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

Episode 158 is Live! We're gettin' the band back together! Straight out of Buffalo. The guys sit with the original founders of the iconic Red October Baits - Marc Arena, Hans Mann, and Joshua Ross 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 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  

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 

In this episode we record live on location on the St. Lawrence River system. Frank is joined by his buddy and training partner Attila Ipacs, as well Alex Boutin aka Rex St. Pierre of Barbarian Braid/Taxeman Custom Lures. The guys have a great discussion on how the end of season trip is going and what the state of the waterway is. Points of discussion include:

- The consistency/inconsistency of the fishery over the last few years

- Tips for fishing in variable late season weather conditions

- Lessons learned from losing fish while trolling and new tactics for minimizing this

- Importance of acting as a team and knowing your role in the boat when that fish hits

- How to select the best fishing line for late season

In this episode we speak with Professor of Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology at Carleton University, Dr. Steven Cooke. In this episode we discuss:

- Dr. Cookes team at the Fish Ecology and Conservation Physiology Labratory

- The research papers on fish ecology that Dr. Cooke has published

- the intrinsic biological weapons of the apex predator, the muskie!

- When do muskies eat?

- Muskie movement and migration

Part 2 of our discussion with Dr. Steven Cooke concludes with topics that every muskie angler values. We had a great discussion with Dr. Cooke and made sure that his vast knowledge was tapped and that we addressed vital points of interest to anglers such as:

- Critical factors affecting muskie habitat

- Information Dr Cooke has discovered that could help muskie anglers discover patterns

- Can fish be educated (re: baits)?

- The importance of moon cycles, if at all

Episode 151 is live!!! The conclusion of our fun talk with Chef Antonio "Smash" Meleca concludes with what else....a good muskie chat! Highlights include:

- Antonio kidnaps Kit Harington from Game of Thrones
- Why Antonio struggles with trolling for muskies
- The trials and tribulations of being the net man
- Losing the fish of a lifetime
- Antonio reveals who he would cook for if given the choice (anyone in the world)

Antonio Smash Meleca is our guest this week!  Antonio is an accomplished chef and entrepreneur and happens to be as obsessed with muskies as anyone else.   He is also co-host of the excellent Eating Wild Podcast on the Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network.  In this episode we talk muskies, but first we had to take advantage of Antonio's excellence in his field.  Part 1 includes:

• Why passion matters 

• Up your game:  Simple starting ingredients to use if you're new to cooking 

• Importance of resting meat

• How to make a great shore lunch

In this Full Moon Friday episode, Chris and Frank review the tactics of seasoned anglers and tournament fishermen and women in this community - information gained from the past discussion with Musky Brawl Creator, Dave Grey.  This episode incorporates different aspects of muskie fishing, both from the point of view of the angler, as well as that of a parent or mentor.  Highlights include: 

• A look at Fall fishing activities for the Ugly Pike crew, as well as possibly future guests

• A quick discussion on the upcoming UFC event that has been made better by 2 top fighters dropping out and being replaced last minute

• Parents/mentors turning kids on to fishing: How to do it and how/when to incorporate that first muskie hunt!

• The process of growing as a muskie angler and getting better

• Points of value learned from the guys' recent discussion with Dave Grey, particularly modifying baits for deeper exposure