Doc Talks Fishing Podcast

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There are 669 different species of crayfish, including 400 varieties in North America. And every fish finds them finger licking good. Especially, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, walleyes, yellow perch and trout. Liam and Gord spend an hour brainstorming with crayfish biologist, Tom Brooke Jr., discovering what is happening on the bottom of our favourite lakes, rivers, reservoirs, pits and ponds. Did you know that crayfish don't lay eggs? That they range in a rainbow-like array of colours. That depending on the species, they can be docile to mean. And fish find them to be most vulnerable when they're in their soft-shelled phase. Tune in to learn more about the captivating world of crayfish.

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Nick Baccante, the Senior Research Biologist in Ontario's renown Walleye Research Unit, recently shared some amazing early season science secrets. This week, Gord and Liam take Nick's walleye words of wisdom and show you how to prepare a foolproof game plan to put more and bigger fish in the boat. Jump in with the boys and learn how to combine state-of-the-art science with cutting edge walleye presentations.

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Ciscoes —also known as lake herring and tulibees— are so favoured by walleye, lake trout, northern pike, bass and muskies that they seem to have a target painted on their backs. Absolutely every predator fish devours them every opportunity they get. Dr. Chris Therrien —who is known as The Cisco Kid— sits down with Gord and Liam on this week’s podcast to explain how ciscoes can totally change the lake dynamics and life history of predators. Prepare to be dazzled as Chris explains how to find ciscoes and the biggest fish in your favourite lake.

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Can fish learn to outsmart us? In this fascinating episode of Doc Talks Fishing, we sit down with Dr. Hal Schramm-legendary bass biologist, pioneering researcher, and inductee into the National Fisheries Management Hall of Excellence— to explore the cutting-edge science of fish learning and conditioning. Hal shares eye-opening research showing that bass—and likely other species— can actually learn to avoid lures, boats and fishing pressure after being caught and released.

It's a provocative twist: thanks to slot limits, selective harvest, and catch-and-release, bass populations are booming in many lakes. But despite healthy numbers, many anglers are noticing tougher bites and lower catch rates. Are the fish still there-but now too smart to bite? Join us as Hal breaks down the science of fish behaviour, explains how and why fish get conditioned, and offers practical advice on how anglers can outthink these educated fish. If you've ever wondered why yesterday's hot bait suddenly stopped working—this episode is for you.

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This week Gord and Liam sit down with biologist, Jeff Matity to discuss the amazing underwater world of burbot. Did you know that burbot communicate with each other when they spawn? And that the non-breeders guard and protect the spawning grounds against intruders. We also examine the ways you can use this cutting-edge science to increase your catch of burbot — you can decoy them using muskie baits — and land more of the fabulous freshwater cod every time you go fishing. We even divulge a top secret burbot tactic with a crazy spin off benefit: the biggest northern pike of your life.