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.

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

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 - Does mental power trump angling talent?

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.

This week we have triple the podcast for you with 3 incredible guests. First, it’s Jake’s Take with all the behind-the-scenes dirt from the Wheeler Lake Bassmaster Elite. Then we are joined by the newest Elite Series champion, the Prince of Palatka himself - Cliff Prince. As if that’s not enough, finally, we hook up with Kevin VanDam to talk about recently being a topic on one of the biggest mainstream sports shows on the planet - The Pat McAfee Show.

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 - there will be another 10lb smallmouth bass caught in the next 5 years?

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. 

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 - Back Reeling Should Be Dead. Keep or Cull?

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.

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

This week’s question- The US Open should move to a new body of water each and every year. Keep or Cull?

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”.

Welcome to THE CULL. A weekly fishing debate show hosted by Bassmaster Emcee Dave Mercer and Matt Pangrac.

This week's question - Should all fish pass through a metal detector?

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.

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

This week's question - Will a pro athlete ever become a pro angler?

This week we have another double dose of goodness. First, we are joined by Bassmaster Elite Series pro David Gaston, who recently caught a 831 LB record Tuna. He tells the crazy, jaw-dropping story of the 11-hour fight aboard the 66ft Fat Chick. Then we hook up with The Homeless Fishermen - Marshall Arnwine. Who tells his incredibly inspiring story that just a few years ago, had him eating out of the garbage to today, being a rapidly growing content creator in search of the next world record bass. You don’t wanna miss this episode of the Mercer podcast!

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.

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 - A Kayak Angler Should Make the Bassmaster Classic?

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.

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 - The Carolina Rig is Back!

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.

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 - Who will win more Angler of the Year Titles - Jacob Wheeler or Brandon Palaniuk?

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.

He is a 6-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, a 2-time Bassmaster winner, the 2021 Bassmaster Angler of the Year, the amazing Feider-Man, Seth Feider joins us this week as he talks about his start to the season, how White Castle once saved his life, tournament rumours, quitting smoking, the urge to pee in his front yard and so, so much more.

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 - Keep or Cull that the 2022 Elite Series was the BEST schedule EVER!

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.

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

This week’s question- Forward Facing Sonar - Keep or Cull in Pro Level Tournaments?

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? 

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

This week’s question - Is Jay Przekurat's Smallmouth Record More Impressive Than Paul Elias' Largemouth Record?

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.

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.

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

This week’s question - Should ICAST be closed to the general public and restricted to industry-only?

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.

Brandon Palaniuk is a former Bass Nation National Champion, he has qualified for 13 Bassmaster Classics, won 6 Bassmaster Tournaments and 2 Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles. But none of these incredible accomplishments were achieved without a lot of work. This week we get a unique look inside the marvellous mind of “The Prodigy” and how the words 'Liv 2 Fsh' started on his hard hat but have driven him to achieve his childhood dreams.

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

This week’s question - Should the Top 5 Anglers in an Elite Series Event get trophies?

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.

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

This week's question - Should ladders be illegal in pro tournaments?