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Expedition Canada: An Epic Fishing Adventure

The Smallmouth King

expedition canada, episode 2 polaroid, smallmouth bass

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Episode Synopsis

In episode 2 of Expedition Canada, the guys head out to the lake for their first day of fishing and Jason's dad asserts his fishing will on the Little Vermilion Lake's smallmouth bass. Plus, Jason catches the first Northern Pike of his lifetime.

Episode Highlights

  • Jason's dad leads a group devotion, reading from the book of Psalms.
  • The guys get their Little Vermilion Lake orientation (good fishing spots, how to operate the boats, and how to care for the fish) from Fireside Lodge (Ulysses)
  • Steve catches multiple smallmouth bass
  • Underwater release footage of smallmouth bass
  • Storms roll in and the guys bundle up for the rain
  • Steve and Austin both lose a fish to deep hooks (smallmouth bass and pike)
  • Steve catches a log
  • Jason catches the first northern pike, ever
  • Steve loses a Smallmouth bass on the jump
  • The Austin bear makes an appearance

Little Vermilion Lake Fishing Advice (From This Episode)

  • Target the initial drop zone, as cold fronts make fish lethargic and more likely to strike as soon as the lure hits the water rather than chasing during a retrieve.
  • Increase total cast count to cover more ambush spots instead of spending time on full retrieves.
  • Troll larger lures when moving, or allow the boat to drift naturally with the wind across productive bays.
  • Use a double-pump retrieve (cast, pump twice, let it drop) when fishing shoreline cover with lures like bucktails.
  • Maintain controlled tension on a tight line as lures sink to feel instantaneous strikes.

Lures & Bait That Caugh Fish in This Episode

  • Smallmouth bass on a 4" Pumpkin green curly soft plastic worm with black jighead [12:57, 14:38, 18:33]
  • Northern pike on the red & black 8" Pike Dawg Curly Tail (Big Wiggly) [31:15]
Buy Lures on Amazon

Note: Footage from this episode shot with an Iphone 16 Pro & DJI Action Cam 5

Top Resources

Watch More Episodes of This Epic Fishing Adventure

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1,400 Miles to Deep Canada Fishing

In episode 1 of Expedition Canada, Jason travels 1400 miles from Atlanta to Fireside Lodge at Little Vermilion Lake in Ontario Canada, meeting up with his dad (Steve Montoya) and brother-in-laws (Ryan Lampa & Austin Gros) for a grand fishing adventure.
expedition canada, episode 2 polaroid, smallmouth bass

The Smallmouth King

In episode 2 of Expedition Canada, the guys head out to the lake for their first day of fishing and Jason's dad asserts his fishing will on the Little Vermilion Lake's smallmouth bass. Plus, Jason catches the first Northern Pike of his lifetime.

Squirrel Hunting

In episode 3 of Expedition Canada, Jason and his dad continue fishing Little Vermilion Lake, trying to figure out how to catch the fish while landing more lures in trees (Squirrel Hunting) and on sticks than fish.

The Jerkbait

Jason's catches fire in this epsiode of Expedition Canada. With a better understanding of Little Lake Vermilion, the guys are catching more fish, including northern pike.

Twin Falls

Jason recruits a new boatmate, Austin, as they embark out together, for the first time, on day 4. All four guys travel up to the top of the lake where Little Vermilion meets Big Vermilion (Twin Falls). With a new location, new struggles arise as the guys unsuccessfully try to catch fish while watching the Smallmouth King impose his will on the lake.

Muskie Brothers

After a tough morning of not catching fish while watching the Smallmouth King dominate Little Vermilion Lake, an unexpected muskie bites the jerkbait. Plus, the newly minted Muskie Brothers embark on an epic retrieval of the "Muskie lure".

The Pike Men

Austin is back and Day 5 begins with bang as he and Jason pull Pike into the boat. The guys explore more parts of Little Vermilion Lake they've not yet been.

3 Pike in a Trenchcoat

Austin and Jason stumble upon a nest of northern pike to close out our final day together. Plus, what Jason thought was a bunch of Pike follows was actually a single Muskie toying with him.

The Fly Fisherman

Jason jumps into the boat with the Fly Fisherman (Ryan) for the first time, and they begin the most productive day of the trip. As this new duo reels in fish, Ryan teaches Jason the ways of the fisherman.

Too Many Pike To Count

Ryan and Jason continue to slay at the narrows, catching more pike than they can count. Austin ascends to new levels of fishing as he battles fish into the boat.

Just Another Day in Big Bay

Austin enters fishing godmode, as the local pike beg to be the next fish he reels in. Steve, Jason, & Ryan also continue landing more smallmouth bass and pike into the boat alongside him, closing out the most productive day of the trip.

The Biggest Smallmouth

Clear skies and glassy water bring a quiet, slow start to the final day of fishing. But as the morning threatens to become a slog, Ryan overcomes a busted casting arm to match a damselfly hatch and land the biggest smallmouth bass of his life.

4 Men in a Tiny Boat

The guys portage over to Closs lake fishing from inside a 12 foot tin can as they try and catch a legendary Muskie. Adrenaline spikes and Chaos ensues as the men try to pull fish into the boat without ending up in the lake.

The Final Battle & The Journey Home

As the guys leave Closs lake, an epic rainstorm rolls into Little Vermilion. The guys suit up and brace themselves for a final fishing run in the storm. With the last day of fishing done, these four fisherman make their way back home.

What Is Expedition Canada?

Are you ready for the most ambitious unguided fishing adventure ever captured on YouTube? Join Jason and his family on Expedition Canada, a 14-episode documentary-style series following their 1,400-mile journey from the Southeast United States to the remote waters of Little Vermilion Lake in Ontario. Experience the raw, unscripted reality of four men—Jason's father, his brothers-in-law, and himself—as they evolve from bumbling catchless anglers throwing lures into trees to landing a countless number of fish without the help of a guide in these unknown Canadian waters.

Meet The Guys

Just 4 normal guys (except that fly fisherman) going on an adventure up north to catch some fish while capturing memories that will last a lifetime.

Jason Scott Montoya

Filmmaker, Author, & Muskie Brother

A fifth-generation entrepreneur, author (Path of the Freelancer), and storyteller, Jason is the creative force behind Cast & Shoot. Bringing a strategic narrative vision to the expedition, Jason blends his background in digital media and storytelling to document the raw human dynamics, family legacy, and creative grind of the 14-part series.

    Steve Montoya

    Retired Entrepreneur, Expedition Catalyst & Smallmouth King

    The visionary who initiated the entire Canadian journey, Steve represents the patriarch of the Montoya family. Returning to his roots driving a small aluminum boat—Steve proved to be the undisputed Smallmouth King of the trip, landing more smallmouth bass than anyone on the crew (and quite possibly everyone else combined). Bringing decades of life experience, nostalgia, and steady wisdom to the bush, he serves as the driving force and heart behind this multi-generational expedition.

      austin edward Gros

      Austin Gros

      World-Renowned Photographer, Morale Engine, & Muskie Brother

      An internationally acclaimed destination wedding and editorial photographer based in Nashville, Tennessee, Austin stepped into this expedition, serving as the crew's ultimate engine of morale. Bringing an infectious energy, spontaneous dancing, deep personality, and heart to the group, Austin’s warmth and humor provided the essential levity and joy needed during long, physically demanding stretches in the Canadian bush. 

      Connect With Austin

      Ryan Lampa

      Community Leader & Founder of People Loving Nashville

      A former music tour and production manager turned humanitarian, Ryan is the founder of People Loving Nashville and Paradeisos Coffee Company. Having spent over 15 years leading relief and restoration efforts for Nashville's unhoused community, Ryan brings relational depth, quick humor, and an instinctual edge to the crew. As the group’s designated fly fisherman and "forward-facing human sonar," Ryan spent the trip reading the wind, weather, and currents to crack the lake's code and consistently put the guys on top of the fish.

      Learn More About PLN