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.