Doc Talks Fishing Podcast

In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, master brook trout angler, Mark Stiffel joins us to explain how he turns cutting-edge trout biology into success on the water. Building on the fascinating science shared by Nipigon biologist Rob Swainson in our previous episode, Mark reveals how he finds big specks throughout the seasons - from cold-water upwellings and shallow spring flats to the subtle structural clues most anglers overlook.

If you've ever wondered how to translate fish behaviour into more trout in the net, this episode is packed with insights you can use the next time you chase brookies. And as the photo proves... Mark knows what he's talking about.

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How old is the biggest bass you've ever caught?

If you fish Lake Ontario or the St. Lawrence River, the answer might surprise you. In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, Dr. Connor Elliott from Queen's University reveals that some tournament-caught smallmouth in this world-class fishery are more than 21 years old - fish that have been growing, surviving and feeding for over two decades.

Using data from tournament mortalities, Connor explains why smallmouth here are outgrowing largemouth, and how round gobies have created a smallmouth "super-factory" of growth. But when tournaments consistently target the largest and oldest fish in the system, what does that mean for the future?

It's an eye-opening look at the hidden biology of tournament bass — and what anglers, organizers and scientists can do to ensure these giants continue swimming for decades to come.

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Most of us grew up thinking about goldfish as harmless pets — the kind we kept in a bowl in our bedrooms as kids. In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, we sit down with Dr. Melanie Massey from the University of Toronto, whose research reveals an astonishing truth: goldfish are one of the most destructive invasive fish species on the planet, firmly established in the Great Lakes and spreading rapidly across the continent.

Melanie takes us into the biology and behavior that make goldfish such formidable invaders. From surviving frigid winters under the ice and tolerating near-zero oxygen, to spawning repeatedly, growing quickly and re-engineering ecosystems, goldfish are far tougher than we ever imagined.

They can survive sewage treatment plants, reach the size of a football and even outcompete carp. Once you hear what Melanie has to tell us, you'll never look at goldfish the same way again.

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Brook trout inspire a level of devotion that few fish can match. In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, we sit down once again with our good friend and legendary biologist, Rob Swainson to uncover why.

Rob draws on his decades of research to explain what makes brook trout so unique: their reliance on groundwater, their seasonal movements between shallow warming shorelines and deep cold refuges and their incredible ability to adapt to wildly different environments.

Rob tells us why brook trout are the crown jewels of cold water fisheries, offering anglers a deeper understanding of where they live, why they're vulnerable and how respecting their habitat is the key to their future.

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What if we told you that some fish don't actually "get old" — but get better with age? In this jaw-dropping episode of Doc Talks Fishing, Dr. Chris Therrien returns with three more astonishing fish facts that challenge everything we thought we knew about fish and fishing.

Chris fills us in on the unbelievable story of lake trout that show no genetic, physical, or reproductive decline as they age and actually improve over time. You'll learn also why some northern pike abandon freshwater and run to the ocean, feasting on marine prey to grow into true giants.

And just when you think it can't get any wilder, Dr. Therrien introduces us to the bowfin - the fish that outlasted the T-Rex, survived mass extinction, breathes air and still prowls our waters today. If you love science and fishing — or simply enjoy having your mind blown — you won't want to miss this episode.

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We welcome back Dr. Chris Therrien for a jaw-dropping conversation that will change how you look at fish. Did you know that male bluegills will disguise themselves as females to sneak past aggressive males and steal fertilizations? Or that most —maybe even all— of the world record Arctic char caught in the legendary Tree River are likely Dolly Varden trout? Using cutting-edge genetic analysis, traditional ecological knowledge and meticulous field research, scientists have rewritten what we thought we knew about these iconic fish.

But perhaps the most astonishing discovery is Mary Catherine— a tiny 4.6-pound, 25-inch lake trout from Lake Superior that's 62 years old. Yes, a fish old enough to have watched the Leafs' win their last Stanley Cup in 1967. Chris explains the fascinating science behind extreme longevity and why that "small" fish you just caught might actually be the oldest fish in the lake. Whether you're an angler, nature enthusiast or simply someone who loves learning mind-bending fish facts this episode's for you.

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Healthy fish populations start with healthy habitat. In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, we talk with Robert Pye and Melissa Dakers from Watersheds Canada about why protecting and restoring fish habitat is the foundation of sustainable fisheries. We explore the threats these vital areas are facing and how anglers and shoreline owners can make a difference in their own backyards. Robert and Melissa explain what's at stake and how anglers can play a leading role in keeping our lakes and rivers thriving. This is one conversation that goes straight to the heart of what makes great fishing possible.

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Lake whitefish - the backbone of the Great Lakes fishery for centuries - are in trouble. Biologist Jason Smith joins us to explain why these iconic fish are disappearing, what's driving the collapse and the groundbreaking bold "Noah's Ark" project that could one day bring them back. It is a story of crisis, science and hope for one of the most important fish in North America.

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We've all seen fishing regulations — seasons, size limits, daily and possession limits— but how are they actually set? The numbers aren't just pulled out of thin air. They're grounded in decades of science and driven by massive amounts of data -collected through creel surveys, trap net sets and rigorous sampling programs.

On this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, we're joined by OMNR Regional Fish and Wildlife Specialist, Scott Smithers. Scott walks us through what these surveys look like in the field, the kinds of information they provide, and how all of it comes together to guide fishery management decisions. If you've ever wondered why a season opens when it does, or why you can keep two fish here but four fish there—this is the episode for you.

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Fifty years after JAWS terrified a generation, the fear of sharks still runs deep — but the truth about these ocean predators is far more fascinating than frightening.

In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, Dr. David Shiffman, author of Why Sharks Matter, tells us why these ancient fish are critical to healthy oceans, how they shape entire ecosystems, what makes them biologically extraordinary, and why so many species are on the brink of extinction.

From great whites and hammerheads to Greenland sharks that live for centuries, David takes us inside the secret world of sharks —and reminds us that protecting apex predators, including muskies and northern pike, is key to keeping our fisheries thriving.

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