Dave Mercer set the stage perfectly for our chat with television fishing show legend Jerry McKinnis. I could ramble on for ages telling you all about what Jerry means to the sport of fishing, but why would I when Jerry is more than equal to the task of telling it? We'll set the stage with Jerry's early years as an aspiring major league baseball player. Unlike many, Jerry is a man who takes a moment to learn as much from his failures as his successes, and takes a very great lesson away from his time with the Athletics. One failed career in baseball opened a world of opportunity in the fishing industry; we should all be thankful that Jerry walked away from the sport he loved to bring us closer to the sport we love. Jerry shares with us how he became one of the first ever to produce and film a television show based on sport fishing. From it's modest roots, to national syndication, you'll hear it right from the pioneer himself. We couldn't be prouder to share the story of a many who has made such a mark on the sport of fishing.   Listen on Stitcher: One More Cast on Stitcher Listen on TuneIn Radio: One More Cast on TuneIn Radio Subscribe on iTunes: One More Cast on iTunes Episode Resources: Bass Anglers Sportsman Society: Bassmaster.com

Before he tells the story of becoming emcee of the BASS Elite Series, we have to wrap up our look at the 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series with the Angler of the Year tournament on Mille Lacs. Dave tells us how he has mixed feelings about this final stop of the tour, and how despite his admitted love for "little brother" Brandon Palaniuk, he hates that only one of the many deserving anglers gets crowned as the Angler of the Year. Last time we had Dave on the show, we talked for quite some time off the record. One of the most interesting stories he shared with me was the story of how he became the emcee for the Bassmaster Elite Series. The man has a talent for spinning yarns, and since it was "off-the-record" talk between he and I, we couldn't share that story at the time. However, before parting, Dave asked me that the next time we have him on the show, I remind him to tell that story. At last, the perfect opportunity had presented itself for Dave to return to the show, and tell this story: We've just wrapped up the Elite Series season, and our guest next week is none other than fishing legend Jerry McKinnis. You'll want to listen to this show as it will set the stage perfectly for our next two episodes.   Listen on Stitcher: One More Cast on Stitcher Listen on TuneIn Radio: One More Cast on TuneIn Radio Subscribe on iTunes: One More Cast on iTunes Episode Resources: Facts of Fishing: Facts of Fishing Bassmaster Elite Series: Bassmaster.com Follow Dave Mercer's Facts of Fishing: On Facebook Follow Dave Mercer's Facts of Fishing: On YouTube Follow Dave on Twitter: @DaveMercer Shimano Fishing: Shimano Fishing Casting For a Cure: Casting for a Cure

We reached out to Dave Mercer directly following our chat with Brandon Palaniuk. The 2017 Elite Series season had concluded, and we begged Dave to spare us thirty minutes to recap some season highlights, and tell one quick story about getting the Bassmaster Elite Series Emcee job. In true Dave Mercer fashion, he came through with more than an hour of hardcore Elite Series highlights. After some casual banter (which we had to leave in to truly show you what an awesome guy Dave is to talk to) we head right off the top with the first event on Lake Cherokee. Our conversation will carry you from the start of the season right up to the big finale at Mille Lacs where the Angler of the Year was decided this year. You'll have to tune in for Episode 19 to get Dave's coverage of the AOY tournament on Mille Lacs and the improbable story of how a Canadian guy with "no 5 year plan" has become the voice of the Bassmaster Elite Series. It's a story that sets the stage for our next guest, who is literally a legend in the fishing business and one of the founding fathers of the fishing shows we watch today... But that's all we're saying for now...   Listen on Stitcher: One More Cast on Stitcher Listen on TuneIn Radio: One More Cast on TuneIn Radio Subscribe on iTunes: One More Cast on iTunes Episode Resources: Facts of Fishing: Facts of Fishing Bassmaster Elite Series: Bassmaster.com Follow Dave Mercer's Facts of Fishing: On Facebook Follow Dave Mercer's Facts of Fishing: On YouTube Follow Dave on Twitter: @DaveMercer Shimano Fishing: Shimano Fishing Casting For a Cure: Casting for a Cure

Brandon Palaniuk 2017 Bassmaster Angler of the Year joins us on the show for Episode 17. We couldn't have picked a better season to catch up with Brandon, checking in with him after the first event of the season on Lake Cherokee. We were even more fortunate to have Brandon join us on the show a second time to recap the second event of the season on Lake Okeechobee; an event that admittedly didn't go to plan for Brandon. Naturally, we've followed Brandon all year on his journey through the season, and for what has turned out to be a major milestone in his career. Sit back and relax as Brandon takes us tournament by tournament through every stop on the 2017 series. Brandon will candidly share with us his approach and mindset going into each new event, and we'll wrap up talking about his pilot project of having full-time coverage in his boat all season. Listen on Stitcher: One More Cast on Stitcher Listen on TuneIn Radio: One More Cast on TuneIn Radio Subscribe on iTunes: One More Cast on iTunes Episode Resources: Follow Brandon on Twitter: @BrandonPalaniuk Like Brandon on Facebook: Brandon Palaniuk BMP Fishing: BMPFishing.com Bassmaster Article by Don Barone: Story vs. Score Outdoor Life Article: Bass Gypsies Bassmaster article from Mike Suchan: Love 'em and kick their teeth in

I have to say that Alton Jones and Alton Jones Jr. are nearly as much of an enigma as they are an open book. I know, that sounds very contradictory... In the course of researching our upcoming guests, we reach out to all sorts of folks to get an inside scoop, and we came up empty for the father and son elite series pros. However, their records tell you a lot about these two. Alton Sr. is a decorated winner on the B.A.S.S. tour for decades now, and after winning several opens, Alton Jr. qualified not only for the Bassmaster Classic, but a spot on the Elite Series trail. Quite the accomplishment; so rare in fact, they are to date the only father and son to compete against each other in the Elite Series. We catch up with Alton and Alton Jr. to pick up our discussion about the 2017 Elite Series, and more importantly, we learn a great deal about practice for these events. I've often wondered what the pro's thought about practice, as opinions vary, and some of the habits they have during practice. Some anglers like to catch fish, others fear they'll make the fish "hook-shy" after finding them so they avoid it at all costs. How much practice is too much practice? Is there such a thing as too much practice? And when you get on the fish come tournament time, do you save your spots for later in the weekend, or burn through a spot to make sure you get the biggest bag you can that day? We'll wrap up the conversation with a very important message from the Jones'. Alton Sr. was recently diagnosed with hearing damage; a result of his many years making runs up and down the lake chasing bass. You'll want to hear his message, and how it has impacted Alton Jr.'s view of hearing protection. Losing your hearing can cost you dearly on the water and off; Alton Jones can tell you how. An you'll find out how his newest partner has helped his hearing loss on the water and off. Listen on Stitcher: One More Cast on Stitcher Listen on TuneIn Radio: One More Cast on TuneIn Radio Subscribe on iTunes: One More Cast on iTunes Episode Resources: Check out Miracle Ear Online: Miracle-Ear.com Like Alton and Alton Jr on Facebook: AltonJonesFishing AltonJrFishing Follow Alton Jones on Twitter: @JonesProFishing Check out Alton Jones' Website: AltonJones.com Follow Alton Jones Jr. on Instagram: AltonJrFishing Protecting Your Hearing: Bassmaster.com Alton Jones on the Northern Swing: Bassmaster Elite Series Northern Swing Alton Jones Jr. grades his rookie season: Alton Jones Jr on his rookie season

  Father Son elite series pros Alton Jones and Alton Jones Jr. join us this week on the first day of the Bassmaster Angler of the Year tournament. Both anglers have qualified for the unofficial final tournament of the season, but have their work cut out for them to make a last minute charge in the standings. We were fortunate enough to catch up with them just following the Elite Series event on Lake Champlain, so we'll not only get to know this father/son duo better, we'll also get an interesting look into the Bassmaster Elite Series from the perspective of the "old guard" and a series rookie. The Alton's take turns telling us about how they got into fishing, and Alton Jr. candidly discusses entering into the Elite Series sharing a name with one of it's greats; it's a lot of pressure, but he's equal to the task. They'll give us a good look at how the Angler of the Year points work, and share the ups and downs of the tournaments this year. We'll talk about Rookie of the Year points, and how Alton Jr. feels about the results of his first year on the series. Both anglers weigh in on how the AOY tournament will shake out, and ultimately agree it's between a handful of the series' finest anglers.   Listen on Stitcher: One More Cast on Stitcher Listen on TuneIn Radio: One More Cast on TuneIn Radio Subscribe on iTunes: One More Cast on iTunes Episode Resources: Like Alton and Alton Jr on Facebook: AltonJonesFishing AltonJrFishing Follow Alton Jones on Twitter: @JonesProFishing Check out Alton Jones' Website: AltonJones.com Follow Alton Jones Jr. on Instagram: AltonJrFishing Protecting Your Hearing: Bassmaster.com Alton Jones on the Northern Swing: Bassmaster Elite Series Northern Swing Alton Jones Jr. grades his rookie season: Alton Jones Jr on his rookie season

Simon Frost is the owner/operator of Frostbite Guide Services out of Southern Ontario. When we left off from episode 13, we were chatting about how down and side scanning sonar has changed the face of fishing, especially for those looking to eliminate unproductive water quickly. Simon shares with us a few of the amazing discoveries he's had scanning the bottom of the lakes he fishes. It's said time and again, that to find the fish, you want to find the structure and the cover. Simon shares his tips for identifying those constructive structures using this amazing technology and gives us some excellent advice on finding those "fish highways". I've never gone fishing with a guide per se, so naturally I was curious about the experience. Simon takes us step by step through the experience you get when you fish with Frostbite Guide Services; most importantly, a full day is a full day with Simon. It's clear he's a man who takes pride in what he does, and Simon tells us when he guides it's your party, but all you need to do is show up dressed for the day, lunch in hand, and he'll do the rest. We'll wrap up the show with some stories from Simon about the interesting folks he's shared time on the water with, and I ask Simon to share his best advice for people who want to learn how to be a better bass angler. Some of his answers may surprise you.   Listen on Stitcher: One More Cast on Stitcher Listen on TuneIn Radio: One More Cast on TuneIn Radio Subscribe on iTunes: One More Cast on iTunes Episode Resources: Book a trip with Simon Frost: Frost Bite Guide Service Follow Simon on Twitter: @simon_frost_024 See Frost Bite Guide Service's Melanie Frost on YouTube: Frost Bite Guide Service Shimano Fishing: Fish.Shimano.com G Loomis: G Loomis Fishing Power Pro Fishing Line: Power Pro

Professional Guide and Tournament Angler Simon Frost is one of the best we have to offer here in Ontario. I was introduced to Simon by Dave Mercer at the Spring Boat and Fishing Show held annually in Toronto. Simon lives up to his nickname "Frost Man" as he's a really chill and relaxed sort of fellow; that is until you get him talking about fishing. He quickly thaws and the passion for the sport radiates from him. Simon shares with us his story in the first half of our interview; he tells us how he got into fishing, and how tournament fishing turned into his part-time career in guiding. He's an expert on the big water bodies we have locally, focusing on prime areas such as the Bay Of Quinte, The Niagara River, and Lake Erie. Simon makes his way out as far as Lake St. Clair for guiding trips, and no doubt knows the waters well. We'll talk about Simon's love of tournament angling, and he'll tell us about the dynamic between him and his unusual tournament partner: His wife, Melanie Frost. So, as usual, we'll get to know who Simon is and learn a little bit about the man. The conversation quickly steers into sage advice from a seasoned veteran about fishing big waters, and Simon shares loads of great tips about identifying productive water on massive water bodies. We'll wrap the conversation talking about electronics, and how they've become a vital part of getting people on fish, and continue on that subject in Episode 14. Listen on Stitcher: One More Cast on Stitcher Listen on TuneIn Radio: One More Cast on TuneIn Radio Subscribe on iTunes: One More Cast on iTunes Episode Resources: Book a trip with Simon Frost: Frost Bite Guide Service Follow Simon on Twitter: @simon_frost_024 See Frost Bite Guide Service's Melanie Frost on YouTube: Frost Bite Guide Service Shimano Fishing: Fish.Shimano.com G Loomis: G Loomis Fishing Power Pro Fishing Line: Power Pro

  Bassmaster Classic Champion, former Elite Series Pro, and co-host of Bassmaster Live Davy Hite joins us again this week! We'll take a look at how the "First Look" segment was developed for Bassmaster, and how that naturally set the stage for a future co-hosting the Bassmaster Live coverage of the Elite Series. Davy talks about how being a professional angler made it natural for talking to other anglers; despite the natural angst of being on the sidelines. The conversation steers toward the impressive rookie class for the 2017 Elite Series Season. It's tough when you put guys who are so close to the action on the spot, as they have to stay objective when it comes to the anglers they cover. But after a quick chat about Jordan Lee and his obvious trajectory of success culminating  with his 2017 Classic win, we move on to how the conversation started about Davy joining the Live team. I sum up this leg of the conversation with one of my favorite observations: Be careful what you say to Mark Zona. We'll wrap up our chat talking about the young anglers on the tour that we need to keep an eye on, and Davy shares some of his thoughts on who to watch. As we do with many of our guests, we do some digging and come up with some funny stories about Davy, but you'll want to hear him tell them.   Listen on Stitcher: One More Cast on Stitcher Listen on TuneIn Radio: One More Cast on TuneIn Radio Subscribe on iTunes: One More Cast on iTunes Episode Resources: Like Davy Hite on Facebook: DavyHite Follow Davy Hite on Twitter: DavyHite Check out Davy on Bassmaster: Bassmaster.com Davy Hite tries to take a shortcut: YouTube.com

  The newest member of the Bassmaster Live team, Classic Champion Davy Hite, joins us in this episode. You'd see him tournament after tournament, always with a smile, but sharp focus on the task at hand. We've all watched him on "First Look", and now we get a chance to watch even more of him working with our other past guests Dave Mercer and Mark Zona. The thing is, I can't really say I knew Davy Hite the man. Davy is a consummate professional; whether it's the way he'd prepare for tournaments, interact with other anglers, or even the way he deals with being and talking to the media. But there is greater depth to the man than what you see on "the shows". Our conversation took a familiar note very quickly, and soon Davy was sharing very personal stories about how he left his job with the National Guard to pursue a career as a professional angler. We're talking about the days before the internet, and the sharing of information, when a career like this was a mystery to all but those who'd already found out the hard way. You're going to learn about Davy Hite the man, and the angler, as we talk about his early days working toward becoming a champion. No story about Davy would be complete without discussing his heartbreaking loss to George Cochrane at the Bassmaster Classic, and how that catapulted him to win it down the road. We'll talk about the FLW, and winning the Cup in '98, his work with Tommy Sanders, Mark Zona, and Dave Mercer, and finish off with his latest leap of faith: leaving competitive fishing to join the Bassmaster Live team.   Listen on Stitcher: One More Cast on Stitcher Listen on TuneIn Radio: One More Cast on TuneIn Radio Subscribe on iTunes: One More Cast on iTunes Episode Resources: Like Davy Hite on Facebook: DavyHite   Follow Davy Hite on Twitter: DavyHite Check out Davy on Bassmaster: Bassmaster.com Davy Hite tries to take a shortcut: YouTube.com