Pro Anglers Making $1,000,000 At MLF (The Bilge Podcast)

Chris Zaldain and Trait Zaldain sit down with the James Watson to discuss the truth behind his suspension at Major League Fishing and the continuous failures by the league that fractured the tournament fishing industry on this week's Bilge Podcast presented by ​⁠@battlebornbatteries.
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[@aarons6931]

Why did it take me half the show to realize TRAITS shirt reads BOYDCOTT where do i get mine?

[@Zaldaingerous]

Here’s where to get one bit.ly/MetallicaParodyTee

[@aarons6931]

@@Zaldaingerous 13 dollars? I cant even buy a tshirt in the dollar store for that lol I'll be ordering one, maybe you need a uv hoodie with it since I'm forced to live scope living in the north have no choice.

[@Zaldaingerous]

@@aarons6931top notch customer service - here’s a sun shirt www.nuthreadz.com/product-page/boydcott-upf50-sushirt

[@scotthake4281]

Love traits shirt!

[@williamdeel377]

​@Zaldaingerous man yall have the greatest bass fishing podcast out there dude yall please keep up the great work... and big thanks to Charles gotta give him a shout out....

[@NeilJernigan-kh7mt]

As young as The Bilge is, it may be the best fishing podcast in history. Keep it brother 🔨🔨🎣

[@northernbassalliance1442]

Love that its not constant repeat guests and talkabout more than ffs

[@jordanwooldridge7784]

May ?.... Definitely is for sure.

[@331slash]

Yes, keep the episodes coming

[@ericmitchell9850]

Fbd could mean...... f*** Boyd docket.... l l a o I said that

[@andrewvolcom11]

I will go on every podcast James is on and say he should be given a legendary exemption in BASS, because he's a fucking legend.

[@JMFWWorldwide]

This made me laugh!! 😂

[@Bassfinatic-hb4dp]

@@JMFWWorldwide Agree! Legend?

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

Best podcast guest in the bass fishing KZbin genre

[@Mjones8383]

Could you please unblock me from your channel comments. I didn't mean to offend you

[@KenWoodFishing]

Even though he's building a house on the shore of Table Rock Lake? 🤣

[@Mjones8383]

@@KenWoodFishing ???

[@holdengamble]

@@KenWoodFishinghaha funny how Randy contradicts himself when he sees fit. dude is a complete hypocrite

[@clintmay3417]

I can promise this, Boyd and Gary will make the 50 cut and they havent caught 10 fish between them in 3 years

[@32perrymacpmj32]

Wrong...Gary is fishing BASS

[@rumblerschoice111]

Try a little research

[@tnbsfsher1]

James knows he wouldn’t make it next year so this was his plan to het out before losing his eligibility. Can’t blame him.

[@larryhobbs8769]

Wasn’t a fan before but Got a better respect and feel for James after this podcast. He’s sounds like a man’s man

[@estrick012]

Ray Scott did not fish against Roland and Bill. He ran BASS, not fished the tourneys.

[@justinwelch5863]

There NEEDS TO BE WAY MORE INTERVIEWS like this shedding lights on the good bad and shitty things about the sport. The secret society thing needs to leave. James Worldwide Watson you tha man🔥

[@NeilJernigan-kh7mt]

Most people have no idea how huge this comment actually is.

[@justinwelch5863]

@@NeilJernigan-kh7mt 100%

[@aaronrobinson3517]

Currently watching! We stayed at Jame’s house with our high school team a month ago, he is a stand up guy!

[@gboston1970]

13:30 Trait says " I would argue with you on one thing" had me rolling. Trait has never argued on ONE thing. One of the most outspoken and knowledgeable women involved in bass fishing. Great show. Chris blink twice if you need help. LOL

[@jeffreyyoung8605]

I’ve watched every “The Bilge” podcast since y’all started. Keep up the great work! Love The show

[@KayleeG0]

Thanks Trait and Chris y’all are awesome keep up the great work. Good luck this week at Murray

[@denniskiblerbassguy]

Thanks for a great podcast you guys are truly the best. It’s really crazy how fast the time goes when you’re watching. Most podcasts this long I stop and watch the rest later on but not yours. FBD👍

[@NCshooter1213]

Awesome pod, yall. Always love hearing from JMFW. He is a stand-up dude and speaks his mind. That's what makes me respect him. Same with you Chris. You tell the truth and dont try to sugarcoat it. That's what we need more of instead of the shady snake in the grass stuff we see normally. Love the pod cant wait for whats next

[@JohnFriar-bn8jd]

I love ya podcast, I love the truth keep it coming, keep it coming, oh by the way thank you Chris for taking time of setting your camper up on Lake Murray and taking a few moments to talk to me and signing my hat you’re the best and a true example of a true angler, from the bottom of my heart thanks

[@rickystapleton8120]

Great show guys!

[@markthomson8075]

Appreciate the honest take on the MLF situation. I couldn’t imagine working for a CEO with that much delusional thinking…and treatment of clients (anglers) . Really leaves a sour taste in my mouth about anything MLF. Support Fishing boat docks !!! From 🇨🇦

[@DannyBFishing]

Congrats ok 50K! Love the pod. Keep it going yall!

[@skylarmcmanus4347]

Pretty wild how they have a polygragh test to prevent you from cheating, but when you fail 3 polygraphs they sweep it under the rug because they dont want to ruin his career....

[@jeb4836]

The best podcast for 2024…. World wide !

[@WestCoastChris138]

This is the best fishing podcast I’ve seen in AWHILE!!! I’d love to see Boyd’s reaction to this vid hahaha 😂 I’d love to be a fly on the wall!!!

[@brucehoffman7063]

Way to go Trait and Chris! You guys are liable to be famous for getting these guests who aren’t afraid to tell the truth about these fishing leagues. I love it and I got screwed myself! Tell James I know how it feels too! And I was just a co-angler. 69 yrs old and wanted to retire and fish till I’m gone! But I won’t put up with that crap, You’ll keep the faith 👍🥸🙏

[@bcm1892]

Great show. Watson is a very good guest and always has great things to say.

[@bobramsey8380]

James I agree with you totally ! Boyd needs to step down ! He is killing Bass Fishing ! Everyone needs to walk away from MLF ! Its a joke ! When you take from one angler and give to another and remove positions thats controlling who is allowed to fish ! He only wants to have the people who are loyal to him fishing in MLF ! He is in control of more than half of the sponsorships available in fishing now !

[@jaredraynor9067]

MLF always smelt like a cove full of dead shad

[@randycasejr156]

I love this podcast! Keep it up guys!

[@F.Ronnie]

Awesome show. Thanks Chris and Trait. Good luck at Murray!!!

[@bobbycolson1957]

Tell James we need some world wide buzz baits and spoons to fish boat docks with

[@isobozo]

Damn this makes me want to break my Duckett rods and go with something else now

[@CrankCaveBaits]

Surprised they haven’t broke already🤣🤣🤣

[@bobwhite9670]

Nooooooo......they wait to break when it's the fish of a lifetime and when it breaks you can faintly hear bd laffin.....

[@1212onfire4jc]

I remember watching him on MLF and I was cracking up! He reminds me of my uncle that passed and they have the same personality. Always joking, but had a serious side of him, BUT it was super authentic….just like Watt. I feel like the corporate world that I work in is doing the same thing. They are looking at the bottom dollar rather than the ones that are sacrificing and putting in the work to make their world go round. Both of you are right that they forget without us they are nothing…..there is no company. It’s good to ask questions, to many people are scared to ask one question…..Why? Chris & Trace I thank you for putting it out there. Thanks for taking the time to put out your stuff. I would love for you and other anglers talk about how you would miss fish if you were strictly fishing FFS…..I think we need to get the younger gen thinking they are missing fish or patterns because they are looking down all the time. I agree 100% that I value the art of Bass Fishing more than technology. Ps. Chris, does Trace trigger a lot…lol. I’ll say a prayer for you! I think I trigger my wife as well…..I think I’m good at it and I don’t Evan know how I do it. 😂!

[@justincase5847]

Best podcast in all the land! New subscriber, keep em coming! 👊👏

[@jimmiecampbell4357]

Agree about your pod...,,you & your wife are both fun to listen to. Kudos.

[@razorfan3859]

Stumbled upon your podcast by accident but it’s positively the best podcast out there 👏👏👏

[@21bullrider]

I agree 100% that the anglers fan bases are keeping the wheels turning. Iv started watching individual anglers youtube channels first any only watch the streaming to keep tabs on how those specific anglers are doing.

[@Josey4u]

Geez... Trait, Chris and James are JEWELLS in the industry. Very few have the courage to call out the bullcrap going on the in the professional fishing industry. I am a close friend to a former Elite Pro and the things he has told me will turn you off to certain anglers and a system in place to protect their crap.

[@steveblankenship1093]

This was a good one!!

[@chadwaldrup7364]

Love y’all’s podcast! Y’all keep it real and honest

[@matthewlindquist6747]

Thanks for the podcast. Another banger.

[@thomasferree6608]

I was a huge fan since day 1 of MLF. I went to two events and you wouldn't even know MLF was in town. Now I prefer BASS all day. FBD

[@BenC-77]

As usual...exceptional interview.

[@jackdixon4530]

Good job on this podcast. A guy like Watson is needed in every organization. He is a truth sayer!!! 🐟🐟🐟🐟

[@haroldrogers6566]

Liars will always get rid of Watson’s. They can’t have the truth being told in most organizations except Elons organization.

[@dwear23]

Great show, love it! Saw you in Bama on 459 a week or two ago… keep on keepin on 💪💪💪

[@user-dz1qq7hq6s]

Love that you are drinking Yeungling Flight!!! Pottsville, PA

[@bobbycolson1957]

Thanks guys...

[@FireTurtle75.]

Came to watch as soon as I saw the notification!

[@macking4942]

wow!!!! she said "unless you use blue and white rods" lololol

[@asianboi08]

🔥 podcast as always.

[@jeffporter100]

Lots of great thoughts on how to improve the leagues for the benefit of the industry. I agree that partnerships between leagues and with the anglers is the best path forward.

[@jrob7538]

Sounds like the confidentiality breach for the $4000 fine was the polygraph tester that told James the results

[@kenknutson4684]

Ding Ding Ding!!!

[@brianabercrombie6999]

Anything to help ducketts golden child…..

[@christophershelton1735]

Absolutely freaking agree

[@skidemn]

Love that guy! He’s about as real as it gets, and so damn entertaining!

[@joshwhitfordfishing2304]

I about spit my drink out when the camera panned to Chris in that damn duckett jersey 😂

[@user-em1oq5bi5j]

WORLDWIDE is winning in life! Great episode. “People wil try throwing rocks at me… I’ll dodge em” JMFW love it!!

[@ryanstarzenski3072]

This is gonna be a good one!!!

[@sethgoodwin3158]

Podcasts like yours are growing the sport, keep up the energy.

[@timg185]

BASS could create a second division . Bring on 100 more guys and MLF would be done.

[@twally28]

Thank you. Great podcast . James Watson gained another fan . Awesome

[@luevang9801]

Well you can't only have one side of the story. Get Boyd on next! That'll make for good content.

[@joeg1709]

I can tell you, from a marketing perspective, both leagues are absolute shit at selling themselves and selling their anglers. Sales are terrible in bringing in new regions/lakes to fish, maybe because they don't have the personnel or data to share how they impact local economies, and that's a big issue as well. Mlf had a great charter. Do things differently than how it had always been done. And Boyd sold that hard to everyone that joined. But neither league looks like it's managed any differently than any other corporation that prioritizes their own profit.

[@basstex6703]

EXCELLENT PODCAST.....

[@jeffreyyoung8605]

Great show!! Love Worlwide he says what’s on his mind. I bought a hat to support his cause!!! FBD!

[@morganvanschuyver]

Boyd: Wheeler didnt fail the polygraph, the polygraph failed Wheeler!

[@gregvanmeter6541]

James needs his own show!!! I would watch him fish in a bath tub. Love this guy!!!

[@4290122]

What are the odds kvd retiring had a lot to do with how MLF was being ran he doesn’t want to be part of that shitshow I’m sure

[@C.Adams82]

It's a shame that Gary Klein has tarnished his legacy by lining up behind Duckett and not standing up to the bullshit that has been done to Watson.

[@veskergaming8611]

I might have my opinions on Chris , negative or positive. But the Bilge Podcast is def THEEEE fishing podcast show.

[@treylee7623]

Great show!! Every time y’all say “let’s come back to this” it never comes back 😂😂 good luck to you Chris the rest of the year!! Hope you crush em!

[@Chrishoult32]

Love my fbd hat.

[@ADUB1]

Awesome podcast! 🎣🔥

[@johngoodwill9310]

Great conversation, as a retired military member there are times you have to call out BS when you see it!

[@brucesmithoutdoors]

This is exactly why I love the podcast!! No holds barred and no BS! Best on the internet!!!! 🔥🔥

[@forest_357]

trait makes it good

[@jasonmausteller2488]

Love how duckett rods just slaps names on their rods depending who’s on thier pro staff, just look at Jacob wall getting his name in Horton and lane Rods since they are gone. I know a lot of companies do it, but they are really bad. Duckett puts out a rod and says who’s name should we put on it without their actual input.

[@BayJoua]

Banger episode!

[@saltyfry8688]

You got three options in life, lead-follow or get out the way! ❤

[@nicholasthompson7432]

Please keep them going this is good for sport open up flaws in the system to make it better and doing it publicly so no one can deny

[@efishnseetv2082]

Yo Chris ! Watching your content has got me hyped to get out their fishing again ! I was just wondering what your opinion is on the 13 fishing A2 vs. C2 reels? Would love a comparison short or sumtin!!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Tbh I’m using Bates Hundos now

[@efishnseetv2082]

@@Zaldaingerous really that’s interesting! Do a vid on the why? 25lb drag to 14lb, much shallower spool, and they 375$ each … ouch!

[@DavidMartinez-tt6dx]

Excellent podcast!!!

[@twally28]

Are you going to be putting any of these on the apple podcast like before ? I like to listen to them on my drive to work, and sometimes I don’t have service to watch KZbin. Thanks

[@tylerduncan2842]

I think the whole "requalifying under the new EQ system" is an interesting topic. I gotta say that on both Tours, BPT and Elites, at least 40% of the current field would not requalify. I do believe that the BPT actually has the stronger field at this time(with the exception of Boyd). Their 6 event invites schedule, in my opinion, promoted more well rounded anglers in comparison to the regional 3 event division EQ's that in some instances promoted a regional ringer/hammer that isn't as well-rounded. This is generally speaking. I think that unless MLF changes course, this is a completely different discussion in 3-5 years when some of the regional hammers that are currently in the elites that depend on the Northern swing or a Florida swing to requal every year are bounced out.

[@bobramsey8380]

James you need to start the FISHING BOAT DOCKS TOUR !!!! I will pay the first entry fee !

[@bradmcdaniel9675]

Oh man, here we gooooo!

[@Striddefishing78]

Just got my FBD great again hat....love it!

[@janosczovek8524]

Fantastic podcast best ever 😊

[@user-yx6gy8pv5g]

Best podcast of all the Bilge.

[@jacobtanner92]

Gonna need a Dr. Phil esque episode next. Get Boyd on there, and let JW randomly show up 😂

[@keenanmoore264]

Half way through. This might be the spiciest episode of the pod. Love it! I don't follow organized sport bass fishing very much. Seems like the whole industry is corrupt.

[@Theburningseason]

Could be anyone except the dude that is sponsored by the owners rod company lol conflict of interest in my eyes being sponsored by the owners company. What happened to this sport.

[@randyemerson8729]

Being replaced......those young anglers within 5 years will dominate any pro over 35 is screwed.

[@Mjones8383]

I live in Birmingham Alabama and during redcrest and before it, i never heard shit about it, and im a huge bass fishing fan. Heard 0

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

I didn't even know that was there and fishing lay lake until I watched DC KZbin I watch his channel and that was only way I knew about it

[@mattorschell275]

Fished a BFL in horrible conditions once and all the top 20% didn’t catch a fish. instead of paying more to the ones who did they took the extra money for themselves. You would think the purse should be distributed regardless if 20% caught fish.

[@johnmorgan4748]

GOOD JOB GUYS&GALS FISH BOAT DOCKS

[@Theburningseason]

Chris needs to hop in the next TAA these circuits are a disgrace to the sport

[@aarons6931]

100 percent, let's go trait sign him up I'll even donate towards his entry

[@Zaldaingerous]

I didn’t know enough about it before the first derb, but I’m seriously thinking about fishing this next one

[@aarons6931]

@@Zaldaingerous better payout than the elites, 65k for first with only 47 angler double that to 94 first would be 130k, that circuit is what fishing is suppose to be not battle of ffs

[@Theburningseason]

@@Zaldaingerous heck yes, would love to see you stream it on YT would be awesome to watch u fish for 8 hrs.

[@ETXAggie01]

Trait, you are exactly right. Cliff Crochet’s biggest fan here, and I wouldn’t tune in if he wasn’t there. I watch BASS bc I enjoy it.

[@stevelorenzen5525]

Watson is so real. Love that man

[@Fulsomfishing]

Vary eye opening!!!

[@fishingthe262]

100k in 2004 would be 165k in 2024 adjusted for inflation over the last 20 years…..the sport is thriving, yet for 20 straight years the anglers have taken a pay cut.

[@atthebrink74]

Get show guys!

[@philipmorrill8636]

There is a reason he is Worldwide!

[@b.s.fishing5902]

Great interview! I really wish more people were as open about everything as Watson is!! Pro Fishing needs more personalities like him. So the whole growing the sport idea kinda cracks me up, because I hear it non-stop in both bass fishing and golf. from the fishing side when you say that they are telling you that more people are bass fishing now than ever I think we (or more accurately the Elite and BPT anglers) need to find out if there are simply more people fishing in general or if they are actually following the Elites/BPT and supporting those organizations. My nephew had a birthday party w/family and friends and he and all his friends are ate up with fishing, but when I asked them if they knew/herd of/followed any pro anglers they couldn't name a single one...Except for Milliken but that was because of his KZbin stuff from before he made the elites. They rattled off a whole bunch of YT guys though. The growth of the sport like fishing doesn't necessarily mean growth at the highest level. Its the same thing with golf, my father in law has been golfing for over 50 years but he can maybe name 3-4 guys between the PGA and LIV tours. Tons of people are fishing but the overall percentage that follows the highest level tours is probably very slim, more so for fishing than golf because their tournament highlights make it onto SportsCenter every week. Has that ever been brought up in any of the anglers meetings? The only time that I can remember ESPN showing any fishing highlights was when BASS was still on ESPN and even then it was only from the Classic. That might be something to look at to see how that would work and if its potentially feasible to get them bought in, even if its just a quick 30-60 second end of tourney recap to get started and work up to maybe doing a daily recap for Elite events.

[@jeb4836]

The one thing that happened with BPT that I thought was scary was when they had Johnny Morris make the first cast in KVDs boat. I was like the “final blow” they all thought to Bassmaster. Sad moment.

[@5spottedbass]

The reason Wheeler failing the Poly didnt result in a DQ is he (Wheeler) threatened to sick his lawyer on them for past rules violations other anglers made that they turned there head on.

[@crappieworldlivescanner1114]

Love the worldwide he tells it like it is!