In this second part of a truly remarkable discussion with one of the pioneers of Georgian Bay Muskie fishing, Shawn gives a great discussion on what baits were run back then and also provides chilling insight into absolute giant fish that were witnessed during this era. This is going to shock a lot of listeners. Points of discussion include:

• Lures of the 1990s
• Six or seven-foot muskies?
• How to choose the right lure on the Bay
• Georgian Bay Nothingness

With all of the talk recently of the rich history of Georgian Bay, Chris and Frank wanted to connect with one of the veterans of this body of water. Shawn McCarthy was fishing the Bay in the very early 1990s and comes on to the podcast to give a glimpse as to what trying to conquer such a daunting body of water like Georgian Bay was like in the earlier days, before technology and social media made it easier. In this episode the topics discussed are:

• The decision to fish the Bay
• Learning about muskies before the internet
• Trolling and structure before electronics became accurate
• Fishing deep water
• Shawn's best lure ever

The Ugly Pike Podcast wraps up its deep dive with Johnny Dadson and Pete Bostelmann in Part 3 of this wide ranging conversation. This episode shifts from stories to strategy as the group digs into casting versus trolling, how elite anglers decide when to use each approach, and why big fish so often live just a couple tail kicks from deep water. Johnny breaks down his philosophy of lure innovation as problem solving, explaining how decades of tweaking blades, weight, and action are all driven by fish behaviour and pressure. Pete shares his methodical approach to finding fish, scouting water, and committing to the right spot at the right time. The discussion touches on confidence, visualization, decision making, and how experience reshapes the way anglers fish over a full season rather than chasing moment to moment results. This episode closes out the trilogy with hard earned insight, honest reflection, and the kind of conversation that rewards pen and paper listening.

In Part Two of this deep dive on The Ugly Pike Podcast, the conversation with Johnny Dadson and Pete Bostelman continues right where it left off.

This episode digs into the evolution of Dadson Blade Baits, the realities of modern muskie pressure, and how fish behavior has changed alongside advancing technology, stocking programs, and increased angler knowledge. From Georgian Bay’s glory days to today’s heavily pressured fisheries, Johnny and Pete break down what still works, what no longer does, and why confidence often matters more than any single lure or pattern.

The discussion goes beyond tactics and into mindset. Wind versus calm, weeds versus open water, casting versus trolling, and how two completely different fishing styles can coexist in the same boat and actually make anglers better. Along the way, they share personal best fish stories, close calls on the Great Lakes, lessons from guiding, and the physical grind of hand building baits for decades.

If you’re serious about muskie fishing, lure building, or understanding how the sport has evolved, this episode delivers real insight without the fluff.

The Ugly Pike Podcast opens 2026 with an unfiltered, wide-ranging conversation on musky fishing, experience, and long-term strategy.

Frank and Chris sit down with Johnny Dadson and Pete Bostelmann to reflect on the 2025 season and explore how mindset, conditions, and time on the water shape success more than predictions ever could. From travel fishing and adapting to unfamiliar water, to casting versus trolling and late-season decision-making, this episode focuses on perspective earned through decades of experience.

The discussion builds toward a memorable Georgian Bay story that underscores patience, preparation, and why sometimes one last cast truly matters.

This is part one of a two-part conversation, setting up a deeper dive into modern musky fishing and bait building in the next episode.

Chris and Frank take a look back at the 2025 year on and off the water, reviewing memorable events, interviews, and lessons learned

Chris and Frank take a look back at the 2025 year on and off the water, reviewing memorable events, interviews, and lessons learned

In this second part of our interview with Kory, the focus shifts to the fine details of fishing both conventional and unconventional water systems. Kory drills down on his approach to the various environments that we all love to tackle and provides essential details that will aid the listener to become a more diverse and adaptive angler. Topics include:

• Fishing shallow water River systems
• How seasonal water temperatures change your approach
• Winter "holes"
• Fishing Northwest Ontario shield waters
• Adjustment lessons learned from Jim Saric