Defending Anglers Who Live In The "Gray Area" (The Bilge Podcast)

Chris Zaldain and Trait Zaldain sit down with Matt Pangrac of ​⁠‪@BASSTALKLIVE‬ to hear Matt's real opinions on how pros do things, his future plans when it comes to balancing an Bassmaster Opens career with a Daily Podcast, and much more on this week's The Bilge Podcast presented by ​⁠‪@battlebornbatteries‬
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[@nawinchester]

This was a GREAT podcast for Matt. I have watched BTL a ton, but this podcast really provided great insight into Matt's values, business knowledge, industry knowledge and his approach to both, which I think showed a ton of depth that doesn't always show itself/come across in his BTL content. I thought Matt handled and presented himself extremely well. Well done Matt P. Great podcast conversation.

[@jimk4267]

Agree 100% BTL has always been good. Matt has taken it to the next level

[@edwardcowan7012]

I’ve fished tournaments at some level since 1976 so I’ve seen it all. The equipment prices went off the rail in 1999 when BASS raised the HP from 150 to 250. The biggest electronics setback was GPS, I made information to easy to share/sell. The easiest fish to catch have always been the ones that weren’t being fished for. Any new way to exploit under fished populations became dominant and played out fairly quickly. If you are catching fish with FFS you can’t hide what you’re doing and I think those fish will become over exploited quickly and it will lose its dominance. Time will tell, good show.

[@BenC-77]

The "grey" area is still legal..Panger hit this interview out of the park!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Panger is sharp as a tack, per usual. Thanks for watching Ben

[@BenC-77]

@Zaldaingerous thank you Chris and Trait for lowering the veil of what the industry is really like!!

[@mattowens719]

Why does someone have to work in the Grey area?

[@bobramsey8380]

This is the best Pod cast in Fishing ! You get down to the nuts and bolts of problems ! These are serious problems that you address on your Pod Cast ! It was great that you had Spencer on and allowed him to tell his side of the scandal, it didn't sound as bad as it was made out to be once he addressed it. Thanks for the Honesty ! We need more of that !

[@brib_brib_brib_bri]

I love the debate, the sparring, the point and counterpoint, and that you talk about the tough stuff. I like that Trait gives no quarter, and thought Panger handled it like a champ and didn't just back down to the host to be polite. I think this makes for a great show. I'm entertained. It's the reason that when I see a new episode in my feed, i'm like "oh hell yeah".

[@dominiccavitt4826]

I love the honesty and name dropping - Pro bass fishing needs that. Too many of these fisherman poke their chest out but are afraid to sneeze on 1 ply kneenex. However, Trait’s hatred for Wheeler comes off like extreme jealousy in my personal opinion. This was probably my first time feeling like Trait’s emotions got in the way of reasoning. Matt continued to reiterate that everything she was saying was based off her personal feelings about him and not him breaking the rules. great job Panger.

[@TheKrumster]

Awesome to see people disagree, give points and still show respect

[@mikeswearngin9681]

Best podcast ever. Hearing Trait and Matt go back and forth is epic!!!

[@Zaldaingerous]

They are like brother and sister. This happens every day between them, though normally, the public doesn’t get to hear it 😂

[@RealMitchRapp]

Panger handled Traits pure disdain for Wheeler like a true industry pro. Everything Trait dislikes about Wheeler is everything that makes him one of the best. If he isn’t pushing the envelope, he’s going to get run off. But legit cheating… I’d doubt that. He was after all, on camera. So many people hated Jeff Gordon when he was winning, he was accused of cheating, but was he? Nobody gets to the top without pushing and exploring every option.

[@samaxe3489]

I agree 💯

[@williambohling4517]

The transition to the hate for polygraphs just showed her hate for him is unnecessary. It is over something that is totally unproven but wants to be true so badly.

[@shaunboyle]

If you fail polygraphs, then Duckett rods sign you, and it is never made public, doesn’t that strike you as bad ?

[@treylee7623]

@@shaunboyleno.. he signed him bc he is the best in the sport.. best business decision duckers has ever made.

[@shaunboyle]

@@treylee7623 How often was KVD caught up in these types of controversies ? You do not find it unusual that Wheeler is consistently caught up in these issues, but other known greats are not ? He’s a phenomenal angler, but he also has a resume a mile long of being in these situations. Is he like the Clinton family and the world is out to get him ? Or like them, is he guilty as sin ?

[@bryanfranks6327]

Great show. I think it would be a all out battle if you locked Matt & Trait in a room and let them go at it. It would definitely be fun to watch them hash out all the industry problems. Love y’all on Mercer too. Can’t wait to see Dave on the Bilge.

[@Cbartlettbo]

Great show! Loved the back and forth. Solid discussion with a solid dude!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Matt is legit.

[@woodys1999]

I have watched BTL for a long time and The bilge all episodes. This was my favorite for sure. Panger having to answer questions and keep Trait from wreaking him was awesome. Good job!!!!!

[@mattblackwell4431]

I’ve always liked Trait but this podcast has made me like and respect her even more. She’s gonna say whatever she wants and get down to the truth. Also not to mention she’s showing young women that they can be apart of the fishing industry whether it’s on or off the water. She’s exactly what bass fishing needs an I hope this is just the beginning of her voice in the bass fishing world! Keep it Zaldaingerous!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Thanks Matt, she sees the industry from an eagle’s perch, after competing and working with every person of every facet of the sport for all these years. She has more 🥜 than 90% of us pros. There’s plenty of room in our little world for people like her.

[@dtack777]

I wish Trait would've gone at Shuffield 1/230th this hard on that episode. Side note, Pangrac should be the TD for Bassmaster in the future!

[@rogerdudra178]

That's a lot of work, Panger, to do a show. I'm glad I saw all of them now.

[@ct9737]

I’m so glad you did this interview with Matt,Great stuff👊🏻👊🏻👊🏻

[@Mike_Daley]

Great show! One thing you talked about with the co angler and FFS. I think all the trails will have to figure out something different. The more boaters that get efficient with FFS the more co’s are going to experience how hard it is to fish behind them. That will definitely be a bigger issue at the end of next year.

[@jeffporter100]

Great podcast! Panger is a smooth operator and was ready for Traits questions. Nice hearing all sides of the fishing drama.

[@jaycegarrison544]

My opinion on the Jacob Wheeler dock situation is that it’s not something that should be able to get you disqualified for in a tournament. We have all been there where we put we put our leg up on a dock to stabilize a boat on a windy day while bed fishing. Just because a guy does that doesn’t mean he’s not the best fisherman. He still had to find it.

[@banned4life857]

I never get it when someone doesn't like Wheeler. He's the best bass fisherman in the last decade. Never seen him do anything actually wrong tbh.

[@lukebryant5017]

He has been caught absolutely red handed getting spots and fishing off limits water yet mlf does nothing ab so ppl just assume anyone that dislikes him is hating lol

[@scottwatters1376]

Ive been a BTL fan for years and never miss a one, but this PodCast is #1 and is like appointment TV

[@robertajuarez1691]

Awesome guests you all have interviewed. Great job.

[@Zaldaingerous]

More to come! Thanks Robert

[@blakeraider5312]

Absolutely fishing under the same umbrella is necessary for professional bass fishings future. Great episode!

[@ShaneJMcNair]

I love it. You guys are a Great Team... Trait is the ball buster on these podcasts. Chris, you know how to ask the good questions, and then Trait (tactfully) comes in with the saucy question to seal the deal on the same subject... It's like having Red Beans & Rice, then you add the hot sauce when serving it up 🔥... Goes Good With Beer 🍺🎣

[@davidschell7784]

shane....that comment was spot on.....Trait....was rough on this one.

[@Zaldaingerous]

Shane, great analogy! lol thanks for hanging with us brother

[@chrishampton8842]

Great show as always, Panger hung pretty well with the heat being turned up lol! Love it

[@ShaneJMcNair]

@Zaldaingerous just watched you guys on Mercer... the Bomb 💣 💥 Goes Good with Beer 🍺 🎣

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Matt is incorrect on his assumption regarding clicks I'm after. With my stance on spotlighting for bass and climate change/ environmental issues, I've had over 20k people unsub from my channel this year alone because they were offended by the objective truth. Every time I do a ffs video, inevitably several people will say "I'm done and Un subbing". I've had my day in the sun, won my BASS events and made my Classics. My focus now is trying to leave something better for the next generation, and using my platform to talk about exploding electronic technology in fishing and denial of the reality of climate change are two things cost me tons of subs but I do it because its the right thing to do. If I wanted to make more money from KZbin and gain subs, I'd stay only with sharing my 50 years of fishing tip knowledge and nothing more, but I'm here to fight the good fight. Make no mistake about it, the only reason BASS ignored and gaslighted the public outrage over ffs and kept it legal for the Elite series in 2023 is money and money only. The electronic company that subsidizes BASS with multiyear outrageous compensation dictate BASS' opinion on ffs and they also keep their pros in line with gag orders not to badmouth ffs. Anglers that try to normalize ffs as "just another tool" are out of touch with the reality of the situation on so many different levels. I'll keep taking the lead and the heat over this, and gladly continue to be badmouthed by certain pro anglers who don't know the meaning of professional courtesy/ and respect from being in the trenches for decades...

[@jfriendagain389]

Would you go on this podcast if invited?

[@hmgtechnics]

Trait was fishing, Panger hooking it up with biggins', and Zal just enjoying the show. Great episode guys!!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Glad you enjoyed it! Matt and Trait are good friends so it’s easy for them to banter and hold their ground in how they feel. Two sides are always good for a conversation

[@Zaldaingerous]

Glad you enjoyed it HMG!

[@fish4kbcf]

You guys are the best podcast going for down in the weeds discussion. It’s raw and real. Seeing Trait and Matt go back and forth is hilarious…..I have the same relationship with my sister in law. You can tell when someone is comfortable with someone else to really debate hardcore and come out on the other side in a good place. Chris you just sat back and let it roll lololol. Keep this stuff up. You guys somehow caught lightning in a bottle with this whole show. I’m not speaking about this episode but the show as a whole.

[@brianabercrombie6999]

Kudos to Trait for having the stones to call out wheeler bc nobody else in the industry will do that!!!!! Period!

[@Zaldaingerous]

🎯

[@chrishampton8842]

Agree

[@sicariofishing]

The hustle has evolved and we can't jock people's HUSTLE. Y'all are truly an example to take in. Thank you to the two of you. Thanks to Charles too!

[@jarodshelton]

thoroughly enjoyed this one as always. many great topics, I would love to hear more

[@garyscargs]

Keep asking the hard questions Trait!!! The sport of fishing needs this and covered. Hey Luke Dunkin get Trait on your show!! The views will be sky high!!!

[@rhodesianhunter9360]

Love the podcast. I never watched a lot of tournaments and the only time I do is to watch you, fieder, or Martin. The tournament talk on your show got me interested in it, at least in a soap opera way. What I would also enjoy is if you could bring some old local legends. Whether they’re guides or just known local guys with neat stories.

[@ericporterfield4599]

Awesome conversation and great points .Matt gained more respect 👍

[@banned4life857]

I believe between you Matt is absolutely the voice of reason. 💯

[@eatsquawk]

Trait, I completely see what you're saying about guys seeing a girl catching them. I have even seen this when bank fishing. They can't bear to get beat by a girl. What they don't get is that seeing them act that way drives me. Yes, you can crucify him for that. Don't give me that crap. He knew who to ask. He didn't. It's like a kid asking mommy for something cause they know dad would say "no". Keep asking the hard questions girl. Even when the hubby leaves you twisting in the wind. Dang this one got me fired up.

[@michaelallen345]

Just saw Randy Ba top list for you tube bass fishing, he said you guys were the best of 2023. I don’t disagree!

[@basszilla7418]

Trait should write the rule books for all the Leagues. Could you imagine... Love the show. Stay positive guys!

[@TBassFactory]

Chris I’ve thought about a 3 head livescope build all on 1 rotating pivot point. Just like a dual desktop screen have 3 livescope units and calibrate the heads to overlap the projected signal and be able to watch a fish swim right to left. Watch the fish without moving the heads swim from monitor to monitor. On the right monitor to middle then left. It would create a mapping system like taking 360 and taking a segment of the view and transferring to a livescope form of data. Just an idea.

[@TheAverageAngler]

Another good show. Matt is calculated. Love it.

[@richardstradling582]

Great show! Loved the back and forth!

[@tonyperez3666]

Love that intro and outro music. Gets me every time!!

[@kevinsinvegas]

Trait is a breathe of fresh air! Your podcasts are ALWAYS excellent. Keep them coming!

[@luevang9801]

Someone's had a bit too much wine 😂😂😂😂

[@toddbrown9398]

Biffle is the man!

[@JH-ev7wn]

53:05 big fan of Pangrac and BTL, but this is a good issue to bring up. thanks to trait for always asking good question

[@bobbycolson1957]

The question to ask is would you do business with the person in question outside of fishing....Traits my hero

[@fishingkid8467]

This is fantastic!! Hell of podcast! Made my day!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Glad you enjoyed it fishing kid!!!

[@Dkfishing10]

I grew up in racing and worked for a top nascar team and the old saying was “ there’s black and white but the grey is mine”

[@Dkfishing10]

Every single nascar team is cheating but the culture is different in racing. Trying to find ways to cheat is almost a badge of honor and is a sign of creativity and how smart crew chiefs are.

[@Zaldaingerous]

lol this is awesome

[@kristinefischer2289]

Ooof I'm with Trait on that one. Is it on the angler or the TD. Angler every single time. I cannot in good conscious, do something that I know is against the rules or even pushing the rules, even if the TD allows it in that situation.

[@michaelallen345]

Great show guys!

[@789Derek]

I’m glad that Trait said her and Wheelers issues could be talked out. With some of her comments, I’m not sure Jacob would give that a chance and couldn’t blame him if he didn’t. In my opinion, JW is the best angler to ever hold a rod and there isn’t a close second. I don’t care what envelope he pushed in what event. I want to appreciate Traits better qualities, but she makes it hard at times with the hate and distain of the Ding boys. They seem to have stopped saying “ding” but I’ll be damned if I would have stopped. The more hate they receive, they more they should ring that bell. Ding, ding, ding! Trait’s head is ringing from all of wheelers dinging!

[@stevekent8673]

Good cop vs. Bad cop interview style. I love it, extracting the truth with well articulated questions. Chris already has the "cop" mustache in place. Look forward to more interviews. Time to get leanne swindle, sherry vandam, becky iconelli on for the truth!

[@chuckstillwell9549]

Keep it up trait on point

[@chrisstepp3302]

Matt and Trait remind me of Mark and Matt on BTL.. I love it

[@academicmailbox7798]

Listening to anglers trying to understand what's going on 'with the industry'. I know that Milliken recently painted his analysis, based on looking at private equity finance. Which puts some of the parts of it together for certain. A writer on economics who looks at freight data to understand economics, based in Dallas was speaking at a freight conference. DiMartino Booth in her sum of of the macro economy now, kind of picks up where Milliken left his story about finance and private equity (and how all of that could affect on fishing). Where DiMartino Booth is coming from explains a lot, a lot about what the Traveling Circus podcast and others have dealt with recently. That's my feeling.

[@areddfishing7473]

Great show! panger your the best man!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Sharp AF, Redd!!

[@MegaBassbite]

Better cut back on the wine Trait lol.... kudos for calling out the cheats love the show and thw honesty....you guys rock!!!!! Trait you rock your right on with your views 😂

[@Zaldaingerous]

Lol I promise I only had one glass - tz

[@MegaBassbite]

Lmao😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@jamiejuicenewton3349]

It will only be under one umbrella via Johnny Morris and maybe KVD as the ambassador. Uncle Johnny has the $ and all the connections. His earlier $1M team deal was him putting his toe in and the trial balloon to gather data for future business deal.

[@dustingrant2062]

I agree with Trait 100% I love it Matt's a wheeler fan goes without saying BTL needs alittle more Trait in it

[@Zaldaingerous]

It makes for a good podcast to have two opinions / sides who are willing to stand their ground lol

[@dustingrant2062]

@@Zaldaingerous I agree thanks for all you guys do

[@deanashburn7390]

I get the vibe from Matt that he likes the grey areas in rules . Seems to take up for everyone in the grey. I get if it’s grey it’s not wrong but i guess that’s where i just don’t want to be seen as one that plays in the grey areas.

[@Shawn_Lai]

Lol Trait saying "Ha, thats good for him" 😂 its all hearsay unless there is inconclusive proof. People think polygraphing is 100% science, but at the end of the day its someone interpreting the results.... Ed's episode was AMAZING. He is so damn smart.

[@Zaldaingerous]

Spot on, Shawn! Thanks for chatting with us last night. Ed Loughran is extremely smart. Glad you enjoyed that one.

[@davidharris4030]

Honestly I feel like a lot of people don’t Wheeler because of his success. I haven’t seen evidence of him truly cheating. I am not going to be a hater. Wheeler is not only a great angler but happen to have his social media going great during the time he was winning. On top of that he had close friends like DC having success along with their catch phrase “ DING “! The bottom line is the stars a-lined for his brand but let’s not forget he is winning. I think Pangers take on FF is spot on.

[@shaunboyle]

Are you sure people are not down on him because he is always around controversy ? Is failing a polygraph repeatedly not evidence ? Does a rule abider fail repeatedly ?

[@davidharris4030]

@@shaunboyle I have no evidence of that ! Do you? I think there is a lot of jealousy. Bottom line is I would have to have real evidence before I throw stones.

[@shaunboyle]

@@davidharris4030 So you choose not to believe that he failed, even though it is widely known in the industry that he did ? I would ask you this. How come other known stars are never in these controversial situations. You ever hear of KVD or Jordan Lee in these situations ?

[@davidharris4030]

@@shaunboyle There again I don’t have proof and only one podcast have I actually heard his name dropped. From different podcasts I have listen to it sounds like many are playing in that “Grey Area “! As far as lie detector test they don’t ever give out that information. That is not known by the public according to multiple podcasts.

[@shaunboyle]

@@davidharris4030 It is known by many in and out of the industry that he failed multiple times. Watson said o without naming him. No one is going after him because of his success. They are going after him because he tends to play fast and loose with the rules. I think he is a great angler, but I’m not going to be dishonest and pretend he is not always part of controversy. You hear about JLee or BP playing fast and loose ?

[@nealdonnelly2381]

The pga tour does not make public any tests.

[@chadderiksen]

Great podcast, but I’m more interested in the bass skateboard! Is that a Triangle sports board with a Dixon signature???

[@dwainwfishing1013]

Great podcast, Get Todd Castledine on. would be great to hear Trait and Todd’s takes together!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Yes, Dwain! Todd has real life views of the sport!!!

[@joeys7519]

Also get Ben Miliken on, what a story hes had

[@treylee7623]

Best damn show yet!!! I’ve never seen somebody not back down from trait!! (Trait you are still awesome) didn’t mean that in a bad way it was just good content! By far my favorite episode!

[@wsmunz33]

Well said, I could listen to you two banter all day. Oh wait, I already do! Lol. Tight lines boys.

[@wsmunz33]

Hey brother, currently have a guy trying to scam me for your battery giveaway. Just figured you should probably let people know that it’s happening so nobody falls for it.

[@wsmunz33]

Sent you an IG msg about it.

[@xmarkedx]

I feel like Trait follows Wheelers career more than her Husbands 😂 she knows ever tournement, every bait he used, every controversy 😂

[@rogerdudra178]

When I was 40 plus I started writing a program for planning retirement. That was in the 1980's, I guess it was a good program.

[@jboatbillfishing]

Awesome show guy keep up the good work

[@gregshelton4487]

Great pod🎣🎣

[@ryanstarzenski3072]

As always. Really good podcast

[@jeremysessions8810]

@Trait I really like what you were saying about you having a podcast without Chris but with yourself and Maggie Iaconelli. The third person would have to be Kevin Vandams wife hands down. Y’all three could really shed a lot of light on the situations and facts behind the scenes. I’m positive a lot of people would benefit from what you guys have to say! I for one would be extremely grateful to hear what y’all three ladies would have to say!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Dude, could you imagine having sherry, Becky, trait on a set talking shmack about their husbands and their peers?! Would be gold

[@kevinsinvegas]

Please!!!

[@swimbaitonaprairie9359]

I absolutely love Trait she is a critical thinker.. Wheeler is always caught up in so called grey area sometimes you need to call the kettle black get Ehler on podcast .Keep it up guys it’s awesome

[@shawnepperson3408]

Trait with a wine glass is dangerous

[@Zaldaingerous]

Lol that was only one glass too 😂

[@captainmike988]

Trait I am such a fan!!!!

[@joeg1709]

Co anglers are leaving in droves. I'm not fishing as a co anymore and Ffs being 100% the reason. Assuming an organization, be it BASS or MLF or NPFL, is fully transparent or would punish their marketing goldmines is naive. And it will never change. Expecting these anglers all to have the same ethics or opinion of right or wrong is impossible. It's completely the organizations responsibility to set rules and expectations. If someone doesn't tell me specifically I can't do it, and it will help my tournament, bet I'll consider doing it. Great job Matt, expressing yourself and sticking to your own opinion. Just like Trait does. Respectful discourse is necessary and appreciated. Lastly, I really hope Trait and Wheeler can hash the issue out one day lol

[@KyleB3434]

Ben Milliken is legit. Been watching him for years . He can catch them every way . He’s a very versatile fisherman 💯

[@christianmicheau5004]

He's legit. But the absolute king of click bait!

[@Chadyp82]

Great show

[@jamesdancey5525]

Great show guys.

[@TonyAnthonyRichards]

LoL @ the Dean Comment… dude has spoke more about Blazer/Suzuki in the past 5 years than he had with Skeeter in 20 years! Please Let Flowers have a few more drinks before the next ‘Cast. We don’t need to go all Beckinolli drinking out the milk jug….

[@Zaldaingerous]

lol Tony

[@johnhanley8708]

excellent show!!!!

[@bamadondon0495]

15:06.. you GOTTA love Trait!!😂😅😂😅 She's throwing HEAT, regardless of what you think she's gonna call BALLS AND STRIKES ALL DAY🚨!!!!! Seriously... She's one the bigger reasons I love this Pod cause Chris is all chill and conversation Wich is COOL. Don't get me wrong, Chris is an O.G to me even tho we're the same age.. He's been in the game longer than me.. But seriously TRAIT'S AWESOME! SHE'S GONNA THROW HEAT ALL POD.. Just BALLS and STRIKES buddy, balls and strikes! Nothing else .. 😂😅😂😅😂.. you guys are killing the game! Good luck this coming up season y'all.. TRAIT KEEP'EM STRAIGHT!💪💪✌️

[@Zaldaingerous]

Thanks Bama Don!!! Some say it’s overdramatic but honestly they’re valid points that should be discussed… Which is exactly what podcasts are great for 👌🏽

[@bamadondon0495]

@@Zaldaingerous couldn't agree more... Either way IM HERE FOR IT ALL!!! 😁✌️

[@chadbooth4371]

This was a good one!

[@AaronSmith-wx6hq]

Wheeler living up in her head rent free!! Lol she think he needs to talk to her like she matters

[@ajones68]

Wheelers underbite so bad his kids gonna look like a cash register.

[@kyleheinz6785]

Where did you get the bass skateboard?

[@Zaldaingerous]

There’s a pro skateboarder out of Chicago that likes to fish. We got this board through a charity event with the Ike Foundation. Chris Groh is good friends with the pro skater. I believe you can acquire these decks through Chris

[@shonmckinney8240]

Trait would be one hell of a defense attorney! She doesn't cut no slack!

[@secretbassrigs]

The vast majority of the audience (majority of bass fishing consumers) do notice the difference in skill and experience required to win, as well as the difference in entertainment value. The vast majority of the consumers/audience in the bass fishing market, without a doubt, recognizes it takes less angling skill and experience to win a tournament with FFS, as well as a drop in entertainment value. If it was just about watching fish being caught, similar to some kind of fishing pornography, FFS should have increased viewership. I don't see that as having happened. It's the opposite, where there are less viewers, as far as I know. The drop in advertising revenue should be evidence enough of that. In Marketing, the "80/20" rule dictates that 20% of your customer base is responsible for 80% of your sales/profits. Regarding the impact FFS has on their viewership, the tournaments should definitely be concerned with how that 20% of their audience's future brand loyalty will be impacted. Are they spending more on advertised products and services or are they spending less since the use of FFS to date? In my personal opinion (from someone that has spent at least $5000 on fishing tackle alone since April) I've noticed the lure industry losing it's competitiveness and innovation ever since the advent of FFS in tournaments. I've also watched less tournament coverage while increasing my social media consumption, because it means less to me who wins a tournament and why they won. Today. in tournaments it's always about, "who used their FFS better" instead of, "who did what... and why". Because most of the consumer market is not using FFS, nor are they fishing tournaments (let alone boat owners ), I would not be surprised if the "vast majority" of the market feels the same way as I do. I suspect the small percentage of actual tournament participants haven't changed their viewing habits much. If so, I'd assume they're also watching less tournament coverage and focusing more on easier to access and more specific media sources, rather than setting their DVR. I, for one, would definitely watch more tournament coverage if a tournament venue was to adopt a policy drastically limiting the use of FFS. Especially, if that happened to initially occur with a newly emerged venue. Any venue, no matter the sport being represented, that has much less controversy regarding it's rules, will always merit more recognition for their legitimacy. I consider myself well within that 20% range responsible for 80% of the industries revenue. Unless the tournaments want to increase their revenue from tournament participants, like it seems they're having to do now, they better take a close look at their priorities and they better match up with us 20% percenters. It's only common sense.

[@mikepadgett4647]

Great show enjoyed getting to meet Matt a little bit.

[@BC_Fishing]

Both sides had great points and were right in what was said. Legal is still legal, and wrong is still wrong. I guess it’s more of a question of moral integrity. Can you really call yourself the best when you get waypoints from locals and people who have put in the time? In the end these things aren’t policeable and trait has a point, if you can’t enforce it, abolish the rule. Then the people that follow the rules to a “T” will have no “grey area” to avoid and will have a level playing field.

[@SteegeFish]

Can y’all have Jacob Wheeler on? 😂 the tension would be incredible

[@edwood1424]

George Kramer out west the top 30, he is still around and fishing bass.

[@jackjohn3035]

Go get Randall Tharp now! He us ready to spill it all to Trait!😂

[@rogerdudra178]

In my house I have my own bathroom so I can leave the seat up all the time.

[@CWdobro]

This is most likely going to sound crazy but All the talk about way points and either getting them given or paid. Is it possible to have anglers from first day of practice till end of tournament start with a blank SD card with no way points except for what they find during whole eventI really have no clue how they work but just a thought and a fine or penalty of some sort? How about 1 or 2 tournaments no forward facing or SI. I’m sure that’s way out of line because of sponsors but would be super entertaining. Thanks for entertains podcast

[@lukebryant5017]

Failing polygraphs then getting signed by the owner of the trail to his rod company is ab as shady as it gets lol god I love Trait 😂

[@asavafishing]

There is no link to subscribe to the “giveaway”

[@Zaldaingerous]

bit.ly/BatteryGiveaway

[@gregphillips8299]

Some people are always gonna look for the gray areas in the rules, and some people are always going to defend the ones that find and use the gray areas to get an advantage. You can use the things they say and defend and make excuses for as a filter for the people you let into your life. Like for instance just listening to this podcast i can say that while Mr Pangrac is probably a great guy I would never trust him in a business environment because he makes too many excuses for ethical and moral behavior that to most people are plainly obvious to be in breach of the spirit of the rules

[@jeb4836]

Agree. He has questionable character. He’s a follower of group think in bass pro world.

[@mattp7947]

You missed the entire point….

[@wsmunz33]

Heads up!! Someone has grabbed all the giveaway information and is trying to get people to send money for “shipping”!! Beware!