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Published by Liam Whetter & Gord Pyzer
Welcome to DOC TALKS FISHING , the podcast dedicated to exploring cutting-edge fisheries projects with renowned biologists from around the world. Join Liam Whetter and Gord Pyzer as they unravel the secrets that will help you reel in more and bigger walleye, bass, trout, salmon, muskies, pike and panfish. Tune in every second week as we unveil breakthroughs in fisheries science that will elevate your fishing game to the next level. DOC TALKS FISHING is your gateway to success. Let's make every fishing trip an extraordinary adventure. ------------------------------------------------- Follow Liam Whetter: https://linktr.ee/whetterfishing Thank you to our partners: RAPALA CANADA WILLIAMS LURES ------------------------------------------------- Intro song: Cold World by Jackson Klippenstein https://open.spotify.com/artist/0aUhZMbG1nz102PvP9HKdW?si=bkcx3z_SQqebvK1WazBwFA
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From the feed
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Dr. Trevor Keyler has spent years investigating what the underwater world looks like through the eyes of a walleye. His research reveals a fish with an astonishingly sophisticated visual system — one perfectly adapted to hunting in the low-light world beneath the surface. Trevor explains how walleye eyes capture incredibly faint light, why they're most sensitive to the blue-green wavelength and how water clarity dramatically changes the underwater light environment. And then there's this jaw-dropping finding: under ideal conditions, a walleye can detect light at depths approaching 77 metres .... or 250 feet. But there's much more to the story than simply, "How deep can a walleye see? " Trevor explains the crucial difference between detecting light and seeing prey well enough to capture it — and his findings offer fascinating insights into lure colour, contrast, silhouette, water colour, twilight, moonlight and why walleyes come alive as the sun is disappearing. Send us a message
It is a fisheries science story that has biologists shaking their heads in disbelief. In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, Dr. Joe Langan takes us on an extraordinary journey—from the surprising history of how pink salmon first arrived in the Great Lakes, to the mystery of where they disappear for most of their lives, to bizarre "Pinook" (pink/chinook) hybrids that exist nowhere else on Earth. t's an unforgettable story of adaptation, evolution and a remarkable fish that simply refuses to follow the rules. Send us a message
During the COVID shutdowns, fishing pressure on nesting bass dropped dramatically, creating an amazing natural experiment. Nesting success soared, recruitment exploded and fisheries scientists Dr. David Philipp and Dr. Steven Cooke suddenly had compelling evidence that protecting bass during the spawning period could dramatically strengthen future year classes. The discovery led to one of the most exciting fisheries management experiments underway anywhere in North America. Philipp and Cooke have been testing whether protecting carefully selected small spawning areas in Lake Opinicon can rebuild bass populations while maintaining outstanding fishing opportunities. Today, David and Steven return to Doc Talks Fishing with the latest findings from Year Three of The Great Bass Sanctuary Experiment. What they've discovered could change the future of bass management across much of North America. Send us a message
Think giant walleyes, muskies, bass and pike spend their days chasing giant meals? Think again. In one of the largest predator-prey studies ever assembled, fisheries scientist Dr. Jereme Gaeta analyzed more than 9,000 fish stomachs and over 22,000 prey fish from lakes across North America. What he discovered stunned us. Even the biggest predators spend most of their lives feeding on prey far smaller than most anglers imagine. In fact, much of the forage consumed by trophy-size fish measures only a few inches long. In this fascinating episode of Doc Talks Fishing, Dr. Gaeta explains why "big fish eat big fish" is only part of the story and why downsizing your presentation — think finesse — often works when the fishing gets tough. If you've ever wondered whether lure size really matters, this episode may completely change the way you fish. Send us a message
Most anglers think that the wind simply pushes baitfish around the lake. But what if the fish aren’t just drifting with the current? What if they actually know where the food is going to be? In this fascinating episode of Doc Talks Fishing, Dr. Derrick (Dak) de Kerckhove reveals his groundbreaking research from Algonquin Park’s legendary Lake Opeongo that shows how sustained winds create underwater conveyor belts that concentrate plankton, attract ciscoes and ultimately draw hungry lake trout to an all-you-can-eat buffet. The result is a remarkable chain reaction that totally reshapes the entire lake ecosystem. Using cutting-edge telemetry, hydro-acoustics and decades of fisheries research, Dak explains why the windy side of the lake typically becomes a predator hotspot. And why one of the most overlooked forces in nature is one of your most important fish-finding tools. After listening to this episode, you’ll never look at wind the same way again. Send us a message
We spend years as anglers, learning how to catch fish and we often selectively harvest a few smaller ones to enjoy for shore lunch or dinner with our friends and families. But most of us never learn how to truly cook fish properly. In this fascinating crossover episode, gold medal winning World Culinary Olympic chef and passionate angler Cameron Tait reveals the science behind unforgettable fish meals - from perfect shore lunch over a campfire to restaurant-quality dishes at home. Learn why heat control changes everything, how anglers accidentally ruin great fish and the simple techniques world-class chefs use to transform walleye, trout, salmon, yellow perch and crappies into extraordinary meals. Send us a message
For decades, we've cast muskies as shadows lurking in the weeds. Ambush predators waiting to pounce on our baits. But what if everything we thought we knew about these apex fish is only half the story? In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Sean Landsman pulls back the curtain on a hidden world where giant fish roam the open water, suspending over deep basins, hunting in ways that challenge what we thought was gospel. Drawing on cutting-edge telemetry and firsthand observations, Sean reveals how these fish are not just structure-bound predators-but highly adaptable hunters capable of tracking prey through vast, seemingly empty expanses. From mysterious deep-water movements to explosive encounters far from shore, you'll hear how this behaviour has probably been happening all along, right under our noses. This is more than just a new pattern, it's a paradigm shift. So whether you're a die-hard muskie angler or simply fascinated by the science of fish behaviour, this episode will change the way you think about where muskies live, how they hunt and what it really takes to find — and catch — the fish of a lifetime. Send us a message
If you've been on the water lately and thought your favourite lake looks darker than it used to... you're not imagining things. Lakes are quietly "browning" as dissolved organic carbon turns clear water into a tea-stained mystery-and it's changing fishing in ways anglers have never considered. In this fascinating episode of Doc Talks Fishing, Dr. Allison Roth breaks down what browning water means for fish—and the answers will surprise you. Some species, like walleye and northern pike, are thriving in these darker conditions... while others, including bass and lake trout, are struggling— even when they're still feeding as much as ever. From shrinking "perfect light zones" to shifts in prey, growth, and even entire fish communities, this is science that will completely change how you think about your favourite lakes. If you want to understand why some lakes are producing giants, why others seem to be declining, and how these changes could impact your success on the water, you can't afford to miss this episode. Send us a message
In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, master brook trout angler, Mark Stiffel joins us to explain how he turns cutting-edge trout biology into success on the water. Building on the fascinating science shared by Nipigon biologist Rob Swainson in our previous episode, Mark reveals how he finds big specks throughout the seasons - from cold-water upwellings and shallow spring flats to the subtle structural clues most anglers overlook. If you've ever wondered how to translate fish behaviour into more trout in the net, this episode is packed with insights you can use the next time you chase brookies. And as the photo proves... Mark knows what he's talking about. Send us a message
How old is the biggest bass you've ever caught? If you fish Lake Ontario or the St. Lawrence River, the answer might surprise you. In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, Dr. Connor Elliott from Queen's University reveals that some tournament-caught smallmouth in this world-class fishery are more than 21 years old - fish that have been growing, surviving and feeding for over two decades. Using data from tournament mortalities, Connor explains why smallmouth here are outgrowing largemouth, and how round gobies have created a smallmouth "super-factory" of growth. But when tournaments consistently target the largest and oldest fish in the system, what does that mean for the future? It's an eye-opening look at the hidden biology of tournament bass — and what anglers, organizers and scientists can do to ensure these giants continue swimming for decades to come. Send us a message
Most of us grew up thinking about goldfish as harmless pets — the kind we kept in a bowl in our bedrooms as kids. In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, we sit down with Dr. Melanie Massey from the University of Toronto, whose research reveals an astonishing truth: goldfish are one of the most destructive invasive fish species on the planet, firmly established in the Great Lakes and spreading rapidly across the continent. Melanie takes us into the biology and behavior that make goldfish such formidable invaders. From surviving frigid winters under the ice and tolerating near-zero oxygen, to spawning repeatedly, growing quickly and re-engineering ecosystems, goldfish are far tougher than we ever imagined. They can survive sewage treatment plants, reach the size of a football and even outcompete carp. Once you hear what Melanie has to tell us, you'll never look at goldfish the same way again. Send us a message
Brook trout inspire a level of devotion that few fish can match. In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, we sit down once again with our good friend and legendary biologist, Rob Swainson to uncover why. Rob draws on his decades of research to explain what makes brook trout so unique: their reliance on groundwater, their seasonal movements between shallow warming shorelines and deep cold refuges and their incredible ability to adapt to wildly different environments. Rob tells us why brook trout are the crown jewels of cold water fisheries, offering anglers a deeper understanding of where they live, why they're vulnerable and how respecting their habitat is the key to their future. Send us a message
What if we told you that some fish don't actually "get old" — but get better with age? In this jaw-dropping episode of Doc Talks Fishing, Dr. Chris Therrien returns with three more astonishing fish facts that challenge everything we thought we knew about fish and fishing. Chris fills us in on the unbelievable story of lake trout that show no genetic, physical, or reproductive decline as they age and actually improve over time. You'll learn also why some northern pike abandon freshwater and run to the ocean, feasting on marine prey to grow into true giants. And just when you think it can't get any wilder, Dr. Therrien introduces us to the bowfin - the fish that outlasted the T-Rex, survived mass extinction, breathes air and still prowls our waters today. If you love science and fishing — or simply enjoy having your mind blown — you won't want to miss this episode. Send us a message
We welcome back Dr. Chris Therrien for a jaw-dropping conversation that will change how you look at fish. Did you know that male bluegills will disguise themselves as females to sneak past aggressive males and steal fertilizations? Or that most —maybe even all— of the world record Arctic char caught in the legendary Tree River are likely Dolly Varden trout? Using cutting-edge genetic analysis, traditional ecological knowledge and meticulous field research, scientists have rewritten what we thought we knew about these iconic fish. But perhaps the most astonishing discovery is Mary Catherine— a tiny 4.6-pound, 25-inch lake trout from Lake Superior that's 62 years old. Yes, a fish old enough to have watched the Leafs' win their last Stanley Cup in 1967. Chris explains the fascinating science behind extreme longevity and why that "small" fish you just caught might actually be the oldest fish in the lake. Whether you're an angler, nature enthusiast or simply someone who loves learning mind-bending fish facts this episode's for you. Send us a message
Healthy fish populations start with healthy habitat. In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, we talk with Robert Pye and Melissa Dakers from Watersheds Canada about why protecting and restoring fish habitat is the foundation of sustainable fisheries. We explore the threats these vital areas are facing and how anglers and shoreline owners can make a difference in their own backyards. Robert and Melissa explain what's at stake and how anglers can play a leading role in keeping our lakes and rivers thriving. This is one conversation that goes straight to the heart of what makes great fishing possible. Send us a message
Lake whitefish - the backbone of the Great Lakes fishery for centuries - are in trouble. Biologist Jason Smith joins us to explain why these iconic fish are disappearing, what's driving the collapse and the groundbreaking bold "Noah's Ark" project that could one day bring them back. It is a story of crisis, science and hope for one of the most important fish in North America. Send us a message
We've all seen fishing regulations — seasons, size limits, daily and possession limits— but how are they actually set? The numbers aren't just pulled out of thin air. They're grounded in decades of science and driven by massive amounts of data -collected through creel surveys, trap net sets and rigorous sampling programs. On this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, we're joined by OMNR Regional Fish and Wildlife Specialist, Scott Smithers. Scott walks us through what these surveys look like in the field, the kinds of information they provide, and how all of it comes together to guide fishery management decisions. If you've ever wondered why a season opens when it does, or why you can keep two fish here but four fish there—this is the episode for you. Send us a message
Fifty years after JAWS terrified a generation, the fear of sharks still runs deep — but the truth about these ocean predators is far more fascinating than frightening. In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, Dr. David Shiffman, author of Why Sharks Matter, tells us why these ancient fish are critical to healthy oceans, how they shape entire ecosystems, what makes them biologically extraordinary, and why so many species are on the brink of extinction. From great whites and hammerheads to Greenland sharks that live for centuries, David takes us inside the secret world of sharks —and reminds us that protecting apex predators, including muskies and northern pike, is key to keeping our fisheries thriving. Send us a message
Catch rates may look good on paper—but what if they're lying to us? Julie Charbonneau is a member of the Earth to Ocean Research Group, in the Department of Biological Sciences at Simon Frazer University and she joins us today to explain how high angler catch rates can hide serious population declines. Learn about the phenomenon of hyperstability, the dangers of relying on catch data, and what it all means for the future of British Columbia's iconic steelhead. Catching more fish doesn't always mean there are more fish to catch. Send us a message
What happens when the world's leading bass scientists gather to share their latest discoveries? The 2025 Black Bass Symposium brought together researchers, managers and anglers from across the globe — and the insights could change the future of bass fishing. In this episode of Doc Talks Fishing, we sit down with renowned fisheries scientist Dr. Steven Cooke of Carleton University, who helped organize the symposium. From angler impacts to management strategies, we explore the biggest breakthroughs in bass science and what they mean for conserving - and catching - more and bigger bass in the years ahead. Send us a message
Ranking source
Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 21, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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