How Cooper Gallant Turned a Fishing Obsession into a Dream Career

How Cooper Gallant Turned a Fishing Obsession into a Dream Career

What does it take for a kid growing up fishing Ontario waters to compete against the best anglers in the world? On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Cooper Gallant, one of Canada’s fastest-rising professional anglers. Growing up in Bowmanville, Ontario, surrounded by an outdoors family and the incredible fisheries of Lake Ontario, Rice Lake, and the Bay of Quinte, Cooper developed a passion for fishing that quickly evolved from weekend outings to tournament competition. Today, Cooper competes on the Bassmaster Elite Series—the highest level of professional bass fishing in the world. Along the way, he’s learned that success requires much more than catching fish. Modern professional anglers must be businesspeople, content creators, marketers, and entertainers, all while competing against the best anglers on the planet.In this episode, Cooper shares his journey from local Ontario tournaments to the Elite Series, discusses the role of technology like LiveScope, offers practical fishing advice for weekend anglers, and provides an honest look at the challenges of life on the road chasing a dream. * In This Episode Growing up in an outdoors family * How local tournaments shaped his career * What life is really like on the Bassmaster Elite Series * The growing celebrity status of professional bass anglers * Best bass fishing tips for weekend anglers * Country music, campfires, and life beyond tournament fishing Whether you’re a tournament angler, a weekend cottage fisherman, or simply someone who loves the outdoors, this episode offers an inside look at one of the sport's brightest stars. ⸻ Follow Boats, Beers & Backroads 📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersandbackroads https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads ⸻Follow Cooper Gallant 📸 Instagram: @coopergallantfishing

Cory Johnston on Bass Boats, Family Life, and Big Bass

For Cory Johnston, it started in a boat with his father and brother on the lakes around Peterborough, Ontario—one of Canada's most legendary fishing regions. On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with one of Canada's top professional anglers to discuss the path from local tournaments in the Kawarthas to competing against the best bass fishermen in the world on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Cory shares how growing up fishing alongside his brother Chris and his father laid the foundation for a career that has taken him across North America. He discusses tournament fishing, adapting to rapidly changing technology, balancing life as a touring professional and father, and why some of the best fishing lessons still come from time spent on the water with family. The conversation also dives into practical fishing advice for weekend anglers, favorite Ontario lakes, equipment choices, and what it takes to compete at the highest level of professional bass fishing. 🎣 Growing up fishing the lakes around Peterborough and the Kawarthas 🎣 Learning tournament fishing from his father and competing alongside his brother Chris 🎣 The journey from local events to the Bassmaster Elite Series 🎣 Why versatility is one of the most important skills in fishing 🎣 How technology has changed professional bass fishing 🎣 Traditional fishing techniques versus modern forward-facing sonar 🎣 Advice for weekend anglers targeting bass in northern lakes 🎣 Why Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe remain among his favorite fisheries 🎣 Balancing Elite Series competition with raising a family 🎣 His pursuit of Bassmaster Angler of the Year and a Bassmaster Classic title Whether you're a hardcore tournament angler, a weekend cottage fisherman, or someone who simply loves spending time on the water, this episode offers a fascinating look inside the life of one of Canada's most accomplished professional bass anglers. 📸 Instagram: @boatsbeersbackroads 🎥 YouTube: Boats, Beers & Backroads 🎧 Spotify: Boats, Beers & Backroads Podcast 🍎 Apple Podcasts: Boats, Beers & Backroads Podcast 📸 Instagram: @coryjohnstonfishing

Paul Langlois on The Tragically Hip, Cottage Country & Smooth Rock Falls

For generations of Canadians, The Tragically Hip became more than a band. They became campfire songs at the cottage. Road trip soundtracks. Hockey arena anthems. And part of the fabric of Canadian life itself. On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with Paul Langlois of The Tragically Hip for a conversation about music, memory, creativity, and Canada. Paul reflects on the band’s early days playing Kingston pubs and basements, the chemistry that made The Hip special, and how the songwriting process evolved over decades together. He shares stories about cottage life, fishing from his pontoon boat, favorite Ontario backroads, and how surreal it feels knowing Hip songs became part of so many Canadian summers and campfire moments. The conversation also explores Paul’s solo work, including his latest release Smooth Rock Falls—an album shaped by family, loss, reflection, and rediscovering creativity after The Hip. In this episode: * The early Kingston pub days and building The Tragically Hip * How the band’s songwriting evolved over time * Why Hip songs became tied to Canadian identity * Cottage life, fishing, and Ontario backroads * Writing and recording Smooth Rock Falls * Touring again * Reflections on the final Kingston concert * What still inspires Paul creatively today This episode feels like a long conversation around a Canadian campfire—with stories, music, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for country living. 🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads @boatsbeersandbackroads Follow Paul on Instagram @paullangloismusic The Tragically Hip @thetragicallyhip

Susie Bulloch on Brisket, Business, and Backyard Cooking

What starts as a backyard passion project can turn into something much bigger. On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie sits down with Susie Bulloch, founder of Hey Grill Hey, to talk about barbecue, family, entrepreneurship, and building one of the internet’s biggest grilling communities from the ground up. What began in 2015 as a simple recipe blog and love for feeding people has grown into a global BBQ brand with more than 750 recipes, millions of followers, bestselling products, and a thriving family-run business. But at the heart of it all? Community. Susie shares how she and her husband bet on themselves in 2017 when he left his corporate career to join the business full-time—and how they’ve raised their family while building a company together and enjoying great BBQ. In this episode: * How Hey Grill Hey grew from side hustle to BBQ powerhouse * Why community matters more than algorithms * The best beginner BBQ recipes to build confidence * Why chicken thighs might beat brisket for beginners * Susie’s must-have BBQ tool (every griller needs one) * Balancing family life with entrepreneurship * Her favourite low-and-slow cooks and BBQ sauces * The mindset behind keeping recipes free and accessible Whether you’re a hardcore pitmaster or just trying not to burn burgers at the cottage this summer—this episode is packed with fun, practical advice and real stories. 🔥 Grab a cold drink, fire up the grill, and enjoy. 🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads @boatsbeersandbackroads Follow Susie on Instagram @heygrillhey www.heygrillhey.com

Gord Bamford on Keeping Country Music Simple and Real

Country music doesn’t get more real than this. On this episode of Boats, Beers & Backroads, Jamie Allison sits down with Gord Bamford—one of Canada’s most successful country artists—for a conversation that goes way beyond the stage. Fresh off the announcement of his upcoming performance at the Grand Ole Opry, Gord shares what this milestone means after 25 years in the industry—and why it might be the highlight of his entire career. From growing up in rural Alberta to grinding it out playing small-town bars across Western Canada, Gord opens up about the journey, the lessons, and what it really takes to build a lasting music career. In this episode: * The story behind his Grand Ole Opry performance * How small-town life shaped his music and mindsetThe importance of writing simple, relatable country songs * His breakout moment with “Blame It On That Red Dress” * Life as an independent artist—and why it works * Touring small communities and building real fan connections * Balancing music, business, and family life * His new single “Loaded Eyes” and upcoming album This is a conversation about staying grounded, staying real, and building a career your own way. 👉 If you love country music, cottage drives, and real stories—this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen or watch now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube. https://linktr.ee/BoatsBeersandBackroads @boatsbeersandbackroads Follow Gord on Instagram @thegordbamford www.gordbamford.com