Mark Zona “I Love This Sport So Much” on MERCER-160

Some call him Z, some call him Z Train, some call him Zona but almost nobody calls him Mark. Friend of the show, Mark Zona returns to the podcast and he lets loose on just about every topic you can think of. Mark Zona, the over-the-top host of Bassmaster LIVE and Zona’s Awesome Fishing Show is being inducted to the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame this September. He is truly one of the biggest names in the sport of pro fishing but none of that came without an incredible amount of work all fuelled by his tremendous love for the sport of professional fishing.
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[@factsoffishing]

Always love conversations with my brother Z. Hope you enjoy it, please remember to Like this video & Subscribe 👍

[@ufcguruofficial]

I could listen to Ole Z train talk fishing for hours. Another great podcast Dave!

[@bobpayseno7481]

Zona is certainly one of my favorite guys to watch pertaining to anything bass fishing but his love of Bears football is next level. I loved seeing him “geek” out explaining his NFL draft experience. Zona is a true treasure to watch because he still has the joy and wonder of a child every time he gets out when he goes bass fishing! Mark, you’re the best! 😎👍🏻👏

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks for watching Bob, I could not agree with you more. Zona is awesome

[@beardedbassprojekt6639]

A show with Z Train is a show worth your time regardless of what you're doing! Thanks for another stellar show Dave! Just finished it and will be starting the latest one just after this!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks very much. I always enjoy my conversations with Z. Hope this weeks show was just as enjoyable

[@NeilCotton]

Dave, as always you have knocked it out of the park. Zona is one of the greatest minds in fishing today. Yeah, he is funny and always makes everyone laugh. Still, if you really listen to him there is one thing that is blatantly obvious the man is passionate about fishing and all the people in and around the fishing industry. He is one of the pillars of our great sport and though he seems humbled by being inducted into the fishing hall of fame, Zona and his family thoroughly deserve this recognition. WELL DONE SIR!!

[@jacobcollins5827]

I've been laid off since the first of the year. First time ever in 23 years and I've fished and average of 4 to 5 days a week. Never been more stress free. Someday I will get back to work, but I'm not rushing.

[@factsoffishing]

Stress free is a good way to live

[@pjb.customflies]

There is nothing better than solo time on the water. Some of the best conversations happen! lol

[@factsoffishing]

You know that’s the truth

[@user-mt8ns3pz8d]

Big fish in the middle of the lake got me. I remember growing up in southern Michigan and telling my father the same thing Zona. The middle Dad! He said get rowing Lol. Good Times

[@davidcahan2978]

Great open discussion between two good friends. Was Funtastic to be able to listen in!

[@onceaintenough]

Excellent stuff! Man am I going to miss Z on live, major bummer! No disrespect to everyone else but my favorite, always has that out of the box take on things!

[@b.s.fishing5902]

Always love it when you and Zona get together! Honest with his opinions and always entertaining! I don’t know why but I absolutely love the chaos that FFS has thrown the bass fishing word into. Watching people argue about it cracks me up because of how many people are willing to die on a hill saying that their opinion is fact (and that’s on both sides not just Randy and his buddies on the dock 😆) Personally, when I tune into the top tier of any sport I want to see the beat of the best compete. And with fishing I want to see them catch the biggest fish in the lake and I really don’t care if it’s deep cranking, flipping, jerkbaits or whatever. I love big fish and I cannot lie!

[@rickmoore2854]

Always great when the “Bro’s” get together…lot of brutal honesty in this one!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Rick, A Zona show is always an easy one. We sure covered a bunch of topics this time

[@erichernandez2770]

The smell of the water, trees, fish all that together and also too went even went you grab your gear for fish that is so relaxing

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks for watching Eric, I truly agree, fishing is therapy

[@NCshooter1213]

Another great show. Love hearing from both you and Zona. I could listen to yall all day..lol.

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks for listening, much appreciated. Zona makes it easy

[@bryanfranks6327]

Great show Dave, I could listen to you and Zona talk all day. Catching a small mouth is on my bucket list. See you tomorrow on live.

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Bryan, You gotta make the smallmouth thing happen but be careful it’s addictive 😂

[@robertandrews9948]

Thanks again for making my workday great! Look forward to every time zona is on always gold. Keep em coming Dave.

[@DuallDude]

Another conversation that’s worth the wait. Great stuff again good sir.

[@factsoffishing]

Glad you enjoyed it, Thanks for watching

[@chrismalas8747]

Zona is the man I’ve watched every episode of Zona definitely belongs in hall of fame

[@markeustice618]

Awesome Dave!

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Loved it Dave as always 👊

[@F.Ronnie]

Always a great show with Zona. Thanks Dave !

[@factsoffishing]

Glad you enjoyed it, I love Zona episodes

[@lelandwarmoth3049]

Thanks for 160 cast! Can't beat M and Z together for total enjoyment. I share your passion/addiction. Enjoy Murray!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Leland, Your weekly support of this show makes it what it is. It is truly appreciated

[@RealMitchRapp]

As always, great show, Dave. Zona on todays episode was perfect for my long drive to the lake house late at night… you guys were great company… oh and remember… hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks BassinFun, Glad we could help on your drive. No News this week 😂

[@RealMitchRapp]

@@factsoffishing oh, only after Derbs… I’m sure there will be somefin to talk aboot, Cap’n

[@RealMitchRapp]

@@factsoffishing speakin of… what’s with the Murray weather? Pushed a day to the right… 🤷‍♂️ here I was about to throw my phone in the water thinking I couldn’t get service. The big gurls were eatin up here today sir

[@randybrandenburg5364]

Greatness

[@factsoffishing]

Love me some Z

[@natematlock9316]

Love hump day!!! U get me through my 12hr shifts always great content I love that I never know what topics will be covered!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Nate, Glad this show helps you pass the time at work. I truly appreciate the support

[@briane.mcguire197]

Holy cow 🐄 it went everywhere no since but lots of laughs. It's what I like to hear laugh be happy thoughts about bass. Not how too but all about bass. Thnxs Dave n Zona. Need the Hack n Zona on your show together like with Cory n Chris was twice lol that was fun lots of laughs again make fun shows with laughter lya guys.

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Brian, Glad you enjoyed this episode. Zona is always one of my favourite friends/ guests. Thats a great idea about Z & Hackney. I gotta make that happen

[@FlatbottomFeverFishing]

You’re the best Dave, I look forward to my work day on Thursday to listen in!

[@jimbaumgardner1436]

You 2 made a classic podcast! 😎👍🏻. You’re so right about ‘going fishing’. Enjoy the week in SC

[@factsoffishing]

Glad you enjoyed it Jim, Your weekly support never goes unnoticed. I am very thankful for it.

[@jimbaumgardner1436]

👍🏻

[@martyaustin6545]

Great show Dave, Zona is awesome, thank you buddy

[@wheelinreelin6825]

Great episode catching up with Z ! Great conversation Dave 🙌🙌

[@factsoffishing]

Z is awesome, glad you enjoyed this episode

[@HawgWyldFishing]

The first thing I learned from this. Mark Zona is the living embodiment of “Fake It till You Make It”. 😂😂

[@factsoffishing]

😂😂😂

[@msole98]

Could listen to Zona tell stories for days. Great pod. BASS needs to make Sketch at next years Classic Pro-Am a reality!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks for watching. Zona is always a lot of fun, I love the pro am idea

[@adamliechty9354]

Awesome show Dave!!! Z please don't retire

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Adam, I 100% agree, B.A.S.S. needs Z

[@jeffreyyoung8605]

Humper in the house!!! Love the show as always Dave!! Thanks for the great content and the great guests!! Zona is freaking awesome!!!

[@factsoffishing]

Glad you enjoyed it Jeffrey, Zona sure makes an episode easy. I wish we could have Z on once a month

[@jeffreyyoung8605]

Yeah that would be incredible for all of us but you definitely do a great job with all the guests you bring on every week

[@rickybarnett9981]

Zona reminds me of Vince Vaughn. It's always a great time with Zona.

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks for watching Ricky, I have always thought Vince would be a great actor to play Zona in a movie 😂

[@ScottyMelvin]

Thanks for the quick peek into JM...

[@factsoffishing]

For you Scotty anything 👊🏻

[@nchec326]

Loved it! It's good to be in the fishing podcast business right now, that's for sure. Love what you said about fishing being therapy. I definitely feel it, even if it's just a quick 30 min session from the bank. Really hoping you guys can come to eastern Wisconsin soon, would love to experience an event. Sturgeon bay would be cool but I would keep an eye on winnebago. Been some good weights coming out of there at local events and if the gobies get in, which they are 1 lock away from getting in. Only a matter of time, that could bump it up even more!

[@lancefontenot9448]

Here’s the gray area. No one can get along anymore , anywhere or anytime! Let’s go fishing! 🎣

[@factsoffishing]

AMEN! You ain’t wrong!

[@jeffreyyoung8605]

What makes the MLF Cup series so good to watch is they anglers didn’t know where they would be fishing and it made them have to use old school skills. Just my opinion.

[@user-em1oq5bi5j]

Spoonbill fisherman use FFS for snagging season. This was a good question I hadn’t thought of about snagging bass. Too many grey areas. Great guest as always! Z is the man.

[@factsoffishing]

I’m sure there will be changes in the future. Thanks for watching

[@tonyparker7521]

Yes it is therapy I love fishing it is the best thing I picked up over last year I used to do it as. Kid but now I do it as my hobby other then work I fish much as i can now

[@johncoppock1558]

Do you think it would be possible to have DC on your podcast.. Would be a fun interview for sure….

[@factsoffishing]

I will try make that happen. DC is very entertaining

[@joeg1709]

I think DHL will have its records broken by a great lakes catch pretty soon. Doesn't lessen the fact that it stood for so long, and the other top 10 bass that's come out of there that nobody talks about, but within the next ten years 10 lb SM will be fairly normal in the great lakes. Mind blowing.

[@randallmiller572]

Great show!!

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks, I appreciate you watching Randall

[@bobbycolson1957]

I has to Google sketch...he is the kinda guy z needs to take fishing..it might help... "grow the sport "

[@factsoffishing]

Heck ya, While he is at it maybe Z can convince Sketch to come on the podcast.

[@bobbycolson1957]

Z is the best love these talks

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Bobby, I love me some Z Train.

[@Mark-oz3df]

Another good one Dave Z TS THE MAN

[@factsoffishing]

Thanks Mark, Z truly is the man. So fun and so smart

[@Mr.Higgs.]

Who doesn't love a Mercer and Z-Train conversation?!?!?!!?

[@Born2Fish1219]

My buddy caught a 9.4 that jumped, spit the bait, and somehow rehooked itself in the meat near the tail. If that fish didn’t count in a tourney that would be a true shame

[@factsoffishing]

Dang that sounds like a crazy catch 😂. Thanks for watching

[@mlafferton]

I'll probably take mom fishing!

[@factsoffishing]

Now that sounds like a perfect Mother’s Day gift

[@Nate_Higgins]

I distrust anyone who only sees one side of the ffs debate. I think best solution is just FFS for practice or just for certain tournaments. Seems like a reasonable compromise. 😊

[@factsoffishing]

That’s the truth Nate, Only looking at one side is always short sighted

[@andybulson7941]

Go fishing! Puts the mind at ease.

[@factsoffishing]

It sure works for me. Thanks for watching Andy

[@caderudiger4038]

Don’t forget Brandon palanuik almost won lay lake in a community hole last year

[@factsoffishing]

Yes he did. Not sure what that point js pertaining too ?

[@williamknight5142]

Good show Dave it always is with Zona. Panger says the winning pattern at Murray is going to be the cicada bite..😀You going to eat one like you did at Kentucky lake? Mercer in the morning.👍👍👍👍👍

[@factsoffishing]

I am going to try avoid eating one. The last one turned my stomach 😂

[@williamknight5142]

@@factsoffishing 👍👍👍👍👍

[@tomruth3258]

Funny fact. My wife about a week or 2 ago, walks up to and says "what's up Brother👆" I had no idea what she was doing. I seen a video or about 20 vids later and I forgot and I walked up to her said "what's up Brother👆" and she called me an idiot and said about time you figured it out. No lie! She's not going fishing this weekend with me.!!!

[@GopherHayes]

Ok so a few years ago I stalked Zona. We were the fishing expo in Madison and he left the strikeking booth to use the bathroom. So we wait just outside the bathroom and when he walked out we pretended to accidentally bump into him lol. Anyway he was great talked to us for a few minutes

[@factsoffishing]

That’s an awesome story! Zona truly is a special person. The world needs more folks like him

[@squarebill]

MLB is allowing aluminum bats next year.. I think deep down Zona and you Dave know the answer. I think I do least I think I do.

[@randybrandenburg5364]

👍

[@factsoffishing]

👍👍

[@karlhicks1838]

😊

[@factsoffishing]

👍

[@petecook1611]

I just wanna know how can I get in the boat w zona for one day!? I'm dead serious Dave can u arrange this or make it happen..

[@tbbrock7375]

👍👍👍👍

[@squarebill]

FFS come on brother!!

[@MrFishhook]

Dave does Bass have a treble hook size limit on a bait ? If so what is it ? Serious Question, not being funny lol….

[@MrFishhook]

Dave Bass needs to make the rule of a fish needs to be hooked in the mouth Asap ! Because, and I will start by saying I give all the credit in the world to the young guys by working hard ! But a half dozen of them are going to figure out how to snag a fish Easier on the FFS within the next year lol….It’s why my Nephew can go from level 11 out of 12 in 3 hrs when I’ve gotten to level 3 in two years lol…..

[@factsoffishing]

I am sure there will be changes in the rules going into next season. They can’t make changes mid season

[@jeffreyyoung8605]

Really all they need to do is limit the amount of units on the boat to 1 up front with FFS and 1 at the console. When they put $50,000 in electronics you take away the true spirit of fishing

[@mikepadgett4647]

Turn em off during the tournament

[@johnterry2040]

I’d say ban it in the Elites. Then you can see who the real pros are.

[@factsoffishing]

Maybe one day, we will see after this season

[@mikepadgett4647]

The young sticks will be just fine. The very best of the litter are fishermen to the bone. 🦴. They’ll be fine without it. The tv will be better the other bait and veterans won’t be run out of the game

[@MrFishhook]

As far as FFS , limiting transducers will not change anything period ! Drew Gill made it real clear he only needs 1 up front to dominate! The old guys will still be at Disadvantage. The plus of limiting it to 1 FFS transducer will make it more affordable! What’s funny is the guys like you that say how great it is , how much you learn , catching deep fish that have never seen a lure and catching fish in 75 feet of water . Are actually the ones that are hurting the technology lol…..Because not only are tournament officials listening, so are fish and game officials and state officials! So actually pro FFS anglers are just as negative to tech as much as Blauket coo coo for coco puffs supporters are lol….😂😂😂

[@user-id2vv2hz1o]

The solutions to all these issues is actually pretty simple so I'm not sure why we make it out to be so complicated. Is it good for the long-term integrity of the sport? And is it good for the long-term conservation of the resource? It's not rocket science, get smart people in a room and figure it out instead of everyone just saying "We don't have any answers". The "sport" is a mess right now and it's just gonna keep getting worse until someone starts coming up with some answers. It's been all talk for 2 years now and no solutions.

[@grantloiler4571]

👍

[@factsoffishing]

👍👍