Doc Talks Fishing Podcast

#54 || Mark Stiffel: The Brook Trout Code - Turning Science into Trophy Trout

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

#53 || Dr. Connor Elliott: The Secret Life of Tournament Bass - What Science Just Revealed

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

#52 || Dr. Melanie Massey: Gold Fish Gone Wild

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

#51 || Rob Swainson: What Makes Brook Trout Tick? Inside the Mind of a Coldwater Icon

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

#50 || Dr. Chris Therrien: The Fountain of Youth - The Fish That Never Get Old

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