BTL - BEN MILLIKEN ON INFO RULES, FFS, VETERAN ANGLERS, SHARING WATER, SNAGGING BASS AND MORE

Ben Milliken returns to BTL to break down the first half of his Elite Series rookie season.

[@DustinandAllieRoberts]

Wanna talk about a “grey” area. I fished as a co-angler on FLW tour back before BPT. I drew a very successful pro who is on BPT currently. There was some old guys in a boat waxing them near us. We got close to them and my pro said something about y’all are having a good morning. The guys offered to tell him what they were doing. He said no I can’t get info but you can hold your bait up so I can look at as I troll by. We proceeded to go about 5ft from their boat with the dude holding his bait up.

[@cross_fire_]

Lee Livesay is as good as they come. I went to college with him, most don’t know that he played college football and was really good. Also, he was a good friend through college all the way through his guiding at Fork. Now I live in Alabama and I’ll go watch the elites when they come to the state and he always finds time to talk and sign my kid’s hat. There isn’t a better guy on tour. Also, he’s a walking marketing machine 😂.

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Yeah Lee is a stand up guy he seems like.. he's one I follow a good bit

[@Fishing_with_Fincher]

Sportsman’s Paradise

[@pinhookfishingclub]

Great interview! Thanks Ben for sharing your thoughts and insights! I met you at Lake Fork and were kind enough to do a quick interview and sign a Crankbait. I came away thinking what a genuine class act! Don’t ever change stay you!

[@bottomlineoutdoors6187]

To say that there shouldn't be limits at the top tier is a crazy statement

[@jmccOutdoors]

Agreed. EVERY major sport has restrictions n technology

[@inaslump]

​@@jmccOutdoorsWell it's way past the time to start RESTRICTIONS electronics just cause all of a sudden guys are getting beat bad by it..Electronics have been a major role in tournament fishing since I can remember...

[@MJ_Bass]

In all honesty, a 60" screen and 2 FFS unit restriction will do absolutely nothing. I'd say make it 48" with 1 FFS, but even that effect will be minimal, but I think that's how it should go. FFS has become just way too established to ban it now imo.

[@michaellamenza7617]

​@inaslump Yeah, but this is different because it's been such a giant game changer, and it's live technology.

[@horbie5039]

@@MJ_BassI agree. There is definitely a diminishing return on increased volume of screens and transducers.

[@markcarter9599]

I respect Ben. He worked hard, built a following on social media and NOW is free to say what he wants to say. He is NOT slave to the industry and can be outspoken. Much respect for his GRIND. I think a perfect solution to FFS debate is to use it while they practice and then when it’s game time…. Shut them down. It can be best of both world.

[@wmkoehler3942]

If he has sponsors he better they are of the same opinion as them

[@FlemShady_]

@@wmkoehler3942his KZbin channel worth more alone than most sponsors would dream of paying 😂

[@DavidRoyal-y9o]

That's a great idea

[@Richard-mj5dp]

Yes, that’s what I’ve been advocating. It’s like in golf: they can use range finders in practice but not in game time.

[@mikeleistner1071]

"FFS didn't really play at the classic" "only the first 2 events really" - not even close to being accurate, at least from the live coverage and articles anyway.

[@Dirkdiggler520]

And who cares. It’s part of the sport. Get over it

[@chilloutdude3617]

​@@Dirkdiggler520spectators are part of the sport. I may be just one guy but I'm sure there's a mess people that agree with me...FFS is hands down the most boring fishing to watch. I don't care how big the fish are. I won't watch.

[@ryanstarzenski3072]

Very good show. Ben brings up some VERY good points about everything going on right now

[@brantinaddy]

Ben tells it like it is. No BS from him.

[@jacobanderson4101]

Disagree. He speaks out both sides of his mouth, and dismisses strong arguments that oppose his.

[@secretbassrigs]

Lol! Ben got humiliated by his own delusions of grandeur 😂

[@secretbassrigs]

The Hangover is absolutely an example of BEN'S BS! 😂

[@secretbassrigs]

49:26 Ben admits he's a cheater! LMAO 🤣

[@shanebridges4388]

I think Ben is a good angler but I would like to see him in say middle ga in the fall with no ffs Because I promise you that Texas bass fishing and every where else bass fishing is totally different!

[@spencersmith6754]

Ben’s view on gray areas was spot on because the term is being used as an excuse in most cases. I understand ffs is controversial but jealousy is the biggest factor.

[@shanebridges4388]

So you honestly think that Bill Lowen is jealous

[@bassbro92]

​@@shanebridges4388 I respect Bill Lowen but he's def salty that he is part of the older crew getting phased out. Those guys have had amazing careers but we need some turnover eventually. Can't just stay the same group for 20-30 years. No other sport works that way

[@shanebridges4388]

@@bassbro92 I don’t believe the guy has it in him to be salty , he is just too nice of a guy and the cool thing has always been that this sport you could compete until your 60! To me they should split the tournaments half with da and half without

[@shanebridges4388]

@@bassbro92 too add , from what I am hearing .It’s not that Bill Lowen and the rest can’t adapt and use ffs it sounds to me like they don’t want to because they fill like it’s diminishing the sport and they feel like on a pro level that it’s cheating ! I don’t know how I would feel to do something one way for 18 years and then one piece of technology change it forever to where I had to use it or starve !

[@Anthony-eq8io]

I would watch the podcast. FFS is not the grey area. The grey are is the fact that all those guys went and got info and prefished on the elite lakes after the scheduled was released because they hadn’t “officially qualified” for the elites yet.

[@b.s.fishing5902]

Great interview! I do like that he actually did call out the rookies that the Zaldain's refuse to put names to. I love their podcast and Trait's openness with her opinion but the worst part about what they do with their accusations is that they hide behind not naming individuals and when they discuss violations/allegations that are big stories behind the scenes, they think we are all industry insiders and know exactly whats going on.

[@jameswood1250]

To scared to get their butts in a sling by calling names.

[@brianayers934]

Need to bring Milliken on, but they won’t.

[@ryancannon9358]

And in fact they bow down to all their guests. Chris especially just agrees with EVERYTHING his guests say, but anyone with eyeballs can see he absolutely doesn't agree in lots of cases. They come off very fake.

[@secretbassrigs]

So much unsubstantiated criticism and divisiveness. So much whining 😂

[@timg185]

I agree with a lot not all of Ben’s comments. But I also agree with Randy B. If anglers can use all this tech . Guys like Keith Poche should be allowed to jumps a gravel road or bring an aluminum boat to get into shallow areas

[@edwardcowan7012]

I don’t understand how that’s not legal? Hank Parker did the same thing with a fiberglass Ranger on the Mississippi River in the 90’s.

[@DanielDalienVignjevic]

Ben is the KING! So realistic and clever perspective on stuff and also straight shooter to go along...no wonder he is a fan favorite!

[@BenC-77]

I am not a Ben Milliken "fanboy". However, at least you know where he stands. I admire and respect transparency. I hate the "grey" and it it definitely is up to the league to decide what is and is not allowed.

[@secretbassrigs]

It's up to the audience.

[@jeffburrell8029]

Great interview. Ben is much more thoughtful & insightful than his social media “MFer” persona let’s on. Hopefully he steps up as the “senior” Rookie spokesperson & steer things towards a sensible conversation between the current rookie class/outspoken proponents of FFS and their critics. Chris having him on “the bilge“ would be spectacular. 😉🎣

[@ericporterfield4599]

Good show and respect for Ben 💪

[@chrismalas8747]

Idk I love watching live there’s so much to learn in every aspect if you really pay attention but I’ve always watched it and always will it’s awesome

[@nawinchester]

Ben is what is known as a disruptive force within an industry. He is honest, transparent, direct and outspoken. He is willing to say what others are thinking but not bold enough to say. Like him. Love him. Or haye him. You can't deny his impact. His "I don't give a F" attitude is refreshing and quite honestly something this country needs more of. Keep on keeping it real Ben!

[@ryancannon9358]

Highly disagree with your take on bass fishing on TV. When it was a 1hr produced TV show, the sport was at its top. It was phenomenal to watch. I watch now too, but those TV days were the BEST. Live coverage is what is horrible and absolutely tuning people out. It's bad to watch with or without scope. KVD said it best, BASS was at its height when ESPN ran it.

[@MJ_Bass]

100%. People are nostalgic for edited shows, even the "glory day" tournament would be painfully boring broadcast live.

[@TheAverageAngler]

To each their own. I love watching live.

[@jmccOutdoors]

Only downside to big production like mentioned is everyone would already know the results

[@ryancannon9358]

@@jmccOutdoors true, but still far better to watch on TV. Again, I'm watching either way, but those ESPN days where all we watched were catches, were the best. It'd be great again with or without ffs

[@b.s.fishing5902]

@@jmccOutdoors never really seemed to be a problem before. with live fishing there is just waaaay too much dead air to keep the attention of casual sports fans or people who might just be looking for something on TV. Yes, live coverage will always be watched by the die-hards but its really hard to build a story line and develop the characters in your sport when everything is so slow. Look at the MLF Cups in their original form as an example, those shows did wonders for anglers like James Watson who would talk to the camera whether he was having a great day or getting skunked. Thats the biggest benefit to the pre-packeged show, develop and promote your stars and the more you can get people's personalities out to the fans the more they will tune in for their favorites

[@nickc8629]

Ben is spot on with all this! The older guys that I grew up idolizing need to suck it up and embrace technology. I’m in my 50s and have spent time to learn it why can’t they do that as “elite” pros? Great show as always!

[@secretbassrigs]

It's not about technology. It's about fishing. The public has always criticized the dependency on electronics. FFS lowers the bar and has already dumbed down the sport. The generational divide narrative is a false equivalency. The older guys are just passing on some sound advice to younger generations. But the King 👑 of fools represents them instead. It's going to be "boring without FFS" ? Then how did the sport become so popular? "Boring"? Well there's your problem Generation Mulligans! The most undeserving and disrespectful yet.

[@secretbassrigs]

"suck it up"? Old guys understand technology. I could care less about tournament fishing with this classless generation.

[@jefflovinfishin621]

Ppl like you are the problem. It has ZERO to do with not wanting to learn technology, it’s not fishing. Period. That’s the problem. It’s like telling Tim Brady to “suck it up” if 20 year olds were smoking his records because they were allowed to use jet packs in football.

[@gitz-zum]

Hunting is not same as fishing sry ur wrong fuck ffs

[@Dirkdiggler520]

@@secretbassrigsbro. You are making no sense. But at least you feel smart.

[@shanebridges4388]

There is more than that going on in the rookie class because some of the rookie class is getting away from the others on the count of rules being broken and them not wanting to be a part of it!

[@scottlopez7622]

If they were being breaking rules they would be fined or disqualified. I guess you didn't listen to the facts from a rookie in the know.

[@edwardcowan7012]

So we’re good with a 500hp Tunnel Jet Boat?

[@kennyb7883]

There's a hp rule, it's 250

[@edwardcowan7012]

@@kennyb7883 yes and it was 150 up until 1999 and Jet Boats were legal until Roland Martin won the CT River in 1994 using one. My team tournament partner had a jet boat that we used on the CT in Foxwoods Tournaments, we even sunk it once to get under a bridge. Point is BASS already banned all the cool stuff so how is it this boring ffs isn’t banned.

[@briane.mcguire197]

Wow what a good show Ben has Been my picks to win three of the lakes already snd i think Smith he could figure out the winning fish. QuckyBen learns fast. Thnxs for all your knowledge on fishing period.

[@approachingtarget.4503]

Elite series bass fisherman. Is that a real title.

[@geoffgurney88]

Excellent interview

[@andybrode2507]

I’m a total MF’er and BTL’er. I find FFS boring to watch due to the lack of casting and anticipation. Watching a perfect cast to the most fishy looking spot keeps me watching and anticipating the bite/blow up.

[@claytonedney8568]

So Murry was boring? They just stood there waiting to see fish.. yawn""

[@Dirkdiggler520]

Children use the word boring.

[@chilloutdude3617]

​​@@Dirkdiggler520how about lackluster, dull, mundane, monotonous, stale, tiresome, maybe even uninteresting...dare I say terrible. 😮

[@markcarpenter7682]

Kid wouldn’t found them fish schooling 50 miles away from takeoff on the St John’s without help

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

I disagree these maps are better than ever now days it's easier than ever to find fish now getting them to bite different story dude I've idled from boat ramp Less than 200 yards from take off and almost won tournaments using SI it's Gerry possible he did without help

[@DH-tp9oe]

@@slabbusterrtr7690you've obviously never fished the St. John's. It's a completely different animal and not something you can figure out in a short amount of time.

[@tgillrgill]

Excellent show guys. The other so called pod cast are getting way out of hand. Way to much negativity mixed in just to get views. This is how the professionals get it done. Great one.

[@bobbycolson1957]

Ben is a breath of fresh air

[@timevans6815]

Ben is a douche😂

[@BattleattheBank]

Thank you Ben. I was already a fan but dude thank you for breaking it all down and addressing each of these instances. Well done appreciate the bravery!

[@secretbassrigs]

Mulligan is voting for Biden again. It doesn't take courage, just woke ignorance.

[@cross_fire_]

I have to agree with Ben about 6th sense, they are one of the best tackle companies out there even though they are young. Their products are top of the line and no gimmicks.

[@secretbassrigs]

What's up with the unrealistic fawning over 6th Sense? Are you all bots? The "Hangover" is an embarrassment.

[@curvinh6289]

Yea don't know about that , 6th sense has killer baits, but Ben himself designed the worst one

[@cross_fire_]

@@secretbassrigs I’m far from a bot 😂, I’m just a hardcore weekend warrior and my 8 year old son loves to go so we spend weekends on the lakes around us. I agree about the hangover, I use the daingerous swimbait. When it comes to the hard baits I fish all the time I mostly use 6th sense and spro for crankbaits. I prefer their flat sided crankbaits, I haven’t tried the pressure series but I ordered some. I also like the bongo trailer, the crube, the clout for wacky worms. I’m also lazy and they have a 3 dollar setup for c-rigs. I’m just keeping it real. Order their garage sack, you get a ton of hardbaits in great colors. I ordered two over the years and decided what I like, now I just order what I like. Like I said their hardware doesn’t need to be changed like other companies and their prices are decent for what you get. I caught my pb on a flow glider, I trimmed it down at the joint with my drimmel tool to get a wider glide and I can chop it or slow reel it. Just fyi, I tried some of the Googan stuff but I just don’t like it, other than their bandito bugs and one of their trailers for swim jigs or chatter baits…..I think it’s called happy. And lastly I’ve tried all of the new crush city line of plastic and have had success with them. Yes I have a problem with buying tackle and baits, I’m divorced so I don’t have to hear about it from a wife lol

[@J_Dover_1987]

​@secretbassrigs it feels like u would put dents in the bottom of Ben's desk.you seem to be the biggest hater on KZbin of anything attached to this man.jesus let go of his nuts

[@jimmysingleton9417]

I watch again because of Ben Milliken

[@Properpreshub]

Restrictor plate racing ruined NASCAR, I don’t care about the fans. If you don’t like it, don’t watch. People whine about everything. I don’t use FFS but setting rules on crap never helps in the long run.

[@secretbassrigs]

Ben acting like he invented big swimbaits..... LMFAO 😂

[@mmitc2121]

St. Lawrence? Cayuga? Champlain? Which one would you recommend ?

[@edwardcowan7012]

Champlain

[@MrFishhook]

Drew Gill has already said he will still dominate with just 1 FFS transducer ! If they have any type or amount of FFS units the young guys will still dominate! You have to either have it or not have it ! The old guys are done if FFS stays . It’s just the facts of the situation. I still say the hardest thing in Bass fishing is finding the fish. I get the fish don’t jump in the boat , but it makes it much easier to catch fish ! It’s like dollar Bill said we used to cast for them not at them ! Thats the difference!

[@lycrappie]

Buying waypoints........ so no GPS. No livescope. No GPS then. 😂😂 no trolling motor, power poles, no braid or floro line, side image/down image and we going back to 150 two strokes. Go put in the time with FFS. Seems to me an i could be totally wrong idk some of the old timers arent putting in the time with ffs. Young hungry guys live eat and breath this stuff an they're putting in the work bottom line

[@DHW448]

Ben said it best when he said. Fishing is boring to watch. Billiards bowling & darts have the same issue. It just doesn't appeal to the masses. It is what it is, guys.

[@MrFishhook]

How could Bass Set a hight limit on electronics for Safety lol…. JT Thompkins would have to have a 2x2 inch screen to see over it lol….

[@tonygreen4356]

Limiting FFS to 1 or 2 transducers , is the meaning of "Grey Area" its a you can use it or not

[@cullumbrown5358]

That means you can use it. Nothing grey about that

[@HellaBass]

Ben keeping it Real 💯

[@jonahfinley]

All i can say is i never watched a BASS event until i heard of Ben and some Japanese koya guy live scoping - noticing i could watch THEIR screen as they fished on the live feed. It’s so cool!! Why would people not want to watch anglers try and catch the biggest fish in the lake?? The sport is going to die if old timers keep it the same as it’s always been. Everybody knows you can throw a jig around a dock and a white spinner bait around trees and bushes and catch them in the spring. Show us something new!!

[@ChadFlipNrip]

Great BTL, best Ben Milliken interview I've seen, ever. I'm not a fan of him, still not. But it confirmed what I already thought, that he's not having fun & it shows. Not from finishes either, just think he has more fun fishing & making videos. His stay will be short I'm afraid. You can read that. He's already put off by the whole thing.

[@matthewcritchfield6997]

Yes, Ben was dead on when he talked about the Japanese angler that comes over here and has never fished on these lakes before and comes out and dominates over everyone because of the electronics , same as Trey,Hammner, and whoever else you want to name using FFS to buy their victories I like Ben as a man he’s a hard-working family man making money fishing for a living who wouldn’t love it But FFS is trash, doesn’t belong

[@motorcycleislife8296]

Yep watching someone throwing a frog all day not catching bass would be boring also. People miss the edited espn shows of catches.

[@Dirkdiggler520]

Bingo

[@J_Dover_1987]

Say it louder for those in the back

[@DougWiser-pb4sb]

Good interview Matt, I usually don’t listen to Ben.

[@MrArctictundra]

Just go fishing. Won the Wednesday nighter last night with only a depth finder, against 20 boats with 15 screens 😂😂😂 Wanna know why? Experience knowing fish habitat and habits. I laugh so hard everytime a guy goes by me staring at his video game. You're still missing most of the fish.

[@edwardcowan7012]

I’m in a Club with 130 members and last season my front depth finder didn’t work for half the year, finished 4th overall. In 9 events I won one and finished in the money 6 times. This year 2 events in 2 money finishes. I don’t need no stinking ffs.

[@leeyarbrough9636]

Being a fan of fishing and elite series even old school BP top 125 it doesn’t matter to me if you use it or not , an it should be best on best however I still think the viewers including myself still want to know why fish are there an why are they eating that lure your casting , I guess just understanding the fish an I love using FFS when I use it. Best of luck to you all this year or rest of the year.

[@stevesteve4350]

Matt I can't believe you had this guy on your show. You totally let him bully you last year and call you out for fishing "his water" when you had every right to be there. That was all by his design because he knew all his fan boys would roast whoever he wanted. This dude is so full of it it's incredible.

[@chilloutdude3617]

Bill Lowen wasn't saying that the young class is cheating because he's old and salty. And to say that is ridiculous. He was very clear that it was a few names getting waypoints and basically cheating. The spin ben put on that was very disingenuous and he knows it.

[@scottlopez7622]

It's not cheating if it's not in the rules. Just because you don't like it didn't mean you can call it cheating.

[@Timvaughanoutdoors]

Normally like Milliken but when he says "it's not a gray area it's legal". Gray Area by definition are areas where it is difficult to judge right and wrong. Not whether it's specified in the rules. A reasonable person should expect that buying information is wrong whether it is in the rules or not.

[@lancepoore3045]

1:00:03 But I'm losing more crankbaits now with FFS cause I'm throwing at brush piles I never saw before. 🤣

[@travistweedle9674]

When he said that fishing without FFS would be boring to watch I spit my drink out. I have to say as a Gen X'r watching someone fish using FFS is the most boring thing to watch. I get his point about it being harder and harder as more and more people are fishing now than say the 80's and 90's so the fish populations are smaller but I think that most problems we have today are because the world is over crowded with humans making everything less than it used to be. That problem will not be solved by professional fishing. Just set the rules and follow them. My vote is on 50/50 or each angler gets 1 power hour that they get to choose when to use.

[@Dirkdiggler520]

You have to be a gen x to use the word boring. Thats the problem with your generation. Watching fishing is boring so find a new sport. Serious anglers love watching ffs.

[@danielw2120]

What baffles me is his denial about how FFS hasnt dominated in nearly every single tournament in the last 3 years. He even went so far as to say "They would have won without it, it only played in 2 out of the first 6 events" He is absolutely in denial of cold hard facts and he believes what he is saying is the sad part. For anyone to have the nerve to say that FFS isnt dominating nearly every event is amazing to me. He cannot stand to let himself see the truth apparently. I mean i get it it is his only card to play and he isnt making the Elites without FFS and isnt making a classic without it. If hes gonna arrogantly take this pro FFS stance he needs to have enough bag to admit its the reason hes here period.

[@Dylan-si1rn]

I dno what people expect… watching highlights vs someone in live time over a 7hr period is going to be very different from one another. If you dont like it, then check out the highlights at the end of the day. The average person who has an issue w ffs has no idea what they’re talkin about and most likely cant afford it so theyre gona cry on social media because they are given a voice. The pros that want to cry about it are being passed by a new guard that are more talented than them in wveey way. They got comfortable in their little commercial world and want there to be an excuse for why they are no longer competitive. Theyre old news. Dump em and let’s move on. Tired of hearin grown men cry like middle school girls at a school dance. I love this new wave of anglers. They’re taking this sport to a whole new level

[@jamesadams1357]

I've got to say I've been hard on Milliken in past for some stuff. Like way he handle things on Bass after dark episode with Randy B. As well as as some other topics he's addressed. HOWEVER I am a man and I am FAIR. So I'll say this I think he handle this BTL episode like a true professional. And most important Milliken is who he is at least and he's not fake. I lit everyone's favorite Gman up on his video about the altercation with Trey. Again I can deal with a lot but being a phony isn't one of them. Matt excellent job as usual and to Milliken I don't necessarily agree with you or like your style. But he is real and not afraid to speak his mind and that's 90% of respecting someone

[@Dirkdiggler520]

Randy fan boy. Imagine taking advice from a Biden supporter with tds.

[@dlcook1971]

The anglers have to talk to the viewers as they fish. I enjoy watching anglers who talk and teach as they fish. If they just stand there and don't talk, it sucks to watch them. If we want the tournaments to be more fun, teach the anglers to communicate to the fans!!

[@edwardcowan7012]

The first Classic I made was in 1991, that was KVD’s first. The 91/92 season was the first season KVD was eligible to win Angler of the Year and he did, I think he was 22. I drew him out that year at the TX Invitational (draw event) He was that good, everyone was jealous and maybe this kid Trey is the second coming of KVD. The way everyone carried on about Ben when he started you would have thought he was, he clearly isn’t.

[@Dirkdiggler520]

Not one persons thought Ben was the second coming. People thought it was insane that a KZbinr could make it to the elites in one season. Which is still one of the most incredible accomplishments in bass fishing.

[@edwardcowan7012]

@@Dirkdiggler520 apparently you never commented that Ben would do well to survive his rookie season. His fans were very unkind any time I commented that he wasn’t the second coming.

[@Dirkdiggler520]

@@edwardcowan7012 based on how you are commenting here I would surmise that you were hating and they checked you. Now you’re playing victim.

[@edwardcowan7012]

@@Dirkdiggler520 because Ben is such a nice respectful guy. That and it’s going down just like I said it would.

[@Dirkdiggler520]

@@edwardcowan7012 I would say you are correct. Very respectful and intelligent. So far I have not heard one thing from him that anyone can consider inappropriate. I challenge you to give an example of something he’s done douche. On the other hand, I can cite Randy’s nasty comments that he makes all day.

[@davidblake5199]

Great show! Ben throwing your 6th Sense Flow Glider 130 yesterday afternoon in Georgia .. had an 8 pounder hit it and missed it .. Damit it girl🐟💦💦💦😎

[@Letzgobrandun-wi1pc]

Can't ask a local about fishing but can have a 22in live camera...bums..This guy would be on the bank wo FFS

[@Dirkdiggler520]

It must also bother you that the guys in the nfl have a team of trainers and top notch equipment.

[@Letzgobrandun-wi1pc]

@Dirkdiggler520 Oh yea sure bro...Over inflated footballs are ILEAGLE..spying on other teams got teams in trouble..So your the clown that will support an AI football that finds the hands of the reciever..CLOWN!

[@acme9538]

First of all, I am NOT a fan of Ben on a personal level at all . .. his smugness BUGS, and he simply rubs me the wrong way. No biggie. While I strongly disagree with a lot of his beliefs, he does bring up some very valid points regarding the newer crop of anglers. He's obviously a sharp guy and I can appreciate / respect the way he articulates his points. Agreeing to disagree is a good starting point to open dialogue and common ground . . . but when folks take a 'High Horse' stance, it all gets thrown out the window. Ben comes off a bit on the 'Holier than Thou' side for my taste . . . .but I'll give him a pass that it's just a byproduct of his passion for the sport. Good Interview.

[@The_Bass_Stunters]

Ya know now I can start to see why Ben has the detractors he has. He is fishing from an extreme advantage Vs other anglers from a financial standpoint (KZbin money) doesn’t really need sponsors and that’s awesome for him he has definitely put in the work to earn that. But he has kinda a bad attitude when it comes to complaining about boat draw and having to fish his secondary spots he found during practice. Ben’s mindset is his first problem. Not sure he has seen this much adversity fishing in a long time and believe it has him thrown for a loop a bit. Just IMO.

[@patdarling2036]

402 baby

[@mikerice8185]

Talking about Fork having to fish behind the locals and other tournaments. Your and Elite angle you should be able to catch them anytime. You don’t have to have high weights to win a tournament. If no FFS is allowed it’s an even playing field. Professional anglers have too big an ego. Winning is winning, whether it’s 40lbs or 130lbs.

[@Etec86]

if everybody has FFS, how is that not an even playing field? These guys all have it and it's on them to learn how to utilize it. Was it also unfair when one angler was better at reading side imaging than the other and he did better in the tournament 15-20 years ago?

[@caseyhepler2806]

Forward facing helps anybody choose the baits and techniques to fish more effective

[@approachingtarget.4503]

How can you be a pro at something when everyone can do it. Zero FFS in tournaments period.

[@bill-qv3er]

It is just plain stupid to say there should be no limits !!!!!!!! These guys would go out of control and the Elite Series would be worse than it already is.

[@steveporteroutdoorsohio4739]

Ben can't fish without livescope and wouldn't be able to have competed against the greats in the past , he's a joke!

[@Richard-mj5dp]

Gray area as an expression means different things. I take it to mean an area that the law has yet to address but we know the act is in somewhat of a violation of the spirit of things. You can’t have a rule book that covers every single thing.

[@hbdejean6538]

Bass needs to clean all this up and get the house in order. All of this is getting ridiculous.

[@markbrown-gy3fz]

This technology is like crack for theses guys. They just cant be without it to fish. Have you ever heard them say" hey lets just no use it" NO!!!

[@Richard-mj5dp]

Around 55:00. The older angler might’ve had a bad boat number on the first day and knew about the spot. I do t like that part of the sport that the angler thinks it’s his spot day after day.

[@scottlopez7622]

The point was that they seen the other angler catching them there without knowing about that spot and then showing up the next day on it. It's not about owning a spot.

[@Budget.bass.fishing]

Your gonna lose your precious live scope bin haha I can’t wait it’s coming my friend

[@DoubleDigitAngler]

BTL over Bilge

[@secretbassrigs]

The hatred was started by you attacking Randy, for an entire year, for merely sharing his opinions on his own channel, Ben Mulligan.

[@Dirkdiggler520]

You are delusional. Randy gets attacked after he spent years attacking all anglers and their accomplishments. Randy is an inconsistent irrelevant former pro, and Biden supporter. Amazing how you don’t realize that. Randy deserves any criticism he receives as he earned it.

[@swimbaitonaprairie9359]

Hook in mouth using FFS is a must to move forward imo

[@MarkFields-by8qy]

Ben is wrong on his stance on no limitations. Every professional top level sport ever has limits to protect the heritage & tradition of the sport. Ray Scott would ban FFS on the Bassmaster Trail. If you disagree with this, then you simply are wrong period.

[@stephenknight7601]

Here is what pissing the elite guys. JT and Trey and these young guys have nothing but time to fish no family or other obligations. Let see next year when sponsors come calling for them to work and time has to be managed

[@rodw7368]

lol the classic was literally dominated with ffs

[@gitz-zum]

Wouldnt have made any of that crap without ur spotlight bud

[@Dirkdiggler520]

Proving to us all your high level of ignorance? No one comes and kicks over your crappie bucket on shore so not sure why you are salty

[@mattowens719]

People are buying waypoints and spots all the way down to high school and junior tournaments. Been doing it for years so why would they not continue doing it. The organizations have known about it and chose not to do anything about it. One rule that would fix a lot of it would be You cannot recieve any information whatsoever from anyone that is not in the tournament. When i started fishing 25+ years ago that rule was in every tournament. Havent seen it in years

[@KyleKarnes-nb1jl]

It’s chicken 💩

[@prismfishing390]

Based on polls more then 50% of hard-core kayak anglers hate ffs, and every comment section is full of boomers hating on ffs. Only people enthusiastic are college anglers who rely on it, people like Ben and the company's that make it. Probably 80%+ of people who watch tourneys do not enjoy watching ffs

[@Dirkdiggler520]

Yeah, that’s called the vocal minority who don’t add money to the industry. Nonboaters and bank fisherman. The people with the biggest voice are the silent ones who have it on their boats and love it. Their wallets do the talking.

[@duckhunternjm94]

Kayak anglers are losers

[@DK-mv1xb]

I'd rather watch golf than BASS anymore.

[@matthewevans7151]

I agree with Ben that the live cast and the fisherman have to be better with their screen time and education when the camera is on them. When the angler is on camera and doesn’t speak two words that’s the boring part.

[@secretbassrigs]

I never thought i could be more disgusted in such a tragic representation of the "freshman class".

[@jaypowers2258]

If u have to use ffs then ur not a pro

[@rogerwakeman4320]

You’re sight fishing with FFS! Period.

[@basscat2107]

Jordan Lee does not lose of the Kissimmee chain. It does not look like he is going to let KVD win. NPFL can take the place of MLF easily just a fact

[@AzAngler77]

Not likely. Though NPFL has been decent, they just don’t have the sponsorship money they need to truly compete.

[@brianabercrombie6999]

Just let MLB players use aluminum bats…..

[@tonygreen4356]

The study from BASS should be fair, data gathered all this year with no limits on FFS, and data gathered next year with no FFS.

[@jmccOutdoors]

And they should have to fish from the bank the following year and the next in a kayak and the next …….

[@tonygreen4356]

@@jmccOutdoors go off course to not talk about the so call problem.

[@inaslump]

​@@tonygreen4356The only problem is in the people that are "creating" one..Some people just don't desl with change well... Just face reality, ffs isn't going anywhere...Viewership isn't a problem, it's actually growing....

[@ClayWilliamson]

@@jmccOutdoorswhy not. It’s not called boatmaster. Bass is the star of the show, doesn’t matter boat or bank.

[@MJ_Bass]

I think you are underestimating just how brutal it would be watching tournaments where guys can't use FFS while the lake gets pounded constantly by anglers who use it. If you think a guy starting at a screen catching them is boring, just wait until you see how boring watching guys fishing offshore not catching anything is.

[@linesider]

Oof. Brutal interview.

[@desertdog1125]

How so?

[@linesider]

@@desertdog1125 completely out of touch with reality. It’s not a dig on him. I just thought he was smarter than that.

[@chilloutdude3617]

From a bank Fisherman's perspective, forward facing sonar don't bother me too much. But as a spectator it is so dang boring to watch. I don't care how big the fish is... id rather watch Joe blow youtuber cast at the bank then watch the biggest name stare at a screen. I hope they ban in from tournament fishing.

[@inaslump]

It's gross seeing people drool over this dude....lol. Someone's gotta get him a buzzer & a slice of "humble" pie...He got thrown off his horse after the 1st 2 events..lol

[@hman9864]

100 % CORRECT ..

[@AaronSmith-wx6hq]

Huge fan of the sport of bass fishing, tournament bass fishing is the worst thing to watch. Sad our sport has to revolve around tournament fishing

[@secretbassrigs]

Matt schooled Ben

[@tjleefishing4]

Did you listen to the same interview that I did?

[@secretbassrigs]

@@tjleefishing4 obviously. It's like black and white the contrast was so stark! Smh!

[@secretbassrigs]

@@tjleefishing4 did you hear the part where Ben admitted how he would have cheated?!?! LMAO 🤣

[@ronfussell8244]

When a guy throws a minnow on one fish for an hour straight, that's not entertaining, Scott Martin went after four fish for half a day on scope in shallow water,the weight doesn't matter, it's catching 5 fish that are heavier than the second place guy.

[@scottlopez7622]

And watching a guy throw a crank bait at random open water all day is any different

[@stephenallen1237]

Ban all ffs

[@RayWhalen]

he's the milli vanilli of bass fishing..won't be relevant in a year or so.. came in last at the classic

[@edmelungeon2239]

I have not watched 1 b.a.s.s event this yr. I prob only watch a couple last yr. It sucks when there is no diversity. Or at least they dont show it. Its like watching football when both teams only run the ball straight up the middle for 2 or 3 yds a play. If viewer numbers arent down & only 1 to 2% of "old people" are complaining, then there wouldnt be any discussion about changing any rules or getting rid of it. When thier arent multiple patterns at play in the top 10, it sucks to watch.

[@anonymousperson8881]

If you use any sonar equipment, your not a fisherman!

[@rodw7368]

He’s so nuts. They should have no limitations. Give MLB metal or composite bats

[@claytonedney8568]

Comparing stick and ball sports to fishing is the dumbest thing..

[@Patrick.J.Norman]

@@claytonedney8568I’d argue saying there should be no limitations in a sport where these guys should be the best “fisherman” is nuts 😂

[@surgprep1]

FFSnagging isn't Professional.