MERCER-The Awkwardly Honest Fishing 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.

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.

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.

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.