Outdoor Journal Radio: The Podcast

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!

- Silverwax: Proudly Canadian since 1999

On this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, Ang, Steve, and Dean take you deep into Northern Ontario to the legendary Lodge 88 on Esnagi Lake. From witnessing one of the most spectacular Northern Lights displays of their lives to exploring the lake’s world-class walleye and pike fishing, the crew shares why Lodge 88 has become one of their most revisited destinations in over 40 years of Fish’n Canada. Along the way, they tackle pressing conservation issues like invasive grass carp in Canadian waters, talk about responsible harvest limits, and reveal why this fly-in and train-in lodge continues to set the standard for Canadian fishing adventures.

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!

- Silverwax: Proudly Canadian since 1999

On this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, Angelo, Pete, Dean, and Steve dive into the culture of Nova Scotia’s legendary Wedgeport Tuna Festival. From the rich history of bluefin tuna fishing that dates back to 1937, to the pageantry, community spirit, and unforgettable seafood feasts, this trip captured more than just fishing—it captured the heartbeat of Canada's East Coast. The crew also talks about conservation updates on invasive carp, listener questions, Chris Johnston’s back-to-back Angler of the Year titles, and why now might be the best time of year to strike a deal on a new boat. Tune in for stories from the dock, insights on tuna conservation, and a look at how fishing culture shapes entire communities. 

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!
- Silverwax: Proudly Canadian since 1999

In this episode, Angelo Viola and Pete Bowman welcome Dr. Steven Cook back to the show to break down the highlights of the once-in-a-generation Black Bass Symposium. Held in Texas, the symposium brought together scientists, managers, and anglers to discuss the state of bass fisheries across North America. From habitat conservation and stocking debates to the controversy around forward-facing sonar and the role of technology in tournaments, this conversation explores how bass management needs to evolve. Plus, the crew digs into listener questions, invasive species updates, and what it takes to prepare for the ultimate fly-in fishing trip.

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!
- Silverwax: Proudly Canadian since 1999

On this episode of the Outdoor Journal Radio podcast, the crew explores La Réserve Beauchêne in Quebec, one of Canada’s premier multi-species fishing destinations. With 40 exclusive lakes and 7 different species to target, including walleye, lake trout, smallmouth bass, pike, and brook trout, this private wilderness lodge offers anglers the trip of a lifetime. From trolling deep water for walleye and lake trout to hiking into secluded brook trout lakes, the team breaks down what makes Beauchêne so special. Plus, hear conservation updates, listener questions, and a spotlight on the incredible fishing culture that makes Quebec a must-visit destination.

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!

- Silverwax: Proudly Canadian since 1999

In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, the crew sits down with Ontario’s newly appointed Minister of Natural Resources, Mike Harris Jr., to talk about the future of fishing, hunting, and conservation in the province. From his family’s deep roots in Ontario politics to his passion for smallmouth bass and saltwater marlin, Harris brings both experience and enthusiasm to the role. The conversation covers everything from invasive species and forest fires to rules around barbless hooks, plus the Minister’s own memories of growing up in Northern Ontario’s outdoors. Along the way, Angelo, Pete, Dean, and Nik dive into listener feedback, new fisheries data from British Columbia, and an invasive grass carp sighting on Lake Huron.

If you care about Ontario’s outdoors—whether it’s the lakes, the forests, or the future of fishing—this is a must-listen.

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!

- Silverwax: Proudly Canadian since 1999

In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, Pete Bowman and Dean Taylor take the show on the road to Quebec’s incredible Taggart Bay Lodge on Lake Kipawa. Joined by lodge owner Yves Bouthillette, the crew dives into what makes this region one of the best fishing destinations in Canada. From world-class smallmouth bass action and trophy walleye to conservation efforts that protect lake trout populations, this episode is packed with fishing insights, stories from the road, and tips you can use on your next trip. Plus, we break down the latest news on invasive grass carp in Lake Huron and share a fan question about targeting big lake trout.

If you love Canadian fishing, hidden gem lodges, and learning how anglers adapt to changing waters, this episode is for you.

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!

- Silverwax: Proudly Canadian since 1999

This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Ang and Pete hit pause on the regular programming to tackle the question that’s been making waves online and on the water: Are they retiring? In this candid, unscripted episode, the boys sit down to talk timing, passion, pressure, and what keeps them going after four decades in the business. They also dig into the realities of Canadian outdoor TV, the rise of social media noise, and why the Fish’n Canada brand might just outlive them both.

From family finances to future projects, legendary road stories to armchair retirement plans, this is one of the realest conversations yet. Plus, we read some fan (and not-so-fan) comments, talk about fishing without electronics, and debate whether legends like Bob Izumi should have had a "Macy’s Parade" sendoff.

Whether you're a longtime fan or one of the skeptics in the comment section, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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!

- Silverwax: Proudly Canadian since 1999

On this “On the Road Again” edition of Outdoor Journal Radio, Pete Bowman teams up with Steve Niedzwiecki at Ontario’s Old Mission Resort on Lake Timiskaming — the headwaters of the Ottawa River and home to some of the best smallmouth and walleye fishing in the province. The guys swap stories from their trip, including fishing in 500 feet of water, the lake’s unusual “chocolate milk” colour, and the surprisingly aggressive fish that thrive in it. They also cover border-water license rules, muskie fishing realism, the threat of invasive grass carp, and a rare 80-year-old fish population in Minnesota. Plus, listener questions on beginner carp fishing, tips for non-Euro rigs, and why this spot should be on every angler’s list.

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!

- Silverwax: Proudly Canadian since 1999

In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, Ang and the crew welcome Ross Robertson from Big Water Fishing—guide, author, YouTuber, and one of Lake Erie’s top walleye experts—for his first-ever appearance on the show. The guys dive deep into a discussion about forward-facing sonar, how pro anglers are adapting to the fast-changing tech landscape, and the role of media in fishing. Plus, you’ll hear stories from ICAST, updates from the Fish’n Canada store, and the alarming confirmation that grass carp have officially breached the Great Lakes. If you’re interested in the future of fishing, this episode pulls no punches.

Also featuring:

• Tips for smallmouth on Lake Ontario
• Ross’s viral podcast on the infamous walleye cheating scandal
• Bonus code: GOBY for 15% off at shop.fishncanada.com

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!

- Silverwax: Proudly Canadian since 1999

This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Ang flies solo and takes listeners deep into the Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario with guest Pauline Gerrard, Executive Director of the IISD-ELA. From mysterious lakes once rumoured to exist in Algonquin Park to groundbreaking whole-lake experiments, we uncover the real science behind algal blooms, mercury in pristine waters, and the shocking truth about microplastics in fish.

Also in this episode:

• A special conservation corner on grass carp and invasive species
• Why walleye sushi might not be the smartest idea
• New store discounts (Code: PLASTIC)
• Listener question: Are soft plastic baits a pollution problem?