MERCER-The Awkwardly Honest Fishing Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

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. 

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.

It’s Clunn-Day! 4-time Bassmaster Classic Champion, the legendary Mr. Rick Clunn stops by for his monthly visit with an eye-opening conversation that you truly won’t want to miss. But that’s not all - we are also joined by 4-time Classic Qualifier and Elite Series Champion, Takumi Ito. Taku brings his almost addictive child-like enthusiasm to the show and opens up about many things that he has never publicly spoken about before.

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.

Welcome to THE CULL. A weekly Sportfishing debate show hosted by Bassmaster Emcee Dave Mercer and Matt Pangrac from Bass Talk Live.

This week's question, Is the Bassmaster Classic or Angler Of the Year a greater accomplishment in professional fishing? Keep or Cull

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.

Welcome to THE CULL - a weekly fishing debate show hosted by Bassmaster emcee Dave Mercer and Matt Pangrac from Bass Talk Live.

This week's question - The most important advancement in electronics is mapping. Keep or Cull?

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.

Welcome to THE CULL. A weekly Sportfishing debate show with Bassmaster Emcee Dave Mercer and Matt Pangrac from Bass Talk Live.

This week's question - The bladed jig is the greatest lure invented. Ever.