It’s the Mercer Podcast Festive Special and it’s a good one! What Pat Summerall and John Madden were to Football, Tommy Sanders and Mark Zona are to Professional Bass Fishing. Both are individually members of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame. But together they have a unique chemistry and an engaging connection that not only educates but it entertains. This week T & Z join the podcast and reunite for a candid conversation and a couple of very JUICY announcements that will make every Bassmaster fan very HAPPY!!! #TnZ

Buckle up! This one gets extra SPICY! Byron Velvick is a 3 time Bassmaster winner and a 2 time Classic qualifier. He is a big bait pioneer from the west coast that has won 14 boats and a dang Rolex! He is truly one of the greatest promoters of the sport of fishing. He was once “The Bachelor” on ABC which resulted in him being a guest on every major talk show on TV. The whole time he was promoting the sport he loves….fishing. This week he returns to the podcast and shares some of the craziest real life tournament stories ever told on this show.

Byron Velvick is a 3 time Bassmaster winner and a 2 time Classic qualifier. He is a big bait pioneer from the west coast that has won 14 boats and a dang Rolex! He is truly one of the greatest promoters of the sport of fishing. He was once “The Bachelor” on ABC which resulted in him being a guest on every major talk show on TV. The whole time he was promoting the sport he loves….fishing. This week he joins the podcast and shares some of the absolute craziness that is his incredible life.

Bradley Hallman is a two-time FLW Tour winner and a two-time Elite Series qualifier with a rapidly growing YouTube following. But it has not always been this way. At one point in his life, Bradley walked away from the Bassmaster Elite Series believing that tournament fishing had stole his soul. But that was then, this is now. A rejuvenated and reenergized Hallman is just a few short hours away from kicking off his second stint on the Bassmaster Elite Series. But first he joins the podcast to talk about his past & the more prepared person it has made him today.

Over the last 3 years Lee Livesay is truly one of the hottest anglers on the planet. In that short time he has won 4 Bassmaster tournaments, collected 2 Bassmaster Century Belts & weighed in the 3rd biggest limit in Bassmaster History. He has qualified for 3 Bassmaster Classics & not only did he win on his home lake (Lake Fork) but he did it back-to-back. Along the way he has assembled one of the coolest sponsor line ups in professional fishing. Not only is he sponsored by Busch Beer but also the hit southern rock/country band Whiskey Myers. Livesay represents the same red dirt roots that they sing about as he continues his fast train to the top of the fishing game. But this year things feel a little different & Lee joins the podcast to talk about all that and so, so much more. Please help support Chase and his amazing baitshttps://www.chaserhandpouredsoftbodybaits.com

Matt Robertson is one of the most polarizing pro anglers in professional fishing. He is a 4-time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier and a Bassmaster Open Champion. In a very short time he has built a legion of loyal fans. Known for his signature ON ‘EM hat, his cut-off shirts, fur coats and ferocious personality. Matt proudly represents Kentucky and the trailer park he calls home. His down home thinking and don’t-give-a-crap attitude has taken the fishing world by storm. Along the way he has ruffled some feathers but ultimately Matt just wants to catch fish and have a good time.

John Cox is not your average pro angler. As a matter of fact nothing about John Cox is average. His incredible career includes 9 FLW Wins, 2 Bassmaster Wins, he is the 2016 Forrest Wood Cup Champion with close to 3 million dollars in tournament winnings. But what’s even more amazing than his accomplishments is how he has done it. At a time when people think it’s impossible to make your mark in pro fishing without Forward Facing Sonar, Cox still counts on the same natural fish-catching instinct he was born with. His incredible outlook on life & perpetual positive attitude proves he is clearly doing exactly what he was born to do. If you ask John Cox he Can’t Stop & Won’t Stop fishing anytime soon.

Jason Christie has 10 FLW wins and 8 Bassmaster wins. He is the reigning and defending Bassmaster Classic Champion! Christie has accumulated almost 3 million dollars in winnings, making him one of the most feared names in professional bass fishing. But why?? One reason - no matter how long his hall of fame resume gets, he still is and always will be “all about the chase”.This week a very real, raw and honest Jason Christie joins the podcast to talk about all that and so, so much more.

First we kick things off with Bassmaster videographer Jake Latendresse with Jake’s Take. Just back from the recent Bassmaster College Classic Bracket on Tims Ford Lake in Tennessee. Then we are joined by the Frog Father - Alfred Williams is a true tournament trailblazer. Not only was he the first black angler to ever qualify for the Bassmaster Classic but he is truly an angling pioneer. Ever wonder why a frog has skirted legs? Wonder no more - Alfred did that. Just a week after being inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame the amazing Alfred Williams joins the show to talk about his life, his learnings and his legacy.

Brandon Palaniuk is a former Bass Nation National Champion, he has qualified for 12 Bassmaster Classics, won 6 Bassmaster Tournaments and he has won 2 Bassmaster AOY titles with the latest being in 2022 making him the reigning & defending Bassmaster Angler of the Year! Regardless of all those accomplishments, “The Prodigy” values his own personal growth above all else. This week’s show is a very deep dig into one of the marvellous young minds that is leading this sport. Buckle up and prepare to get inspired as Brandon Palaniuk opens up about motivation, meditation, fatherhood, fitness, fishing & the future.

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 as always, he is unapologetically G!

Denny Brauer has won 17 Bassmaster tournaments, 2 Angler of the Year titles and he is 1998 Bassmaster Classic Champion. He was the first angler ever featured on the Wheeties Box & made two appearances on the David Letterman Show where he actually taught Ozzy Osborn how to cast. But Denny Brauer truly is the gift that keeps on giving. His unbelievable success and impact on the sport is still felt today through the innovation he brought to the sport and the inspiration he provided for many of today’s brightest stars.

Kevin VanDam is a 7-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year, a 4-time Bassmaster Classic Champion with a record 25 Bassmaster Wins, 4 MLF wins & FLW Angler of the Year title. All that adds up to over 7 million in earnings & makes him the most accomplished angler in the history of professional bass fishing. How did he do it? If you ask KVD, he will tell you “it’s all about the attitude”. This week he joins the podcast for a very real, raw and honest conversation about some topics he very rarely talks about publicly.

Jeff Gustafson & Carl Jocumsen are both Elite Series Champions & Bassmaster Classic Qualifiers. On top of their incredible resumes they are both widely considered two of the nicest pros in the sport. This week they join the podcast to talk about their incredible experience at the ABT- Australian Barra Tour, the future of tournament fishing, chasing your dreams, the upcoming Bassmaster Classic & a WHOLE bunch of other stuff making this week's show not only the longest episode ever but maybe the Nicest Fishing Podcast EVER!

Larry Nixon’s incredible Hall of Fame career includes qualifying for 25 Bassmaster Classics & 15 FLW Cups; 2 Angler of the a Year Titles & 18 victories including the 1983 Bassmaster Classic. As if that’s not enough, he was also the first angler to ever become a Bassmaster Millionaire. For most, a resume like that is exhausting to read never mind actually accomplish it. But Larry is not most and he is not finished. At 72 years of age Larry Nixon will return to BASS and compete in the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series…but first he joins this week's podcast.

In honour of Bass Fishing Hall of Fame week we have a double dose of goodness. First we kick things off with Mike McKinnis, the visionary producer that created Bassmaster LIVE & limitless list of award winning outdoor programming. Then we are joined by Skeet Reese, one of the greatest competitors in bass fishing history. Reese has 12 tour level victories including the 2009 Bassmaster Classic & the 2007 Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. Amassing over 4 million dollars in winnings making him one of the top 5 money winners in history. Both of them will be officially inducted into the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame this week, but first they stop by this week’s Mercer Podcast.

Big Fish Bobby Lane is a 12 time Bassmaster Classic Qualifier, an Elite Series Champion & the reigning RedCrest Champion. With almost 3 million dollars in earnings you would think his career would be on cruise control. However, Bobby Lane is walking away with his trophy & fishing the Bassmaster Opens in 2023 to try re-qualify for the Bassmaster Elite Series.  This week he joins the podcast to talk about that and a whole bunch of other incredibly entertaining stories. Big Fish, Big Laughs & Big Dreams! on MERCER-86

Keith Combs is a three time Bassmaster winner & a three time Toyota Texas Bass Classic Champion. He has well over two million dollars in winnings & he will compete in his 9th Bassmaster Classic in 2023. But did you know he does a world class impersonation of a very famous pro angler? Learn that and oh so much more on this week's episode.

Bassmaster Videographer, Outdoor Extremist & Friend of the Show Jake Latendresse once again returns to the show with Jake’s Take. This week we discuss Redfish Cup, the 10lb record smallmouth bass and new anglers coming to the Bassmaster Elite Series. All this and more on MERCER 84.

Rut Daniels was destined for greatness. He was one simple shot from Olympic Gold………until he shot the wrong target. Regardless of his Olympic adversities many still consider Rut Daniels the greatest archer to ever walk this planet. A tail of overcoming adversity that everyone can benefit from. Rut Danials finally opens up on this week's podcast.

If you flip through the pages of Bassmaster Magazine or visit Bassmaster.com you have seen James Overstreet’s work. Street, as many call him, is a world-renowned outdoor photographer that has covered many of the most iconic moments in Bassmaster history. This week he joins the podcast to share some behind-the-scenes stories and his incredible down-to-earth attitude about life.

If Captain America was a pro angler, his name might just be Davy Hite. Hite left a military career to chase his dream of pro angling and what a dream career it has been. Qualifying for 14 Bassmaster Classics, winning 2 Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles and 9 major tournament victories - including the 1998 Forrest Wood Cup and 1999 Bassmaster Classic. In 2017, after a Hall of Fame career, Davy Hite retired from competition to join the Bassmaster broadcast team. This week, Davy joins the podcast and talks about the 2024 Bassmaster series, rules, rookies and real talk.

His personal moto is “Don’t Suck” and Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Bryan New truly lives up to that moto. In less than 3 years he has won 2 Bassmaster tournaments, including the very first Elite Series tournament he fished, qualified for 3 Bassmaster Classics and won an Angler of the Year title from the Bassmaster Opens. Never short of an opinion, Bryan New is 100% unapologetically himself. This week he joins the podcast and opens up about…well, pretty much everything. Trust me - this episode “Don’t Suck”.

Caleb Sumrall is a former Bass Nation National Champion, a 3-Time Bassmaster Classic qualifier & a full-time Elite Series Pro. However all of this may have never happened if it was not for some bad luck. After losing his job, Caleb had no choice but to take his shot at professional bass fishing & ultimately turned his nightmare into a dream.

Bassmaster Videographer, Outdoor Extremist & Friend of the Show Jake Latendresse once again returns to the show with Jake’s Take. This week we discuss Tournament Cheaters & Short Cut Seekers in life, business & competitive sports on MERCER 79.

Ol’ Bob Downey is a Bassmaster Elite Series pro hot off of his best Elite season ever. He is a two time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and a former Opens Champion but what about Bob? The often quiet but always friendly Minnesota pro joins this week's podcast to answer that very question on MERCER 78.

Brandon Palaniuk has won 6 Bassmaster tournaments, a Bass Nation National Championship and as of a few weeks ago, he is a 2-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year. For most people that would be enough but for Brandon he is just getting started. From Prodigy to the pinnacle of pro fishing. This week Brandon Palaniuk joins the podcast and opens up about EVERYTHING.

You ever hear the joke about 3 Canadians walking into a bar? Us either but it sure makes for a great podcast. Cory Johnston doubled down in 2024 with 2 Elite Series victories. Not to be outdone, little bro Chris Johnston just became the first Canadian to EVER win the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. It was a huge year for both these hockey-playing brothers from north of the border. However it was not all highlights. There were some low lights including World War Gee at the St. Lawrance River. This week the Johnston brothers belly up to the bar to talk about all that and so, so much more on the Mercer podcast.

Brandon Lester is an 8-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier that is hot off his best Bassmaster season ever. This season included 2 wins and a 2nd place finish in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. But above all those accomplishments, Lester’s greatest trophy is his incredible family that drives him to compete and ultimately leaves him a Happy Man!

Mark Zona is the the colourful off-the-wall host of Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show, Bassmaster TV & BassLIVE. This week a very Real, Raw & Honest Z-Train joins the podcast in a Bassmaster end-of-the-season tell-all that ultimately ends up in us all agreeing that Moments Matter.

That’s a wrap! The 9th and final stop of the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series just finished in LaCrosse, Wisconsin. Like we do after every Elite, I am once again joined by friend of the show and Bassmaster videographer Jake Latendresse to deliver the ultimate behind-the-scenes info from the 2022 Mississippi River Bassmaster Elite Series tournament. But that’s not all. This week we talk about Jay Przekurat’s incredible Rookie of the Year season, Brandon Palaniuk's inspiring life and his second Angler of the Year win, plus so-so much more this week on MERCER 74.

Just home from the 8th stop on the Bassmaster Elite Series. So as always, friend of the show and Bassmaster videographer Jake Latendresse joins the show with the ultimate behind-the-scenes info from the 2022 Lake Oahe Bassmaster Elite Series tournament & so, so much more. Jake Latendresse with Jake’s Take this week on MERCER 73.

Lisa Talmadge is truly a trailblazing tournament director. As the tournament director for the Bassmaster Elite Series, Lisa arguably has the most public “official” position in pro fishing and she is the first female in history to do so. But outside of her friendly smile many Bassmaster fans don’t know much about her...until now. This week Lisa Talmadge finally joins the podcast.

Randy Blaukat is a lot of things. He is a pro angler who has qualified for 8 Bassmaster Classics and 9 FLW Cups. He is a promoter, an angling pioneer and most recently, a YouTuber. Blaukat’s  polarizing opinions have allowed his channel incredible growth. But does he really believe some of the stuff he says? On this week’s podcast Randy opens up about it all and helps us answer the question - Is Randy Blaukat Crazy or a Genius?

Gary Clouse is a Bassmaster Elite Series pro that has built a bass boat empire from the ground up. Whether it’s bass fishing or boat building, all Clouse’s dreams have been built on Belief.

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.

He is the youngest Bassmaster Elite Series Champion ever. He holds the record for the biggest winning weight of smallmouth bass in history and he is leading the Bassmaster Rookie of the Year race with just two events left in the season. However some people are still asking Who the HECK is Jay Przekurat? This week he joins the podcast to answer that very question.

Once again friend of the show and Bassmaster videographer Jake Latendresse joins the show with the ultimate behind-the-scenes info from maybe the greatest smallmouth tournament in the history of EVER. This week on MERCER 68.

Bassmaster Open winner & Classic Qualifier Cooper Gallant joins this week’s show to discuss the upcoming Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on the St. Lawrence River. His thoughts, his predictions & his BIG BASS LIVE announcement.

Bryan Schmitt is one of those quiet dudes that truly does his talking at the scales. He is a Bassmaster Classic Qualifier that has won in both the Bassmaster Opens and the Elite Series. He actually holds the all time record for the most Toyota Series wins ever. But even with all those accomplishments, he may fly under the radar of some fishing fans. This week he joins the podcast to talk about that and so so much more on MERCER-66.

Matty Wong is the raining BASS Nation National Champion. But only a year ago he was fishing out of a bass boat almost as old as he is. That boat had only one black and white graph. But what he lacked in equipment he made up for with heart and additude. A year later he is a full time pro on the Bassmaster Elite Series fishing out of a brand new fully rigged Bass boat. Proving with his infectious attitude and positive outlook anything is possible.

Drew Benton is a five time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, he has two tour level victories and he won Rookie of the Year in both the Bassmaster Elite Series & the FLW tour.  But today’s Drew Benton may just be the best Benton to ever fish. His happiness at home allows him to focus on fishing & focus he has. Currently sitting in 5th place in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year standing; a calm, comfortable & complete Drew Benton joins this week’s show to talk about all that and spawning season both on and off the water. You don’t want to miss this one!

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.

Everyone has thought it. But he actually did it. In his late thirties Pat Schlapper walked away from a secure job to chase his dream of becoming a Bassmaster Elite Series pro. He qualified for the Elite Series twice in one season. He is a former Bass Nation National Champion & Bassmaster Classic Qualifier. This week he joins the podcast & opens up in an incredibly HONEST conversation.

Bassmaster cameraman Jake Latendresse once again joins Dave on MERCER to break down the behind-the-scenes of the 6th stop of the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series on Pickwick Lake.

Clay Dyer was born without any lower limbs; no arm on the left side and a partial arm on the right. However, these limitations did not dampen his determination and positive spirit. In a world seemingly full of reasons to quit, Clay's unbelievable will and positive attitude not only drive him, but his story will drive you too. If Clay can, You Can!

The ultimate behind-the-scenes show from last week’s historic Bassmaster Elite Series tournament on Lake Fork. We have the only two people that saw everything that really happened. 4-time Bassmaster Winner Lee Livesay & his cameraman from all 4 days, friend of the show, Jake Latendresse with the ultimate Jake’s Take.

The fishing world truly lost one of its fore fathers this past week, when the great Ray Scott passed away at 88 years old. This week we welcome Bass Fishing Hall of Famer & Bassmaster Classic veteran Steve Bowman to pay tribute to the amazing man that was Ray Scott.

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.

David Mullins is a 3-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier and a BASS Open winner.  Just 2 years after a 2nd place finish in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year race, Mullins is once again in contention for Angler of the Year. This week he joins the podcast from his farm in Mt. Carmel, Tennessee and let's us all inside the mind of Mullins.