MERCER-The Awkwardly Honest Fishing Podcast

For this special 250th edition of the Mercer Podcast, we brought in two men who know exactly what it feels like to hoist the trophy on bass fishing’s biggest stage — the two most recent Bassmaster Elite Series champions:🏆 Hank Cherry🏆 Fisher AnayaTwo champions. Two generations. Two very different paths to the top.In this milestone episode, we go beyond the winning moments and into the mindset it takes to survive — and thrive — at the highest level of professional bass fishing. Hank talks legacy, pressure, and what it really means to be a multiple-time champion. Fisher opens up about the new wave, confidence under the lights, and what it’s like carrying momentum in a sport that’s changing fast.We dive into:   •   What separates champions from contenders   •   The mental toll of Elite-level competition   •   Old school instinct vs. modern tech   •   The moment they knew they had it won   •   And what’s next after the confetti fallsIt’s honest. It’s competitive. It’s reflective.And it’s exactly what Episode 250 should be.Thank you for being part of the ride to 250.Let’s get to 300. 🎙️🔥

Arrested in Thailand.
Thrown in a jail cell with the Googan Squad.
And that’s just one of the many stories that get revealed.

In this episode of the Mercer Podcast, Sam Sobi goes way beyond fishing. We talk about the dreams that built him, the setbacks that tested him, giant bass, bugling elk, true love… and the moments that shaped him

But first we have the return of Jake’s Take.

Bassmaster videographer Jake Latendresse breaks down what really happened behind the scenes from inside the boat with eventual champion Hank Cherry, Trey McKinney, Bryant Smith, and Hunter Shryock. If you love the Elite Series but wish you could hear the stuff that never makes TV — this is it.

Raw stories. Real laughs. Zero script & as always awkwardly honest!

This is a real and raw conversation with Mike Iaconelli, one of the most iconic and influential anglers the sport has ever seen.

In this episode, Ike looks back on the full arc of his career — the wins that defined him, the losses that shaped him, and the moments that forced him to grow. He opens up about how his mindset has evolved over time, especially as the sport continues to change and a new generation of young, fearless anglers invade the tour.

This isn’t a highlight reel or a history lesson — it’s a conversation about evolution, perspective, and what it really means to stay relevant in a sport that never stops moving.
However, make no mistake-Ike still Never Gives Up!

Matty Wong doesn’t hold back.

In this episode of The Awkwardly Honest Fishing Podcast, Matty opens up about getting cut, the on-the-water confrontations no one talks about — including the day another pro completely lost it on him — and where he really stands with professional fishing today.

No sugarcoating. No PR answers. Just real stories about pressure, ego, conflict, and what happens when the cameras aren’t rolling.

If you’ve ever wondered what life is actually like behind the scenes of pro fishing… this one’s for you.

No rundown. No prep. No safety net.
Just Mark Zona doing what he does best—telling it exactly like it is.
In this unfiltered, unscripted conversation, Zona dives headfirst into the real state of pro fishing, the stuff everyone talks about off camera, and why he still loves this sport as much as ever. No notes. No plan. And absolutely no apologies.
Expect raw opinions, sharp humor, and classic Zona honesty as he breaks down:
   •   The current state of professional bass fishing
   •   Forward-facing sonar and where the sport is headed
   •   Overused buzzwords and tired narratives
   •   His favorite pros to watch (and why)
   •   Why passion—not polish—still matters
This is a real conversation with one of the most recognizable voices in the game. This is Zona Unfiltered, No Notes, No Plan & No Apologies