MERCER-The Awkwardly Honest Fishing Podcast

Brandon Cobb ”I Suck at PRACTICE” on MERCER-123

He is less than 24 hours away from kicking off the final two events of the 2023 Elite Series where he has a one point lead in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. Not bad for a guy that says he sucks at practice. What’s going though his mind as he attempts to seal the deal on one of the most coveted trophies in professional fishing. Well, we ask him that and so, so much more on this week’s podcast.

Carl Jocumsen - The Agony of Angling on MERCER-122

He grew up in Towamba, Australia - a part of the world that does not even have bass.  So to say Carl Jocumsen is an underdog is an understatement. But what he lacks in experience, he replaces with heart, thus his motto, 'Fear My Heart'.  This week, the only Australian to ever win a Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament, Carl Jocumsen joins the podcast in a very open, raw and honest conversation about the agony of angling along the way. 

Joey Cifuentes and Jake’s Take on MERCER-121

This week we double down on great guests. Just back from the 7th stop on the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series on Lake St. Clair and so is Jake’s Take. Bassmaster Videographer and friend of the show, Jake Latendresse returns with the ultimate behind-the-scenes Bassmaster break down of everything that REALLY happened on and off the water at Lake St. Clair. But that’s not all - we are also joined by the St. Clair Champion himself! Two-time Bassmaster Elite Series Champion and Dakota Lithium Rookie of the Year leader, Joey Cifuentes.

Mark Zona Talks About EVERYTHING on Mercer-120

Mark Zona is the the colourful off-the-wall host of Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show, Bassmaster TV and BassLIVE. This week he once again returns to the podcast but this time Z agrees to talk about everything going on recently in the crazy world of competitive bass fishing and so, so much more.

Jay Siemens ”Cataloging Memories” - From Fishing Guide to MeatEater on MERCER-119

There are a lot of ways to make a living in sport fishing and Jay Siemens just may have done most of them. He started as a 16 year old fishing guide, turned photographer, videographer, YouTuber, influencer, lodge owner, fishing batter company co-owner, and ultimately, a very successful YouTuber and content creator. So successful in-fact that outside of his own channel (@JaySiemens) he actually hosts and produces fishing content for Steve Rinella’s ultra-popular MeatEater brand. Above all the success, Jay stays grounded in the fact that he is simply Cataloging Memories of a life well lived. This week he joins the podcast to talk about all that and so much more.

Darold Gleason ”You Can’t Buy Time” on MERCER-118

Darold Gleason is a Bassmaster Open winner, a Classic Qualifier and a full-time Bassmaster Elite Series Pro. But it was not always that way. After spending 7 years as a school teacher, he decided to leave the security of that job behind, to chase his dreams and start living life because as he says “you can’t buy more time”.
Gleason joins this week’s show with a very revealing & honest conversation about the highs and lows of pro fishing and life.

Cooper Gallant-Real Stories of a Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie - MERCER-117

Cooper Gallant came into the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series as a highly hyped rookie, with a head full of confidence, hot off his first Bassmaster Open win. Now with just three events to go and all in his wheelhouse, Coop has once again put himself in contention to qualify for another Bassmaster Classic. But what’s it REALLY like to be an Elite Series rookie? This week he joins the Mercer podcast to share his thoughts on the season so far and so, so much more. 

Gerald Swindle ”Respect The Shield” on MERCER-116

Sure Gerald Swindle is a 2 time Bassmaster Angler of the Year and a walking weigh-in highlight reel. But he is also a starch defender of the rules and his way of playing the game. This week, he once again joins the podcast to talk about the recently acceptable grey area in rules, his trip to Jamaica and his belief in pro anglers defending the shield that they have earned the right to wear.

Kyle Welcher “I Just Wanna Reel Something In”- MERCER-115

Stone Cold Kyle Welcher is a two-time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier and the current leader in Bassmaster Angler of the Year points. Welcher, a former professional gambler, is one of the brightest young stars in pro fishing. His incredible mind and unique outlook on angling is truly remarkable. This week he joins the podcast to have a very open and honest conversation about angling and so, so much more.

John Cox and Keith Carson on MERCER-114

This week we are joined by two of the most naturally gifted bass anglers on the planet. John Cox and Keith Carson are both Bassmaster Classic qualifiers. However, they did not start on top. These two childhood friends have been turning heads at tournaments ever since they could legally tow their janky Jon Boat to the ramp. Forged from 15 years of skipping school and faking sick days to chase bass, their friendship has weathered the highs and lows of tournament fishing. This week they join the podcast to talk about all that and so, so much more.