MERCER-The Awkwardly Honest Fishing Podcast

Mark Zona - Goodbye Bassmaster - It’s Been a T.I.M.E.! on MERCER-177

Just weeks before getting officially inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame, Mark Zona rocked the fishing world by signing off of BassLive for the final time. The incredible off the wall personality of Z has painted pictures with his words for a generation of Bassmaster fans. Why is he stepping away from a position that is seemingly perfect for him? He answers that and so much more on this week’s Mercer Podcast. 

Rick Clunn - This Is Not a CLUNN-clusion on MERCER-176

For the first time since his final walk across the Bassmaster Elite Series stage, 4 time Bassmaster Classic champion Rick Clunn finally speaks.
After Clunn’s legendary 5 decade career, his incredible influence is seen in every single pro fishing today. Clunn is not only a driven competitor but his silent approach and down-to-earth outlook on life has almost turned him into a mystical character in the eyes of many. Rick Clunn is a unicorn. He has always marched to the beat of his own drum. This time is no different. He may be stepping away from the Elite Series but this is far from CLUNN-clusion.

Robert Gee and Jake's Take on MERCER-175

Robert Gee racked up an impressive 4 top fives in 2024. On top of that he went second, third and second on his last 3 events. Gee what a start to an Elite Series career! But many recently know him more as part of an on-the-water dispute we are calling World War Gee. But first we have Jake’s Take - the ultimate behind-the-scenes Bassmaster segment with Bassmaster videographer Jake Latendresse. Just back from the 2 New York  Bassmaster Elite Series events.

Wes Logan-What REALLY Happened on MERCER-174

Wes Logan is a Bassmaster Classic Qualifier and an Elite Series Champion. However, all those accolades seemed a long way off when he was riding in an ambulance after a scary boat wreck during last week’s Elite Series tournament on Lake Champlain. Many folks have talked about it but now you get to hear directly from Wes “What REALLY Happened”. Plus a whole lot more only on this week on Mercer Podcast.

What Makes Justin Hamner SICK on MERCER-173

Justin Hamner truly lets it ALL out on this week’s show - the good, the bad and some stuff that just makes him SICK. Hamner is the reigning and defending Bassmaster Classic Champion. With just two events left in the 2024 Bassmaster Elites he is the current leader in Progressive Bassmaster Angler Of The Year points. Can Justin Hamner make history and become only the 3rd angler to ever win the Classic and AOY in the same season? Proving that 2024 truly is Hamner Time!!!

Brett Hite - Flat Brim for Life on MERCER-172

Brett Hite is a 6 time Bassmaster Classic qualifier with 5 national tournament wins and almost 2 million dollars in tournament earnings. B Hite started his career as a west coast finesse angler but today you can’t talk about a bladed jig without mentioning his name. Brett Hite has arguably been more dominant with that technique than any other angler on earth. This week he joins the podcast to talk about that and a whole lot more. This is truly one of the most open and honest conversations we have ever had on this show.

Ben Milliken and Pat Roach on MERCER-171

You never know who will show up on this show. This week we kick things off with Pat Roach, AKA Randy from Trailer Park Boys. When Pat is not playing Randy the Assistant Trailer Park Supervisor at Sunnyvale Trailer Park he loves to fish. Pat joins the podcast to talk about his love for angling, the outdoors and life. But that’s not all. Then we are joined by YouTuber, social media super star and Bassmaster Pro Ben Milliken. As always Ben tells it like he sees it, including the good, the bad and the ugly of his first season on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Pack a lunch because this one is a fun one!

Joey Cifuentes - Kaleidoscope Cowboy on MERCER-170

Joey Cifuentes is the reigning Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year. After winning two Elite Series tournaments and coming close to winning Angler of the Year in his first season. It looked like the Elites was child’s play for the cowboy. But that was last year, this year things are as different as a kaleidoscope. Call it a sophomore slump, call it what you want but Joey Cifuentes went from the top 5 in AOY standings to 102nd place. A year ago he literally had fish jumping in his boat, now they are jumping out of his livewell! How does that happen? The Cowboy joins us from the beach to answers that question as well as many more on this week’s Mercer Podcast.

Matt Robertson, Seth Feider, Cory & Chris Johnston "The Derby Boys" on MERCER-169

Who in the heck are the Derby Boys? Well, if you take four of the most colourful characters on the Bassmaster Elite Series - Seth Feider, Matt Robertson, Cory and Chris Johnston, put them all together and you have The Derby Boys. Sure they are all at the top of their game on the water and a threat to win any tournament. But what’s life really like on the road. These four promise to take viewers behind the scenes like never before with their new YouTube series. From fights to farts and everything in between The Derby Boys will bare it all. This week they join the podcast to announce their new show and to talk about well…….EVERYTHING! 

Takumi Ito, Trey McKinney and Jake's Take on MERCER-168

This is a jam-packed super show. First, we have Bassmaster videographer Jake Latendresse just back from covering of Takumi Ito’s 2nd Elite Series win. Then we are joined by Takumi himself with a first hand look at his many Japanese secrets. As if that’s not enough, finally we have an exclusive one-on-one sit down conversation with 19 year old fishing phenom Trey McKinney. The youngest Bassmaster Elite Series champion in history finally breaks his silence and shares his very raw and real thoughts on his Smith Lake disqualification.