In this Full Moon Friday chat, the boys talk about Frank's recent trip down to the Chicago Musky Expo!  Chris and Frank talk about what was new and exciting at the show and how this event differs from the Muskie Odyssey that Canadian listeners are used to attending.  Following this, Master Butcher Robbie Aggarwal, owner of Norcini & Co. in Niagara Falls joins the discussion as the Ugly Pike Podcast prepares to launch its "Boat Meat" line of products.  High-end, well-sourced and made meat-based protein snacks that every angler needs in their fishing bag!  Robbie runs a master class on how sourcing well-fed and raised meat is key to a healthy diet, and also goes into detail on the different cuts of meat and how to best prepare them! 
 

In this second part of our chat with ace guide Marlon Prince, we drill down on his region out East.  We talk about the politics of muskie fishing as the popularity of the sport grows and get into which tactics and gear anglers should use when fishing these unique waters for big toothy monsters!  Topics include: 

• The politics of muskie fishing in New Brunswick
   
• Baits and tackle used on the Saint John River for optimal results 
   
• Fishing with wire line
   
• Discussing the great Canadian fisheries
   
• Jigging for muskies on the Saint John River
   
• How covid restrictions lead to a rediscovery of that regional fishery for many 

In this episode we check in with an amazing guide from a truly unique and amazing fishery - Marlon Prince.  It has been years since we have sat down with Marlon and a lot has changed out East!  Most anglers know what a bounty the eastern waters like the Saint John River is but many are unaware just how round and fat their muskies get. From dodging icebergs on home water, to fishing in tricky river currents, we talked about so many things during this great session!   Points include:

• How Marlon has been cultivating his career
  
  
• Marlon's second favourite fish to target / guiding style
   
• Breaking down the Eastern region and topography   
   
• How and where muskies are located on the Saint John River
   
• Why New Brunswick muskies are so fat
   
• The ethics of fishing in hot weather / deep water

Episode 162 is the conclusion of our epic discussion with fishing media legend John Gillespie.  This was such an enjoyable session as we picked John's fishing brain about what it takes, and what it is like being an angling media success.  Highlights include:  

• Sucker fishing
• Quick strike rigs, and when/how to set the hook
• Protecting resources and spots while doing a fishing show

Episode 161 was a special one. It is not every week that we get to interview a living legend.  Few people work as hard as John Gillespie does on his show Waters and Woods.  Over the years John has kept up an unthinkable schedule, releasing weekly shows that every angler has watched at one point.  John sits with us and shares his amazing insights on a career as an industry leader.  Topics include:

• John's start in media with his back against the wall 
• Turning a life passion into income
• The key to building a successful fishing show 
• Fishing with muskie legends, their differences and similarities

In this episode, Chris recalls his amazing trip to the Serengeti in Tanzania, Africa including a nail-biting encounter with a persistent lion!  Following this, the guys recall notable discussions and valuable insights gained during interviews with some of the best muskie anglers on the planet in 2023!  This was a groundbreaking year for the Ugly Pike Podcast and we sincerely thank the listeners and the team at the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network! 

Episode 159 concludes the second half of our amazing session with the founders of Red October Baits.  2 hours with this awesome crew went by so quickly that we will have to do it again soon!  There was so much knowledge on bait making, angling, and guiding at one table that it was tough to cover everything that we wanted.  Highlights include: 

• Hans' amazing carved works of wood
• Future of the Red October Baits product line
• The different species of fish that can be targeted using Red October Baits  

Straight out of Buffalo!  The guys sit with the original founders of the iconic Red October Baits - Marc Arena, Hans Mann, and Josh Ketry.  A bunch of great friends and people got together to chat not only about muskie fishing, but about life improvements in general.  This episode is loaded with amazing discussions about lifestyle, bait making, and of course, hunting muskies!  Points of discussion include:

• How lifestyle changes by all of the guys at the table resulted in a cumulative  200 lbs of weight loss
• The origins of Red October Baits
• How to best rig and work a monster tube
• This season on Buffalo Harbour

In this Full Moon Friday episode, the guys chat about learning hard lessons on the water and turning them into success.  After one of the best seasons yet for Ugly Pike on the water, chatting about how to hang in there and learn was an essential topic.  Points include:

- The Introduction of a new show sponsor, Angling Sports in London, ON

- Lessons learned from the recent trip to the St. Lawrence River system, keys to success, and how it changes patterning moving forward 

- The emotional highs and lows - why persisting is essential

- Fishing Lake Erie and the difference an elite guide can make on your muskie education
 
A big thank you to our sponsors! Support the show by supporting them at:

• EzokoFishing.com
• AnglingSports.ca

Part 2 of our discussion Live on the St Lawrence River concludes with a robust talk about how the guys planned on adapting their approach to the changing weather.  Points of discussion include: 

• How Fall/Winter season affects muskie behaviour/patterning 
• Adapting strategies for variable winds 
• Livescope/technology discussion 
• Casting in cold weather