Danny Colomby is more than just a muskie angler, he is a scientist as he would say. His approach to muskie fishing is as thorough and meticulous as we have ever seen. Danny is well known for his rich history of muskie fishing on Lake Nipissing and it would be tough to find anyone else who has spent more time on this fabled body of water. We met Danny on the Lake a couple of years ago and are very excited to bring this episode to our listeners. Topics include:

-Muskie boat configuration for weather variability

-Reading the wind to locate fish

-Why are muskies unique - the relic species

-How to trick big, smart fish to bite

-Early summer muskie behaviour, locations, patterns, and the shadfly effect

-Taking a census during the spawn to understand your population and waterway

Episode 186: Full Moon Friday - If you dont eat your meat you can't have any pudding

Chris and Frank recap Frank's recept season opener trip to the Rideau River and how bucking trends and conventional wisdom paid off on the water. The guys also look down the road at their upcoming adventure back to Tama Kwa Vacationland to see friend of the show Nikko Guido and fish the mighty Lake Nipissing!

In part 2 of our discussion with muskie guide Orlando Zecca we focus on working baits, building baits, and reacting to variable weather conditions that are often seen in Ontario's Sunset Country! Topics include:

-Tactics for targeting muskie early season on a lake like Lac Seul

-Logic behind downsizing bait early season

-Adapting to weather variability

-Lure building

-How to coordinate fishing prime spots at prime time

We were fortunate to snag Lac Seul muskie guide Orlando Zecca while he was in Southern Ontario and convince him to meet us at the Ugly Pike brewery HQ for a good talk about hunting muskies on one of the greatest lakes for it in the world. Orlando gives a sneak peak into what it is like to work as a guide in an epic lodge like Anderson's Lodge, on the storied Lac Seul before getting into a deep discussion on breaking down this legendary waterway. Tim Dawson from Campus Crew also sits in on the session to unbox the new Ugly Pike UV fishing sunshirts that are available now at www.uglypike.ca! Points include:

-Guiding history
-What it's like working at one of Canada preeminent lodges
-Training anglers to be guides
-What makes Lac seul the legendary fishery it is
-The West side of Lac Seul

In part 2 of our unique discussion with John Jarvis, we do a deep dive into identifying conditions for big fish. Topics include:

-How to find a lake with 60 inch muskies

-Wanderlust fish

-Matching forage patterns for lure selection

-Barometer, air pressure and weather patterns

John Jarvis has had over 12 years experience in the fishing services industry and his passion for learning has made him an adept muskie angler and guide. We reached out to John so that we could get a perspective on the lesser known hidden gem muskie waters in Ontario's Sunset Country. Currently John works out of the great Nordic Point Lodge on Lake Perrault, which is nestled between its big muskie brother lakes, Eagle and Seul. We had such an enlightening talk with John and he really opened our eyes as to the abundance that this area has to offer for muskie anglers. Points of discussion include:

John's career path that led him to guiding

Hidden gem muskie lakes in Sunset Country

Bait and special leader selection for early season targeting

Perrault Lake characteristics and most successful bait colours

How to find a lake with 60 inch muskies

In this second part of our amazing interview with John Anderson, we pick up where we left off and John goes into even more detail on targeting and tactical strategies. Part 2 will help you land more muskies, plain and simple. In this conclusion of our chat we touch on the following subjects:

-John's off-season/summer camps and the ramp-up to the season!

-How/why different bodies of water open earlier vs others

-Why the Ottawa region is so amazing for muskie/multi species fishing

-Ottawa and MCI community clean up and restoration efforts

-How to prepare for season opener

-Early season targeting strategies

-Why early season is the best time to fish for muskies

-Leading a team of excellent guides at Ottawa River Musky Factory - the team's strengths and dynamic

-Fundamental changes has John made to his game recently

-Seasonal bait selection strategies

-Using a glide bait - rods, reels, and technique

John Anderson is a Canadian Muskie Institution. Despite the fact that he is one of the pioneers of Canadian muskie fishing and one of the best guides out there, and despite that we are lucky enough to share a boat with him from time to time, we are most thrilled in those times we get to hang out and spend time together because John is one heck of a guy. Whether it is shooting the breeze, or digging into muskie 101, chatting with John is a pleasure and in this episode we do both (but mostly talk muskies!). Our discussion topics include:

John's off season / summer camps and the ramp up to the season!

How/why different bodies of water open earlier vs others

Why the Ottawa region is so amazing for muskie/multi species fishing

Ottawa and MCI community clean up and restoration efforts

How to prepare for season opener

Early season targeting strategies