Chris & Cory Johnston - Lifetime Bans Are Not Forever on MERCER-144

In just four years Cory and Chris Johnston have amassed an incredibly impressive Bassmaster resume. Between them they have 37 top 10’s, 2 wins, 8 Classics fished and over 1.5 million in winnings making them some of the most successful pros on tour. But these two Canadian hockey-playing brothers are exactly what you would expect. Lots of chirping, trash-talking and behind-the-scenes tales are told on this week’s podcast. Including the time they learned that a lifetime ban is not forever…..or is it?
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[@rickmoore2854]

I’ve marshaled with both Chris and Cory numerous times (including the St. Lawrence River) and they are two of the most professional, hilarious at times, dudes. Nothing better than one pulling up on a spot and getting into an argument with the other because “you said you weren’t going to fish here.” Folks are missing out not being able to be in the boat with them for a day. One of the best reasons to marshal.

[@peterlong9629]

The Marshal Program is so worth it! I did it at St. Clair for the AoY I think 2019. Rode with Clent Davis, Chad Pipkens and Brandon Card. Great times on all 3 days!

[@factsoffishing]

I could only imagine the craziness you have seen. I usually only hear the 2nd part of the story after they get off the water. Looking forward to seeing you this season. What’s your first event of the season

[@factsoffishing]

Great to hear that Peter. Hope to see you at some events this season

[@rickmoore2854]

@@factsoffishingToledo Bend! Cold…lol.

[@billljones979]

I think these 2 are 2 of the best things that happen to bass after the bpt split it really out a spot light on these guys, along with a bunch of others,

[@johna.9742]

I can honestly say I have a whole new outlook on these two characters. I have watched them on the bass circuit for some time but after this little video I like them both even more. They are my kind of dudes.

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks John, That is 100% the goal of this show. The Johnston brothers are a prime example of great dudes that we don’t always get to see their full personality during competition. Glad this episode could help you see more of the awesome personalities they are.

[@nchec326]

That was awesome! Great stories and everytime I heard Chris dying in the back ground I couldn't stop laughing 😂

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks very much. I did not know if I should laugh or cry but I mostly just laughed 😂

[@edwardcowan7012]

If I’m ice fishing I’m doing it like a man, sitting on a spackle bucket, lol. Another great show!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Ed, I hear ya but I guess that makes me less of a man because I am all about ice fishing comfort 😂

[@edwardcowan7012]

@@factsoffishing that wise crack was directed at Cory, lol

[@RussellJacobs-yf9lp]

Very late reply but my uncles use to talk about how Chris and Cory rotated baits and worked hard as a team to find biggest bites. I finally saw them on simcoe in a tournament and was blown away at how hard they fish. It was awesome to see. They won with 28 lbs of smallies

[@Macdaddy8124U]

"Only need to count to 5". I laughed so hard..... DAM GOOD SHOW Dave! 😁👍 Love these guys....best podcast of the year

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Mac, It was definitely a fun one. Love hanging with those brothers.

[@pauldudar6642]

Your best interview to date. Hands down. The Johnston brothers are quintessential CDN boys….😂😂

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks very much Paul, They sure are good dudes & about as Canadian as they come. Appreciate you watching & commenting it really helps the channel.

[@codyhooser3333]

I watched the the video today Dave, like every Wednesday an the Shorts. I said a prayer when the Johnston's Clock went to 1:11 STRAIGHT TO HEAVEN 🙏

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks so much for your awesome support Cody.

[@peterlong9629]

"I only have to be able to count to 5!" 😂😂😂😂😂

[@factsoffishing]

Such a awesome line 😂

[@davidcahan2978]

Way behind my viewing but always gotta watch your podcasts. This was a good un having both on & seeing their “brotherly” interactions & different opinions. Really do like their feistiness!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks David, Ya those brothers are always fun to hang with. Good to hear you are catching up

[@MikeBurch-rk1vm]

Guys are now 2 up front and one in the back. I watch every tournament that is shown I just wish they would show what they are looking at. Great job Dave and the Johnson Brothers

[@formatr6]

These dudes are straight out of the movie SLapshot. Fricken love it

[@factsoffishing]

Ummm ya 100% 😂

[@Slickone-wk9mc]

Fargo!!!

[@ladysuds]

Hilarious interview with awesome anglers. Thanks for bringing them on for us.

[@factsoffishing]

Glad you enjoyed it! It’s always a fun conversation with those two

[@jamesmims5850]

Great pod cast Dave. Love the Johnston brothers. Absolutely hilarious with the hockey bans. Love those guys.

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks James, They have funny stories for days. Thanks for watching & taking the time to comment.

[@613BASS_N]

Great, normal dudes.... Cory be drinkin that empty coffee for over an hour 😂 - 613BASS'N

[@factsoffishing]

That’s so true 😂

[@jimbaumgardner1436]

Those 2 are really fun to listen to. Great show Dave! Speaking of Letterkenny, I just watched the final season. So depressing it’s over

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Jim, they truly are a ton of fun to chat with. The good thing about Letterkenny is you can go back to season one and watch it over again. I just started rewatching it myself. I’m my opinion season 1 was definitely the best season. Thanks for your support as always

[@bryanfranks6327]

Loved it Dave, the Johnston brothers are the Hanson brothers (Slap Shot) of the elite series. Lol they are great fishermen and seem like they would be cool to hang with.

[@factsoffishing]

You 100% nailed it Bryan!

[@user-em1oq5bi5j]

These guys are great! Would be awesome to see full contact fishing when there is a on the water disagreement. Have a feeling Cory would look for people to take on the bank for fun.

[@factsoffishing]

Gosh how awesome would that be. Thats one way to get more folks watching

[@howarddees6963]

love to sit and have a few with those guys!!

[@factsoffishing]

Trust me it’s fun. Kinda just like this conversation with more swear words 😂

[@cgriff840]

I had to come back to this interview and say dam!! These two dudes can get work done out there. A 7th and 13th in Toledo… I will be keeping my eye out for these two in this years fun.

[@leejohnson4935]

In the future always ask brothers who would win if they fought. It’s great to see the look on their face and how they answer. Good funny moment.

[@brianwisniewski9315]

great interview! these dudes sound like a lot of fun!

[@factsoffishing]

Glad you enjoyed it, they are a blast

[@danperge9754]

Great podcast! These 2 are a riot. On a side note I made grilled cheese with BBQ chicken for supper tonight and they were right. It was outstanding!😅

[@grantschimek6506]

Another great one Mr. Mercer! The Johnston's are my spirit animals! Good dudes!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Grant, They sure are good dudes. Thanks for watching & commenting

[@garylukas3476]

I agree

[@Mr.Higgs.]

Glad to see that BKK hat with some sweat stains lol. Personally my favorite hooks on the market. Great to see brothers sharing the same interests, but aren't afraid to have everything put into a competition.

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks for watching & noticing the BKK hat. However the hat is brand new those are not sweat stains yet. It’s actually a camo hat that I guess looks sweaty 😂

[@michaelseamonfishing]

By far my favorite and the absolute funniest episode yet them boys are real!!!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Michael, It was one of my favourites too

[@jeffreyyoung8605]

Great show as always Dave! I look forward to hump day and your show!! Keep up the great work

[@factsoffishing]

Hey Jeffrey, Much appreciated! Glad our show has earned a spot in your week. Thanks for watching & commenting it really helps the channel

[@steveblankenship1093]

Would love it if my brother and I were able to fish together like these two fun guys. Great show!!

[@HookedonHaliburton]

Always love competing against these guys and always want to keep them. Came close by 0.5lb once. Some tournament dudes here in Canada don't like fishing against them. But I sure do!

[@HookedonHaliburton]

No relation in last name!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks for watching Brian, there are definitely a group of folks that avoid fishing against them. It’s sad really but it’s good to hear you believe in testing yourself against the best. Thanks for watching & commenting

[@factsoffishing]

👍

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

I look forward to hump day gonna be a new mercer vid on ..love it👍 been a little chilly down in alabama 🥶 for us anyways

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks so much Slab, Stay warm down there. Alabama has had a rough week weather wise

[@Orvialb]

Another great show Dave. The Johnson’s a couple cool dudes. Thank you

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks, they are always fun

[@RealMitchRappisBack]

🔥🔥🔥Comedy Gold🔥🔥🔥 I would trust these two with my family. Their genuine nature is refreshing.

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Don, They are definitely real. This podcast was exactly like our real conversations minus a few swear words 😂

[@RealMitchRappisBack]

@@factsoffishing well I hope to see you guys in New York in August. I’m going to sign up again. This time I plan to say hello… Last time you were a bit tied up with Jake and a couple other guys. I was sitting with KK huffing some good ole’ second hand, waiting to takeoff on Saturday. I would love to yuck it up with the Johnstons.

[@JimGLopez67]

Fantastic job Dave, always fun show good laughs.

[@factsoffishing]

Glad you enjoyed it. Those brothers are always fun to hang with

[@MalcolmStewart-m8o]

Dave Great Interviews cant wait for every Wednesday interview all the way from Australia

[@factsoffishing]

That’s awesome to hear, I appreciate all your support. It’s really shocking how many Aussies we have watching this show. Thank you for watching & commenting. It really helps

[@MalcolmStewart-m8o]

@@factsoffishing thanks for the reply Dave Sorry I should of told you my name Malcolm Stewart Look forward to next week

[@andyd834]

These 2 are nuts lol. Another great show Mercer.

[@factsoffishing]

They are both knuckleheads but they are super fun knuckleheads

[@All_is_Outdoors]

Always appreciate your content!

[@factsoffishing]

I appreciate that! Thanks for watching

[@johnm2617]

😮 These guys definitely make bass fishing fun ! Ya know they like to party and have a good time ! But on the water their killers < They run with great guys ! You can tell their brothers < love watching them ! As a old timer they keep me young ! Thanks guys

[@factsoffishing]

Hey John, They are some of my favourite dudes to hang with. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment

[@lelandwarmoth3049]

Not a good show to start at bedtime. But can't wait till tomorrow to listen. I'll go early Thursday.

[@factsoffishing]

Hey Leland, I hope it lived up to the hype for you. Thanks for all the support every single week.

[@heavymetalfishermantv]

Love these dudes! cheers from Colorado 🍻

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks for watching. Cheers right back at ya 🍻

[@cobra99ization]

Good shit Mr. Mercer!!! Only two words to describe those brother's..... DADGUM 🔨🔨'S!!!! 👍👊💪

[@factsoffishing]

100% 🐍, they are awesome

[@team-d]

Had me rolling, great show thanks dudes! 😂

[@cc03ssc12]

This one is so good Greg hahah

[@factsoffishing]

That definitely made me laugh.

[@taylorburgin451]

Cory is the Happy Gilmore of bass fishing...lol

[@factsoffishing]

He sure is. I am trying to get him to show off more of that 😂

[@taylorburgin451]

@@factsoffishing I can picture Cory going to a batting cage after the classic this year.... Only 365 more days until the next classic! I enjoy the open format and conversations you are having on the show. Nice work and safe travels this year!

[@JamieShields-b7b]

Gotta respect his honesty. I love my FFS and my partner and I have won quite a bit of money with it. But I can see both sides of the argument. At the end of the day you either adjust and adapt or get left behind.

[@byronhendrixfishing8393]

I feel like yall should’ve all had some two lakes to enjoy 😂

[@factsoffishing]

I totally agree. However they are Two LANES. But I bet two lakes are good too 😂

[@garylukas3476]

Watching this again after the 2024 season wholly crap these boys were fired up!!!!!

[@J-remyM]

39:07 tie some AirTags to the bass 🤔 😂😂

[@factsoffishing]

Genius idea 😂

[@DARRYLHOLOWAY]

Love the rick clunn story

[@factsoffishing]

What a first week on the elites story

[@F.Ronnie]

Funny. Great show Dave!! Thanks for

[@factsoffishing]

Glad you enjoyed it. They are two great dudes

[@jamesmims5850]

That was fun Dave.

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks James 👊🏻

[@mikepadgett4647]

Enjoyed the show Dave as usual

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Mike, I appreciate you watching and supporting every week

[@mattfast7006]

This was amazing!!!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it

[@danralph7168]

This is gold!!!!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Dan, They sure are something

[@jchensley1]

Seen them at Ky Lake at Fast Eddies lol Fueling up years ago getting ready for an event

[@factsoffishing]

Sounds about right 😂

[@blakeraider5312]

Brothers don’t shake hands, brothers gotta hug !

[@blakeraider5312]

Awesome episode too lol

[@factsoffishing]

Cory clearly does not do hand shakes 😂

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks 👊🏻

[@cgriff840]

These two are fun characters 😂

[@factsoffishing]

100% they are definitely fun

[@markeustice618]

Awesome as always Dave.

[@factsoffishing]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching and supporting every single week.

[@chrisroerdink4911]

Hey Dave, love the show! With your talk about the new krej, will there be a facts of fishing episode with it? And, do you think it might be worth a guy like me with a smaller aluminum boat without ffs getting some? Can it be used in similar situations to a jerk/spy bait?

[@factsoffishing]

Hey Chris, Yes it’s definitely a bait that can be fished very successfully without FFS. Unfortunately I will not have an episode on it this season because I did not get the baits on time. But trust me I plan on shooting one next season. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 👊🏻

[@chrism4715]

Talking about stocking Lake Erie gets stocked every year our fishery have only walleye fingerling raised in them

[@factsoffishing]

I assume you are talking about the American side?

[@FunkE.Fisherman]

These guys are a riot 😅😅😅

[@factsoffishing]

They sure are. Definitely two of my favourite dudes to hang with

[@chrisroerdink4911]

Also, I think that dude in little sturgeon bay might’ve written a lake like report about the Johnston’s not having respect and cutting people off like they own the lakes 😂

[@factsoffishing]

That’s awesome, I would love to see that article 😂 Thanks for watching & commenting Chris

[@chrisroerdink4911]

@@factsoffishing I went back and tried to find that post but it seems it's been taken down, can't find it on the sturgeon bay or little sturgeon bay report feed for the timing around when the spring sturgeon bay bass open happens :/

[@peterlong9629]

Okay Dave, you need to make this happen!!! Cameraman Jake needs to be with Corey during the off-season, or AT LEAST fly Jake out for their ball hockey games!!! 😂😂😂😂😂

[@factsoffishing]

He got kicked out of the league so there is no more ball hockey….unless he writes a really nice letter 😂

[@peterlong9629]

@@factsoffishing I thought he said he didn't write that letter...🤣

[@kipbodkin8338]

I also feel any major bass organization where you have boater and co-angler SHOULD implement a true KICKER FISH rule, in which a kicker is awarded to the boat itself on that tournament day, and it doesnt matter who catches it, the true boat kicker would drop both anglers smallest fish, the true boat kicker cannot start or be used until the boaters got 5, and co angler has 3, it be calculated and worked out at the scales, it would definitely add some excitement and suspense, but mainly my vision for implementing it is to create better comradory, sportsmanship, and just overall better experience in general for everyone, where you got that feeling of both fishing hard to the very end of the day, cuz it really could make a difference for both, it be just a positive all around better atmosphere period, where your actually routing for eachother to get that big bite.

[@af4od02]

Sounds good. Currently, being a co-angler is just a marshal.

[@Mjones8383]

There's way too much money on the line for that. Sounds good but at the end of the day it's an individual sport and shouldn't be that you rely on another individual to make your bag

[@factsoffishing]

Definitely a unique idea. Not sure it will ever happen but maybe in some events. Only time will tell

[@kipbodkin8338]

@@Mjones8383 your exactly right, cant argue, but that there is the problem, and its only getting worse as price tags going up, idk, maybe try at lower levels, less on the line, see how anglers respond, gotta do something, or do away with co angler all together and mandate go pro cameras.

[@kipbodkin8338]

@@factsoffishing thanks for the reply Dave, big fan, maybe give it a trial run on lower level minimal entry events, see how anglers respond to it, if implemented higher up, maybe count kickers for the day and tourny results, but calculate points without the kicker for berths into elites n classics n such, idk kick it around, somethings gotta be done if B.A.S.S. is gonna keep co's, or implement go pro cam mandates for boater only and keep on truckin!!!🏆💪 🦈 shark eat shark 🦈

[@williamknight5142]

Good show Dave. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks very much William, I appreciate your support every single week

[@deanlyons4]

Hardest I’ve ever laughed at a fishing podcast. 😂

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Dean, Wow that’s an awesome comment. I am glad you enjoyed it. I know I did.

[@deanlyons4]

@@factsoffishing It was hilarious. Even had my wife laughing and she normally doesn’t pay much attention 😁

[@l3illyo]

Great show Dave :)

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks those two brothers definitely make it easy.

[@danielsuydam5965]

BKK HAT 😳🔥🔥😍😍

[@factsoffishing]

Good eye 👌

[@bigbob3314]

Absolute Gold!!!

[@factsoffishing]

They sure are 👍

[@J-remyM]

19:22 anyone know who they’re talking about?

[@factsoffishing]

I do 😂

[@J-remyM]

@@factsoffishing 😒

[@peterlong9629]

Corey MUST be related to the HANSON BROTHERS! 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@factsoffishing]

I think Cory could whoop all 3 Hanson Bros 😂

[@peterlong9629]

@@factsoffishing 🤣🤣🤣 It would be a heckuva scrap!!

[@alexpinheiro4622]

Corey's my hero

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks for watching Alex, Cory is definitely something 😂

[@kipbodkin8338]

Fishing gonna end up like any type of racing or like tournament archery, where you have different classes on the water competing at the same time, but seperated by class equipment rules n regs, and maybe that wouldnt be a bad thing actually, have open pro where theres no tech limits, and obviously that would be the premier class, than each class category under open pro would have specific tech & equipment max limit rules to be able to compete in those classes

[@factsoffishing]

Only time will tell but it definitely a possibility. Thanks for watching & commenting. It really helps the channel

[@devonduffy009]

Sounds like there should be a kawartha open with everyone for fun! Rice or scugog!

[@factsoffishing]

That would be fun

[@dominiclaviolette8979]

True canadian boys .Hammers

[@factsoffishing]

100%

[@TonyThompson-io9fu]

Funny how there answers are different than there actions when in certain situations.

[@nancyzipperer8819]

Dave made it happen

[@factsoffishing]

It’s always a fun conversation with the boys

[@bobbycolson1957]

Dave I always wanted to catch so many I'd be accused of cheating 😅

[@factsoffishing]

Heck ya. I hear ya there. The only thing I get accused of cheating on is my diet 😂

[@tylermitchelloutdoors]

I make one TUBE vid on the tracks and the boys hate me! 😭😆

[@factsoffishing]

Come on man. I did not hear them say anything about any one person.

[@tylermitchelloutdoors]

@factsoffishing lmao jus playn Dave! I know for a fact the J bros have 0 clue of my existence 😅

[@mikepadgett4647]

How to pronounce Chickamauga. Lol

[@factsoffishing]

Clearly you don’t ask me 😂

[@Unwrenched]

We need to know who has the balls to pull up on cory. Someone has to know, give us a hint mercer.

[@factsoffishing]

That’s up to Cory to tell 😂

[@desertdog1125]

No 75 Percent of the Best Guys in the World went to BPT.

[@factsoffishing]

Come on man 😂

[@randyemerson8729]

Take away some electronics and GPS coordinates....its all new for everyone

[@mikepadgett4647]

Someone needs to tell Trey gowdy. And trait zaldaine

[@factsoffishing]

Hey Mike, sorry I don’t understand what your comment means. Please clarify?

[@bobbycolson1957]

2 for 1 good deal

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Bobby. I appreciate you watching & commenting

[@rogerdudra178]

I think us outdoor people in Montana behave a lot like you Canukians.

[@factsoffishing]

Sounds like the Montana folks are FUN 😂

[@jacobanderson4101]

300 ft transducer. (3) trolling motors... Does BASS end up putting itself out of business? What happens when you start playing a game that nobody else is playing. Feels like basketball with trampolines. I'm ok with FFS, but this is already going way beyond that.

[@factsoffishing]

You are not wrong. I hope it gets under control at some point.

[@daveysketter9186]

I say take FFS away then lets see how the best anglers are! Speaking of Garmin how can the average angler even afford the cost of a unit and transducer!

[@BernPisarcikJr]

-40 is -40 🤔

[@factsoffishing]

Mind blowing 🤯😂

[@grantloiler4571]

👍👍

[@factsoffishing]

👊🏻👊🏻

[@zimks]

Okay who’s the angler that pulled up on cory lol

[@factsoffishing]

Some stuff is better left on the water 😂

[@nedyarb2000]

Why did Cory call the puck a ball?

[@factsoffishing]

Because at the time he was talking about Summer ball hockey. You know you are Canadian when you even play off season hockey 😂

[@mississippimanoutdoors6154]

If you cut the first ten minutes off these podcasts, their great.

[@factsoffishing]

You have commented on this channel twice, both times chirping me. I hope that makes you feel better. Thanks for watching & supporting my channel 😂

[@floydmayes4924]

I don't know about everyone else, but I can live without Gerald Swindle!

[@treylee7623]

Well that’s rude

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

i bet he can live without out you to

[@jeff_penner]

Why you hating on @GeraldGMANSwindle ? Easily one of the sports favourite anglers

[@stevesteve4350]

Floyd I've thought that for years.

[@floydmayes4924]

@@treylee7623 YEP! AND?

[@donkswampey3874]

Those dudes are hilarious 😂. I feel like they could have been a couple Chads in their early 20’s

[@factsoffishing]

They are definitely fun dudes to hang with. Thanks for watching