Outdoor Journal Radio: The Podcast

The forest is burning, but what’s happening beneath the water? This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Ang and Pete welcome back Dr. Steven Cooke to explore how wildfires affect fish—and why the damage can continue long after the flames are out. From disappearing shade and changing food sources to ash-filled runoff and algae blooms, the Doc breaks down what fires mean for our lakes and rivers, how recovery happens, and why some fisheries may eventually benefit. Plus, does wildfire smoke create the fishing conditions we think it does? The conversation also takes us inside the ongoing battle against sea lamprey, revisits the walleye-versus-pickerel debate, and tackles a question that still divides anglers: can fish sense forward-facing sonar? Before the Doc joins, the boys discuss Lake Erie’s declining perch numbers, listener feedback on small boats in big water, and a Lake Ontario tournament that left Ang spending the night in an abandoned lighthouse.

This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Pete is away, leaving Ang behind the desk with Nik and Dean to break down one of the most unusual Fish’n Canada shoots of the season. During a recent trip to Timberwolf Lodge on Nagagami Lake, Ang decided to remove the crew’s usual fishing safety net. The guys drew straws to determine who would be restricted to live bait, soft plastics, or hard baits, then had to make their assigned presentation work regardless of what the fish, weather, and constantly changing conditions threw at them. The result was a fishing challenge that put experience, boat control, electronics, confidence, and adaptability to the test, while giving the crew a very different look at how a Fish’n Canada episode comes together behind the scenes. Before getting into the trip, the guys tackle a listener who claims fishing line visibility is basically irrelevant, discuss reports of a rare contagious cancer appearing in fish, and answer a great fan question: if fishing shows had no sponsors, would everyone simply use live bait? That leads Ang into an old sponsorship story he has never forgotten and a bigger debate over live bait versus artificials, why freshwater anglers sometimes look down on bait fishing, and whether catching fish has become more complicated than it needs to be. Plus, Nik has updates from the Fish’n Canada Store, the guys tease another massive Garmin giveaway coming soon, and Ang makes the case for stronger voluntary catch-and-release practices on remote Canadian fisheries.

This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, we’re going somewhere we’ve never gone before... LIVE into the Amazon. Ang and Pete are joined by Brazilian anglers Bruno Fernandez and Thiago Fantini, who we first met at ICAST. The catch? Bruno and Thiago aren’t sitting in a studio. They’re calling us directly from the Amazon River in Brazil while hunting down some absolutely massive Peacock Bass. With a very questionable internet connection and the jungle surrounding them, Bruno and Thiago take us along for the adventure. We talk Peacock Bass, the lures they rely on in the Amazon, how their fishing show got started, and what makes this fishery unlike almost anything else on Earth. Along the way, they stumble across a wild snake, show us some of the tackle they’re using, and even bring us along for a proper Amazonian shore lunch. Before heading to Brazil, Nik has some big Fish’n Canada Store news as the new Species Hoodies 2.0 officially hit the shelves, Ang shows off his newest shirt, and the boys get into this week’s Fan Question, fishing news, and your listener feedback. It’s part podcast, part fishing trip, and part barely-connected live broadcast from the middle of the Amazon. All that and more on this week’s Outdoor Journal Radio!

One cousin grew up in the city. The other grew up hunting, fishing and living off the land. Together, Joel and Ryan Primus created Finding Nowhere, a raw Canadian adventure series that climbed all the way to #4 on Prime Video. On Episode 235 of Outdoor Journal Radio, Angelo Viola and Pete Bowman sit down with Joel and Ryan to uncover how Finding Nowhere began almost by accident and became one of the most compelling new outdoor productions in Canada. They discuss why Joel’s first hunt happened on camera, how Ryan introduced his city-raised cousin to wilderness life, and why the show connects with hunters, non-hunters and anyone curious about living closer to the land. From sleeping in a century-old cabin filled with critters to fishing disasters, banana superstitions, post-hunt rituals and the responsibility of portraying hunting honestly, nothing is off the table. The cousins also reveal what is coming next for Finding Nowhere, how their families are becoming part of the journey and why they refuse to sacrifice the show’s authenticity as its audience and sponsor support continue to grow. Plus: • New research suggesting Great Lakes bass may live more than 20 years • Whether gobies, genetics and longer growing seasons are producing bigger bass • The right way to handle unpredictable fish without taking a hook to the hand • Ontario’s move toward digital fishing and hunting licences • The spread of purple loosestrife and Canada’s invasive carp threat • The official winner of the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 Giveaway Shop Fish’n Canada merchandise: https://shop.fishncanada.com Subscribe to Outdoor Journal Radio for weekly conversations about fishing, hunting, conservation and life in the Canadian outdoors. Listen to our Podcast, Outdoor Journal Radio: The Podcast ► Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3J0klPY ► Apple Music: https://apple.co/3CtzZkp ► Subscribe http://bit.ly/youtube-fishncanada Don't forget to leave a COMMENT and give us a LIKE if you enjoyed what you saw. SUBSCRIBE for new videos and episodes released weekly! CONNECT WITH US -------------------------------- ► WEBSITE http://fishncanada.com ► FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/FishnCanada/ ► INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/fishncanadaofficial/?hl=en One of Canada's longest-running fishing shows, Fish'n Canada travels from coast to coast in search of trophy fishing opportunities. First started by brothers Angelo and Reno Viola in 1986, The Fish’n Canada Show has been on the air for over 40 years. Today, Angelo is joined by lifelong fishing buddy, Peter Bowman, and the pair continue to travel across Canada, educating anglers using the experience they’ve gained over the years

How small is too small for the Great Lakes? This week, Ang and Pete answer a listener who wants to take his 16-foot aluminum boat onto Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay. The crew gives a blunt breakdown of where a smaller boat belongs, how fast calm water can become dangerous, and why even an experienced boater can get trapped when the wind turns. The guys also return from Key Harbour Lodge at the mouth of the Key River, where they battled heavy rain, rough water, hidden granite, and some of Georgian Bay’s most overlooked fishing. With walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and barely another boat in sight, this boat-access-only lodge delivered a true Northern Ontario adventure. Also in this episode: • Does forward-facing sonar actually help anglers catch bigger fish? • A new study puts modern fishing technology to the test • The crew discovers an invasive goby in the Key River area • Why Georgian Bay’s best fishing can also be its most intimidating • Navigating unfamiliar water with charts, GPS tracks, and common sense

Why do bass crush lures that look absolutely nothing like anything they would naturally eat? This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Pete and Angelo are joined once again by Fish’n Canada’s resident fish scientist, Dr. Steven Cooke, to break down the science behind modern fishing baits and one of the strangest lure crazes to hit the fishing world in years. Fresh off ICAST, the guys dive into the exploding popularity of the bizarre urchin-style and Koike-inspired baits that anglers are scrambling to get their hands on, with some selling for hundreds of dollars online. What does a bass actually think it’s looking at when one of these things falls through the water? And more importantly, why does it work? Dr. Cooke also breaks down what researchers actually find inside bass stomachs, why fish regularly eat lures that look nothing like their natural prey, the importance of colour, scent, vibration and action, and why classic presentations like worms, chatterbaits and other seemingly unnatural baits continue to catch fish. Plus, the crew talks bait-selection strategy, how bass manipulate prey before swallowing it, the role of reaction strikes, why realistic-looking lures aren’t always better, and whether some of fishing’s forgotten old-school baits deserve another shot. Also in this episode: listener feedback, invasive carp updates, the Fan Question of the Week, and this week’s Outdoor Journal Radio Bonus Code. Listen wherever you get your podcasts and subscribe for more fishing stories, science, news and everything happening in the Canadian outdoors.

Nearly 200 wildfires. Thousands forced from their homes. Fishing camps already lost. Water bombers being grounded because people keep flying drones into active fire zones. Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Mike Harris Jr., joins Angelo Viola for a blunt breakdown of the wildfire emergency unfolding across Northern Ontario. How dangerous is the situation? Should anglers cancel upcoming trips? What happens to remote lodges caught in the fire zone? And how do 700 firefighters, 120 aircraft and crews from across Canada begin to contain something this massive? The Minister also reveals what Ontario is spending on wildfire protection, why some fires are deliberately allowed to burn and what outdoorspeople need to check before travelling north. Plus, Ontario’s new digital hunting and fishing licence system, the rules around carrying your Outdoors Card and the mysterious “meanmouth bass” that reportedly attacks dogs and swimmers. This is one every Canadian outdoorsperson needs to hear.

Angelo is joined by Nik and Dean Taylor to break down everything they saw at ICAST 2026, and the future of the fishing industry might not be looking as healthy as everyone thinks. The world’s biggest fishing trade show felt noticeably smaller this year. Major brands were missing, attendance was down, entire award categories lacked competition, and a wine and champagne cooler somehow walked away as one of the show’s top fishing products. Is ICAST dying, or does the event simply need a serious overhaul? The boys also discuss Garmin’s new LiveScope 2 HD and Spy Pole, the explosion of bizarre urchin-style baits, questionable Best in Show results, and whether opening ICAST to the public could save the event. Before getting into the show, the crew breaks down Ontario’s upcoming digital hunting and fishing licensing system, whether wildfire smoke changes fish behaviour, and another absolutely brutal Air Canada travel disaster that left flights cancelled, bags misplaced, and Angelo stranded in Orlando. Plus, encounters with fishing legends Bill Dance and Jimmy Houston, a surprise appearance from Steve Harvey, and plenty more from inside ICAST 2026. Enter the Fish’n Canada contest at FishnCanada.com

This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Ang and Pete are joined by Canadian veterinarian, world traveller, author, and animal rescue volunteer Dr. Cliff Redford, better known as Dr. Cliff Worldwide Vet. Dr. Cliff owns Wellington Veterinary Hospital in Markham, Ontario, but his work has taken him far beyond the clinic. From helping street dogs in Jamaica and Egypt, to volunteering in India, performing veterinary work in Panama, and assisting animals and refugees near the Ukraine war zone, his stories are unlike anything we’ve had on the podcast before. The guys talk to Dr. Cliff about what it’s like performing surgery in remote places with limited resources, documenting animal rescue work around the world, the emotional toll of veterinary medicine, burnout in the vet industry, and why he continues to put himself in uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous situations to help animals. He also shares stories from his upcoming book, Far and Wild: Adventures of the Worldwide Vet, including rescues, close calls, and the kind of moments you only find when you leave the safety of home and go where help is needed most. Before the interview, the boys also talk Fish’n Canada store updates, classic TV vs. YouTube, leaky boat tricks, invasive species, browning lakes, and listener-submitted lure hacks. If you love animals, outdoor adventure, conservation, travel stories, or just a wild conversation with someone living a seriously unique life, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more fishing stories, outdoor news, conservation talk, and behind-the-scenes conversations from The Fish’n Canada Show and Outdoor Journal Radio.

This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Ang and Pete are joined once again by Dr. Steven Cooke, the Fish Doc, to answer some of the strangest questions in fishing. After a recent trip where the crew caught an unusually high number of blue walleye, the boys ask Dr. Cooke what actually causes a walleye to turn blue, whether blue walleye are a different species, and why many of them seem to look smaller, thinner, or less healthy than their yellow counterparts. The conversation also dives into some of the weirdest behaviour anglers are now seeing with LiveScope, including suspended muskies pointing straight down, predator fish attacking bait balls, and whether fish can actually learn from pressure. Plus, the guys talk about a massive Fraser River white sturgeon, blotchy bass, fish genetics, fish memory, carp lips in China, and why modern fishing technology is showing anglers things we may have never understood before. If you’ve ever caught a blue walleye, seen something strange on your sonar, or wondered how smart fish really are, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more fishing stories, conservation talk, outdoor news, and behind-the-scenes conversations from The Fish’n Canada Show and Outdoor Journal Radio.

This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, the boys are back from La Réserve Beauchêne, one of Quebec’s most unique private fishing destinations. With 50,000 acres, dozens of lakes, luxury accommodations, incredible food, and fish-filled water everywhere you look, Beauchêne is the kind of place most anglers dream about. But this trip came with a twist: instead of Ang and Pete doing the fishing, they coached a group of novice anglers through their first real taste of Canadian Shield fishing. From broken rods and missed fish on day one to big smallmouth and a full transformation by the end of the trip, this episode is all about what happens when beginners get dropped into one of Canada’s most impressive fishing reserves. The crew also talks about lead in wild game, whether anglers should be paying more attention to lead fishing tackle, reel maintenance, video podcasts, and Ang’s 25-year history with Beauchêne’s longtime manager, Tony. If you love fishing lodges, Quebec fishing, smallmouth bass, walleye, lake trout, brook trout, or just a good old-fashioned fishing story, this one’s for you. Make sure to listen for this week’s bonus code for extra entries into the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 giveaway. Subscribe for more fishing stories, outdoor news, conservation talk, and behind-the-scenes stories from The Fish’n Canada Show and Outdoor Journal Radio.

This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, the boys head back to Northern Ontario for a wild recap of their trip to Red Pine Lodge on Ivanhoe Lake, just outside of Timmins. What started as a post-spawn walleye mission turned into a 34-mile shallow river run through skinny water, tight channels, and a few moments where the boat probably had no business being where it was. With the help of Garmin electronics, the crew pushed deep into the river system and found exactly what they were looking for: blue walleye, regular walleye, smallmouth bass, pike, and one seriously memorable honey hole. The episode also covers new Fish’n Canada species hoodies, the legal side of leaving skin on pike fillets, grass carp awareness, Idaho’s new hunting tech rules, and some classic behind-the-scenes stories from 40 years of filming Fish’n Canada, including forgotten cameras, lost footage, brutal weather, and the eagle shot that got away. If you like Northern Ontario fishing stories, walleye talk, old-school outdoor TV chaos, and a little bit of questionable decision-making in shallow water, this one’s for you. Drop a comment and let us know: what fish species should be next in the Fish’n Canada hoodie lineup?

An Ontario seafood company has pleaded guilty to attempting to sell an angler-caught muskie, receiving a fine of just $2,000. Was the punishment enough, and how does a protected sport fish end up on the commercial market in the first place? This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Angelo Viola breaks down the bizarre case and the serious questions it raises about illegal fish sales, enforcement, and the future of Ontario’s muskie populations. Later, Frank Ungaro from the Ugly Pike Podcast joins the show to discuss the growing popularity of muskie fishing, early-season tactics, custom lure culture, shallow-water giants, and why certain baits seem to catch fish while identical ones never get touched. Also discussed: • Ontario’s illegal muskie sale controversy • Why the $2,000 fine has anglers frustrated • Early-season muskie fishing tactics • Trolling versus casting for muskies • Custom muskie lures and proven “pullers” • Giant fish from the St. Lawrence River • The growing muskie fishing community • Grass carp awareness and invasive species • A possible mystery bone in northern pike fillets Let us know in the comments: Was a $2,000 fine enough? Subscribe for new episodes of Outdoor Journal Radio every week.

Is there really more than one species of smallmouth bass? This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, the crew dives into groundbreaking research suggesting the fish we all know may actually be made up of four distinct evolutionary lineages. Plus, University of Victoria PhD candidate Wesley Greenree joins the show to explain how everyday anglers are helping scientists study Chinook salmon by collecting stomach samples, revealing surprising changes in the Pacific food chain and what they could mean for the future of our fisheries. Also in this episode: Could British Columbia produce the next Canadian record largemouth bass? Clearing up misconceptions about Apple AirTags and Bluetooth tracking A fascinating Northern Ontario walleye tournament format Proper tick removal and Lyme disease prevention The latest Fishing Canada updates and new merchandise Whether you're a hardcore angler or just love learning about fish and conservation, this is one episode you won't want to miss.

Outdoor Journal Radio hits the road to Timmins, Ontario for the Timmins Walleye Championship and the NOWT finals. Ang, Nik, and Dean break down the tournament, the Princecraft boat prizes, the difference between the championship and sportsman divisions, and what makes J&B Cycle and Marine such a hub for Northern Ontario anglers. The crew also talks about their latest Fish’n Canada shoot, Nik’s brand-new iPhone taking a 13-foot swim, invasive grass carp, lone star ticks in Ontario, and why the guys don’t always measure every fish they catch. Topics include: Timmins Walleye Championship, NOWT finals, Princecraft boats, J&B Cycle and Marine, invasive grass carp, lone star ticks, fishing tournaments, and behind-the-scenes Fish’n Canada stories.

This week on Outdoor Journal Radio , Ang and Pete take the show on the road to the Franklin Club in Mount Albert, Ontario, one of the most unique private trout fishing clubs in the province. Joined by Chad Davenport , hatchery and grounds manager at the club, the crew gets a behind-the-scenes look at how Franklin raises and stocks its own rainbow trout and brook trout, manages predation, protects fish health, and maintains one of the most pristine private fisheries around. Plus, the boys talk invasive carp, pharmaceuticals showing up in Ontario waterways, pike wounds, private fishing rules, and the kind of trout fishing setup most anglers only dream about.

Thank you to today's sponsors! - The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada’s land and water from invasive species - SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures - J&B Cycle and Marine : Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment - Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories - Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts! A Bassmaster Open angler has been banned for life after allegedly attempting to track another competitor during a major tournament… and the deeper we dug into this story, the crazier it got. In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, we break down the shocking Bassmaster cheating scandal, the alleged use of hidden AirTags, tournament tracking, and how modern technology is changing competitive fishing forever. From pro bass tournaments to fishfinder controversies, this may be one of the wildest stories the fishing world has seen in years. Topics covered: • Bassmaster Open cheating scandal • Alleged AirTag tracking scheme • Tournament fishing controversy • How pro anglers scout fish • The future of cheating in competitive fishing • Bass fishing technology debate • Tournament ethics and enforcement Plus: • Are modern electronics making cheating easier? • Should pro anglers stop guiding before events? • Could this happen in Canadian tournaments too? Listen to Outdoor Journal Radio every week for the latest in fishing, hunting, conservation, and outdoor culture. #Bassmaster #FishingScandal #BassFishing #TournamentFishing #OutdoorJournalRadio #FishingNews #BassmasterOpen #FishingPodcast #Livescope #CompetitiveFishing

Thank you to today's sponsors! - The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada’s land and water from invasive species - SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures - J&B Cycle and Marine : Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment - Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories - Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts! Vic Fedeli joins Outdoor Journal Radio to talk about the long-awaited return of the Northlander train, a major transportation project that could change the way anglers, families, tourists, and northern communities travel across Ontario. After being cancelled in 2012, the Northlander is finally making its comeback with brand-new railcars, modern amenities, and routes connecting Toronto with Northern Ontario. The crew also discusses rising gas prices, road trip concerns, fish finders, invasive grass carp, old Fan 590 favourites, and a massive Garmin giveaway. For anyone who loves fishing, hunting, tourism, or travelling into the North, this one matters.

Thank you to today's sponsors! - The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada’s land and water from invasive species - SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures - J&B Cycle and Marine : Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment - Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories - Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts! This week on Outdoor Journal Radio , we’re joined by Jay Legere, the YouTuber who quit the CBC to live in Canada’s most unforgiving environment. After leaving behind a career in broadcasting, Jay turned his focus to documenting life in the North, cabin projects, harsh weather, remote builds, and the reality of figuring things out as he goes. What makes Jay’s content stand out is the honesty. He is not pretending to be a polished expert with all the answers. He shows the mistakes, the problem-solving, the setbacks, and the wins that come with taking on cabin life in Northern Canada. In this episode, we talk about his move from CBC to YouTube, working on remote cabins, surviving brutal northern conditions, dealing with wildlife, building an audience online, and what it actually takes to create a life and career in one of the toughest places in the country.

Thank you to today's sponsors! - The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada’s land and water from invasive species - SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures - J&B Cycle and Marine : Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment - Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories - Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts! In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, we dive deep into the growing tick problem across Canada, including Lyme disease, real-world risks, and what every outdoorsman needs to know before heading out this season. We’re joined by Dr. Catherine Bouchard of the Public Health Agency of Canada, who breaks down: Why tick populations are exploding in Canada How Lyme disease actually spreads The real odds of getting infected What happens if you miss a tick bite The most effective ways to protect yourself We also share real stories from the field, including extreme bug conditions, close calls, and what it’s actually like dealing with ticks while filming in remote locations. If you spend any time outdoors, this is information you can’t afford to ignore. Watch now before your next trip. 00:00 Intro 02:00 Why ticks are a growing problem 08:00 YouTube controversy and flagged episode 21:00 What happens if ticks disappear 36:00 Expert interview: Dr. Catherine Bouchard 44:00 Lyme disease explained 52:00 How ticks spread and infect 1:00:00 Real risks and symptoms 1:08:00 How to protect yourself outdoors 1:20:00 Final takeaways