Fishing DRAMA! Suspended Pro James Watson & Mike Iaconelli - This Could Get Messy

Oh geez this could be dangerous as these two drink a beer and sound off on all things bass fishing...
For those who don't know, James "JMFW" Watson is currently suspended from Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour until Santa comes in 2025 to restore his fishing privileges. As James tells it, his love of fishing boat docks was his undoing. Watch this bass fishing video discussion to see what gets stirred up, warning, it could get messy!
#fbd #fishing #bassfishing

[@theoutdoorsmantimg3450]

Thanks for your service to the country James!!

[@Playaj711]

Love when you and your buddies reminisce about the ole days!!Great show!!!

[@robertthierry8297]

Both of you guys are awesome the old days of fishing was the best even ESPN watching on TV was a different time. Just not the same what a shame.

[@daveysketter9186]

great show thanks for the honesty! Id watch a 55 and over tournament show!

[@DavidCampbell-ql1jm]

Great show Ike. Love the idea of a seniors tour that you talked about. Please try to make that happen. I think that would be great.

[@andrewdavis619]

Great episode! Was trying to decide what hat to wear on my trip from Missouri to Connecticut this weekend…. You just helped me make my decision, my #FBD hat I bought at Extreme Outdoors last summer!!!

[@samsportsman929]

Yes yes yes fishing boat docks featuring host James Watson! What channel and time I won’t miss an episode!!!

[@andrewvolcom11]

As stated on everyother podcast hes been on..... for everything James has done for our country and the industry, he deserves a "Permanent Legend Card" any tournament trail, anytime, anywhere.... just walk up to the dock, bad ass entry music, and commentator announcing "The F**king Legend has arrived"....

[@troyblahnik9778]

As always, great show! Thank you for your service James. Sad to hear how the business is and how it's all "evolved". At 53, I often wonder if I chased that dream and went down the pro angler path but after hearing about all the BS I feel a lot better about my choices lol RIP Ray Scott, Bryan Kerchal and all that B.A.S.S. used to be 🤟🏻

[@michaelfrisko9614]

You see FBD merch here in S. Jersey and we don't even have boat docks!! Well...barely.

[@dougyancy9465]

wow, lots of information i had no idea about. great show. met you at knoxville at the classic, made my day.

[@myownlane8409]

I’ve been a fan of pro fishing for over 30 years. You both are heroes of so many people like me. The sport is slowly dying because of the leadership of both tours. It’s sad to watch. I hate FFS because it’s awful to watch on tv and too expensive for weekend anglers. Thank you both for this truth telling.

[@BernPisarcikJr]

I was able to listen to the show while at work. Very successful Ike Live. Good work, and thank you.

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thanks for listening! I appreciate the positive feedback!

[@secretbassrigs]

Endorphins are good for you IKE. Don't get rid of them. "Release them..."

[@randypewthers8983]

FFS has divided the tournament industry like no other. Period.

[@RonniePierce-tk6ru]

I have a new series for you. getting” reel “with a Iaconelli. Bring on anglers and ask them the hard questions. brought to you by Abu Garcia rods and reels.

[@theoutdoorsmantimg3450]

Jw, making boat docks great again!!

[@dlaird8]

Watson needs to start his own show that would be the equivalent of comedians and coffee. Just go fishing with the legends and current legends for fun. Go completely social media.

[@tackleandtacos]

The thumbnail for this video - a little too perfect! 😂

[@rjcornett179trx]

They don’t care about taking away from you guys James and Ike….. because there are so many that want to take yalls spot. They know either way the leagues will stay afloat….. unless somehow you guys get more control of the way things are run.

[@richardhancock4071]

I don’t understand bass pro shop dropping all that sponsor money in nascar when they could put those million back into pro fishing or something to do with fishing

[@baileybleser]

Dang that’s a great point

[@randyemerson8729]

Mike and James-The bottom line is that they know exactly what they’re doing. They’re trying to change the sport to be driven by technology and electronics. There’s more money in that, and they’re eventually going to weed out the entry-level, middle-class anglers. They’re only going to be looking for a super high-end sport, and all your little local trails will become irrelevant. They don’t want anglers; they want the money, the results, and to showcase big catches at any cost. Tradition, ethics, and sportsmanship are all being thrown out the window. I wish Ray Scott were still alive, because if he were, he wouldn’t tolerate this. But you know what? Maybe there needs to be another Ray… I’m coming!

[@andyd834]

Love how un muzzled wastson is. There shouldn't be any hush hush behind the scenes shenanigans.

[@chaddbusmc1]

thanks guys for keeping it all the way real. Integrity matters where i come from

[@randyemerson8729]

Mike and James-The bottom line is that many professional anglers over the age of 40 are being replaced. This trend is similar to what we see in major sports, where athletes often peak between ages 16 and 30. If we shifted our focus to the stories, experiences, and perspectives of older anglers, we could maintain a vibrant community. I believe that the skills of anglers in their 40s, 50s, or even early 60s can be as good, if not better, than those of younger competitors. The current business model is flawed, and I can see the direction it's heading. Many people have turned their backs on professional fishing, hoping that the new generation will remain committed in the long run. Unfortunately, the outlook isn’t promising. This could alienate local anglers and lead to more lakes becoming off-limits for tournaments, as frustrated community members push back. I don’t want to see that happen.

[@randyemerson8729]

then again, maybe more competition is being injected into the market. What do you think guys wanna stir it up?

[@chadlawyer4891]

Really enjoyed it, Ike, man. I really do like James Watson, never met him would love to meet him at some point, I do think he’s a great guy and yeah, you gotta get behind a guy that truly stands up for what he believes, definitely not enough of that, we need to have more conversations on the old-school fish and stuff because it is fun and that’s where it all started for us, old crank, bates old worms, the old jerk bates more conversations of that type of stuff before it got complicated, get back to more fun

[@easton00033]

“I'm telling you, all this new stuff is good and with the exception of KVD, everyone who left BASS can be replaced.” Jerry McKinnis This quote should tell you everything you need to know about the business of professional fishing !

[@hytekrednekbama4400]

Thank you James for having BALLS! Way too many overgrown boys these days. We need more men with balls in this world!

[@bradmcdaniel9675]

Great show! Love Watson. You all touched on something very very important at the end. There have been a thousand shows/podcasts, rightfully so, talking about how broken Professional Bass Fishing is and how and who could fix it. Part of that answer is SO obvious to me and I dont think Ive heard anyone say it - the who is JOHNNY MORRIS!! He is the ONE person that EVERYONE would listen to. If he chose to, he could see to it there were major changes made in the top leagues. Hell, if I were him, with his money, I would buy MLF and BASS and maybe NPFL, and there would be one definitive Pro Tour. But many many ways he could go with that to radically change things for the better....................

[@jimmycross5675]

Love the Ike live one great show my 2 cent on all of this im 49 I’ve followed bass for years not so much anymore all my hero’s of the sport no longer fish plus ya know it’s not as exciting to watch on tv no more and I no longer subscribe to bass anymore since all this new technology no one wants to see some guy look at a screen that took all the excitement away from when the guys just fished and as far as Boyd duckett I never was a fan of that dude he was just way to cocky i think all the older anglers are the ones that made bass what it is and you guys deserve every bit of the credit for it because with out all the older pro like you bass wouldn’t even be there keep up the good work Ike and thanks you worldwide for your service to our country

[@lannyluckyj3227]

Loved it, Thunder Cricket would be my lure to take back

[@bcallisjr]

There is no perfect solution to the FFS issue. Sponsorship is part of the issue. Everyone is trying something different this year. Who has the right answer? I don't know. But you have to start with something and work through it. See who has what this year when it ends and what changes come about. As a fan, I am waiting

[@randyemerson8729]

Yeah, there’s a solution it’s called government intervention. And I think it’s time.

[@thomasbrothers8572]

Mike I have one question.... Is there anyway you can get schematics for the IKE EZcast?? It's my tournament reel and I need to have it serviced!! Love your content and appreciate everything you've taught us!!

[@ryanstarzenski3072]

I agree Ike. We need a show! Make it happens James! lol! But seriously…

[@edwardmarshall8795]

As a fan I stopped watching when they got rid of James Watson I loved the comments that he made he’s funny we love ya James

[@Ray-z8r]

Blauket does always talk about FFS. That’s why I NEVER watch his videos! 😂LOL!

[@TheWoefman]

I don’t mind Blaukut ffs stuff, i quit cause he is lefty against 1st amendment, even if no swearing, no stance against his ffs, but comment about his other issues, he removes your post #FRB

[@Kendrix1]

Randy Blockhead is a radical lefty has been... He hasn't done well in a tournament that I know of in years.....

[@DennisBarton-cr1tq]

Love you guys u r Always great you r alsome

[@richardhancock4071]

Bass should hire big show Watson to commentate there show holy shit that would be bigger than anything happening in fishing

[@boognish.]

Long live Randy Blaukat

[@Ray-z8r]

Your pay raises are on the Internet/social media side of your business. The business behind fishing are know longer willing to share a significant part of their profits.

[@leroystarling9359]

Here's the trickle down. I was as diehard tournament 58:08 since 1976. First, since BASS took the 6 federation spots at the classic away from the people that actually spent tons of money and time on the sport dont give a shit about all the new shit going on, i dont even look at magazines or live events anymore. These organizations have turned the people off by all this shit . I've even been scolded by a high-school angler for stopping on a point over 150 yards away. I think there were three boats on the lake. It's bro-bass now days fuck it guys like me don't give a shit anymore.

[@johnm2617]

😮😮 Very well said ! I'm 60 And feels the same !! Peace man !

[@Rushhy-p2q]

Am I the only one that noticed, #FBD has the yellow duckett font and red background…. Knowing James it probably really means “ Fuck Boyd Duckett “ 😂😂

[@kobymurrell1335]

I really hope this is sarcasm 😂

[@Rushhy-p2q]

@@kobymurrell1335 lol it’s not 😂 am I late ?

[@kobymurrell1335]

@@Rushhy-p2q just a little lol

[@TheWoefman]

Im not late, but during show ordered bunch merch finally, Watson contributed to our country, I contributed to Watson’s cause. And proud of it. 😅

[@richardstradling582]

The counter rotating hooks work. Vector hooks makes them.

[@noahledbetter3969]

The click bait had me rolling!!!😅

[@mikeiaconellifishing]

Thank you, we put our heart and soul into this thumbnail.

[@johnbarger1426]

i think the primary issue is that there are TOO MANY "pro bass tours"....its severely dilutes the money available from sponsors.....i also think that bass fishing in particular has been promoted so well the past 20 years that Companies no longer HAVE TO give money to Anglers. Add to that the fact that 18 -25 year olds are now competing AND winning on Pro Tours thanks to FFS....No one has to actually understand Bass habits and seasonal patterns etc.... all you have to do is be able to understand what youre looking at on a video screen.

[@randyemerson8729]

Mike-you’re exactly right the angler should blame themselves because at the end of the day there’s not enough money in the sport unless you’re in the top 10 beyond that the payout is poor and if you have deep pockets in a modest lifestyle, you can still make it, but the biggest problem is no one wants to rock the boat because once you lose one or two sponsors, you got nobody else to replace them. Promoting FFS live targets and all the electronics because these companies are paying these guys in good services and rebates. So they’re desperate so obviously they thought about it and then the word got back to the tours so they implemented that change at the end of the day. You’re exactly right it really comes down to being what do you want to sport to look like not only today but into the furure.

[@garyscargs]

The owner of BASS knows people will pay to play! It will never change til all pros go on a strike!!! Then BASS will have to come up with more $ to get these pros back… only way!

[@secretbassrigs]

The industry has the money to get rid of pay to play. I stopped watching all the major pro tournaments from the BS. social media and streaming platforms are going to leave them behind the more they think they're in control of the industry.

[@chrisbruce7594]

Hell yea... fishing boat docks with worldwide... That sounds like a great TV show

[@nunyabusiness102]

On the old rods...I remember feeling a Berkley Bionix for the first time. Mind blown! 😁

[@garysulkowski2804]

Love Berkeley Bionix

[@ronsaunders4491]

Possum Kingdom Lake in Texas is a fantastic fall Dock fishing lake.Crankbait lover's like me.

[@Ray-z8r]

Mike, I am just a lifelong fisherman who has never fished professionally. The only way for ONE league to be successful is for the anglers to own the league and have the only TV/social media contract/rights.

[@martywatson9796]

It's a shame James couldn't speak his mind without making mlf butthurt. I lost some respect for that trail after that and watching this episode.

[@jaredleicht1656]

There is a very simple solution.... Stop trying to make the top level of each organization into a private bass club. Elite series is roughly 90 guys. Mlf is 80 down to 40. A BFL has 200 boats. Plus, riders. Why not make the elites or mlf 200 boat fields ? Double the anglers = Double the payouts 200k per winner and 20k per check would help out greatly. Plus, the organization gets more from the township, bringing a larger field. Also, it's probably a dream of so many to enter a tournament like that. People who don't have the time or money to travel a whole season. Because of family or business obligations. Let anyone who wants to enter sign up.

[@secretbassrigs]

#FBD

[@johnm2617]

😮 Running a profitable business & Running a greedy business is 2 different things ! Even the spending at the classic! Before during after ! The food the drinks the venues ! Crazy ! Then alot of people come and work for free for them !! Lots ! BUT BOTTOM LINE THEY COULD PAY THESE GUYS MORE $$ ! AND ENTRY FEES ARE A JOKE 😮😮😮😮 DONE !!!

[@chrisbruce7594]

We miss Ike TV shows aswell

[@chrisformella1526]

I have an idea. Why don’t Ike James KVD anyone else the 3 of you can do business with and start your own tournament series. You are some of the greatest anglers why don’t you start something for anglers by anglers. Take care of your own. People will want to see it. You know what anglers want and what the people my to see thanks for the great content too.

[@mmitc2121]

Funny him to say that all anglers would have more tv time i can say for a fan since i was a kid going back to the 90s i can say the familiar faces we grew up seeing have gone away and if i didnt already know these anglers if i was a new fan of the sport i wouldn't even know them since they've been at mlf.

[@jkent316]

💪

[@edwardmarshall8795]

I saw that in my company also management thinks they are right all the time and 99 percent of the time they are wrong if they would the employees they would get the right answer but that’s beneath them the employees are the ones doing the work they know how to solve most of the problems but management always screws it up and they get rewarded with a bonus by the management drove our company into the ground out of business because they know better and they still got there retirement

[@edwardmarshall8795]

Trump 2024 make fishing great again

[@josephphillips590]

I quit watching tournament fishing because of how the anglers get treated and how cut throat the business has become. James Watson is the best,Ike too Miss the good ol days..

[@johnm2617]

😊😊 JAMES IS THE BEST ! HE NEEDS TO BE FISHING AGAIN ! BOYD CANT HANDLE SOME CRITICISM? THEN GIVE UP YOUR POSITION! CUZ YOUR NOT DOING A GREAT JOB ANYWAY! SO JUST FISH BOAT DOCKS BABY 😮😮😮

[@stevesteve4350]

I called BASS cancelled my subscription I've had for over 30 years and they reimbursed me for what was left. They actually sent me a check for cancelling my subscription.

[@stevesteve4350]

The problem is BASS stance on FFS.

[@hillbillyslots1636]

Do you guys really understand you are a tax right off. Think about who bought B.A.S.S. and Ranger. Who needs large tax right offs.

[@boognish.]

No disrespect to anyone. I’m a huge fan but at this time I must quote Dana White of the UFC. “This is not a career, it is an opportunity.” I hate that this is where our beloved bass fishing is but it’s true.

[@dlaird8]

They should start a FFS tour.

[@DamienB-bl7im]

Davy Hite was that senior angler! He is a sell out! Professional bass fishing anglers should be making enough money to comfortably support their family and dream! Get rid of Forward facing sonar(the cheater box) and let’s get back to true bass fishing!!!

[@randyperdue6164]

Bring on our bud John Crews i live 5 minutes from his store in Salem Va

[@mattmitchell9298]

High School and College leagues are hurting the sport imho. No leadership in the "organizations". FFS has ruined the coverage and made competition bland.

[@mff904]

I vote for watson in charge bring back the sport

[@mattmitchell9298]

I'm addicted to coffee and anger😂😂😂🤬😵‍💫🤣

[@dlaird8]

The economy is shit. The price of boats and the technology to fish these tournaments is through the roof. The entry fees for an open are ridiculous. People cant afford it.

[@JayMacDonald217]

You guys need to unionize! Get someone to represent ALL professional anglers. Then you will have the power to tell them what want …..

[@brians.4488]

I never liked fishing boat docks from the classic winner that wore red shoes trying to copy skeets og set up!!!

[@minnowdunkers6220]

Laughing at a man for making 40k per year. Love both of you as anglers, but let's be good human beings first! Fishing an Ohio River tournament in the morning that pays 1200 for 1st. Remember us Blue Collars that like to think of us as "Real Anglers"!

[@basszilla7418]

You guys don't know how unions work and what makes them successful.

[@dlaird8]

Its pay to win in pro fishing now.

[@brians.4488]

Eventually these dictators oh i mean directors of these circuits that do whatever they want beause its there business will eventually be run out by the anglers. The paybacks vs. Entryfees is a fucking joke!!! Its never been perfect but the high dollar tournament circuits are working away from that instead of the other way around. Towns and cities are paying them to show up and have tournaments. Guess they keep ALL THAT TOO!!!

[@dlaird8]

Tournament fishing is dying.

[@johnhelems721]

Unionize view it as a business not a hobby. Everyone gets a check the better you do the bigger your check.

[@ronsaunders4491]

Im A Veteran I understand

[@ronsaunders4491]

Possum Kingdom Lake Dock Capitol of the Country.

[@kenolswfski2511]

So all angler get a check?? That’s a joke you don’t fish for last just to get a check

[@JMFWWorldwide]

Do all football players in NFL get paid?

[@shawncollins7123]

Them old timers hate when ya skipp a pink worm underneath there boat lift

[@edwardmarshall8795]

Are they going to work for less money also

[@ronsaunders4491]

Im a leader not a follower

[@AG-uu2kn]

Yes, you’re replaceable. Just like all of us in different industries… professional bass fishing actually getting a taste of what it’s like when there are hundreds of younger college students trying to take your job.

[@ronaldbryant8457]

Either Cluny or Van Dam

[@freemyself8223]

I believe BASS have its pros in a gag order. It’s like you guys can’t voice your opinion at all. Whoever is over BASS now days I believe he or she is some kind of narcissist control freak

[@edwardmarshall8795]

We need more fans to stop watching and that will hit management in the wallet because I don’t want to see young guys just looking at there depth finders and not even have lines in the water that’s very boring

[@freemyself8223]

I believe BASS have its pros in a gag order. It’s like you guys can’t voice your opinion at all. Whoever is over BASS now days I believe he or she is some kind of narcissist control freak