Introducing Full Moon Fridays, where Chris and Frank drill down on the best tips and techniques from recent interviews, take calls from listeners, and discuss what is happening in the muskie fishing world! Discussion in this episode centres around natural cues, muskie networking, and the four day rule. Plus we get a call from Bryan Cusmanic, creator of the amazing Sticky Hook Files!

Davin Heinbuck is a Water Resources Coordinator for the Conservation Authority. Specializing in flood management, Davin also is in his 17th year as National Research Director for Muskies Canada Inc and is acting Chairman of MCI's Science Advisory Committee.  In this episode we discuss:  

• Davin's involvement in MCI research projects, focusing on the Grand River project

• How to determine fishing location to maximize success

• Best ways to plan for a big fishing tripAnalyzing water quality and light penetration to determine bait depth

• How to time your fishing trip ie: the 4 day rule

Chris and Frank make a huge announcement - a new media partnership with Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network which is led by 2 anglers who are Canadian institutions - Angelo Viola and Pete Bowman of the Fishn' Canada TV show! The guys talk about the details of this partnership and the shows that will be on the network alongside the Ugly Pike Podcast.  The discussion shifts focus onto the early Ontario muskie season opener.  Frank recalls the highs and lows of his trip to the Rideau River and then takes a look ahead to the next Ugly Pike adventure - Lake Nipissing in early July!

Part 2 in our talk with JP Bushey goes in to amazing depth as we explore various areas where muskie anglers should focus on in order to increase catch percentage. The amount of information and level of detail in this episode is incredible. Topics include:

• Proper casting techniques

• Ideal bait properties

• Muskie reel talk

• Trolling strategies and the importance of knowing your lures

• Electronics and waypointing

• Identifying seasonal patternsKeys to guiding success and what makes an exceptional guide

• How passion turns into success

• Why fundamentals are an essential element to success on the water 

• Vital casting techniques that get your bait to hit the water the perfect way 

JP Bushy is one of the most prolific multi species anglers in Ontario.  He is also a muskie addict who guides all over Ontario, focussing on Georgian Bay but also angling all lake Nipissing, the French River, and beyond!  JP provided so much information on amazing tactics and approaches to muskie hunting in this session, it was truly amazing.  Points of discussion include:  

• Keys to guiding success and what makes an exceptional guide

• How passion turns into success

• Why fundamentals are an essential element to success on the water 

• Vital casting techniques that get your bait to hit the water the perfect way 

Part 2 in our amazing talk with Matt O’Brien dives into great detail on how to target and boat big fish. Some real out of the box approaches that have lifted Matt to the elite guide level. Topics include:

• Matt’s encoded waypoint system created to pinpoint the spot on the spot

• The use of livescope

• Targeting fish in open water

• Lure selection in open water

• How tactics change when going after big fish

Epic guide Matt O’Brien talks with Chris and Frank about those amazing Canadian Shield waters. Topics include:

• Dissecting the lower/middle/upper French River as a muskie fisherie

• “Leapfrog” technique used by Matt to cover more water and move more fish

• Spinnerbait discussion - which models to use and when

Fresh off the heels of an incredible Muskie Odyssey that saw 1000 people, a ton of vendors, and some talented speakers get together in Oshawa to enjoy the sport of muskie fishing and all that comes with it.  Ryan sits with us to talk about changes to the Muskies Canada Inc organization and how it will improve the membership experience as we look down the road.  Highlights include: 

• The value of being an MCI chapter member

• How the chapter function is changing to be more accommodating to outlying locales 

• Using technology to give members even better service and utility

• Facilitating youth membership into MCI 

Muskies Canada President Ryan Pickering drops by the studio to talk about the vendors, the speakers, and the events that will make the 2023 Muskie Odyssey in Oshawa, ON, the best Odyssey yet!

Part 2 in our talk with Josh Borovsky is an extension of the road map put forth in part 1 on how to become a better muskie angler. Points of discussion include:

• Fishing techniques and how/when to change things up

• Pink days: Finding the right time to hit the water for optimal success

• Shade lines and other environmental conditions for identifying muskie spots

• Musky Insider discussion

• Josh reveals his new muskie lure concept coming to market