MERCER-The Awkwardly Honest Fishing Podcast

Gerald Swindle ”It’s Not That Bad” on MERCER-143

Contrary to popular belief, it’s not that bad. Gerald Swindle is a 2-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year and has qualified for 20 Bassmaster Classics. Beyond all of his accomplishments, he is loved by fishing fans worldwide because of his humour and his heart. Swindle's one-of-a-kind personality can have you howling with laughter or humbled by a hug. This week he joins the podcast and reminds us that regardless of all the click-chasing negativity, it’s not that bad!

Rick Clunn A 50 Year Pursuit of Happiness on MERCER-142

Rick Clunn opens up about his 50 year pursuit of happiness. Sure he is a 4-time Bassmaster Classic Champion, 16-time Bassmaster winner, 32-time Classic Qualifier & a former Bassmaster AOY. Beyond all of those trophies and accolades, Rick Clunn is an absolute anomaly. What he is doing in fishing is not happening in any other sport or competitive activity on earth. At 77 years old he will kick off his 50th season competing at the top level of the sport. At a time that may be more dominated by young anglers than ever before, Rick Clunn is 5 decades into his legendary 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. When tournaments are over he disappears into the tranquility and beauty of the Ozark Mountains. But this week for our first episode of 2024 Rick joins us for a very rare, very open and very candid conversation.

Tommy Sanders and Aaron Yavorsky Festive Special on MERCER-141

It’s the Mercer Podcast Festive Special with a 17 year old kid that just became the youngest angler to ever qualify for the Bassmaster Classic and the voice of Bassmaster TV, the one and only Tommy Sanders. His smooth delivery and honest charm make him everyone’s friend. Just like Boxing had Howard Cosell, football had John Madden, golf has Jim Nantz, BASS Fishing has Tommy Sanders! This week he sits down for a very rare on-camera conversation that ends with a SURPRISE!

Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie Roundup on MERCER-140

This week we got 'em all - All 9 Bassmaster EQ Elite Qualifiers join the show and what a crew of young guns they are. Making up the youngest rookie class in Elite Series history are; JT Thompkins, John Garrett, Trey McKinney, Robert Gee, Tyler Williams, Wesley Gore, Logan Parks, Ben Milliken & Kyle Patrick. Lots has been said about these young pros, but this week you get to hear directly from them in our Elite Series Rookie Round Up.

David Fritts ”I Recommend Winning The Classic To Anybody!” on MERCER-139

David Fritts has won just about everything there is to win in professional bass fishing. Including the Bassmaster Classic and the Forest Wood Cup. Fritts is already in the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame as a professional angler. But he could also be in the HOF as a bait designer. Whether it’s fishing or designing David Fritts would definitely be on the Mount Rushmore of cranking, but who else would be there? Fritts answers that question and many more on this week’s podcast. A celebration of the career that created the Fritts Blitz.

Everyone Has An Opinion About Randy Blaukat on MERCER-138

Randy Blaukat has qualified for 8 Bassmaster Classics and 9 FLW Cups but he may have more people watching him today than he ever did at the height of his tournament career. Some take his word as gospel, others dismiss it as nothing more than gossip and click chasing. But Randy Blaukat and his polarizing opinions has found himself on the right side of relevancy more than a decade after his last national tournament victory. Some see him as a fearless crusader, trying to single-handedly ban forward-facing sonar - others say his thoughts are outdated and antiquated. But one thing is for sure. EVERYONE has an opinion about Randy Blaukat. This week he joins the podcast and we talk about or debate, just about EVERYTHING. Humpers get your 🍿ready. This is a good one!

Jordan Lee: A Young Legend Returns to Bassmaster on MERCER-137

Jordon Lee is a fishing phenom that has succeeded at every level of competition. He is a former Bassmaster College Bass Champion, a two time Bassmaster Classic Champion, with multiple MLF wins including an Angler of the Year title. He has won over 2 million dollars and now this young legend has decided to return to the Bassmaster Elite Series. But before that, he joins this week’s podcast to talk about all that and so, so much more.

Jacob Foutz-Real Talk or Ridiculous? on MERCER-136

Jacob Foutz is a former Bassmaster College Bass Champion, a Bassmaster Classic Qualifier & a Bassmaster Elite Series Pro. After two years on the Elite’s Foutz has had 4 top Tens including two back-to-back top Tens at the tail end of 2022 that literally saved his Elite career. 
From the outside it looks like he is living his childhood dream but that dream has felt like a nightmare at times when it comes to sponsor support. He is a quiet, unassuming guy, that has focused on fishing while widely ignored social media and marketing - up until now. Last week that all changed when he took to YouTube and told his truth. With his back against the wall he opened up about how he see’s his situation. Over 80,000 views later he has not only found a way to get noticed but he has left many folks debating whether his thoughts are Real Talk or Ridiculous? 

Chris and Trait Zaldain-Unapologetically Honest on MERCER-135

He is an eight time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and she is the podcast host some folks fear the most. Together they host The Bilge, one of the fastest growing fishing podcasts in the world.  Chris and Trait Zaldain join this week’s podcast and as always they tell it like they see it with their unapologetically honest approach to podcasting. 

Lee Livesay ”It’s Not All Popcorn, Piñata’s and Princesses In Pro Fishing” on MERCER-134

Lee Livesay is a 4 time bassmaster winner, 4 time classic qualifier with 2 bassmaster century belts. But before all of that he was one of the guys. This week we are joined by the Lake Fork legend and as always, he tells it like he sees it. He is loving life as a pro angler but he will remind you it’s not all popcorn, piñata’s & princesses in pro fishing.