Ugly Pike Podcast

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!  

In this episode we take a complete departure.  In our quest to understand the parallels between traditional hunting and muskie hunting, we invited Caleb onto the show to discuss the subject.  Caleb has fished muskies on some of Ontario's greatest waters and harvested animals all around the world.  What ensues is a fascinating discussion on hunting, muskie hunting, and the marvels of wildlife photography.  

Guide and avid muskie angler Brent Bochek has several decades of angling experience and calls into the show to discuss muskie fishing across some of Ontario's most popular lakes.  Brent has experience fishing numerous bodies of water and offers an amazing perspective.  The boys have a chat about effective Fall tactics, Brent's new and exciting TV show "Setting the Hook", as well as working the right baits and modifying hardware in order to maximize presentations and entice those big fall fatties to bite! 

Kurt Hansen, owner of the legendary Thorne Bros Rod & Tackle calls into the show to talk about some big changes in store for this legendary muskie fishing institution.  Kurt is an avid angler and spends time fishing both the stocked lakes in the US as well as some of the natural muskie meccas in Ontario.  The discussion also focusses on making correct tackle choices, customizing muskie rods, and looking at the future of our sport (technology & conservation).  

Mike Parker returns to the show to discuss the effective targeting tactics that have made him one of Lake St. Clair's preeminent guide.  Mike expands on bait selection and what works on LSC, as well as the exciting new innovations coming from Handlebarz Lures.  If you fish or want to fish LSC, you do not want to miss this discussion.  

Friend of the show Alex Boutin chats with Chris and Frank about early Fall season muskie fishing.  Topics range from the importance of timing and efficiency, to navigating the tough and ever changing conditions of the Fall season.  The discussion ends with an in depth talk about when, why, and how to troll, and how to dissect the water column to find those inactive giants! 

Part 2 of our discussion with Marlon Prince who guides on the St. John River.  Discussion focuses on how to approach the various zones of the St. John River, muskie fishing on the fly, and ending the cull. 

Marlon Prince is a muskie guide based on the St John River in New Brunswick.  Marlon is also a brand ambassador with a wide range of angling skills including targeting muskie using both conventional tackle as well as on the fly.  Marlon calls in to the show to talk about the state of this unique and burgeoning fishery and of course, how to target muskies out East! 

Red October Baits Co-Founder and BJJ Black Belt Josh Ketry calls in to the show to discuss the creation of one of the most unique baits out there for muskie fishing.  Josh also expands on tactics and strategies on the 2 waters he fishes the most - the St. Lawrence and Niagara Rivers.  The discussion then shifts to thee parallels between muskie fishing and the amazing and complex art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.  

Chris and Frank dive into how the crew did on opener, where they fished, and what tactics were used that yielded tremendous success, including a 6 fish day!  

Part 2 of our discussion with seasoned angler Rob Cadeau

Rob is an active member of Muskies Canada and volunteered on the Lake Simcoe Muskie Restoration Program, as well as many other conservation initiatives.  Rob was one of the guest speakers at both the 2017 and 2019 (power panel) Muskie Odyssey and has been featured in numerous fishing magazines and TV shows including Angler and Hunter TV, as well as the Musky Hunter, where Rob guided Jim Saric to the show's first ever Tiger! 

In part 2 of this series, Larry expands on the subject of BIG FISH tactics!

Muskie Legend Larry Ramsell offers a unique view of the past, present, and future muskie fishing landscape.   Larry is a two term past President of Muskies Inc and a permanent Board of Directors member.  He is also a world records advisor for the hall of fame as well as an author published in a multitude of international angling publications.    

Part 2 of our discussion with JP Leblanc on the state of some key Ontario muskie fisheries.

JP Leblanc is a Fisheries Ecologist currently working as a post-doctoral associate at the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry.  For 10 years JP has been studying early life ecology of muskies in Georgian Bay, St Lawrence River, and Lake Huron.  JP offers an amazing and educated perspective on the delicate state of affairs in some of our most treasured muskie fisheries.

Chris and Frank talk about the challenges, the anticipation, and the new approaches being taken for the 2020 muskie season opener. 

Part 2 in our discussion with Doug Wegner who guides both in the US and Canada.  Doug has a wealth of experience on fabled muskie waters such as Green Bay and Lake of the Woods.  In this second part, Doug expands on his methods and tactics that contribute to his success on the water and to his growing reputation as one of the best guides out there.  

Doug Wegner spends time both in the US and Canada guiding for giants.  Doug has strung together some amazing seasons on the water so we were extremely happy when he called into the show to talk about tactics and strategies on several different types of water systems.