgian Bay in search of true giants.  Kyle comes on to the show to talk about his fishing and media methods, and what it is like to target and land huge muskies while fishing solo on the Bay and beyond! 

Brian Skaife is an accomplished muskie angler who published 52 fishing videos in 2020 on his incredible YouTube page, Angling Anarchy.  Brian comes on to the show to discuss his channel, his co-ownership of Chaos Tackle, and what his keys to success are on Eagle Lake that allowed him to boat 17 fish in 5 days on one of the toughest muskie lakes in the world! 

Chris and Frank take a look back at how an otherwise challenging year produced some epic time on the water, as well as incredible guests and milestones.  The Ugly Pike Podcast surpassed 100,000 unique downloads and interviewed some of the greatest muskie angling minds on the planet, amassing some incredible tips and information from subject matter experts like Jim Saric, Doug Wegner, Pete Bowman, and many more.

Part 2 of our discussion with Jim Saric.  In this episode Jim goes on to elaborate on how to scout locations prior to hitting the water, the importance of record keeping, trip preparation rituals, the 3 core skills vital to a muskie angler, and techniques for getting fish to bite! 

In celebration of our 100,000th download, we asked the one and only Musky Hunter, Mr. Jim Saric to join us on the show to lend his expertise to our listeners.  Jim puts on an absolute clinic as he talks about the best ways to approach the hobby.  In this ~2 hour discussion Jim talks about everything from how and when to target muskies, to tackle selection, understanding and creating patterns that work, using electronics, and so much more!