MERCER-The Awkwardly Honest Fishing Podcast

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.