Ugly Pike Podcast

In this second part with Peter Levick, he continues to impart his amazing wisdom on fisheries in Ontario (and beyond) and discusses what can be done to help improve the situation on many of our lakes and rivers and even shares some success stories on the tireless work that volunteers and researchers do each and every day to preserve and restore our fisheries.  Topics include: Solving the St Lawrence issuesHow the average muskie angler can make a differenceMuskie habitat success stories

Peter Levick is a respected Canadian muskie authority.  He has many accolades to his name including past President of Muskies Canada Inc.  We sat with Peter who put on a clinic on the challenges of one of the greatest Canadian muskie fisheries - the mighty St. Lawrence River.  Points of discussion include:Peter getting started in muskie anglingPeter's bio and birth of his passion. FishiotherapyMission and history of Muskies Canada IncSt Lawrence River hayday and challenges/die off events (vhs/goby population explosion ) 

In this second part of our interview with Chelsea Birmingham, we get into some fun talk about the sport that we all love.  Chelsea opens up about going after all sorts of fish and divulges what it is like to always be on the water with a spouse.  We had an amazing time chatting with Chelsea and can't wait to do it again! In this episode we discuss: -Targeting multispecies-Trolling benefits outside of catching fish -Fishing with your spouse -Chelsea's equipment set up 

A couple of seasons ago we interviewed Chelsea Alexander as part of our Live from Nipissing episode when we were on location fishing, and the download stats on this episode were through the roof!  Ever since then we have been wanting to get her back for a full interview session and so now we have!  We sat with now married Chelsea Birmingham to get her to open up about her secrets to success.  Chelsea is not only one of the best female muskie anglers out there, she is one of the best out there period and she continues to boat fish after fish, season after season.  Topics of discussion include:   -Her "Origins" story on how she found her love for fishing -Midseason success and confidence lure talk-Mentally staying in the game-Strange muskie behaviour -Being a female in the muskie community 

In this Full Moon Friday discussion, Chris and Frank recap the Summer season so far.  Adventures on Nipissing, Georgian Bay, and the Niagara along with lessons learned are discussed.  The guys also talk about health and wellness, and give a glimpse toward what the Fall season in the muskie universe in Ontario looks like! 

In this special collaboration with the Eating Wild Podcast, we continue the excellent discussion that started on the last episode of Eating Wild, so if you have not listened to that part 1, please download and listen to this weeks episode on that show.  This was one of the best discussions we have had with guys who have the same hobbies and values that we do.  We were extremely pumped to be in studio with Antonio and CJ and also to have Chris in town with us!  Topics ranged from muskie fishing to hunting, to cooking, and all things that outdoorsmen and women love to do in between! 

In this second part of our time spent with Pete Bostelmann, we continue our discussion on this fabled body of water, how we approached fishing it, and the amazing history that it holds for all of Canadian muskie anglers! 

On this episode, Chris and Frank hook up with one of the best guests in this podcast's history - Pete Bostlemann. The guys tackle the notoriously difficult waters of Georgian Bay, and did it ever live up to its reputation! Despite having the weather against them, an amazing time was had fishing with Pete.  Join us in our discussion that dissects the different water zones in Georgian Bay, and also, take a deep dive into the rich history of muskie fishing on the Bay! 

In this second part of our Live from Nipissing, the guys continue to talk about methods for approaching Lake Nipissing and the French River.  Lots of detail and lots of stories swapped in this lakeside chat.  French River/Nip Guides Matt O'Brien and Nikko Guido provide more excellent insights into fishing this region

It is that time of year again! The guys return to one of their favourite spots - Tama Kwa Vacationland on the daunting Lake Nipissing.  Despite being handcuffed by high winds, Chris and Frank talk about the challenges of the trip.  They are joined by ace muskie guide Matt O'Brien and, owner of Tama Kwa, Nikko Guido!

In this second part with Danny Colomby, Danny breaks down his formula for success.  We could have talked for hours with Danny and still not tapped the vast amount of knowledge that he has for this fishery.  For anyone fishing Lake Nipissing, this episode is an absolute must!  Points of discussion include: Using Electronics and tech Keeping recordsThe West ArmUnderstanding the differences between the French River and Lake NipissingOpen water fishing Lure selection

Danny Colomby is more than just a muskie angler, he is a scientist as he would say.  His approach to muskie fishing is as thorough and meticulous as we have ever seen.  Danny is well known for his rich history of muskie fishing on Lake Nipissing and it would be tough to find anyone else who has spent more time on this fabled body of water.  We met Danny on the Lake a couple of years ago and are very excited to bring this episode to our listeners.  Topics include:  -Muskie boat configuration for weather variability -Reading the wind to locate fish -Why are muskies unique - the relic species -How to trick big, smart  fish to bite -Early summer muskie behaviour, locations, patterns, and the shadfly effect-Taking a census during the spawn to understand your population and waterway 

Episode 186: Full Moon Friday - If you dont eat your meat you can't have any puddingChris and Frank recap Frank's recept season opener trip to the Rideau River and how bucking trends and conventional wisdom paid off on the water.  The guys also look down the road at their upcoming adventure back to Tama Kwa Vacationland to see friend of the show Nikko Guido and fish the mighty Lake Nipissing!  

In part 2 of our discussion with muskie guide Orlando Zecca we focus on working baits, building baits, and reacting to variable weather conditions that are often seen in Ontario's Sunset Country! Topics include: -Tactics for targeting muskie early season on a lake like Lac Seul -Logic behind downsizing bait early season -Adapting to weather variability -Lure building -How to coordinate fishing prime spots at prime time 

We were fortunate to snag Lac Seul muskie guide Orlando Zecca while he was in Southern Ontario and convince him to meet us at the Ugly Pike brewery HQ for a good talk about hunting muskies on one of the greatest lakes for it in the world.  Orlando gives a sneak peak into what it is like to work as a guide in an epic lodge like Anderson's Lodge, on the storied Lac Seul before getting into a deep discussion on breaking down this legendary waterway. Tim Dawson from Campus Crew also sits in on the session to unbox the new Ugly Pike UV fishing sunshirts that are available now at www.uglypike.ca! Points include: -Guiding history-What it's like working at one of Canada preeminent lodges -Training anglers to be guides-What makes Lac seul the legendary fishery it is-The West side of Lac Seul

In part 2 of our unique discussion with John Jarvis, we do a deep dive into identifying conditions for big fish.  Topics include:-How to find a lake with 60 inch muskies-Wanderlust fish -Matching forage patterns for lure selection -Barometer, air pressure and weather patterns 

John Jarvis has had over 12 years experience in the fishing services industry and his passion for learning has made him an adept muskie angler and guide.  We reached out to John so that we could get a perspective on the lesser known hidden gem muskie waters in Ontario's Sunset Country.  Currently John works out of the great Nordic Point Lodge on Lake Perrault, which is nestled between its big muskie brother lakes, Eagle and Seul.  We had such an enlightening talk with John and he really opened our eyes as to the abundance that this area has to offer for muskie anglers.  Points of discussion include:  John's career path that led him to guiding Hidden gem muskie lakes in Sunset Country Bait and special leader selection for early season targeting  Perrault Lake characteristics and most successful bait colours How to find a lake with 60 inch muskies

In this second part of our amazing interview with John Anderson, we pick up where we left off and John goes into even more detail on targeting and tactical strategies.  Part 2 will help you land more muskies, plain and simple.  In this conclusion of our chat we touch on the following subjects:  -John's off-season/summer camps and the ramp-up to the season!-How/why different bodies of water open earlier vs others-Why the Ottawa region is so amazing for muskie/multi species fishing -Ottawa and MCI community clean up and restoration efforts-How to prepare for season opener -Early season targeting strategies-Why early season is the best time to fish for muskies -Leading a team of excellent guides at Ottawa River Musky Factory - the team's strengths and dynamic-Fundamental changes has John made to his game recently -Seasonal bait selection strategies -Using a glide bait - rods, reels, and technique

John Anderson is a Canadian Muskie Institution.  Despite the fact that he is one of the pioneers of Canadian muskie fishing and one of the best guides out there, and despite that we are lucky enough to share a boat with him from time to time, we are most thrilled in those times we get to hang out and spend time together because John is one heck of a guy.  Whether it is shooting the breeze, or digging into muskie 101, chatting with John is a pleasure and in this episode we do both (but mostly talk muskies!).  Our discussion topics include:  John's off season / summer camps and the ramp up to the season! How/why different bodies of water open earlier vs others Why the Ottawa region is so amazing for muskie/multi species fishing  Ottawa and MCI community clean up and restoration efforts How to prepare for season opener  Early season targeting strategies

In this second part of our chat with Johnny Lubera of Lubowski Lures, we get into bait construction and how to up your odds of hooking and landing fish when using single hook baits.  This was a very unique discussion and one that will give listeners new options for spinnerbaits, especially fishing heavy cover, weeds, or deeper water.  Points of discussion include: Bait selection approaches Singlehooks vs treblesHow to fish a single hook. Boat speed and rod type Bait construction Using hog collars with plastic baits