Ugly Pike Podcast

In this part 2 with French River/Lake Nipissing guide Corey Warden, the discussion shifts into a deeper look at tactics where working baits are concerned.  Corey then answers some insightful questions that might surprise the listeners before finishing with one of the most epic fish stories in the show's history!  Points include:Guiding first-time muskie anglersCovering the water column when castingWorking baits in a different way to up your odds Using swivelling Boga Grips 

In this episode, Chris and Frank connect with friend of the show Corey Warden who works as a guide out of the Chaudière Lodge on the famed French River.  Corey has had a busy season both on the water and after the season, working hard at all of the fishing shows, so the guys wanted to chat with Corey to go over what he learned this season fishing and how the off-season shows went. In this episode, they discussed:Corey's origin story as a guide on the French River RegionFish handling adventuresRecap on 2025 fishing trade showsCorey's approach to guiding

In this second part of our discussion with Justin Gaudry, we take a detailed look at fishing methods and lure selection for targeting muskies on Lake of the Woods.  Justin ties everything together while addressing approaches to fishing the different structure types on the lake and gives a master class in angling in this conclusion of the episode.  Highlights include:  Trolling spots with heavy bait presentTargeting fish relating to certain structure types How to choose the right bait for each type of structureAnglers sharing knowledge 

Justin Gaudry spends his days running Mylie's Place Resort on the famed Lake of the Woods.  The guys sat with Justin to talk about the challenges of running a lodge in 2025.  Justin provides very unique insight into the day to day grind and the challenges of being a lodge owner.  Justin is also one heck of an angler and provides insights as to how to pick spots on LOTW and boat giants. Points include: How potential tariffs are impacting Lodge owners How Justin became a Lodge ownerWater changes to LOTW recently Picking the right time to go to LOTW

Part 2 of the discussion with Andrew Rideout is further affirmation as to why another interview was in order!  In this conclusion, the guys dissect the Lake and discuss the best approaches for success!   Highlights include:Angling approach to each of the five zones of LOTW How to select the right baitHow forward facing sonar changed the game Trolling tactics 

Back to Lake of the Woods the guys go!  Guide Andrew Rideout comes back onto the show to discuss what he has learned on one of the best muskie fisheries in Ontario in the years since he came onto the show.  In this episode we dissect this great lake and discuss how to find success amidst it all!  Topics include:The importance of using a guideLOTW unique characteristics / understanding the lay of the land if you're newHow to execute an optimal figure eight on LOTWUsing majors and minors to your advantage

In this second part of our discussion with Muskies Canada Inc, the focus shifts to the organization itself.  The guys dive into how the organization is bolstering its brand and its initiatives.  Following this, a look at how current research projects are going, along with a breakdown of statistics associated with these projects, are discussed.  Topics include:MCI mission for 2025Building the MCI brandFundraising through new corporate partnerships Growing  membership baseSpanish River and Simcoe updates By the numbers:  MCI Research stats 

It is that time of year again and the Muskies Canada Inc 2025 Muskie Odyssey is right around the corner!!   The guys sat with 3 members of the MCI brass to talk about what is new and exciting for the Odyssey this year as well as the evolution of the organization, how it is changing, and what the results of the many conservation projects that they oversee are so far.  In attendance for this show are MCI President Joe Found, Treasurer Peter Robertson, and Show Organizer Bryan Mathes.  Points of discussion include: Odyssey detailsShow SpeakersEngaging youth at the OdysseyVendors Muskie community building 

In this second part with Jeremy Smith from Lindner Media Productions, Chris and Frank turn the discussion homeward and talk about muskie fishing in Ontario.  Ontario is truly a special muskie destination and the guys go into detail as to what makes it so magical.  Points of discussion include: Dissecting Minnesota muskie fisheriesSunset Country adventuresWater quality, and bait selection Ontario baitmakersLindner media organization and landscape 

Episode 217 is live!  It has been many years since the guys have sat with Jeremy Smith of Lindner Media Productions.  The first time was a pivotal moment in the show's history and one that put the Ugly Pike Podcast on the fishing map. Jeremy comes onto the show to reveal not only that he is an avid listener of the UPP, but also to discuss his life as one of the highest-profile anglers in fishing media today.  Topics include:The Lindner career and lifestyleMinnesota muskie population declining Breakdown of forward-facing sonar and other similar technological tools What can be done to protect muskies from technological advance 

In this Full Moon Friday episode, the guys chat about rod building and how future smart technology integration might change the game for anglers. Alex Boutin from Barbarian Braid calls in to add to the discussion and discuss his approach to building muskie rods.

In this second part of our epic chat with Doug Wegner and Jessie Baker, Chris and Frank dive deeper into the keys to success that both anglers espouse for boating big muskies!  Doug talks about what motivates him after countless hours on the water and how he breaks down new locations in order to discover where the big girls can be found!  Whether it's success on the water, or success in business, we dive into a great, deep discussion on being happy and being successful.  Topics include: What motivates Doug after being on the water so muchDoug's approach to new water/targeting strategies Using technology to uncover structureDoug's YouTube subscription service for anglers Being an entrepreneur Guiding: what makes a great guideGreen Bay fishery update - Stocking and population 

In this episode, the guys are lucky to have not one but two amazing muskie anglers to sit and chat with.  There are not too many couples anywhere who boat more big fish than Doug Wegner and Jessie Baker and in this episode we sit and talk about their personal journeys that lead to the level of success that they are both enjoying on the water.  Not only are Doug and Jessie super active on the water, but together they create an absolute ton of amazing online content for anglers to learn from and enjoy.  Points of discussion in this first part of the interview include:Fishing Eagle Lake with Steve HerbeckDoug and Jessie's schedule on the waterCreating interesting online content Making great friends in the muskie communityJessie's annual women's retreat 

The beginning of the year means that the guys go over pivotal moments and lessons learned during adventures and interviews from 2024

In this second part with Greg Attard, the focus shifts heavily toward tactics for targeting and catching giants on this special Lake.  Greg gives a treasure trove of tips on targeting muskies and provides a full seasonal breakdown of how anglers should adapt their structure targets and presentations in order to maximize success.  Points of discussion include: Breaking down tactics by seasonSucker fishing Throwback bait technique and selectionThe moon and the lake 

Back to one of the guys favourite destinations with this episode - the MIGHTY Lac Seul!  This time around Chris and Frank sit with Winoga Lodge Guide Greg Attard as he takes us through his journey to become a guide in search of the apex predator on one of the most challenging waterways in Ontario!  Topics include:Greg's origin as a multi species anglerWhat turned Greg into a muskie angler Becoming a guideWhat makes a special guide The Lac Seul fishery - breaking it down 

In this second part of the discussion with Tilted Toque Lodge owner Terry Godreau, the discussion focuses on fishing both the French River and Nipissing and what the differences are.  The discussion then takes a different turn, as the guys discuss their mutual interests in Bitcoin and why it is shooting up in value these days.  Terry concludes the interview with a very heartfelt fish story that everyone can relate to. Points of discussion include: Differences between fishing the French River and Nipissing The Bitcoin Revolution

The guys chat with Terry Godreau, owner of the Tilted Toque Lodge on the famed French River.  There are not too many people in muskie fishing more interesting than Terry and in this conversation we get a sense of what it is like to live the dream that many muskie anglers dream - being a lodge owner.  In this first part of the series the topic focuses on the rich history of this part of the Province and what it is like being in the lodge on the cusp of the season's conclusion.  Points include:Being on the French River in NovemberOwning a LodgeTilted Toque Origin story French River history 

In this second part of the discussion with Dave Grey, the discussion turns toward muskie fishing.  Not a lot of anglers put more time on the water hunting giants than Dave does and so he expands on how to be successful locating and landing muskies.  Points of discussion include:Global fishing adventures Winter weather patterns How tactics change across different bodies of water How the muskie community has changed over the years

In this episode we gathered at our brewery for a chat with Dave Grey, organizer of the biggest muskie fishing tournament in Canada, the Musky Brawl.  Dave recaps how the tournament went and talks to why this is such an epic event on Lake St. Clair every year.  Following this, the guys get into a deep discussion about vital muskie fishing tactics!  Topics include:Musky Brawl performance and future plansWhat was different this year/rule changesUse of PolygraphsThe tournament as a business