MERCER-The Awkwardly Honest Fishing Podcast

Three Bassmaster winners. Three very different journeys. And one question they ALL have to answer: What’s the biggest lie in professional fishing? This week’s Mercer Podcast is absolutely a JAM-PACKED, TRIPLE BANGER with three of the hottest names coming off huge moments in their careers. Bryan Schmitt — Lake Champlain Bassmaster Elite Series Champion Evan Kung — Thousand Islands Bassmaster Elite Series Champion Caleb Hudson — 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year Three separate conversations. Three different perspectives on winning, pressure, life on the Elite Series and what it really takes to succeed at the highest level of professional bass fishing. But there’s one question they all get asked… What is the BIGGEST LIE in pro fishing? The answers might surprise you. We also dig into the moments that changed their seasons, the pressure that comes with chasing a Bassmaster trophy, what people on the outside misunderstand about tournament fishing, and plenty of the awkwardly honest stuff you’ve come to expect from the MERCER Podcast. Three winners. One packed episode.

Trey McKinney is officially the Bassmaster Angler of the Year — but there’s a whole lot that happened inside his boat that you didn’t get to see. Bassmaster cameraman Jake Latendresse spent the biggest moments of Trey’s AOY run on the back deck, giving him a front-row seat to EVERYTHING. On this episode of Jake’s Take, Jake takes us inside Trey McKinney’s boat to talk about the nerves when everything was on the line, the massive waves, Trey’s locked-in confidence and the subtle bait adjustments that helped make the difference. We also tackle the bigger question: after what Trey has accomplished at such a young age, how does he actually stack up against the all-time greats of professional bass fishing? The cameras captured the action. Jake saw EVERYTHING else!

Less than 24 hours after making history, Trey McKinney sits down at a picnic table with Mercer to talk about becoming the youngest Angler of the Year in Bassmaster history. After finishing second in the AOY race in each of the last two seasons, Trey finally got it done. But what does it actually feel like when the thing you’ve chased, dreamed about and come painfully close to finally becomes reality? With barely any time to process what just happened, Trey talks about the pressure of the final event, the emotions of Championship Sunday, the heartbreak of the last two years and what it means to finally be able to call himself Bassmaster Angler of the Year. No studio. No time to prepare the perfect answers. Just a picnic table and a brand-new Angler of the Year talking about the biggest moment of his young career. Trey McKinney made history. Less than 24 hours later, we talked about all of it.

The Bassmaster Elite Series season has come down to this — and there’s a LOT on the line.This week, Jake Latendresse is back for another Jake’s Take, and the timing couldn’t be better. We dig into some of the rumours making their way around about Bassmaster, what we’re hearing behind the scenes, and everything that is at stake heading into the final Elite Series tournament of the season on the St Lawrence River. But the biggest story is the Bassmaster Angler of the Year race. Three anglers. One tournament. And a battle that is simply too close to call.Trey McKinney, Drew Cook & Cory Johnston. Who handles the pressure? Who makes the right decisions? And who walks away as the 2026 Bassmaster Angler of the Year?The rumours are flying, the pressure is building, and the race is on. It’s all on this week’s Mercer Podcast.

Forward-facing sonar is right up there with politics and religion as a topic you’re probably better off not bringing up… so naturally, we’re talking about it. This week on the MERCER Podcast, three different pro anglers with three very different perspectives weigh in on one of the biggest questions in professional bass fishing: Did Bassmaster’s split forward-facing sonar schedule actually work? Greg Hackney, Mike Iaconelli and Kyle Patrick give their opinions on how the season played out, what worked, what didn’t, and whether splitting the schedule between events with and without forward-facing sonar accomplished what Bassmaster hoped it would. Did it create a more balanced playing field? Did it make the competition better? Did it prove anything at all? And most importantly—is this the format Bassmaster should stick with moving forward? Three pros. Three perspectives. One topic that bass fishing just can’t stop arguing about. Forward-facing sonar: did the split season work?

With just two Bassmaster Elite Series events remaining, Trey McKinney is once again right where he’s been knocking on the door for the last two seasons — in the hunt for Bassmaster Angler of the Year. But this time, he’s the one everyone is chasing. After finishing 2nd in AOY in each of his first two Elite Series seasons, Trey enters the final stretch leading the race and with a chance to finally finish the job. This week on the Mercer Podcast, Trey talks about the pressure of leading AOY, what he’s learned from coming so close the last two years, and what it will take to close it out. However we don’t avoid the tough stuff. Does Trey get help from locals to find fishing spots? How does he handle the rumors, criticism and scrutiny that come with being one of the most successful young anglers in the sport? And does any of that noise actually get to him? With two tournaments left and everything on the line, Trey McKinney answers the tough questions.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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.