Ugly Pike Podcast

In this episode we get 2 excellent anglers and all around great guys, Tom Barry and Tyler Lancaster. Getting these two together was of particular interest as Chris and Frank discuss the upcoming Unleash the Beast outing on the French River/Lake Nipissing. Tom and Tyler are returning champions! In this first part, the guys talk about the upcoming outing as well as fishing a variety of lakes in Ontario. The guys dig into their experiences on Lake Erie, Ontario, and Eagle Lake! Points of discussion include: Barry Lancaster Growing up Lake Erie fishing Tyler's guiding days Fishing Eagle Lake Technical multi species fishing with Tom

In this second part of our Hans Mann tribute, his good friend and Red October Baits co-founder Marc Arena calls in to give a compelling and fascinating account of their origin story - how they met, became friends, and founded a bait company that presented anglers with a whole new way of catching muskies. It is a warm and amazing tribute. In this second part we talk about: Marc meeting Hans and forming Red October Baits How the concept of a tube for muskies came about

In this special series, the guys remember a true innovator in the muskie fishing community - Hans Mann. Hans was not only a master lure builder (he co-found Red October Baits) and excellent angler, but he was a rock to those who knew him. A pillar of his and of our community. In this episode we remember Hans and how he enriched the lives of those he knew. In this first part we discuss: Hans' first Ugly Pike episode many years ago Dan King recalls catching what might be the biggest Lake Erie muskie caught in history Making baits with Hans

In the second part of this exciting discussion with Dan Melby, the focus shifts to the add ons and equipment that kayak anglers are going to want to consider. The guys then turn the discussion towards how to fish from a kayak for muskie and why it is different from fishing any other way! Topics include: Landing equipment and procedures in a kayak Choosing the right type of kayak Fishing styles from a kayak Optimizing trailers for kayaks

On recent episodes Chris expressed a greater interest in kayak fishing and so the guys connect with Dan Melby, a muskie angler out of Wisconsin, to talk about not only his muskie fishing adventures, but how and why doing it all out of a kayak is a totally different muskie experience! In this part one the guys drilled down on: Transitioning from multi-species to muskie angling Understanding the Wisconsin River system. Selecting the right river sections Locating muskies Bait selection on Wisconsin rivers Conventional lake fishing vs kayak fishing Choosing and outfitting a muskie kayak

In the conclusion of this series with bait maker and angler Cullen Veiders, we get the story that we have been waiting for. Cullen gives us the most pulse pounding and intense story in this show's history - his quest to land a fish just shy of 60 inches and 60 pounds! Chris and Frank wrap up the session with a discussion about the series and some other muskie fishing items of interest. Points include: The.most epic fish story

In this second part of our discussion with bait maker and extraordinary muskie angler Cullen Veiders, we dive into the art and craft of bait making. Cullen talks about the traits and methods that produce excellent lures and how to use them. Topics include: How obsession affects craftsmanship in baitmaking What makes a great lure Working lures in different ways Finding new lures to work

It took us a while to book Cullen Veiders but it was worth every minute! In this episode we sit with Cullen who is a big personality on and off the water. He is a revered bait maker and angler and in this first part of this series, Cullen talks about coming out on the other side of struggles to channel the lessons learned and turn it all into success stories. In this part 1 we explore: Addiction Issues muskie and otherwise Cullen's health journey Roots of fishing in NY State and Niagara

In this Full Moon Friday Chris and Frank talk about the opening of the season and take a call from Frank's brother from another mother, Red October Baits co-founder Josh Ketry. Josh chimes in about what is new and exciting on his side of the border, fishing the Niagara, and what makes a good lure, a great lure. Josh also talks about the special guest to his Jiu Jitsu Academy, Buffalo United Martial Arts when A.C. Slater himself walked in the door last week, Mr. Mario Lopez!

In part 2 of this epic early opener session, lures and baits are the focus! The guys talk with Johnny Dadson and Alex Boutin about curating lures when you have access to many of them. Also, what's it like to read an encrypted bump board! Points of discussion include: Early season lure size Selecting lure types Early season blade baits Breaking down fisheries early season

On location with Johnny Dadson from Dadson Blade Baits and Alex Boutin from Barbarian Braid. The guys talk about their tactics and approaches to this season's early outing. With these two sharp and innovative muskie minds, a robust and exciting discussion about issues and tactics ensues. Topics include: Using livescope Crankbait building Using the right hooks

With the 2026 season upon us, Chris and Frank talk about their plans for this year including some epic destinations to hunt muskies. Friend of the show Pete Stefenac calls in to reconnect with the guys and talk about his epic career as a guide on the French River. Pete was one of the first people from the community to connect with the podcast and can be heard on the earliest episodes when the Slobland crew was interviewed at the St. Catharines Muskie Odyssey!

In this second part of our discussion with Matt "Catfish" Firestein, we get into the diverse fishing ecosystems in both Canada and the USA before shifting the discussion toward gearing up for the inland season opener that is just around the corner! Topics include: Running down the US and Canadian muskie fisheries Tactics for early season

Matt "Catfish" Firestein has hunted muskies all over North America. Matt also works as one of the busiest and most sought-after guides on Lake St Clair. In this episode, we connected with Matt to tap into his vast knowledge of North American muskie fisheries! Points of discussion include: Life of a charter captain The Lake St Clair fishery How muskie use water types to hunt Boat bites vs board bites Value of muskie clubs

In this second part with global nomad angler Paul Charbonnea, we get into chasing predators in some of the most remote locations on earth. As Paul says, he lives and works to fish, and in this segment, he takes us with him into boats in South America and Africa as he chases some of the most exotic giants on the planet. Points of discussion include: Saltwater epiphany The Amazon Madagascar

In this first part with muskie angler Paul Charbonneau, we talk about Paul's entry into the fishing world and what makes a special angler, as well as what makes the muskie such a unique predator. Paul travels the world chasing predators and explains why muskies are always unique and special. Topics include: The fishing generations The thing about muskies Choosing Baits to bring in the boat Fishing across Ontario Casting/trolling

In part 2 of this insightful session, Pat does what he does best - talks about breaking down waterways and identifying patterns that translate to fish in the boat. Pat really has a unique ability to dissect water systems and give anglers a roadmap on where to begin and how to move through spots on lakes and rivers. Points of discussion include: Current and muskies How to identify patterns and extrapolate to catch more fish Mapping Bait selection

It has been 8 years almost to the day since we first had Pat Tryon on the podcast. Knowing what an absolute stick he is, we had to reach out and tap his brain as we all look forward to opener. Pat puts on a clinic and his passion just bleeds through the microphone. An amazing and energetic discussion was the result. Topics include: The spark that lit Pat's fishing passion The draw of the French River The Dokis community Defining a Canadian Shield enthusiast angler How fishing lake Nipissing and locating fish indicates where the fish in the French River are

Chris and Frank review the 2026 Muskie Odyssey and discuss how the event went. Following this, Chris springs a secret that he has been keeping for months - he had planned his life's dream as an angler to chase Giant Trevally in the legendary Gulf of Oman. Problem was this is right next to the Straight of Hormuz, in the middle of a war. The story is nothing short of epic. Chris brings us all through this wild ride. This episode is not to be missed!