Ugly Pike Podcast

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: 

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:

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:  

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: 

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:  

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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! 

In this second part with Jaime Sebastian, Jaime really peels the layers away and reveals incredible tricks of the trade designed to increase success on the water.  From bait and tackle, to trolling tactics, Jaime runs a master class on angling and shares some extremely unique and innovative tips!  Points of discussion include: 

Jaime Sebastian is an absolute beast of an angler! With 4 decades of hunting monster predator fish in Ontario waters, he also spends much of his time in Central and South America chasing giants in saltwater.  Jaime comes onto the show to discuss how he approaches both types of fishing and how tactics and strategies tend to overlap.  Topics include: 

Part 3 of this epic series rounds off with a discussion on the state of fisheries, fishery management, and proper fish handling.  Big thanks to Larry and Pete for giving this show so much time and for providing their valuable insights!

In this second part of this interview, the guys drill down on the topic of record keeping and world record claims in the muskie world.  Larry lends the fiery and passionate opinions that he has become well known for regarding this part of muskie fishing.  No punches pulled by either man in this one!  Points of discussion include:

Chris and Frank sit with 2 legends of muskie fishing Larry Ramsell and Pete Maina.  In this amazing session, the Canada/US muskie landscapes are discussed and Pete and Larry provide their unique insights.  Topics include: 

Chris and Frank sit with Muskies Canada Inc President Joe Found to talk about the new and exciting format to this year's Muskie Odyssey as it merges with the powerhouse CanCast show in Peterborough, Ontario 

In part two the guys delve deeper into how to target these monster pike and then tie it all back to muskie fishing!  Florian gets in to the ideal conditions and discusses his North American muskie fishing adventures!  Points include: 

For the first time in the show's history, the guys have a fishing chat on 3 continents!  Florian Berger is a master monster pike hunter based out of Germany.  Florian has caught giants, including one pike over 55 inches!  The guys sat with Florian to hear his fascinating story and to talk about the similarities and differences between hunting giant pike, and giant muskie!  Topics include: 

In this second part of a truly remarkable discussion with one of the pioneers of Georgian Bay Muskie fishing, Shawn gives a great discussion on what baits were run back then and also provides chilling insight into absolute giant fish that were witnessed during this era.  This is going to shock a lot of listeners.  Points of discussion include: 

With all of the talk recently of the rich history of Georgian Bay, Chris and Frank wanted to connect with one of the veterans of this body of water.  Shawn McCarthy was fishing the Bay in the very early 1990s and comes on to the podcast to give a glimpse as to what trying to conquer such a daunting body of water like Georgian Bay was like in the earlier days, before technology and social media made it easier.  In this episode the topics discussed are: 

The Ugly Pike Podcast wraps up its deep dive with Johnny Dadson and Pete Bostelmann in Part 3 of this wide ranging conversation. This episode shifts from stories to strategy as the group digs into casting versus trolling, how elite anglers decide when to use each approach, and why big fish so often live just a couple tail kicks from deep water. Johnny breaks down his philosophy of lure innovation as problem solving, explaining how decades of tweaking blades, weight, and action are all driven by fish behaviour and pressure. Pete shares his methodical approach to finding fish, scouting water...

In Part Two of this deep dive on The Ugly Pike Podcast, the conversation with Johnny Dadson and Pete Bostelman continues right where it left off.

This episode digs into the evolution of Dadson Blade Baits, the realities of modern muskie pressure, and how fish behavior has changed alongside advancing technology, stocking programs, and increased angler knowledge. From Georgian Bay’s glory days to today’s heavily pressured fisheries, Johnny and Pete break down what still works, what no longer does, and why confidence often matters more than any single lure or pattern.

The discussion goes...

The Ugly Pike Podcast opens 2026 with an unfiltered, wide-ranging conversation on musky fishing, experience, and long-term strategy.

Frank and Chris sit down with Johnny Dadson and Pete Bostelmann to reflect on the 2025 season and explore how mindset, conditions, and time on the water shape success more than predictions ever could. From travel fishing and adapting to unfamiliar water, to casting versus trolling and late-season decision-making, this episode focuses on perspective earned through decades of experience.

The discussion builds toward a memorable Georgian Bay story that underscores patience, preparation, and why sometimes one last cast truly...

Chris and Frank take a look back at the 2025 year on and off the water, reviewing memorable events, interviews, and lessons learned

Chris and Frank take a look back at the 2025 year on and off the water, reviewing memorable events, interviews, and lessons learned

In this second part of our interview with Kory, the focus shifts to the fine details of fishing both conventional and unconventional water systems.  Kory drills down on his approach to the various environments that we all love to tackle and provides essential details that will aid the listener to become a more diverse and adaptive angler.  Topics include:

Kory Maxfield is a genuine outdoorsman.  In this episode, we sit with Kory and talk about the rituals that crafted his childhood as he grew up in a family that put the outdoors first.  On his page, Slump Bust Outdoors, Kory displays his life lessons as they relate to muskie fishing and in this episode, we tie it all together.  Points of discussion include: 

In this second part of our discussion with Zach, we get into the details on how to catch fish.  Zach breaks out tournament fishing tactics, as well as how to select and work baits. Zach gives tremendous detail in this second part and winds it up with a truly special fishing story.  This was truly an amazing chat for us.  Points include:

Zach Baker has been fishing muskies for decades.  He is a unique person and angler that provided not only detailed information on targeting muskies in this part one of our interview, but wonderful stories.  This interview exemplifies why muskie fishing, and the people we do it with, is so special.  A truly remarkable interview.  In this first part, we drill down on:  

In this Full Moon Friday episode, the guys take a call from Kyle Carruthers, organizer of the juggernaut CANCAST fishing show.  Kyle talks about the recent decision to merge with the Musky Odyssey and why he feels this will be a big positive for the muskie anglers in attendance.  A great talk ensued about the origins of CANCAST and how his never-quit entrepreneurial spirit helped Kyle transform the show over the years.  Following this, Chris and Frank discuss Frank's recent adversity on the water as he was challenged by horrific weather while in pursuit of a winter giant!  

In this second part of our episode with Pete and Cody, Pete lends more incredible insights into the behaviour of these amazing fish.  Cody, who is coming to the dark side as he fishes more and more for muskies, talks about how what it takes for serious MMA training is not all that dissimilar to pursuing the queen of queens!  To top off the discussion, the guys tell a story about what happened a few weeks ago when Frank, Pete, and Cody took to the great Georgian Bay for a muskie hunt that was like no other!  Topics include:

This episode is a banger!  Newly signed UFC fighter Cody Chovancek comes onto the podcast with friend of the show Pete Bostelmann to talk about hunting muskies.  Cody is an amazing multi-species angler who is introduced as the Best Fisherman in MMA for all his bouts!  Pete needs no introduction and is widely known for producing some of the very best and most insightful Ugly Pike Podcast content in the show's history.  In this episode, the guys chat about:

In this second part of our interview with muskie guide Cooper Edwards, we get into the red-hot issue of live scope usage before shifting focus to talk about how to hone the right skills for a successful trip on a great Ontario muskie lake and what new anglers should know and be aware of before heading out on the water.  Cooper closes the show with a hilarious and epic story of a big fish adventure!  Topics include:

Cooper Edwards has had the privilege of fishing and guiding some of the very best muskie lakes in Canada and the US.  We wanted to sit with Cooper and talk about his experiences on these incredible bodies of water.  Cooper recalls some of the laughs, the highs, and the lows of working as a guide on places like Lac Seul, Eagle Lake, and Lake St. Clair.  In this part one, we discuss: 

In this Full Moon Friday episode, the guys have a look toward the end of the season.  It is the start of the final stretch, otherwise known as giant season!  Frank gives a review of how the Unleash the Beast outing on the French River/Lake Nipissing went, as well as an update on a recent adventure to Georgian Bay with Pete Bostelmann and newly signed UFC fighter, Cody Chovancek.  Following this, Dave Gray calls in to talk about this year's Musky Brawl.  Dave has an unrelenting drive to keep growing this tournament and making it better. He calls in t...

In this second part with Ben LaDuca, the conversation shifts to fishing, how to build baits, and how approaches to using these baits shift for Fall/Winter season success!  Points include: 

In this episode the guys sit for a riveting talk with Ben LaDuca, owner of Dukes Dozers Spinnerbaits.  Ben is an avid angler and the story of what lead him to this sport will lave listeners on the edge of their seats.  The guys had an amazing discussion on Ben's history as a USAF soldier who survived multiple deployments to the Middle East and how he turned to fishing to deal with the aftermath.  A truly unique and impactful chat with Ben.  Topics include: 

In part 2 of our discussion with Fisheries Technician Erin Wilson, we turn our attention to the science of muskies and muskie ecology.  Erin delves into the whys and hows of collecting data and provides fascinating insights as to how she uses not only technology to learn about these fish, but also how she draws upon the community of anglers itself to provide critical data on this elusive species.  An insightful and interesting talk on the science of muskies is the result.  Topics include: 

- Casting and breaking down spots 

- Equipment setup

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It's not everyday that we get to sit with an avid muskie angler who is also a scientist who has devoted her educational pursuits and working life to understanding muskies.  In this episode we sit down with Erin Wislon is currently employed as a Fisheries Technician at Fisheries and Oceans Canada, but recently graduated from her master’s at the Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Lab where she studied muskie movements in a remote Algonquin lake as well as the post release behaviour of angled muskie. Long before she ventured into muskie research she was and still is a ver...

In this Full Moon Friday episode, Chris and Frank discuss the high points of recent episodes and in particular, how mega guest JP Bushey's advice will influence Frank's approach to the upcoming Unleash the Beast outing on the French River/ Lake Nipissing.  UTB outing director Todd Dowell of Toddy Tickle Baits calls into the show to discuss this year's adventure, what has changed, and why it will be great.  

In this second part with JP Bushey, the talk turns technical.  How to properly use baits, especially rubber baits dominates the discussion.  JP gives a huge amount of details in this section. As Chris calls it, a true pen and paper session so prepare to take notes and to emerge from this second part a wiser angler.  What a session!! Points of discussion include:

Episode 245 is live!!  We usually don't like to approach guides during the season for the show, but we absolutely had to get JP Bushey back on the show.  JP is one of the best multispecies guides on Georgian Bay and a top muskie angler in the community.  In this first part, we get into the fabric of the Canadian Angler, a gritty talk about who we are and what makes us different.  JP then gives a long opinion on forward facing sonar and angling.  It is an excellent discussion, one of our very best! Topics include:

In the final chapter of the Live from Lac Seul series, Chris and Frank sit with their guides and discuss the wonder of Lac Seul, what it is like working in such a paradise guiding people on their trips of a lifetime! 

In this third part of the Live from Lac Seul series, Chris and Frank are joined by guide Zack Tucker who broke the days long slump and helped the guys get the job done!  After days of relentless grind, the guys were all elated to get one in the bag.  In this part they talk about how they got the job done