MERCER-The Awkwardly Honest Fishing Podcast

Dave Mercer

A true insiders, behind-the-scenes look at the sport of pro fishing . Hosted by Dave Mercer, Bassmaster Emcee and Facts of Fishing host along with his limitless list of pro fishing friends and their awkwardly honest take on a fishing podcast.

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21 episodes
Updated Wednesday

Episodes21

Newest first

Wednesday · 1 hr 6 min
Cory Johnston: Chasing Angler of the Year… and Some Want Him Banned on MERCER-274
During one of his best seasons ever 3 time Bassmaster winner Cory Johnston sits just two events and 1 angler away from capturing the coveted Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. But with all that success has come an unexpected conversation—some anglers close to home even think that he should be banned. This week Cory swings by for a face-to-face honest conversation about an incredible season, the pressure of the AOY race, and what it’s really like competing at the highest level of professional bass fishing. Whether you’re following the AOY race or just love hearing the stories behind professional fishing, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
July 29 · 1 hr 45 min
The 5 Most Emotional Bassmaster Moments I've Ever Filmed on MERCER-273
This week, Jake’s Take returns—and this one might be the most powerful yet. Bassmaster videographer Jake Latendresse has spent years behind the camera, capturing some of the greatest moments in professional bass fishing. But this episode isn’t about the biggest catches or the biggest trophies. It’s about the moments that meant the most. Jake counts down the five most emotional stories he has ever filmed during a Bassmaster event, sharing the behind-the-scenes details and personal memories that viewers never got to hear. From Lee Livesay’s unforgettable triumph, to Jason Christie’s raw emotion, Brandon Palaniuk’s incredible perseverance, Brandon Cobb’s shocking hook set, Takumi Ito’s inspiring journey, and Drew Cook’s unforgettable sight fishing moments —these are the stories that remind us that fishing is about so much more than just winning tournaments. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to witness history through the lens of a camera, this episode gives you a front-row seat. Honest, emotional, funny, and full of incredible storytelling, Jake once again takes us behind the scenes of the biggest moments in Bassmaster history. If you love the people behind the sport as much as the competition itself, you won’t want to miss this one.
July 22 · 1 hr 39 min
Justin Atkins: Fishing Has a Secret Problem on MERCER-272
Fishing has changed—and keeping a secret might be harder than ever. This week on the Mercer Podcast, Bassmaster Elite Series Pro and Forrest Wood Cup Champion Justin Atkins joins us for a VERY honest, wide-ranging conversation about what it’s really like to chase a career in professional fishing. We dive into whether fishing secrets still exist in the age of social media and instant information sharing. Has it become impossible to keep a productive pattern, a winning bait, or a special spot under wraps? But that’s just the beginning. Justin opens up about the financial risks of chasing a childhood dream, what it takes to survive on tour, his relentless desire to win, and the sacrifices that come with making professional fishing your career. Along the way, the conversation takes plenty of unexpected turns—including hilarious tour stories, embarrassing moments, life on the road, and the realities that fans rarely get to hear. It’s funny, honest, and full of the kind of behind-the-scenes stories that only happen when two friends who love the sport sit down and have a real conversation. If you’re passionate about bass fishing, tournament competition, or just love hearing the stories behind the anglers, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
July 15 · 1 hr 12 min
Rick Clunn: "Urchin Baits Turn Me On" and Other Clunn-clusions on MERCER-271
The legendary Rick Clunn has always seen fishing differently than everyone else, and this conversation is no exception. It starts with the shocking quote, “Urchin baits turn me on” to a fascinating discussion about why the latest bait craze has captured anglers’ attention, Rick shares his unique perspective on what makes a lure truly special—and why history has a way of repeating itself. We dive into the current Urchin bait phenomenon, compare it to some of the biggest lure crazes of the past, and explore how innovation continues to shape the sport. Along the way, Rick reflects on life after professional tournament fishing, how he’s adjusted to stepping away from competition, and what still fuels his passion for bass fishing every single day. As always, Clunn-clusion is a conversation that goes far beyond fishing techniques. It’s about curiosity, perspective, and seeing the sport through the eyes of one of the greatest anglers of all time.
July 8 · 1 hr 25 min
Kyle Patrick - SLAPPED Out of a Slump on MERCER-270
For most anglers, confidence comes and goes. For Kyle Patrick, it took getting literally slapped out of a slump during Mercer in the Morning to turn everything around. This week on The Mercer Podcast, Dave sits down with the two-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and Bassmaster Open winner for one of the most honest conversations you’ll hear all season. Kyle opens up about the mental side of professional fishing, battling through tough stretches, rebuilding confidence, and why one unexpected moment became the reset he didn’t know he needed. But that’s just the beginning. The conversation dives into what it really takes to compete at the highest level of the sport, chasing a Bassmaster Classic title, handling the pressure of tournament fishing, the evolution of modern bass fishing, and the lessons that only come from living life on the road. It’s funny, authentic, insightful, and packed with the kind of stories you only get when the cameras stop rolling… or when someone decides the best cure for a slump is an open-handed slap. Whether you’re a tournament angler, a weekend fisherman, or simply love hearing what drives elite competitors, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
July 1 · 1 hr 35 min
Jake Latendresse - Top 5 Craziest Bassmaster Bloopers on MERCER-269
What really happens behind the scenes at the Bassmaster Elite Series? This week on the Mercer Podcast, Bassmaster videographer Jake Latendresse returns with another edition of Jake’s Take—the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at life on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Jake takes us onto the back deck of Jason Christie’s boat during his historic 10th Bassmaster victory on the Pasquotank River, sharing stories and moments the cameras never showed. He also makes a shocking announcement, relives the unforgettable moment he took a seagull to the face during the tournament, and counts down the Top 5 craziest on-the-water accidents and bloopers he’s witnessed while filming the biggest names in professional bass fishing. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens when Bassmaster LIVE isn’t rolling, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
June 24 · 1 hr 51 min
Carl Jocumsen Is PISSED… And He’s Finally Talking About It on MERCER-268
Carl Jocumsen is one of the most passionate anglers in professional fishing… but this time he’s fired up. Carl is PISSED… and he’s finally ready to talk about it. On this episode of the Mercer Podcast, Carl opens up about what’s frustrating him, why he believes some things need to change, and the ever-evolving world of tournament bass fishing. From new rules and the future of the sport to the challenges professional anglers face, Carl doesn’t hold back. But this conversation isn’t just about fishing — it’s about making a difference. Carl also shares the incredible story behind the Fear My Heart Worldwide Lake Clean Up, a movement he created to bring anglers together, protect our fisheries, and leave this world better than we found it. Passion. Frustration. Change. Positivity. This is Carl Jocumsen like you’ve never heard him before.
June 17 · 1 hr 13 min
Jason Christie: Inside the Mind of a 10-Time Bassmaster Champion on MERCER-267
Jason Christie is back on The Mercer podcast hot off his second Elite Series victory of the season and his 10th Bassmaster win, Christie continues to prove why he is one of the greatest anglers to ever do it. But what separates a 10-time champion from everyone else? In this episode, Jason opens up about the mindset, confidence, preparation, and instincts that have made him one of the most consistent winners in professional bass fishing. From handling pressure, hating losing, making the right decisions on the water, and finding a way to win when everything is on the line — this is a rare look inside the mind of Jason Christie. We also break down the winning bait that is dominating pro bass fishing. The Coike or Urchin style bait and why it has become such a powerful tool in Christie’s arsenal. Jason shares what makes this bait so effective, how he approaches fishing it, and why it continues to produce when the pressure is at its highest. Plus, we dive into the stories behind another incredible season, what keeps him hungry after all these years, and why the best may still be yet to come. This is Jason Christie: Inside the Mind of a 10-Time Bassmaster Champion.
June 10 · 1 hr 47 min
Dakota Ebare: Grumpy Anglers Don’t Catch Fish & Byrons Bunker on Mercer-266
Some anglers blame the weather. Some blame the fish. Some blame everything around them. But according to Dakota Ebare… grumpy anglers don’t catch fish. This week on the Mercer Podcast, Dakota Ebare dives deep into the mental side of fishing and why staying positive under pressure might be one of the biggest keys to success. It’s a mindset that has currently helped him climb all the way to 3rd place in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. Dakota also gets real about: -constantly changing debate around tournament rules -The hottest new baits & techniques catching fish right now - Why confidence and attitude matter more than most anglers realize. But that’s not all…Former Bassmaster champion and ABC’s Bachelor Byron Velvick joins us for another edition of Byron’s Bunker — and he shares a never-before-told story about the unbelievable things professional anglers sometimes have to overcome on the water. Fishing, stories, laughs and a reminder that sometimes the biggest battle isn’t with the bass… it’s between your ears.
June 3 · 1 hr 20 min
Ben Milliken: Legal Battles, Life After Bassmaster and The Greatest Bait Ever Made on MERCER-265
Ben Milliken returns to this week’s Mercer Podcast for a wide-open conversation about the highs, lows and everything in between. From building one of the biggest followings in fishing, to chasing his dream on the Bassmaster Elite Series, Ben’s journey has been anything but ordinary. In this episode, he opens up about his legal problems in Texas, the challenges and lessons learned from his time competing against the best anglers in the world, and what life looks like after Bassmaster. But that’s not all… we also take a dive deep into the future of fishing, his insane new property “The Fantasy Farm” and the one bait Ben believes could be the greatest bait ever made for catching a bass. Ben Milliken has changed the fishing world and he has done it by being real, relatable and honest. So when Ben shows up, the Awkwardly Honest Fishing Podcast gets a lot more honest and even more awkward!
May 27 · 1 hr 15 min
5 Dirty Urchin Bait Tricks Pros Hide From the Camera on MERCER-264
What really happens behind the scenes at the Bassmaster Elite Series? This week on the Mercer Podcast, Bassmaster videographer Jake Latendresse returns with another edition of Jake’s Take — the ultimate Bassmaster behind-the-scenes segment. Jake takes us inside the action from the back deck of Brandon Palaniuk’s boat during the Santee Cooper Elite Series event and gives an up-close look at life inside Tristan McCormick’s boat during the Wheeler Lake Bassmaster Open. From the chaos you never see on camera… to the little details that separate the best anglers in the world… Jake shares stories and moments only a Bassmaster cameraman gets to witness. But that’s not all… Then we dive head first into the latest craze taking over pro fishing — the Urchin Bait — as Jake reveals his “5 Dirty Urchin Bait Tricks Pros Hide From the Camera.” The sneaky retrieves. The hidden modifications. The little tricks anglers don’t want competitors noticing. If you love Bassmaster behind-the-scenes stories, tournament insight, and awkwardly honest fishing talk… this episode is loaded to the gills!
May 20 · 1 hr 56 min
Paul Marks and Chris Johnston: Back-to-Back Winners Get Real on MERCER-263
Two champions on one show, is it even possible? Well, hell ya! This is the Mercer Podcast! In episode #263 Dave sits down with two of the hottest anglers in professional bass fishing-the two most recent Bassmaster Elite Series champions and talk winning stories, real talk, and some stuff nobody expected to talk about. Fresh off of his win at Lake Murray, Surge Squad member Paul Marks joins the show to break down the victory, the momentum, and what life is like away from the tour. Including a surprise visit from fellow Surge Squader Andrew Loberg. Then, back-to-back Bassmaster Angler of the Year Chris Johnston joins the show hot off of his Santee Cooper victory to talk confidence, consistency, and what it really takes to stay at the top of the sport. Two winners. Two completely different journeys. One Mercer podcast.
May 13 · 2 hr 2 min
Buddy Jaron Snuck Into the Bassmaster Classic...as Boat 26 + Byron Velvick on MERCER-262
What happens when a guy sneaks into the Bassmaster Classic… and suddenly becomes one of the most talked-about people at the event ? In this absolutely wild episode, internet superstar Buddy Jaron joins Mercer to tell the unbelievable behind-the-scenes story of how he infiltrated the Bassmaster Classic and somehow became the legendary “Boat 26.” From awkward encounters and security close calls to the madness that unfolded once anglers and fans realized who he was, Buddy Jaron breaks down every hilarious detail from inside the biggest event in fishing. But that’s just the beginning… Jaron also dives deep into the wonderfully chaotic world inside his mind with stories, opinions, adventures, and the kind of unpredictable moments that only Buddy Jaron can deliver. Then former Bassmaster winner, ABC’s The Bachelor alum, returns with Byron’s Bunker, Byron Velvick joins the show and regales us with stories from his journey through professional fishing. From sleeping in a legendary Astro Van just for a shot at competing in the big leagues… to the sacrifices, struggles, and unforgettable moments that shaped his career — Byron proves why he’s one of the most unique personalities the sport has ever seen. This episode is funny, weird, inspiring, completely unfiltered… and somehow only gets crazier as it goes. If you love fishing, comedy, behind-the-scenes stories, and pure chaos… this one is mandatory listening.
May 6 · 1 hr 14 min
Takumi Ito: The Baits He REFUSES to Show You on MERCER-261
Some anglers want attention… 2 time Bassmaster Elite champion Takumi Ito wants some stuff to stay secret. In this episode of the Mercer Podcast, Takumi Ito opens up like never before about the baits he refuses to show anyone, the strategy behind keeping secrets at the highest level, and why some techniques are better left unseen. But this conversation goes way deeper than tackle… Takumi talks about: • The hidden baits and patterns he protects from the fishing world • How he has evolved as an angler since coming to America • Which Bassmaster Elite angler is the most intimidating to compete against • Top Golf = Good Times • What his dream retirement actually looks like • And the mindset it takes to survive at the top level of professional fishing From serious strategy to completely unexpected moments, this is Takumi Ito unfiltered — funny, honest, and full of insight you normally never hear. If you love bass fishing, behind-the-scenes tour talk, secret baits, and real conversations with the biggest names in the sport… this episode is for you.
April 29 · 1 hr 28 min
Lee Livesay Unfiltered: No Script, No Filter, No Lies on Mercer-260
What do pro anglers really say when the cameras are off? In this episode, 4-time Bassmaster champion Lee Livesay joins Mercer for a completely unfiltered conversation—no notes, no prep, and nothing off limits. From the rules shaping today’s tournaments to the rise of AI in fishing, Livesay opens up about where the sport is headed… and what’s really being said behind the scenes. We get into: • The real conversations happening behind the scenes • How rules & technology are changing the game • The truth about fishing Lake Fork and the “Fork Factor” • The topics every angler wants to talk about—but usually won’t • And why Livesay continues to perform at the highest level Lee has always called it like he sees it—and this episode is no different: honest, raw, and straight up. If you love real talk, big bass, and the truth about where fishing is going… this one’s for you.
April 22 · 1 hr 7 min
Just Won...Then This Happened (Unfiltered Champions) on MERCER-259
What happens in the moments right after you win? In this episode of the Mercer Podcast, we sit down with three champions — Jacob Foutz, Drew Benton & Mike Iaconelli — immediately following their most recent victories. No scripts. No time to think. Just raw emotion, real reactions, and the truth that fans rarely get to see. From adrenaline highs to honest reflections, this is what winning actually feels like right after a victory. If you’ve ever wondered what goes through a champion’s mind in those first moments… this is it. Foutz from the boat ramp at the Arkansas River Bassmaster Elite Series plus Benton & Ike moments after winning the inaugural Tuesday Night Live on Table Rock Lake.
April 15 · 1 hr 8 min
Top 5 Things Pro Anglers Don't Want You Seeing on MERCER-258
Some of this...wasn't supposed to be said. Bassmaster videographer Jake Latendresse is back with another Jake's Take - and this time, he's pulling back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes at the highest level of professional fishing. The moments you don't see on TV and the reactions anglers hope never get caught. Jake is around it all - the wins, the pressure, the awkward moments...and everything in between. And now, he's breaking down his Top 5 Things Pro Anglers Don't Want You Seeing. Some are hilarious. Some are uncomfortable. And a few...might surprise you.
April 8 · 1 hr 31 min
These Elite Pros Are Up to Something... on MERCER-257
What happens when some of the best anglers on the planet ditch the script… and go back to where it all started? In this GGGiant episode of the Mercer Podcast, we’ve got an absolute all-star lineup: Mark Zona, Jason Christie, Mike Iaconelli, Chris Johnston, Drew Benton, Kyle Welcher, Drew Cook, Bryan New & Kyle Patrick And yeah… they’re definitely up to something. We break down “Tuesday Night Live” — a brand new, no-BS, throwback tournament where these Elite pros split into 2-man teams and battle it out in a 3-hour shootout inspired by the old-school weeknight derbies they grew up on. No fluff. No filters. Just: • Big bites • Fast decisions • Real pressure • And a whole lot of friendly trash talk This is fishing stripped down to its roots — where instincts take over, egos get tested, and anything can happen in 3 hours. The best part is you can catch it all LIVE on April 21st, as Tuesday Night Live goes down in real time on Bassmaster.com, YouTube & Roku— with unfiltered & often unhinged play-by-play from Mark Zona and Dave Mercer. You do NOT want to miss this. But first they all join the podcast to met their partners & make predictions in a free for all of fishing smack talk & story telling.
April 1 · 1 hr 35 min
Jason Christie: The BOX MAKER (What It Takes to CLOSE & the “Unwritten Rules”) on MERCER-256
Fresh off his 9th Bassmaster win, Jason Christie sits down for one of his most honest conversations yet. This isn’t just about another trophy. Christie opens up about how bad breaks can turn into winning moments, the mindset it takes to survive the grind, and why sometimes the worst days on the water lead to the biggest victories. We also dive into what it really feels like when Championship Sunday hits—and why Christie has become one of the most dangerous closers in professional fishing. Plus… the stuff anglers don’t always admit: • The superstitions he actually believes in • The role of confidence when everything is on the line • The mental switch that separates contenders from champions • And the grey area of competition… including anglers pushing boundaries on “unwritten rules”—like following or spying on the live release boat. No fluff. No filter. Just Jason Christie being brutally honest about winning, losing, and everything in between.
March 25 · 2 hr 13 min
The TRUTH About the Bassmaster Classic...Champions, Secrets, Science and Stories on MERCER-255
The questions weren’t done… so neither is he. Bassmaster Classic Champion Dylan Nutt returns to the Mercer Podcast — and this time, nothing is off limits. More answers, more truth, and the follow-up everyone’s been waiting for. Then it gets CRAZY… For the first time ever, we go inside Berkley Labs for a world exclusive. Scientist Mark Sexton and product manager Nathan Ragsdale break down exactly what the Berkley Lab Series is… and how it played a role in winning the Bassmaster Classic. And then… a moment you won’t forget. 4-time Classic Champion Rick Clunn delivers one of the most honest, raw, and moving conversations we’ve ever had on this show. We close it out with Jake’s Take — the ultimate behind-the-scenes look at Bassmaster with videographer Jake Latendresse, who’s been in the boat for the moments you didn’t see. This one has EVERYTHING — champions, secrets, science, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.