Published by Outdoor Journal Radio Podcast Network
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Drawing from their experience as two of Canada’s most prominent outdoor personalities, hosts Angelo Viola and Peter Bowman explore the environmental topics, issues, and events that matter to the everyday outdoorsman. Joined by a wide variety of guests, ODJ Radio seeks to answer the questions and tell the stories of all those who enjoy being outside. Your stories, your questions, on your schedule
Episode 232: 191 Wildfires. 2,800 Evacuations. What’s Happening in Ontario?
Nearly 200 wildfires. Thousands forced from their homes. Fishing camps already lost. Water bombers being grounded because people keep flying drones into active fire zones. Ontario’s Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry, Mike Harris Jr., joins Angelo Viola for a blunt breakdown of the wildfire emergency unfolding across Northern Ontario. How dangerous is the situation? Should anglers cancel upcoming trips? What happens to remote lodges caught in the fire zone? And how do 700 firefighters, 120 aircraft and crews from across Canada begin to contain something this massive? The Minister also reveals what Ontario is spending on wildfire protection, why some fires are deliberately allowed to burn and what outdoorspeople need to check before travelling north. Plus, Ontario’s new digital hunting and fishing licence system, the rules around carrying your Outdoors Card and the mysterious “meanmouth bass” that reportedly attacks dogs and swimmers. This is one every Canadian outdoorsperson needs to hear.
Episode 231: Is ICAST Dying? What We Saw in 2026
Angelo is joined by Nik and Dean Taylor to break down everything they saw at ICAST 2026, and the future of the fishing industry might not be looking as healthy as everyone thinks. The world’s biggest fishing trade show felt noticeably smaller this year. Major brands were missing, attendance was down, entire award categories lacked competition, and a wine and champagne cooler somehow walked away as one of the show’s top fishing products. Is ICAST dying, or does the event simply need a serious overhaul? The boys also discuss Garmin’s new LiveScope 2 HD and Spy Pole, the explosion of bizarre urchin-style baits, questionable Best in Show results, and whether opening ICAST to the public could save the event. Before getting into the show, the crew breaks down Ontario’s upcoming digital hunting and fishing licensing system, whether wildfire smoke changes fish behaviour, and another absolutely brutal Air Canada travel disaster that left flights cancelled, bags misplaced, and Angelo stranded in Orlando. Plus, encounters with fishing legends Bill Dance and Jimmy Houston, a surprise appearance from Steve Harvey, and plenty more from inside ICAST 2026. Enter the Fish’n Canada contest at FishnCanada.com
Episode 230: Saving Animals From War, Abuse, and the Streets
This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Ang and Pete are joined by Canadian veterinarian, world traveller, author, and animal rescue volunteer Dr. Cliff Redford, better known as Dr. Cliff Worldwide Vet. Dr. Cliff owns Wellington Veterinary Hospital in Markham, Ontario, but his work has taken him far beyond the clinic. From helping street dogs in Jamaica and Egypt, to volunteering in India, performing veterinary work in Panama, and assisting animals and refugees near the Ukraine war zone, his stories are unlike anything we’ve had on the podcast before. The guys talk to Dr. Cliff about what it’s like performing surgery in remote places with limited resources, documenting animal rescue work around the world, the emotional toll of veterinary medicine, burnout in the vet industry, and why he continues to put himself in uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous situations to help animals. He also shares stories from his upcoming book, Far and Wild: Adventures of the Worldwide Vet, including rescues, close calls, and the kind of moments you only find when you leave the safety of home and go where help is needed most. Before the interview, the boys also talk Fish’n Canada store updates, classic TV vs. YouTube, leaky boat tricks, invasive species, browning lakes, and listener-submitted lure hacks. If you love animals, outdoor adventure, conservation, travel stories, or just a wild conversation with someone living a seriously unique life, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more fishing stories, outdoor news, conservation talk, and behind-the-scenes conversations from The Fish’n Canada Show and Outdoor Journal Radio.
Episode 229: The Truth About Blue Walleye (Fish Talk With The Doc)
This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Ang and Pete are joined once again by Dr. Steven Cooke, the Fish Doc, to answer some of the strangest questions in fishing. After a recent trip where the crew caught an unusually high number of blue walleye, the boys ask Dr. Cooke what actually causes a walleye to turn blue, whether blue walleye are a different species, and why many of them seem to look smaller, thinner, or less healthy than their yellow counterparts. The conversation also dives into some of the weirdest behaviour anglers are now seeing with LiveScope, including suspended muskies pointing straight down, predator fish attacking bait balls, and whether fish can actually learn from pressure. Plus, the guys talk about a massive Fraser River white sturgeon, blotchy bass, fish genetics, fish memory, carp lips in China, and why modern fishing technology is showing anglers things we may have never understood before. If you’ve ever caught a blue walleye, seen something strange on your sonar, or wondered how smart fish really are, this episode is for you. Subscribe for more fishing stories, conservation talk, outdoor news, and behind-the-scenes conversations from The Fish’n Canada Show and Outdoor Journal Radio.
Episode 228: We Gave Beginners the Ultimate Fishing Test
This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, the boys are back from La Réserve Beauchêne, one of Quebec’s most unique private fishing destinations. With 50,000 acres, dozens of lakes, luxury accommodations, incredible food, and fish-filled water everywhere you look, Beauchêne is the kind of place most anglers dream about. But this trip came with a twist: instead of Ang and Pete doing the fishing, they coached a group of novice anglers through their first real taste of Canadian Shield fishing. From broken rods and missed fish on day one to big smallmouth and a full transformation by the end of the trip, this episode is all about what happens when beginners get dropped into one of Canada’s most impressive fishing reserves. The crew also talks about lead in wild game, whether anglers should be paying more attention to lead fishing tackle, reel maintenance, video podcasts, and Ang’s 25-year history with Beauchêne’s longtime manager, Tony. If you love fishing lodges, Quebec fishing, smallmouth bass, walleye, lake trout, brook trout, or just a good old-fashioned fishing story, this one’s for you. Make sure to listen for this week’s bonus code for extra entries into the Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 2 giveaway. Subscribe for more fishing stories, outdoor news, conservation talk, and behind-the-scenes stories from The Fish’n Canada Show and Outdoor Journal Radio.
Episode 227: The LOST Fish’n Canada Episodes
This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, the boys head back to Northern Ontario for a wild recap of their trip to Red Pine Lodge on Ivanhoe Lake, just outside of Timmins. What started as a post-spawn walleye mission turned into a 34-mile shallow river run through skinny water, tight channels, and a few moments where the boat probably had no business being where it was. With the help of Garmin electronics, the crew pushed deep into the river system and found exactly what they were looking for: blue walleye, regular walleye, smallmouth bass, pike, and one seriously memorable honey hole. The episode also covers new Fish’n Canada species hoodies, the legal side of leaving skin on pike fillets, grass carp awareness, Idaho’s new hunting tech rules, and some classic behind-the-scenes stories from 40 years of filming Fish’n Canada, including forgotten cameras, lost footage, brutal weather, and the eagle shot that got away. If you like Northern Ontario fishing stories, walleye talk, old-school outdoor TV chaos, and a little bit of questionable decision-making in shallow water, this one’s for you. Drop a comment and let us know: what fish species should be next in the Fish’n Canada hoodie lineup?
Episode 226: A Canadian Seafood Company Sold MUSKIE?
An Ontario seafood company has pleaded guilty to attempting to sell an angler-caught muskie, receiving a fine of just $2,000. Was the punishment enough, and how does a protected sport fish end up on the commercial market in the first place? This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, Angelo Viola breaks down the bizarre case and the serious questions it raises about illegal fish sales, enforcement, and the future of Ontario’s muskie populations. Later, Frank Ungaro from the Ugly Pike Podcast joins the show to discuss the growing popularity of muskie fishing, early-season tactics, custom lure culture, shallow-water giants, and why certain baits seem to catch fish while identical ones never get touched. Also discussed: • Ontario’s illegal muskie sale controversy • Why the $2,000 fine has anglers frustrated • Early-season muskie fishing tactics • Trolling versus casting for muskies • Custom muskie lures and proven “pullers” • Giant fish from the St. Lawrence River • The growing muskie fishing community • Grass carp awareness and invasive species • A possible mystery bone in northern pike fillets Let us know in the comments: Was a $2,000 fine enough? Subscribe for new episodes of Outdoor Journal Radio every week.
Episode 225: Your "Smallmouth" Might Not Be a Smallmouth
Is there really more than one species of smallmouth bass? This week on Outdoor Journal Radio, the crew dives into groundbreaking research suggesting the fish we all know may actually be made up of four distinct evolutionary lineages. Plus, University of Victoria PhD candidate Wesley Greenree joins the show to explain how everyday anglers are helping scientists study Chinook salmon by collecting stomach samples, revealing surprising changes in the Pacific food chain and what they could mean for the future of our fisheries. Also in this episode: Could British Columbia produce the next Canadian record largemouth bass? Clearing up misconceptions about Apple AirTags and Bluetooth tracking A fascinating Northern Ontario walleye tournament format Proper tick removal and Lyme disease prevention The latest Fishing Canada updates and new merchandise Whether you're a hardcore angler or just love learning about fish and conservation, this is one episode you won't want to miss.
Outdoor Journal Radio hits the road to Timmins, Ontario for the Timmins Walleye Championship and the NOWT finals. Ang, Nik, and Dean break down the tournament, the Princecraft boat prizes, the difference between the championship and sportsman divisions, and what makes J&B Cycle and Marine such a hub for Northern Ontario anglers. The crew also talks about their latest Fish’n Canada shoot, Nik’s brand-new iPhone taking a 13-foot swim, invasive grass carp, lone star ticks in Ontario, and why the guys don’t always measure every fish they catch. Topics include: Timmins Walleye Championship, NOWT finals, Princecraft boats, J&B Cycle and Marine, invasive grass carp, lone star ticks, fishing tournaments, and behind-the-scenes Fish’n Canada stories.
Episode 223: Inside Ontario’s Most Exclusive Trout Fishing Club
This week on Outdoor Journal Radio , Ang and Pete take the show on the road to the Franklin Club in Mount Albert, Ontario, one of the most unique private trout fishing clubs in the province. Joined by Chad Davenport , hatchery and grounds manager at the club, the crew gets a behind-the-scenes look at how Franklin raises and stocks its own rainbow trout and brook trout, manages predation, protects fish health, and maintains one of the most pristine private fisheries around. Plus, the boys talk invasive carp, pharmaceuticals showing up in Ontario waterways, pike wounds, private fishing rules, and the kind of trout fishing setup most anglers only dream about.
Episode 222: Bassmaster Angler BANNED for Life… The Most Insane Cheating Scandal Yet
Thank you to today's sponsors! - The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada’s land and water from invasive species - SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures - J&B Cycle and Marine : Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment - Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories - Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts! A Bassmaster Open angler has been banned for life after allegedly attempting to track another competitor during a major tournament… and the deeper we dug into this story, the crazier it got. In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, we break down the shocking Bassmaster cheating scandal, the alleged use of hidden AirTags, tournament tracking, and how modern technology is changing competitive fishing forever. From pro bass tournaments to fishfinder controversies, this may be one of the wildest stories the fishing world has seen in years. Topics covered: • Bassmaster Open cheating scandal • Alleged AirTag tracking scheme • Tournament fishing controversy • How pro anglers scout fish • The future of cheating in competitive fishing • Bass fishing technology debate • Tournament ethics and enforcement Plus: • Are modern electronics making cheating easier? • Should pro anglers stop guiding before events? • Could this happen in Canadian tournaments too? Listen to Outdoor Journal Radio every week for the latest in fishing, hunting, conservation, and outdoor culture. #Bassmaster #FishingScandal #BassFishing #TournamentFishing #OutdoorJournalRadio #FishingNews #BassmasterOpen #FishingPodcast #Livescope #CompetitiveFishing
Episode 221: Gas Prices Are Killing Road Trips. Is This the Fix?
Thank you to today's sponsors! - The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada’s land and water from invasive species - SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures - J&B Cycle and Marine : Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment - Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories - Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts! Vic Fedeli joins Outdoor Journal Radio to talk about the long-awaited return of the Northlander train, a major transportation project that could change the way anglers, families, tourists, and northern communities travel across Ontario. After being cancelled in 2012, the Northlander is finally making its comeback with brand-new railcars, modern amenities, and routes connecting Toronto with Northern Ontario. The crew also discusses rising gas prices, road trip concerns, fish finders, invasive grass carp, old Fan 590 favourites, and a massive Garmin giveaway. For anyone who loves fishing, hunting, tourism, or travelling into the North, this one matters.
Episode 220: Jay Legere
Thank you to today's sponsors! - The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada’s land and water from invasive species - SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures - J&B Cycle and Marine : Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment - Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories - Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts! This week on Outdoor Journal Radio , we’re joined by Jay Legere, the YouTuber who quit the CBC to live in Canada’s most unforgiving environment. After leaving behind a career in broadcasting, Jay turned his focus to documenting life in the North, cabin projects, harsh weather, remote builds, and the reality of figuring things out as he goes. What makes Jay’s content stand out is the honesty. He is not pretending to be a polished expert with all the answers. He shows the mistakes, the problem-solving, the setbacks, and the wins that come with taking on cabin life in Northern Canada. In this episode, we talk about his move from CBC to YouTube, working on remote cabins, surviving brutal northern conditions, dealing with wildlife, building an audience online, and what it actually takes to create a life and career in one of the toughest places in the country.
Episode 219: Deer Ticks Are Spreading Across Canada… Here’s Why
Thank you to today's sponsors! - The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada’s land and water from invasive species - SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures - J&B Cycle and Marine : Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment - Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories - Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts! In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, we dive deep into the growing tick problem across Canada, including Lyme disease, real-world risks, and what every outdoorsman needs to know before heading out this season. We’re joined by Dr. Catherine Bouchard of the Public Health Agency of Canada, who breaks down: Why tick populations are exploding in Canada How Lyme disease actually spreads The real odds of getting infected What happens if you miss a tick bite The most effective ways to protect yourself We also share real stories from the field, including extreme bug conditions, close calls, and what it’s actually like dealing with ticks while filming in remote locations. If you spend any time outdoors, this is information you can’t afford to ignore. Watch now before your next trip. 00:00 Intro 02:00 Why ticks are a growing problem 08:00 YouTube controversy and flagged episode 21:00 What happens if ticks disappear 36:00 Expert interview: Dr. Catherine Bouchard 44:00 Lyme disease explained 52:00 How ticks spread and infect 1:00:00 Real risks and symptoms 1:08:00 How to protect yourself outdoors 1:20:00 Final takeaways
Episode 218: The Craziest Fish Behaviour Ever Filmed in Freshwater
What’s really happening under your boat? After 40 years of fishing, we finally got a look beneath the surface and what we saw completely changed how we think about fish, water clarity, and behavior. In this episode, we sit down with the team behind some of the most advanced underwater filming ever done in the Great Lakes. Using cutting-edge drones and sonar, they’re capturing fish in ways anglers have never seen before. From spawning battles to feeding patterns in dirty water, this is the closest you’ll get to seeing the underwater world in real time. We also break down one of the biggest misconceptions in fishing: how fish actually see in stained water. The answer might surprise you and it could change how you fish overnight. Plus: Wild fish behavior caught on camera New discoveries about where fish actually spawn How underwater tech is reshaping fishing forever A heated debate on whether skills should be taught or earned If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on below the surface… this one’s for you.
Episode 217: The Reality of Hosting TV With a Speech Impediment
Thank you to today's sponsors! - The Invasive Species Centre: Protecting Canada’s land and water from invasive species - SAIL: The Ultimate Destination for your Outdoor Adventures - J&B Cycle and Marine : Your Home for all things powersports, boats, and equipment - Freedom Cruise Canada: Rent the boat, own the memories - Anglers Leaderboard: Real-time AI angling platform where everyone is welcome, and every catch counts! What happens when the guy behind the camera is suddenly forced into the spotlight? In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, Dean Taylor steps into the co-host seat for the first time and opens up about something we’ve never discussed publicly before. After years working behind the scenes on The Fish’n Canada Show, Dean shares the real story of how he went from production to being on camera… despite a speech impediment he’s dealt with his entire life. We also dive into: What really goes on behind the scenes of Fish’n Canada DIY boat builds and why knowing your rig matters Close calls and breakdowns on the water that almost ended shoots The reality of filming outdoor TV under pressure Wild April Fools fishing stories that actually fooled us This is one of the most honest and personal conversations we’ve ever had on the podcast. 🎣 Whether you’re into fishing, filmmaking, or just love real stories from the outdoors… this is one you don’t want to miss. Listen now and let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Episode 216: He Built a Fishing School… and It SOLD OUT in 2 HOURS (216 Kids Learning to Fish)
A fishing school that sells out in under 2 hours? That’s exactly what’s happening. John Anderson, Muskie’s Canada Hall of Famer, created the Ottawa Fish School to teach kids how to fish, tie knots, handle fish safely, and become stewards of the outdoors. What started with 14 kids has exploded to 216… and every spot disappears almost instantly. In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, we talk about: • The fishing school selling out every year • Teaching kids to be self-sufficient anglers • Why fishing is still exploding with youth • How parents are being dragged back into fishing • The future of fishing in Canada • Why this model is working • The next generation of anglers This might be one of the most important fishing conversations we’ve had. Fishing isn’t dying. It’s evolving.
Episode 215: He Quit His Job to Live Off-Grid… Now He Has 16 Million Views
What would it take for you to walk away from everything… and start over in the middle of nowhere? That’s exactly what Shawn Trudel from Cabin River Outdoors did. He had no experience and no real plan. Just a piece of land deep in the wilderness and a camera. Now he’s sitting on over 16 million views. In this episode, we break down: Why he left his old life behind What off-grid living in Canada is actually like How his YouTube channel blew up The reality of filming everything alone And whether this lifestyle is actually worth it We also get into gear, lost footage, YouTube growth, and the stuff nobody tells you about trying to make it doing this. If you came for Shawn, stay for the full episode. There’s more here than just the interview.
Episode 214: Garmin Just Changed Fishing Forever… Here’s What We Know
Garmin just dropped one of the biggest fishing technology updates we’ve ever seen… and it might completely change how we fish moving forward. In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, we break down Garmin’s brand new 360 sonar system and the game-changing Spy Pole, a motorized turret that lets you lock onto structure, and scan water like never before. We go deep into: • What this new tech actually does • How it compares to LiveScope • Why this could be the biggest leap in fishing electronics in years • Real-world applications for bass, walleye, pike, and more • Whether it’s worth the investment Plus: • A wild tournament cheating story that got an angler arrested • Fan questions about the future of multi-species tournaments • Why your favorite fishing content is suddenly blowing up on YouTube If you’re serious about fishing, this is one episode you cannot miss. Listen now and find out why this could be the future of the sport.
Episode 213: This Guy Stole 53 Fishing Lures… Here’s What Happened
What REALLY goes on behind the scenes of the Toronto Sportsman Show? In this episode of Outdoor Journal Radio, we sit down with show manager Mike Blake to break down how one of Canada’s biggest outdoor events has evolved, what’s new this year, and why it still matters to anglers, hunters, and outdoor families. But that’s not all… We also dive into a bizarre real-life story of a man caught stealing over $1,000 worth of fishing lures from a Canadian Tire, and discuss what it says about the fishing industry today. Plus: Fan question: the strangest places we’ve been recognized The reality of fishing theft and black-market gear Season 40 updates and behind-the-scenes insights Why the Sportsman Show is still a must-visit event If you’re into fishing, hunting, outdoor shows, or Canadian outdoor culture, this episode is packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Subscribe for more episodes of Outdoor Journal Radio every week.
