Episode 65: Cory Johnston

Ever wondered what happens when you combine a birthday surprise with the great outdoors? Join us for an unforgettable episode where Antonio has orchestrated a special birthday surprise for Christopher Showtime Johnston. The suspense is palpable as Christopher navigates a guessing game to identify the mysterious guest with links to both hunting and fishing. With guesses flying and laughter abound, this episode is a delightful blend of camaraderie and celebration, setting the tone for an epic adventure.

Our journey continues with thrilling tales from a recent fishing expedition on Lake St. Clair, featuring Moose and Cody. Feel the adrenaline as we recount the near-capture of a tiger muskie and delve into the nuances that make muskie fishing a unique experience. Cory Johnston, a titan in professional bass fishing, joins us to share his recent triumph at the Bassmasters Northern Open, his deep-rooted family traditions, and the excitement surrounding his upcoming moose hunt. Cory’s reflections on balancing a demanding career with family life offer a heartfelt glimpse into the life of an elite angler.

Lastly, we explore the vibrant culture of bass fishing, the evolving role of technology, and the strong sense of community among Canadian anglers. Cory Johnston opens up about his journey, the influence of his father, and the legacy he’s building alongside his brother Chris, the newly crowned Angler of the Year. This episode is a treasure trove of stories, insights, and future plans, making it a must-listen for anyone enchanted by the great outdoors. Stay tuned as we wrap up with a nod to upcoming adventures and a heartfelt thank you to Cory for his inspiring insights.

Follow Eating Wild on Instagram! To reach out to the boys, drop us a line at [e-mail]

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
You might save 30 seconds by skipping the side,
but we can save you hours ofmeal prep with our art solids.

Speaker 2 (00:08):
These almost ready to eat salad kits help you buy
more time and eat deliciouslocal fresh ingredients for
delicious flavors.

Speaker 3 (00:17):
Art is always cooking up fresh ideas and crafting
chef inspired recipes because welike to keep you inspired and
satisfied.
Matcha, broccoli, crunch, honey, yuzu, coleslaw, zesty, kale,
caesar and.

Speaker 4 (00:28):
Maple Tahini Crunch.
Add your own protein to thesalad or balance your Friday
night pizza out with it.

Speaker 1 (00:35):
Art also keeps the environment front of mind and
supports local farms andproducers, making every meal
both a feel-good and a win-win.
Visit makeartca art with an Eto learn more.

Speaker 5 (00:53):
Hi everybody.
I'm Angelo Viola and I'm PeteBowman.
Now you might know us as thehosts of Canada's favorite
fishing show, but now we'rehosting a podcast.
That's right.
Every Thursday, ange and I willbe right here in your ears
bringing you a brand new episodeof Outdoor Journal Radio.
Now, what are we going to talkabout for two hours every week?
Well, you know, there's goingto be a lot of fishing.

Speaker 6 (01:14):
I knew exactly where those fish were going to be and
how to catch them, and they wereeasy to catch.

Speaker 5 (01:20):
Yeah, but it's not just a fishing show.
We're going to be talking topeople from all facets of the
outdoors, from athletes All theother guys would go golfing Me,
and Garth and Turk and all theRussians would go fishing.
To scientists.

Speaker 2 (01:33):
But now that we're reforesting and letting things
breathe, it's the perfecttransmission environment for
life.

Speaker 3 (01:39):
To chefs If any game isn't cooked properly, marinated
, you will taste it.

Speaker 5 (01:46):
And whoever else will pick up the phone Wherever you
are.
Outdoor Journal Radio seeks toanswer the questions and tell
the stories of all those whoenjoy being outside.

Speaker 3 (01:55):
Find us on Spotify, apple Podcasts or wherever you
get your podcasts here we go,welcome, welcome everybody to

(02:25):
another episode of the EatingWild podcast.
I am your host, Antonio SmashMalecka.
Joining me, of course, is mybeautiful co-host, Christopher
Showtime Johnson.
See, we gotta, we gotta, wegotta listen.
Man, we have a huge problem.
This is Tuesday, brother.
It's Tuesday.

(02:46):
What's going?

Speaker 2 (02:47):
on.
I don't know what you have upyour sleeve.
My man, it's Tuesday, mybirthday's tomorrow.
We never record on Tuesdays andyou're like Siege, you got to
jump on tonight Special guest.
I get it.
Who is it?
Lou Top Dog Pereira?
Who is it?

Speaker 3 (03:03):
No, you know what?
Lou Topdog Pereira.
I have been talking to LouTopdog.
He's back in town.
Lou's been going nuts, you know.
He's a man who travels thissummer from Portugal to
Dominican Republic.
Then he went to a wedding inMexico.
He had to move out of his shop.
So listen, louis Topdog Pereira, you know one of the original

(03:24):
four skins.
This guy's busy as anybodycould be at this point in time.
He will be back soon.
But it's not Luis Top DogPereira.
But you're close.
Give me a hint.
You're sort of close.
You're sort of close.
It's not Daniel Hooks atMartins.
Daniel Hooks at Martins again,he is handling the fort at GCC.
He's busy but slowing down soon.

(03:45):
We're hoping to see Hooks atMartin's very soon.
But, siege, it's your birthdaytomorrow, buddy, and you know
there's gotta be a reason why Ipulled you in on a Tuesday.
We just dropped our episode,part one with Moose, and we're
recording already.
Man, we're recording.
And there's a big reason why Icalled you in today, buddy.

(04:05):
Huge reason.

Speaker 2 (04:07):
Okay, man, you got to give me a hint here, somewhat
of a hint.
Does this person like a chefculinary guy into that stuff?

Speaker 3 (04:16):
Negative, negative Siege, great question?
Okay, listen, it's yourbirthday tomorrow, man.

Speaker 2 (04:22):
Yes, it is man, I know that yeah.

Speaker 3 (04:24):
I had to come with a guest.
I've got a guest for you.
That is actually going to be mybirthday present to you.
Okay, that's a hint already.
This is a gag.

Speaker 2 (04:33):
This is like an eating wild gag, I get it.
You guys are going to like.
You know Dan's going to comepopping out of a cake.
Ha ha, got you Blooper reel, Iget it.
Tone, I get it.
But okay, I'm going to ask youanother question.
Go ahead.
Does he or she like hunting andfishing?

Speaker 3 (04:50):
Well, Well, I mean, that's a great question Hunting
or fishing?
What if it was both?
Okay?
What if it was both?
What if?

Speaker 2 (04:56):
it was both.
Does this person, seeing how weare multi-species anglers, does
this person, he or she, make aliving by catching a certain
fish, like pike or muskie?
Or, if they're on televisionshow, is it oh wait, is it
Sarich Jim?

(05:16):
Sarich muskie hunter.

Speaker 3 (05:18):
Mr Sarich, you know what?
That would be a good, thatwould be a wonderful birthday
present.
But I'm going to say no, it'snot.
That's a great guest, thoughhere's the thing.
You did ask me a couplequestions.
You know there's a few pointsthat you made in those questions
that were, I would say,affirmative, but the species you
mentioned okay, the species youmentioned that this person pops

(05:40):
is not professionally popping,if that makes sense to you.
So what I'm saying to you, see,just musky pike, walters, does
this?
Does this person pop them?
Of course they do, but do theyget paid to pop that certain
species of fish?
I think you missed out a keyelement to this whole

(06:02):
professionalism with fishing.
Because you're on the rightcourse.
Listen, you've already got offthe tee.
You hit the fairway, you landedon the green you just need to
tap it in Tap, tap, tap it inbuddy.

Speaker 2 (06:15):
You're getting there.
So something, obviously withbass, then Largies, smallies.
This is up my alley, antonio,I'm still waiting for the prank.
Listen, it's not a alley,antonio, I'm still waiting for
the prank.

Speaker 7 (06:24):
Listen it's not a good thing, you said
professional.

Speaker 3 (06:27):
One more hint, One more hint.
I'm going to throw one morehint.
If you can't connect the dots,we do have a serious problem.
Okay, this person might sharethe same initials as you
Showtime.

Speaker 2 (06:42):
CJ Siege, siege.

Speaker 3 (06:49):
CJ Siege, flying Siege.
We got to as you showtime cjsiege, cj cj, now siege we gotta
cut.
I mean, you have a millionnicknames showtime.
I don't know they might sharethe same similarities to the
name.
You know, pop and bass.
Maybe they get paid for it.
Oh, I don't know, brother, Idon't know.

Speaker 2 (06:59):
I only know I only know a couple people in the
professional I don't know thempersonally that share the same
initials of me, and they'reprofessional bass anglers.
And there's no way you goteither Corey Johnson or Chris
Johnson on the show.
There's no way, tone, there'sno way.

Speaker 3 (07:17):
Well, siege, I just want to say happy birthday bud,
what, what, who do we?

Speaker 2 (07:21):
got Tone.

Speaker 3 (07:21):
I just want to say happy birthday to you, buddy.
We are being joined today.
Live okay with this guy.
Just literally just won, okay,his first title at the Bass
Masters Tournament, the NorthernOpen on the St Lawrence River,
Thousand Islands.
Mr Corey Johnson is joining ustoday, siege Happy freaking

(07:43):
birthday.

Speaker 2 (07:43):
Oh my God, that's amazing man.
I still don't.
My God, that's amazing man.
I still don't believe it.
But that's amazing man.
It is amazing, that is awesomeman.
Who would have thought theEating Wild boys would have a
stick?
Like Corey on the?

Speaker 3 (07:54):
show.
Oh, buddy, I am so proud.
I could not wait to tell youthat Mr Corey Johnson will be
joining the Eating Wild podcasttoday.
He will be joining the EatingWell podcast today.
He will be in the green roomshortly, but Siege, before he
joins us me and you talked aboutthe Johnson brothers, hookset,
martin's huge, huge fan.
I was talking to Dan today andhe's absolutely gutted.

(08:16):
You know he might.
He's still Dan could be on theQEW right now as we speak.
You know Hookset he's.
You know he's a man that likessurprises as well and and you
know he's been busy and I toldhim that we were having cory on
today and he's like tone.
Do you understand that?
This is like interviewingconnor mcdavid in the?
Nhl.
This is the status this guy hasin the fishing industry.

(08:38):
And I'm gonna be honest, man,we've we've all talked about the
johnson brothers, especiallyyou you mentioned before that
with your name talked about thejohnson brothers, especially you
, you mentioned before that,with your name being chris
johnson yeah, yeah, you get dmsall the time for people on
social media, thinking thatyou're?

Speaker 2 (08:52):
you're chris, right?
Oh, they always slide in my dms.
I am the weekend warrior, chrisjohnson, not the professional
angler johnston.
But yeah, all the time peopleare dming me asking me for
advice on fishing andsponsorships and merchandise.
But uh, now I go with it tone.
I just give them advice.
They say, oh yeah, I'm fishingthis, I'm fishing this lake.
I never fished before.

(09:12):
You got any advice.
Yeah, throw a chatterbait alongthe weed line, pop them pop
them.
you're gonna get.
That's crazy, because bestthing about cory and the johnson
brothers is they're a great fitfor the show.
I mean, they hunt, they fishExactly, they love their wild
game.
And the fact that we got themlimed up, that is fantastic, man

(09:33):
.

Speaker 3 (09:34):
That is incredible.
I'd like to give a quick shoutout to Moose, our previous guest
, because the guy is anincredible, incredible person in
our industry and we got to knowhim over the podcast and I
spent some time with him.
Actually, Siege, he came by tovisit me in Port Perry last
weekend and you, my friend, wereout on LSC with a certain

(09:58):
unified champion, Poppin'.

Speaker 2 (10:00):
Skis what the heck's going on.
Best fisherman in MMA.
I tell anyone that listens theythink we make millions of
dollars off this podcast.
Popping skis.
What the heck's going on?
Best Fisherman MMA.
I tell anyone that listens theythink we make millions of
dollars off this podcast.
We don't.
We do, okay.
But the cool thing is we get tomeet really, really cool people
in this industry and the factthat we're fishing with them.
And you mentioned Moose.
He is now like he's a greatfriend of the podcast.

(10:22):
Cody is a great friend of thepodcast.
Cody is a great friend of thepodcast and, yeah, I got to
sneak out with him on Lake StClair for about four hours on
the weekend and we grinded, wegrinded.
We had a time.
We both had to get back.
I had to get back to my familyfor dinner and he had to get
back.
He was visiting family at afamily trailer, but we squeezed

(10:43):
it in buddy and you know typicalmusky fishing.
Yeah, they don't cooperate.
Yes, and they cooperated in ourlast 20 minutes available to
fish.
So Cody had a beautifulfollow-up.

Speaker 3 (10:57):
Seen it on social media.
By the way, you can check outthat GoPro footage.
It was incredible.

Speaker 2 (11:00):
Yeah, so he had a nice follow-up, did the figure
eight and just went down.
It wanted to chomp, but at thesame time I think it was just
trying to chase the bait.
And then, about five or tenminutes after that, I got into a
fish.
It kind of came up, cleared thewater a little bit and it was a
nice-looking tiger muskie.

(11:21):
You know how I love tigermuskies, but yeah, it was good
man.
Unfortunately the tiger muskiegot.
You know how I love tigermuskies, but yeah, it was good
man.
Unfortunately the tiger muskiegot off.
But that's fishing.
And yeah, it's good, and thefact that we're meeting people
like all walks of life in thisoutdoor journal, this is
fantastic.

Speaker 3 (11:39):
Yeah, well, you know you mentioned something that's
pretty.
There was a point that you justmade, without you even
understanding what you said,probably, and you missed that
fish and Siege.
You said it to me losing a bassor losing a walter, or even if
we're fishing for crappie andpanfish, you lose a fish, you
know you're going to go back outthere, you're going to get them

(12:01):
, you're going to work,you're're gonna get them.
You're gonna work, you're gonnaget them.
But when you lose a tigermuskie or just a muskie in
general on lake st claire theend of august, buddy, that that
rod should be snapped over yourknee.
You know what I mean.

Speaker 2 (12:13):
Yeah I threw a little , uh, a little bit of temper
tantrum on the boat, maybe afterit got off.
And the same thing yeah, we alllove bass fishing, we all love
all species, but there'ssomething with that muskie.
You don't know if you're goingto get that hit again and you
know if you're around bass youwill get that hit again.
Probably Maybe not as big asfish, but that muskie hunt and

(12:34):
that yeah, I got the itch nowback throwing those.
But I still have a good seasonleft.
We all have a good season leftof, uh, big nickels, big
smallies you know what I meanlarge season is this season and
you know we're we're.

Speaker 3 (12:49):
I'm excited for a few things to talk about with cory,
because you mentioned it before.
Does this guy like to hunt?
Does he like to fish?
Absolutely, do they like tohunt?
Are you crazy?
This guy's going on a big moose.
If you watch him on socialmedia, uh, he's going on a big
moose hunt with his brother anduh, he was at cabela's and bass
pro and he was just like we'regearing up, we're gonna rough it

(13:10):
, we're buying our sleeping bags, pillows and their tents and
they're getting all ready forthis big moose hunt, and that's
something that you and I and theforeskins haven't done yet, you
know I know it's not easy againnow, unless you you want to.
You want to head out west oreast even, but like at the same
time these guys, man, how dothey do it?
They got families.
I know they fish competitively,had an unbelievable year with

(13:34):
his brother winning Angler ofthe Year.
We haven't even talked aboutthat, but being a family.
And then this guy apparentlythis guy plays hockey too.

Speaker 2 (13:44):
Yeah, he's a great fit and I'm really everyone's
heard his interview before hisor his brother's interview.
We're looking forward to whathe does after he puts down the
bass rods and what he's gettinginto.
If you don't know Corey'saccomplishments or Chris's
accomplishments, just Google.
You'll see the Bassmaster Eliteand he's talked about it so

(14:04):
many times and they are thepioneer of Canadian professional
bass fishing.
No one's really done it beforethem, and Gussie and Coop and
all that.
But yeah, I'm looking forwardto what he does, long story
short, when he puts down thebass gear.
And what is he doing, man?
What is he doing?

Speaker 3 (14:21):
Yeah, I can't wait to dive into it with him.
And man, what is he doing?
Yeah, I can't wait to dive intoit with him.
And you know, I bet you, likeyou mentioned, he probably gets
tons and tons of the samequestions and it's almost like
we all know what he could dowith a stick.
You know, we could talk aboutthat, could talk about trophies,
we could talk about him and hisbrother popping all over the
states and in canada and, youknow, putting canada on the map.

(14:42):
I would say those, say thosetwo guys are pioneers for doing
that and I would put them upagainst anybody in the world at
this point.
Oh yeah, but yeah, but whatelse do they do?
These guys are, you know,co-author boys.
You know businessmen as well.
Your parents have a shop outthat way and you know, I'm sure

(15:02):
there's a lot more to theirstory than just hooking into
some, uh, some big base I'mlooking forward to it, buddy.

Speaker 2 (15:07):
I still don't think it's true, but I'm looking
forward to him, if you, if thisis a prank, this is very
elaborate because we just had a13 minute intro and uh, yeah,
I'm looking forward to it.
Man, I don't think you.
That's you on your birthday,not this long.
I wouldn't do that to you onyour birthday.

Speaker 3 (15:22):
Well, listen, man, he's not in the green room yet.
He's coming out soon.
Just before we take a quickbreak, I'd like to talk to you
about just cleaning up somehousekeeping.
You know I love asking youthese questions, Siege.
What's happening on socialmedia?
We just dropped the Mooseepisode.
It's going to be an epictwo-parter.
By the time you've listened tothis episode, you've listened to

(15:43):
both parts.
What's happening with theEating Wild knives?
We're talking spices and we'realso talking merch, apparently.
What's going on?

Speaker 2 (15:53):
Yeah, we're going to be teaming up with Moose and
we're in the design stages ofapparel and with the knives.
Last time I was in studio waslast week.
I don't know if I mentioned toyou already, but our, our eco is
down to we have two of theechoes eco fillets left.
That's all we got and then wehave.

(16:13):
We had another shipment of thepro angler.
So, yeah, just keep on sendingus.
Uh, if you're interested, reachout.
They're a great fillet knife,or for great for that angler, or
if you know an angler, and it'sa great present so great
present and I would say again,chef approved.

Speaker 3 (16:32):
I wouldn't use any other knife for fish, for even
cleaning meat with the uh, withthe eco model.
Uh, great, great knife.
And uh, stay tuned, folks.
Like we're gonna have somereally cool merch hopefully
gearing up before the fallseason.
And speaking of the fall seasonsiege, it's almost time to get
your gun out and start gettingit all ready to go for the pop

(16:53):
season.
I'm so pumped I can't even tellyou how pumped I am.

Speaker 2 (16:57):
Yeah, my wife.
Every morning I'm like, oh,it's getting colder.
She's like, shut up, she lovesthe heat right.
She's like, shut up, she lovesthe heat right.
But every morning when I go outthere and go to the car, I just
you know, you know, we'vetalked about it many times and
anyone listening to this podcastprobably can relate that it's
go time of everything fromfishing and hunting.

Speaker 3 (17:17):
Well, brother, this is going to be a commercial
break and on the other side ofthis commercial break, we're
hoping to be hooked up withCorey Johnson right after this
season.
I know you're smiling, you'relaughing.
This guy's insane.
Get ready, brother.
Get ready, because after thisquick messages we'll be back
live with our guest of the day,Mr Corey Johnson.

(17:40):
We'll be right back after thesemessages.

Speaker 2 (17:47):
Hey Eating Wild listeners, Are you still
searching for that perfect boatExtreme.

Speaker 3 (17:51):
Marine London has got you covered with new and used
boat sales, service andprofessional installation of
marine electronics andaccessories.
Visit their London orKingsville Ontario locations
today and get ready to makewaves and catch that fish of a
lifetime.

Speaker 2 (18:07):
Extreme Marine is your one-stop marine shop.
Check them out atwwwextrememarinelondoncom and
follow their journey onInstagram and Facebook.
Be sure to tell them that theEating Wild Boys sent you.

Speaker 7 (18:27):
As the world gets louder and louder, the lessons
of our natural world becomeharder and harder to hear, but
they are still available tothose who know where to listen.
I'm Jerry Ouellette and I washonoured to serve as Ontario's
Minister of Natural Resources.
However, my journey into thewoods didn't come from politics.

(18:48):
Rather, it came from my time inthe bush and a mushroom.
In 2015, I was introduced tothe birch-hungry fungus known as
chaga, a tree conch withcenturies of medicinal use by
Indigenous peoples all over theglobe.
After nearly a decade of harvestuse, testimonials and research,

(19:11):
my skepticism has faded toobsession and I now spend my
life dedicated to improving thelives of others through natural
means.
But that's not what the show isabout.
My pursuit of the strangemushroom and my passion for the
outdoors has brought me to theplaces and around the people
that are shaped by our naturalworld.
On Outdoor Journal Radio'sUnder the Canopy podcast, I'm

(19:35):
going to take you along with meto see the places, meet the
people.
That will help you find youroutdoor passion and help you
live a life close to nature andunder the canopy.
Find Under the Canopy now onSpotify, apple Podcasts or
wherever else you get yourpodcasts.

Speaker 3 (19:55):
Welcome back.
Welcome back to the Eating Wildpodcast.
I'm your host, Antonio SmashMalecka Siege.
I promised you a birthdaypresent, brother, and I got to
tell you you are lying man.

Speaker 2 (20:05):
I'm looking at him right now, unless he's.
Ai Is siege.
I promised you a birthdaypresent, brother, and uh, I
gotta tell you you're lying man.
I'm looking at him right now,unless he's ai is he ai cory
johnson?

Speaker 3 (20:10):
he's not he's not ai buddy.
This is a 17 time top 20finishes in the three seasons on
the elite series in 2021, thisguy finished fifth in angler of
the year standings.
He has just claimed his firsttitle at the Bassmasters
Northern Open on the St LawrenceRiver, thousand Islands, with a
combined weight of 102 pounds.

(20:31):
Mr Corey Johnson, ladies andgentlemen, thank you, corey, for
taking the time and joining usthis evening.

Speaker 8 (20:38):
No, thanks for having me Appreciate it.

Speaker 3 (20:41):
I know you probably are going nuts right now because
of how many people are probablyreaching out to you after that
incredible, incredible victoryand siege and siege and I were
just talking about it.
We were watching the footageagain.
Buddy, that was a rough one,that, that was some rough, crazy
waters.

Speaker 8 (20:58):
We got to ask you about that yeah, I mean the
first two days it was, it waspretty nice out there.
And then, uh, she got a littlesporty on day three and four.
So yeah, I had a little pukeand rally on day three there,
but made her through.

Speaker 2 (21:14):
So, corey, let's just say I was talking to Antonio.
Let's just say you neededmedical attention, like you
weren't feeling good.
If you were to go back to um,back to the shore and get
medical help for some reason,and then you were fine to go,
could you go right back?
Or once you hit the shore, areyou out like would there be a dq
or anything like that uh.

Speaker 8 (21:37):
so this tournament's a little different because we're
right on the canada us Okay.
So part of the rules for thattournament was you're not
allowed to touch Canadian soilat all.
So we were not allowed to geton the Canadian side or anything
like that.
So, technically, if I had to goto the Canadian shore for help

(21:59):
or whatever, I'd be disqualified.
I'd have to go to the US shoreto be able to stay in the
country.

Speaker 3 (22:06):
Wow, so so you, basically you, you, you handled
it, you handled it well and youcame out on top and and you know
, we were CJ and I and our otherco-hosts that aren't here with
us today we were talking aboutit and, buddy, we're all proud.
I mean being Canadian and andobviously following yourself and
your brother, chris, for a verylong time, and for yourself,

(22:28):
with this victory and yourbrother becoming Angler of the
Year, I mean we're just proud ofyou and what's that feeling
like Like, what's it like nowthat you know you got the dub
and obviously your career isinsanely impressive, but for you
and your brother, this must bea real special time for you guys
.

Speaker 8 (22:46):
Yeah, I mean it is Especially for Chris to win the
AOY and then me win thetournament at the St Lawrence,
where I mean all of our friends,family, they were all there.
And St Lawrence is kind of Isay it's our backyard but we're
a couple hours from it.
It's the closest we'll ever getto fish an Elite Series

(23:09):
tournament at home.
So you know, we were so closethere in the past.
Chris won there in whateveryear.
It was 2022.
And yeah, it's just, it's beena special place for us.

Speaker 2 (23:22):
What I like is with you and your brother.
I like the banter man.
I like it.
It reminds me of fishing withmy buddies.
Like I mean as much as youcheer for them.
I love the chirps that you guysgive back and forth on the
water.
It's fantastic man.
I think everyone can relatethat, especially being brothers.
You got to love that.

Speaker 8 (23:39):
Yeah, I mean.
I mean with all of our friendsand the people we hang around.
You got to have thick skin.

Speaker 3 (23:46):
Right Now.
Listen, you probably getbombarded with a lot of tons of
tons of fishing questions.
We all know that the Johnsonsare a stick, corey's a stick, we
all know that.
But let's dive into this.
You know, if we can, corey,take a time and ask you where
did this all start?
Where did the fishing routestart?

(24:06):
And you know, a lot of ourguests have incredible stories
and usually you know it's aparent or a godparent or a
grandfather, even grandmother,we've heard.
But where did you start?
Where did the love for fishingstart?
Did it start at a really earlyage?

Speaker 8 (24:20):
I mean, yeah, we were , I mean, basically born into it
.
You know our dad fishedtournaments and to be on the
water and so essentially I grewup in a bass boat all summer.
So you know they hadtournaments around here and he'd

(24:40):
take us around and we wouldpractice with them.
And I mean we basically learneda lot at a very young age and
we didn't really know a wholelot different.
You know, we played a lot ofsports hockey, lacrosse,
baseball and fishing and hunting.
I mean that's pretty much it.
It's amazing, got busy and Imean I never dreamed it would
have turned into what it did,but yeah, I love for it.

(25:03):
I had an early age.
My parents were good enough totake us along for the ride.

Speaker 3 (25:08):
That's amazing, brother.
It's just one of those storieswhere, again, the roots are
there from an early age.
And you mentioned sports.
Now we all know that you playedat senior level hockey and are
you still like playing hockeylike competitively, like?
Are you playing in the men'sleague, or because we heard
you're somebody that you mightnot want to mess with on the

(25:30):
dance floor?
Is that true?

Speaker 8 (25:33):
I don't know about that.
No, I don't know about that.
But yeah, still playing.
You know we, I mean I play, youknow, a few times a week and I
still still man.
A few years ago I almost wentback out and did one more year
for senior and just to let myboys be watch one season of me

(25:56):
actually play real hockey and Ijust man, I'm what?
30, 39.
Oh, I mean, the body just isn'twhat it used to be.
The hands are sore, the head's,you know not what it used to be
and you know I just enjoy itnow.
You know it's men's league.
I play a pretty competitivemen's league and you know a

(26:20):
bunch of guys have played juniorand played real competitive
hockey.
So it's just fun.
Now, man, it's all about goingout and playing a little bit and
having a few beers after 100%.

Speaker 3 (26:32):
Yeah, I think, siege, one of the things about Corey
that we can relate to is, youknow, sports fishing, hunting,
and you know we were talkingabout it off camera.
Um, that you know we we kind ofgot the uh wind in our ear that
you and you and your brotherare having a big moose, uh,
moose hunt this year we are, weare gonna do that.

(26:53):
I was actually just got back inthe bow, so I'm uh, I'm pretty
excited about this one sohunting you guys did, you and
your brother and your family youyou mentioned that you got it
at an early age, were you guys?
Did you start off doingwaterfowl or were you into deer
moose right away?
Being from the Carthor Lakearea, obviously you know the

(27:14):
hunting.
I feel for us, siege, you couldprobably touch in on this too.
We got to go north.
I mean the deer.
We have been seeing good deer,though, on the Scugog area
that's my neck of the woodsthere but usually we got to head
up north.
Where did you guys mostly doyour hunting?

Speaker 8 (27:30):
So we were pretty lucky.
We grew up.
My grandparents lived next doorand they got a big farm
operation and we grew up in alot of places to hunt.
And I mean right from.
You know, when I was six yearsold I had a little red rider.
I'd be out in the yard chasingcritters around and learning how

(27:51):
to shoot, and I mean, my kidsare the same.
Right now he's six years oldand runs around with his BB gun
in the backyard shooting cans,and I mean it's bred in them.
You know, it's something that Ilove to do.
It's, you know, a few of mybuddies that live around here uh
, been the rough boys.

(28:11):
We all grew up on the same roadand, um, we all, you know,
hunted and fished and um, that'sjust what we did.
And our kids, you know, aren'treally any different.
Yeah, you know, we teach themabout the outdoors, teach them
the right way, and it's justthat's how we were raised.

Speaker 2 (28:32):
So, Corey, when bass season ends for you, are you
chasing other fish around, likemulti-species stuff, or are you
going right to the bush anddoing hunting?

Speaker 8 (28:42):
You know, by then I'm sick of fishing.
You know Job.
And people are like, oh, youknow, by then I'm I'm sick of
fishing.
You know it, job and.
And people are like, oh, youknow, you're so lucky you get to
fish for a living and yeah,they're not wrong, I wouldn't
trade it for anything in theworld.
But I mean when you're on theroad it's a grind like they
don't realize.
You know, when we have atournament we get three days to
practice water when the sun getsup in the morning and you're

(29:03):
off when it gets dark, and thoseare long days.
You know, 16 hours it's 100degrees down south in Alabama
with no wind, and you're on thewater for 16 hours.
I mean it's not fun.
There's no part of that that'sfun.
So for me, when fishingseason's done, there's a few
tournaments around here that wedo fish.

(29:26):
But, for me.

Speaker 2 (29:26):
I mean, I'm just ready to get in the woods.
Yeah, I bet.
I bet, because we take it forgranted.
We're weekend warriors, so youknow we're only doing it like
two times a week or whatever.
Be doing that all the time, thehotels that travel, and not to
mention like things that gowrong on the road with trail
boat trailers and and all thatstuff.
I can't, I can't imagine it.

(29:47):
I can't imagine it.
Now, if you were, when you dofish like for fun, so Corey's
fishing for fun right now, Iknow you like, obviously, larges
and smallies.
If you had to pick one, if youhad to pick like I mean, I'm
sure you have love for both, butwhat are you chasing for fun?

Speaker 8 (30:05):
For fun.
I mean I'd rather go largemotion for the most part for fun
, pull out the big heavy rods,heavy line and pull on them.
And I mean the small motion isfun, don't get me wrong.
But I mean when you're usinglittle rods and eight pound
tests, I mean it just it almostgets monotonous and I'd rather
go punch some mats, do somethingand catch some big, large mo.

Speaker 2 (30:30):
I kind of figured you were going to answer that
question because I really likesome of the sticks that you have
with Daiwa and I noticed a lotof the sticks you have for Daiwa
are the heavier action rods andI kind of figured that you
would, for fun, be more of anaggressive fisher rather than,
you know, doing the subtlepresentations.
No, that's awesome man, that'sreally cool.

Speaker 3 (30:49):
So do you prefer, corey, the subtle presentations?
No, that's awesome man, that'sreally cool.
So do you prefer, corey, whenyou're going out into the
hunting and you're getting readyto go in the bush, are you a
bow guy or do you have a shotgunrifle?
What are you shooting?

Speaker 8 (31:01):
I'll kill them with whatever I need to.
I mean, I really like my bow.
I'm a big bow guy, but I mean,when shotgun season comes around
, I'm taking my shotgun.
You know, muzzleloader season,I'm taking the muzzleloader.
But if I could pick one, itwould 100% be a bow.
I just enjoy it it's.

(31:24):
You know, I'm not the kind ofguy that just goes out and
shoots the first deer.
I see, you know I'm.
I'm uh, I wait and and usuallyI'm up four or five on the atlas
and um, I put a lot, of, a lotof time in, a lot of hours in
the stand and um, I mean, we're,chris and I are running like
somewhere around 50 trailcameras right now all over the

(31:45):
place, umesus, we, we work hardat it and um, you know, we, like
I said, we bought a lot of timein that's crazy, man.

Speaker 3 (31:57):
That's a lot of work, siege, for a guy that uh is is
on the boat and he's he'srocking these 100 plus degree
weathers and he's winningtournaments and he's grinding
out there.
He still finds time to have thefamily stuff with you know,
it's Jack and Luke, correct?
Your two boys, yeah, and we getto see them all the time, you
know, taking pictures with youon stage with your wonderful

(32:19):
wife.
And how do you find time tomanage it all, brother?
I don't know if you get thisquestion a lot, but having the
boys, like you said, you'retrying to get them into hockey,
into hunting and fishing, yetyou and your brother still find
time to go out there and huntand be the tournament angler
that you are.
How do you find time?
How do you find you manage it?
Because, siege, we're in thesame age area, we're a bit older

(32:42):
than Corey, but we got twoyoung girls, we're girlfathers
and you know I find it hard toto make angelina's baseball
games.
You know what I mean, siege,and and and cory.
You mean, how do you find thetime, brother?
You must, you must really workvery hard at it man, it's.

Speaker 8 (33:00):
That's the hardest part about the whole thing is is
finding time.
But, um, like I said, my boysabsolutely love hunting, love
fishing.
You know they are not impressedwhen I leave the house without
them, especially when I'm going,you know, hunting, putting
trail cams up or baiting deer,whatever it is.
I mean my oldest boy, I meanhe's like you know he's six, but

(33:24):
I mean the kids had a lot ofexperiences that most
six-year-olds don't get to see.
He's absolutely the best.
You know I don't know how manydeer he's watched get shot, and
some big ones, you know,watching these, you know some
really big bucks come right inand you know the kid's a trooper

(33:46):
, like he sits there, freezes todeath and absolutely loves it.
So you know they kid's atrooper, like he sits there,
freezes to death and absolutelyloves it.
So you know they want to comewith me.
You know you got to have anunderstanding wife too, because
that's how I'm going to sitthere 100%.

Speaker 3 (34:03):
Yeah, I agree with you on that one.
I mean, we all have our wivesput up with a lot of shit too.
They put up with a lot, and weall have our CGR wives put up
with a lot of shit.

Speaker 2 (34:09):
They put up with a lot, a lot of people in the
fishing industry that thatthat's gone through divorces
over this passion.
You know what I mean.
Like it's it's, it's tough,it's tough.
So your family, you're outhunting so much with them, so
they must really like consumingwild game.
I'm sure you have a goodfreezer at home with you know,
with venison, turkey, all thatstuff 100%.

Speaker 8 (34:31):
It's always stocked up, no doubt.
And that's the other thing islike.
I brought my boys up, you know,eating wild game, and even the
wife she comes from a huntingbackground, hunting family,
outdoor family.
So I mean we love it.
You know, nice, chris shot anelk years ago.
He went to New Mexico.
And I mean we love it.
You know Chris shot an elkyears ago.
He went to New Mexico and Imean that was some of the best

(34:52):
meat I've ever eaten I canimagine.
So you know we love it.

Speaker 3 (34:57):
So who does all the field dressing Corey, like if
you guys are out in the field,if you're with your brother and
stuff like that, do you guys?
You know, if it's your buck'reyou're taking care of it, or as
a team effort?
Now I could only imagine moosesiege.
We've never we've never had theopportunity to get a moose yet,
obviously, but I've worked withmoose.
It's one of my favorite thingsto to make and consume.

(35:18):
I mean, we've had it at ourhunt camp many times.
Sean's always bringing us somemoose stew and stuff like that.
But who's the one who's got theknife out?
Who's doing all the cleaning?
Who's getting it all ready togo?

Speaker 8 (35:28):
generally, with, uh, with all the deers, whoever
kills it.
I mean, unless my old man, uh,unless my old man shoots one,
there's jack what's going onjack.
What's up jack but you, whoever, whoever shoots, it's generally
cleaning it.
But you know, like I said, ifmy old man kills it, it I'll
usually jump in and get it donefor him.

Speaker 3 (35:51):
That's amazing.
And who's making the sausages?
Who's making the pepperettes?
Or you guys just making steaks?
You got, obviously, roasts.
What do you guys usually do?
What's your favorite thing youmake for yourself and for the
family?

Speaker 8 (36:06):
You know, I love some backstraps, tenderloins, but we
, I mean we, we do a lot ofhamburger stuff like that.
Yeah, you like the hamburger?

Speaker 3 (36:17):
Jack likes the hamburger.

Speaker 8 (36:21):
We mix it up quite a bit.
To be honest with you, we we doa lot of sausages, chops, stuff
like that.
Eh, bud, yeah.

Speaker 3 (36:31):
Sounds good, eh, bud Sausage.
Yeah, sounds good, eh, jack, Ido it all.
So one question I had, you know, on the topic we're talking
about, consuming Is there a chefin the group?
Is there a guy that always saysI got to take the reins here
because you guys don't know whatyou're doing?
Do you guys have any of thatsyndrome going on when you're at

(36:51):
the hunt camp or at home?
Because see, we're, we're,we're a bunch of guys, but
everyone's got to be the chefright, yeah, yeah, we got you,
we got you for that for sure.

Speaker 8 (37:01):
Yeah, we, we don't really have anybody like that.
I mean, we got a few guys thatlike to cook.
I mean, by no means would Icall any of them a chef, that's
for sure.
But um, we don't really have ora hunt camp.
Um, you know it's, it's just wehunt in my place and, um, you
know, we, we drive all all overthe place hunting lots of

(37:23):
different areas, but I mean,pretty much where I live is is
the hunt camp right, right.

Speaker 3 (37:29):
So, cory man, you guys, I, I know we're going back
to that, we're switching backand forth from fishing and
hunting, but you guys, um,obviously have have had a crazy,
crazy few weeks.
I could only imagine.
And what's next, brother?
I know hunting season's aroundthe corner, but are you, are you
, already thinking about nextseason?
Or are you just going to sitback, relax, be a father, be a

(37:51):
parent and a husband, and hitthe forest and go nuts?

Speaker 8 (37:57):
No, I mean you've got to start thinking about next
year.
We've got boats we've got tosell, we've got new boats coming
, we've got all theseelectronics, motors, power poles
, I mean you name it, but allthat stuff has to, has to get
shipped to, to where these are.
We got a guy that puts them alltogether at fast pro shops um

(38:20):
in missouri, and then they getshipped down here and then we
got to go through the boats.
You know it's uh, there's a lotto do still, but I mean, in the
meantime that's all happeningkind of behind the scenes and,
um, I'm just basically hunting,hunting a little bit of hockey
and, uh, you know, trying to bewith the kids as much as

(38:44):
possible.
Jack's playing in a, um, realcompetitive hockey league in
oshawa now, so he's on the icelike five times a week and so
it's going to be busy.

Speaker 2 (38:58):
I heard an interview with you before and you're
saying you're aging yourself,you and your brother.
You're saying you know, we'reup there in age and there's all
these younger kids on the comeup and I find that hard to
believe because you're youngerthan I am and it's just, it's so
crazy.
You obviously live into it, buthow fast the bass world's
evolving and these, these youngsticks, and you know what I mean

(39:20):
it has for sure, and I meanthis kind of stuff, podcasts and
YouTube.

Speaker 8 (39:26):
I mean these kids can learn so quickly and we never
had any of that.
You know, if you wanted tolearn something, it's get in the
boat, go out on the water andfigure it out, whereas now these
kids can learn so much fromjust being on the computer, and
whether that's a good thing or abad thing I don't know, but you

(39:46):
know they have so muchknowledge just readily available
.

Speaker 2 (39:51):
You're right, because when I was growing up I
couldn't jump on YouTube andwatch Corey Johnston teach me
his favorite knot.
You know, I was getting likeOntario Outdoors magazine or
something like that.
You know what I mean, waitingfor that monthly magazine to
come in, and hopefully it was abass one and not like walleye.
I do like walleye, but you knowwhat I mean.

(40:11):
So it's just you're right.
The the information is justright there.
But uh, yeah, I thought, if Ithought it was funny, kind of
weird that you know you guys aresaying you're the older guys in
the sport but, uh, more andmore young guys into it, and
it's in the fact that they havelike I mean the universities,
they have like bass programs.
And I knew I wanted that when Iwent to Sheridan College.

(40:32):
Where was the bass programthere?

Speaker 8 (40:34):
That's right.
In the States it's massive now,like all these college programs
, high school programs, and Imean they hire bass fishing
coaches.
Now you know it's gettingreally big.
A lot of people are doing it.

Speaker 3 (40:48):
Yeah, I was going to say Siege, one of the things
about you know I saltwater fisha lot.
You know up in Florida in theKeys a lot and I will say that I
feel like sometimes we'rebehind a little bit here.
Siege, with a few things, nottechnology, Like the technology
is there, you go into a Bass Pro, you're going to find what you
seem like they, it seems likethey have it more dialed in.

(41:09):
I'm not sure what it is exactly, I could be totally wrong, but
coming home after from being inin the keys, you know fishing
like crazy.
Again, it's totally differentstyle fishing, but I just find
like the americans just havethis.
They're just I don't even knowhow to say it they're just a
little bit one step further thanus, the average anglers.
Obviously c Obviously Corey andChris and the boys.

(41:30):
Like you know, they're alwaysup to date with the latest
electronics and stuff like that,with their sponsors and stuff.
But would you say, Corey, youspent a lot of time in the
States.
Would you say they have itdialed in.

Speaker 8 (41:40):
Yeah, they do, and I think part of the reason that
that is the case is because theycan fish all year round.

Speaker 2 (41:46):
Yeah, they don't have a leader, it's so limited.

Speaker 8 (41:49):
Yeah, that's right, and I mean they got saltwater,
they got freshwater.
It's just a lot bigger downthere than it is here and, like
I said, that's partially becausethey can fish all year round,
right, you know they can go out.
There's no seasons on bass, youknow.

Speaker 2 (42:06):
It's just you go fish for them, so I think bass, you
know it's, it's just you go fishfor them.
So I think that has a big, bigpart of it.
Oh, that's a huge advantage,hey, tony, if you could do
something all year round.
And then in canada it freezesup, we got a lid over our lakes
and you know, unless you're intoice fishing, but uh, yeah, to
be able to do that all throughthe season, that's got to be a

(42:27):
big advantage.
When you, uh, cory, when youget into, when tournament
season's coming in, do you, doyou do a lot of pre-fishing?
Do you get, you know, the the,as they say, get the rust off
the hooks or any of that stuff,or you just show up and it's go
time I mean we.

Speaker 8 (42:44):
So for the elite series we have three days to
pre-fish, so official pre-fish,right.
We have an off-season so we'renot allowed to be on the water.
I think it's 28 days before theofficial practice starts.
Really, we're on a thousandislands.
In the tournaments of, say, the1st of July, we can't be on the

(43:07):
water up until 28 days before,and then we have a three day
window right before thetournament where we're allowed
to practice, right.

Speaker 2 (43:15):
Has anyone ever like?
I mean, I haven't heard of, buthas anyone ever been like
busted for that being there?
You know earlier pre-fishing.
Has that ever been a problem,corey?

Speaker 8 (43:25):
Yeah, but not intentionally, like someone you
know accidentally screw a dateup and be like, oh man, you know
it's um one day off.
One guy got dq'd this year forit and you know it was just
total accident.
You know, no, there's never any.
Well, very few times there's aintentionally a rule broke in

(43:46):
the elite series, like it'sright, you know we have marshals
with us all the time.
We you know everything's mostlytelevised for the most part and
, um, you know they do randomtruth verification tests every
tournament.

Speaker 2 (44:01):
So it's, you know, it's no one's there to
intentionally break a rule howlong did it take you to get used
to have a cameraman on theirboat?
When you're like when you're inthat you know you need a couple
more pounds and all that stuff.
Did that take you a while toget used to?

Speaker 8 (44:18):
Not really, it's the camera.
Guys, I mean, you barely evenknow they're back there.
Every once in a while They'llsay, hey, you know, give us an
update.
But for the most part, I mean,you're so concentrated on what
you're doing that you reallydon't even remember that they're
back there.
You know, and the guys thatI've dealt with are just every

(44:41):
one of them has been phenomenal.
They're so good at what they do.
I mean they.
You say, okay, we're movingspots.
I mean they got that cameraclosed up in the bag and by the
time you got the motor startedand they're ready to go.
So it's not like these guysdon't know what they're doing.
They're dialed in.
They try to stay out of yourway as much as they possibly can

(45:04):
.

Speaker 2 (45:05):
That's cool, man.
That's really cool.
I don't know if I could getused to a cameraman on the boat
and seeing drones around me andthen all that stuff.
That's gotta be a trip, man.
Uh, we just love all theCanadian flags that are out
there now on the elite seriesand it's, it's.
And we hear rumors about theCanadian house parties and we're
hearing about everything.
Man, it's so awesome what youguys are doing.

Speaker 8 (45:27):
Yeah, it's been fun.
It's uh, like I said earlier,it's fun.
But I mean it's a job, it's alot of work and I don't know I
wouldn't trade it for nothing.
But I am glad when the season'sover because, like we talked
about, I'm ready to sling somearrows.
Yeah, that's amazing.

Speaker 2 (45:44):
That's awesome man, that's.
That's really cool.

Speaker 3 (45:47):
And and you know Canadian guys and I think you
and your brother got to be upthere, for you know Canadian
pioneers that listen Siege.
We've all watched Chris andCorey growing up and YouTube has
allowed us to watch more, Iwould say, over the past.

(46:09):
You know five to seven years, Iwould say.
But you know, having theseyoung guys come up, corey and
you and, like I said, yourbrother, are like you know we
could say you're old but you'renot.
But in the fishing world we'vegot these young sticks coming up
, canadian sticks that look upto you and your brother, and
that's got to say something foryou guys.
You're almost like the veteransout there and you know getting

(46:31):
kids like coop coming up and andyou guys are, are the originals
you know.
So it must be amazing feelingfor you yeah, it's, it's super
fun.

Speaker 8 (46:40):
You know, it's like the other guy that that we fish
with one of the other canadians,gussie from way up north, yeah,
yeah, and cooper now.
So it's uh.
I mean, the four of us are allgood buddies.
We don't all stay together, butwe try and get together
whenever we can and have a fewbeers and go for dinner.

(47:00):
We try and make it as fun as wecan.

Speaker 2 (47:05):
It must be an advantage for these younger guys
too, because you and Chris andGussie, I believe I don't know
if Gussie has kids but you getcoop where bass season ends and
he's with his buddies, he canjust keep grinding.
You know what I mean.

Speaker 8 (47:20):
Chasing musky, take it, chasing everything yeah, and
that's that's what he's doingright now.
We just had a big party thereon sunday.
Heard about it, Heard about thekaraoke.
Yeah, karaoke, that's right.
That's right.
I mean, I feel good now, but Iwas a little foggy on Monday.
I'll be honest with you.

(47:42):
But we make it the like I said.
We all are good buddies and wehave a lot of fun when we can.

Speaker 2 (47:51):
We saw a picture of Moose holding up the blue trophy
angler in the year and then theSt Lawrence win, so he had both
of them.

Speaker 6 (47:58):
He was double fisting .
I didn't even know you were init, man.

Speaker 2 (48:00):
He's like don't worry about it.

Speaker 8 (48:03):
Yeah, no, moose, I think.
Hopefully he had a good timeand we had Chef Todd.
He did a bunch of food for usand he did a great job.
So, yeah, there was probably 80or 100 people there at Chris's
house, so it was good, it was afun time, that's incredible, I
bet, man.

Speaker 2 (48:23):
What a great way to celebrate with you guys just
killing it like that.
It's amazing, man.

Speaker 8 (48:28):
The more parties we have, the more blue trophies we
have, so parties are good Bluetrophy parties are good.

Speaker 2 (48:38):
Yes, man, we got to make it out.
Antonio and I, we got to makeit out.
We haven't been to one of theselive events before, so, even if
it's St Clair or something likethat, we really got to make it,
because I really want to seethe weigh-ins and everything
live.
We watch them all the time andjust to be there, and that'd be
really cool.
Antonio, we should really putthat on the list.

Speaker 3 (48:59):
I already told Moose.
I'm taking my shirt off and I'mwriting CJ C on the front and J
on the back.
It could be for Corey or Chris,it doesn't matter, it might
even be for you.
Siege Me.

Speaker 2 (49:09):
What are you going to be celebrating for me?

Speaker 3 (49:11):
man, you inherited one of the best names ever.
You're a legend.
You don't even know it.

Speaker 2 (49:15):
How about you just keep your shirt on and we'll
call it a day?

Speaker 3 (49:19):
Well, listen, man, I'm just so happy that we had
the opportunity to have Corey onand join us.
I know you're so busy with yourschedule and you know it's
unbelievable that you took timeto sit down with us today.
I know you got the kids aroundand stuff like that, but uh,
listen man, good luck witheverything that you're doing
representing us canadians and,um, you know, have fun out there

(49:42):
.
I hope you guys pop a moosejesus siege.
We got to get out there, man Ifeel like an idiot.
Every guest we have.
They're going for moose.

Speaker 8 (49:48):
We're still going for bunny rabbits and grouse,
that's all right, you know I'venever killed a moose eel, so
we'll see.

Speaker 2 (49:57):
Fingers crossed, my man Fingers crossed.

Speaker 3 (49:59):
Well, listen, buddy, we won't take much more of your
time.
I really appreciate you joiningus today.
It was our pleasure, and goodhunting, good fishing, and God
bless you bro.

Speaker 8 (50:10):
Thanks, boys, appreciate you guys having me.

Speaker 2 (50:14):
And is there any way for our listeners how to reach
you on socials or any of thatstuff?

Speaker 8 (50:18):
Yeah, just Instagram, I think.
Coreyjohnson underscore fishing, I think, or CoreyJohnson
fishing, and that's pretty wellit.
I'm not a gigantic social mediaguy, but I just do what I can.
Amazing.
Well said, brother, we doactually have a YouTube thing.
One episode's come out, theother one's coming next week.
It's called the Derby Boys.

(50:38):
I saw that.
So that's Chris, chris myself,matt Robertson and Seth Fyder,
and it's just kind of behind thescenes of what we do at the
Bassmaster Elite Series.
You know, a bunch ofshenanigans, a little bit of
fishing and kind of a real-lifeview of it all.

Speaker 2 (51:00):
What a crew that is.
Eh, what a crew Motley crewright there bud.

Speaker 8 (51:04):
It gets interesting.
That's awesome man.

Speaker 3 (51:07):
Well again, brother.
Thank you so much, man.
We'll be right back after thesemessages.
This was Corey Johnson forSmash Meleka, and CJ Christopher
Showtime Johnson.
We'll be right back after thesemessages.

Speaker 1 (51:27):
You might save 30 seconds by skipping the side,
but we can save you hours ofmeal prep with our Art.

Speaker 2 (51:33):
Salads.
These almost ready-to-eat saladkits help you buy more time and
eat delicious local freshingredients.

Speaker 3 (51:40):
For delicious flavours.
Art is always cooking up freshideas and crafting chef-inspired
recipes because we like to keepyou inspired and satisfied
Matcha, Broccoli, Crunch Honey,Yuzu Coleslaw, Zesty Kale,
Caesar and Maple Tahini.

Speaker 4 (51:55):
Crunch.
Add your own protein to thissalad, or balance your Friday
night pizza out with it.

Speaker 1 (52:00):
Art also keeps the environment front of mind and
supports local farms andproducers, making every meal
both a feel-good and a win-win.

Speaker 6 (52:10):
Visit makeartca with an e to learn more back in 2016,
frank and I had a vision toamass the single largest
database of muskie anglingeducation material anywhere in
the world our dream was toharness the knowledge of this
amazing community and share itwith passionate anglers just

(52:32):
like you.
Thus the Ugly Pike podcast wasborn and quickly grew to become
one of the top fishing podcastsin North America.

Speaker 9 (52:40):
Step into the world of angling adventures and
embrace the thrill of the catchwith the Ugly Pike podcast.
Join us on our quest tounderstand what makes us
different as anglers and touncover what it takes to go
after the infamous fish of10,000 casts.

Speaker 6 (52:54):
The Ugly Pike podcast isn't just about fishing.
It's about creating atight-knit community of
passionate anglers who share thesame love for the sport Through
laughter, through camaraderieand an unwavering spirit of
adventure.
This podcast will bring peopletogether.

Speaker 9 (53:09):
Subscribe now and never miss a moment of our
angling adventures.
Tight lines everyone.

Speaker 6 (53:14):
Find Ugly Pike now on Spotify, apple Podcasts or
wherever else you get yourpodcasts.

Speaker 3 (53:22):
Welcome back folks.
Welcome to the Eating WildPodcast.
Siege Buddy, you know I was soexcited to get Corey on and
surprise you with this guest.
And buddy, how do you feelafter that interview?

Speaker 2 (53:40):
I feel like we peppered him left, right and
center with questions wefanboyed out.
We were like, you know what Imean Fishing, hunting, and we
kept him busy with answering ourquestions, that's for sure.
And we kept them busy withanswering our questions, that's
for sure.

Speaker 3 (53:51):
Buddy, I cook for some of the most famous people
in the world and I'm not.
Listen, I'm not showboating,I'm not.
You know, this is what I do fora living.
But listen, I was geeked outmore with this interview with

(54:12):
Corey than I have been in a verylong time, and it was so cool
to get him right after the dub.

Speaker 2 (54:17):
Right after the dub and the season.
Yeah, man, and it's just theirjourney and that's why we look
up, we can relate.
We fish the same waters asthese guys.
You know what I mean.
And to hear his story, hisfather getting him into it and
and both both him and Chris,it's, it's, it's their pioneers.
And to see now that's passed onto his kids and his kids seem

(54:42):
to really have the itch to tohunt and fish and and he's
passing on that outdoorknowledge and I tip my hat to
him.

Speaker 3 (54:50):
man, what a guy what a guy buddy and uh, it's, it was
I don't know man, just to hearhis story.
It's like a cliche.
You know started off with hispops and fishing, and I guess
that's what you do out, out inthose neck of the woods siege.
I mean you're, you're think ofall the amazing hockey players
that come, or athletes that comeout of, you know, from the

(55:11):
Peterborough area, the Oshawaarea, belleville, timmins,
ontario.
You got guys that you know areunbelievable hockey players and
all these guys have something incommon they all fish.
They all grew up fishing.

Speaker 2 (55:25):
You know what I mean and mark my words.
The Elite Bass Seriestournaments are going to have
more and more Canadians on themand you know all these upcomers
are looking up to these Canadiansticks that are paving the way.
And you're going to see more ofit, man.
You are going to see more of it.
Mark my words and maybe evenyou Tone.

(55:46):
You know it's not too late foryou to get on that Elite Series.
I am a stick, you are a stick,and you know.
I think if we fish other lakesother than Scugog, you may have
a chance.
You know what I mean.

Speaker 3 (56:01):
There's a chance Siege you know it's funny you
mention that because I have beentraining.

Speaker 2 (56:07):
Yes, you have.

Speaker 3 (56:08):
I've been training, I've been flipping pretty well
my wrist.
I mean I just got it down pat.
I was going to tell him youknow, invite him to a dance.
But I don't want to get intothat.
It was about him.

Speaker 2 (56:20):
You know what I mean, Right, right right, let's keep
it about, corey.

Speaker 3 (56:23):
Yeah, but I'll tell you right now I'll wipe the
floor with am, an absolute stick, and I'll fish with the best of
them, and you know it Well.

Speaker 2 (56:32):
You'll fish with the best of them in their boat at a
charity tournament, but you'renot beating them, man.
You're not beating them.

Speaker 3 (56:38):
Let's be honest here.

Speaker 2 (56:40):
I'm not beating this guy.

Speaker 3 (56:40):
I couldn't beat him with a 20-pound advantage.
No, I love that.

Speaker 2 (56:43):
You know what I mean Siege, yeah, and it's so
glamorous and I'm sure it is he.
He, like he said he's, he'sbeing paid to catch buckets for
a living.
It's phenomenal, but everyonethinks you know he lives a life

(57:05):
and I'm sure he does, but it'stough man.

Speaker 3 (57:08):
I'd want to take a break too.

Speaker 2 (57:09):
I'd want to take a break at the end of the season.
I want to put the bass rodsaway and I'm in.
You know, I'm with Gags andCoach and Tone and Lou and
Daniel and we're popping andwe're at Hunt Camp.
So yeah, man, it was great.
Thanks again for Moose to havehim on the show.
We hope the connection wentokay.
We had a little bit of problemswith Wi-Fi, but that's the

(57:30):
beauties of podcast world younever know what's going to
happen.

Speaker 3 (57:33):
You never know what's going to happen and the fact
that he came on took some time.
Right after you know the duband his party mentioned his
party and his brother winningAngler of the Year.
I mean that family's justblessed.
And those guys are absolutely.
Not only are they cool,dudes're, family dudes, they're,
they're siege they.
You know, they're in within our, our age group.

(57:54):
I would say they're a bityounger than we are but you know
, at the end of the day, we canrelate so much to these guys and
the fact that they hunt, theyfish, they process they, they
kids play hockey, they're insports, it's like you know, the
great ontario father family man,that's, that's, that's the book
right there, that's the recipe.
And, uh, to have him winningthat, getting that dub, and his

(58:18):
brother getting that trophy, Imean it's, I'm proud brother.
I don't know what else to say.

Speaker 2 (58:23):
I'm proud, yeah, and I I'm not, um, I'm not going off
.
Well, I'm kind of going off thelimb, but I I can probably
guarantee it that there might bemore johnston jerseys down the
road between Corey and Chris'skids on the bass, you know, on
the Leet series, like I mean,their kids may be into it one
day too, and I think they havethat same passion.

(58:44):
But, yeah, thanks again forcoming on the show and it was a
good one.
Bud, doing any podcast with youis definitely a good one, and
it's just crazy what's happeningwith the Eating Well podcast.

Speaker 3 (58:58):
It is man and I would say it's a turning point for us
having a guy like that on ourpodcast just to talk to him, and
the fact that you know he'sheard of the podcast, which is
really cool.
You know, we never know who'slistening, siege, and you know,
it's just the fishing community.
It's a small community.

(59:18):
The hunting community is asmall community, but when you
put them together and you add arecipe, um, you know it just,
it's a.
It's a recipe for a good night.
Yes, good listen.
And, uh, you know.
Cheers to everybody.
Siege, a couple things before wemove on.
Edub podcast is moving into adifferent season.
We're going to call it aquarterly season.
We, we just passed the oldsummer pop, yeah, it was a great

(59:39):
summer, brother, anything thatI you know.
Siege, what can you reflect onthis past fishing season?
I know we're getting into thefall buckets and the footballs
and we're going to be getting,hopefully, more 50s.
Um, we are, it's tis the season, but what can you reflect on in
the summer, siege?
What can you think back of that?

Speaker 2 (59:57):
uh, really sticks out to you I would just say, um, a
lot to do with family time andbeing on the water and, uh, the
guests that we've had, they havethat one thing in common is
passion, and passion with theoutdoors and it's contagious.
And to to get kids and andpeople that haven't been out
there get out there on the lakeor the bush.

(01:00:19):
And, uh, you talk about itbeing a quarterly or quarterly
uh season, and you're right, man, we're going into the fall
quarter now and we're shiftinggears and we're going to go in
the bush, we're going to go onthe water and I'm looking
forward to it.
What about you?
I'm just trying to think in theback of my head, off topic,
when your birthday is, and whatguest am I going to line up?

Speaker 3 (01:00:41):
for you, for your birthday.
I'm going to tell you right nowyou better bring Prince back
from the dead, because that'sone guy I'd like to have an
interview with yeah, the bestguitar player in the world?

Speaker 2 (01:00:51):
Does he pop?
Does Prince pop?
I don't care, does he pop?

Speaker 3 (01:00:55):
Guy's the best singer , best performer in the world.
You bring him on my show, siege.
That's all I can ask for.
It's a tough one though.
Well, I was thinking about it.
Considering that he's not withus anymore.
Yeah, that's a big ask on your.

(01:01:18):
See, what I can do, might aswell bring back Elvis while I'm
at it.
Oh boy, no, you know what, man,I think back of the summer
siege I actually go back as faras the spring and to sit in a
blind for turkey for the firsttime with producer Dino and
Hookset Martins, top Dog Pereira, and I would say that was
really cool for me.
Um, now that you know we'retalking quarters here, and one
thing that I will mention andand it was it sticks out to me
is fishing with taro.
Taro was probably one of those,really, and simon berth, but

(01:01:40):
you add those guys together,yeah, you know, and their buds.
I would say that was was for mereflecting back on the summer.
Um, because by the time thisairs, you know we're well into
september and you know I Iwould-Dub.
It's been a really good summer,met a lot of cool people,
interviewed a lot of cool people, and I'm just excited for the
fall brother.
We got news happening, man.

(01:02:01):
We got tell us about the brawlSiege.
What's going on?
There's stuff happening.

Speaker 2 (01:02:06):
Oh, the musky brawl.
We're just a season bro seasonbro.
So we were going to have davegray on shortly and he's going
to talk more about the muskybrawl that's held in on lake st
claire.
And anyone that doesn't knowanything about the musky brawl
just follow the musky brawl onall the socials and you'll see
what's going on with there.
That's quite the tournament.
That started out with like 15guys and now it's getting up to

(01:02:27):
200.
So, yeah, we're going to beproud sponsors one One of the
major sponsors of the MuskieBrawl, and you know Chef Antonio
is going to be serving them upsome delicious food and we'll be
there, man, and I'm excited forit.
We got the Airbnb ready to goand stay tuned and get a picture

(01:02:48):
with Antonio smashing us.
You know what I mean.

Speaker 3 (01:02:51):
I was going to say get a picture with Siege, but
sure you want to take a picturewith me, that'd be great.
I would say this Siege, youknow, not only the musky brawl
is happening, but the foreskin'sgot to get on the water buddy.
We need to start collectingsome material because I'll tell
you, man, this is.
You said it to me off camera.

(01:03:12):
You said smash when I walkedoutside and you just felt that
cool brisk this morning, rightFirst week of September, and you
get those cool mornings, 10 to12 degrees, man, you get that
fever, you get the goosebumps.
And for me, the first thing Ithought of was getting that
Benelli ready to go, because Ican't wait to use that and

(01:03:32):
hopefully we get into somewaterfowl early.
But muskies and smallies andbuddy, I'm just excited to
create some more stories withyou.

Speaker 2 (01:03:43):
Yeah, and we're going to be chasing comorants around
all the waters as well.
We're going to be.
We're big time trophy comoranthunters, so I'm just joking.
There's trophies in that section.
No, I have no idea.
I just know they're an issueand everyone knows that's an
angler.
They are a big issue.
But yeah, back to serious note.
I can't wait, my friend, andstay tuned, and we're going to
be fishing and hunting with somemajor players in in the

(01:04:07):
industry this this season andwe're going to bring the stories
from from the water and thebush right to you guys and and
thank you for all the supportthat's beautiful, brother, and I
got a question of the day I Ipulled this one up I know you're
the king of questions.

Speaker 3 (01:04:24):
Oh, you got an email one.
I got an email one I uh,because and the reason why I'm
taking the question to you isbecause it's towards bass
fishing.
Okay, and you know we do get alot of mostly, I would say,
cooking questions, but there isthe odd fishing, you know
question that comes in.
Actually, no, there's beenquite a bit of fishing questions

(01:04:44):
that come in and guys, again,feel free to DM Siege on
Instagram, also Facebook and atthe I guess it's
theeatingwildpodcast at gmailcom.
You can drop us a direct email,let us know your questions.
So this one here is from DaveSangara.
Dave Sangara, he is fromTimmins, ontario.

(01:05:08):
We just mentioned that too.
It's so weird, timmins Ontario.
He says hey, boys Love thepodcast.
I noticed you guys, I sorry notyou noticed.
I heard you guys talking aboutconsuming bass a few episodes
ago and I loved it.
I know a lot of people don'tlike talking about consuming

(01:05:29):
bass, but where I live and whereI fish, that is one of our
favorite things to eat.
I know you guys love to bassfish one of our favorite things
to eat.
I know you guys love to bassfish.
My question is would you go outto target a bass just for
consumption, or is it one ofthose things that if it's not
hooked properly and the fishisn't going to make it, you put

(01:05:50):
it in the live?
Well, for a short lunch thatI'm going to put towards you
Siege because you are the bass.

Speaker 2 (01:05:56):
We're getting so many questions on that and you know
what?
We're fortunate enough to fishon waters that have amazing
panfish, amazing crappie, perch,walters and pike.
I can't say for myself anytimesoon I'm going to go try to get

(01:06:16):
largemouth or smallmouth, butthere is a lot of lakes that
those are the only fishavailable and there is limits
and if you follow the guidelinesand and let's face it like I
mean, a fish is a fish and ifyou like, eating them, and from
what I hear, more and morepeople are and and you know,
there's this misconception thatthey're terrible to eat.

(01:06:38):
But people are saying the samething Cold water, cold water
bass are delicious and it'sfunny we had Corey on the
podcast.

Speaker 6 (01:06:49):
And now we're talking about consuming bass.

Speaker 2 (01:06:54):
But it's not one thing that we target by any
means.
But it's not.
Yeah, it's not one thing thatwe target by any means.
But hey, man, get your limit ordon't keep the trophies by any
means.
Don't you know the two and ahalf, two pounders?
Sure, yeah, do it up and sendus your recipe and send us your
pictures.
We do not discriminate?

Speaker 3 (01:07:14):
Yeah, great question, dave, and I'll just touch
quickly on that Siege, justbecause I have, you know, just a
quick opinion on this.
It's one of those things that Ifeel like and again, there's a
lot of fish that we target Siege, and that you know they'll come
up and they're bleeding fromthe gills, whether they're
hooked into the gills, and itjust makes even a panfish.
Yes, my goal is to keep thisthing alive so it could come

(01:07:38):
back another day and we canfight it, unless we're going out
there to consume, right.
But we have never, as a group,ever gone out there and said,
boys, we're going out there tofish for smallies or larges for
dinner.
That's just not happening.
But I get it, I understand thequestion.
In a sense.
It's like, okay, is this fishgoing to be swallowed by, you

(01:08:00):
know, a bunch of comrades?
Or you know, like, what's goingto happen to this poor fish?
And I think consuming it isprobably, you know, especially
if it's, you know, bass.
Some people say it's some ofthe best stuff to eat.
Why not?
We do it up.
And again, it's nothing wetarget personally, but, um, you
know, if it's, if it's, if itcomes up and it's not going to
survive siege, I'd rather, youknow.

(01:08:21):
Oh yeah, bless the earth, blessus, and and and consume the
fish.
So it's a great question.
It could be a whole podcastsiege.
We could talk about this withmany people.

Speaker 2 (01:08:30):
This topic, this topic is it is we get, we get
flooded by it and, uh, you know,there's been just like anything
in life and there's people thatare saying I can't believe you
guys even would discuss that, oron your podcast.
And then there's some peoplebeing like I eat smallies all
the time, and in deep cold water.
What did you get?
What are these guys and girlstalking about?

(01:08:52):
To each his own man, to eachhis own.
You're not doing anythingillegal by any means.
Um yeah and uh yeah, especiallyif, like you said, if they,
they, you catch one and the hookis down their gills and they're
bleeding and everything.
You got two options.
You know you can.
You can seagulls may eventuallyget it, or turtles or comrades,

(01:09:12):
or you know what you go on touh, you go on some of these uh
websites and you can makeyourself a beautiful dish out of
, at the end of the day, thereyou go well, said buddy um siege
.

Speaker 3 (01:09:23):
We are closing up this episode.
It was probably one of myfavorite ones to do with our
guest, cory johnston.
Um, we we did talk about doingan instagram giveaway.
I know it's happening soon.
Um, can you give us a littleinsight of what's going on with
that and when do you think we'regoing to be dropping it?

Speaker 2 (01:09:43):
With the what Sorry.

Speaker 3 (01:09:44):
With the Instagram giveaway, with the Cucushion
Chef giveaway.
Sorry.

Speaker 2 (01:09:48):
Sorry, I just had one of our next guests texting in
to see what time they can cometo the studio.
I'm always working behind thescenes, always working the
Cucushion giveaway that's goingto be coming up very shortly.
I have the product from you andit's going to be strictly
Instagram only and, yeah, staytuned to that.
It'll be Eco Filet and one ofthe chef knives and if you

(01:10:11):
follow us on Instagram, you'veseen these knives in action and
they go through things likebutter and I'm excited.
I'm excited for the luckywinner and make sure you post us
in your pictures and we can'twait to see it.

Speaker 3 (01:10:26):
That's awesome, buddy .
And one last thing before we goSiege, you mentioned that we
possibly will be name dropping acouple new sponsors on our next
episode.
Yes, You've been working reallyhard.
People have been reaching outto you, which is pretty cool,
and you've been doing a lot ofhard work on the road.
And you know, can you give us asneak peek?

(01:10:48):
What's happening?
We're going to be dropping acouple new sponsors.
What's going on?

Speaker 2 (01:10:53):
It's a done deal.
It's a done deal with myfavorite Marine.
It's a done deal.
It's a done deal with myfavorite marine.
It's Extreme Marine in London,ontario, and I do believe that
actually they have a new one, anew location as well, in
Kingsville, and it's the owner.
It's a family run business andthe owner name is Rob.
He's a local business.

(01:11:15):
They have top-end boats, theyhave top-end gear, they have
anything with the garments andthey have fishing tackle and the
beautiful boats and they cameaboard of the Eating Wild
podcast.
It's a done deal.
Stay tuned to hear thecommercials from them and we
can't thank them enough tosponsor us.

(01:11:36):
And, man, we're looking forwardto it.
There might be, we might bedemoing boats for them.
Did I say demo or demolitions?
Well, you're not going to bedemolishing any boats.
We'll be demoing, demo someboats on the water.
So stay tuned for that.
And we're talking big brandsand we're making a big make, big
waves with them.
Man, it's great.

Speaker 3 (01:11:55):
That's awesome, buddy .
Well listen, congratulations onthat Siege.
It's been quite the weekbrother for Eden Wild and I got
to say I'm overwhelmed havingCorey on and Extreme Marine with
Rob and Moose and the boys, andI think we got some pretty big
guests lined up as well for thefall talk.
Oh, my goodness, we got Coachand Gags and the boys.

(01:12:16):
We got to get our listeners allgeared up for the hunting
season and the big fish, bigbass.
You know the big footballseason as well.
So stay tuned, folks.
Again, thank you for listening.
In this is Antonio Smashmalek,alongside a beautiful co-host,
christopher Showtime Johnson.
We'll be right back, folks,with another episode next
Tuesday and we will be live fromthe studio.

(01:12:38):
Ciao, we're out of here, getthe net.

Speaker 5 (01:12:52):
Get the net.
It won't be long.
They'll be pulling our fish andwe'll be serving them their
favorite dish.
All the feeling screaming reelson fish and fire.