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

[@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

[@stonehorn4641]

I don’t think it’s near the top, but it’s good. BTL and Luke Dunkin are better, and the new iteration of Ike’s podcast

[@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

[@stonehorn4641]

@@holdengamblegrow up. He’s not going to talk shit about his friends. How dare a fisherman build a home!

[@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

[@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?

[@mikelembke5121]

So true

[@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

[@jonesfishingwv]

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.

[@estrick012]

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

[@timweakley6565]

It’s called conflicted interest.

[@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

[@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%

[@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

[@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

[@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 🇨🇦

[@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

[@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

[@DennisBowers-j5k]

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

[@jeb4836]

The best podcast for 2024…. World wide !

[@Flatsfisherman34]

The best podcast in bass fishing!!!!!!!!!!!

[@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👍

[@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!!!

[@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

[@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.

[@bobbycolson1957]

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

[@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

[@timweakley6565]

Could have been a factor. You never know.

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-em1oq5bi5j]

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

[@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.

[@sethgoodwin3158]

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

[@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 👍🥸🙏

[@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. 😂!

[@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....

[@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.

[@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.

[@joshwhitfordfishing2304]

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

[@skidemn]

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

[@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.

[@twally28]

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

[@bcm1892]

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

[@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.....

[@aggressiveinnovations587]

Don't break them I will buy them

[@gregvanmeter6541]

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

[@chadwaldrup7364]

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

[@morganvanschuyver]

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

[@razorfan3859]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@timg185]

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

[@matthewlindquist6747]

Thanks for the podcast. Another banger.

[@johngoodwill9310]

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

[@jimmiecampbell4357]

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

[@macking4942]

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

[@Tom_Tahmas]

Now we know why bass changed the opens elite qualifications. They prob knew or seen this coming and wanted to make a path for guys that already have a following and media presence. Imo everything ive seen in bass fishing the past couple of years is only going to hurt the sport overall.

[@steveblankenship1093]

This was a good one!!

[@Fishhead2458]

How much is the entry fee going to be with only 50 guys filling the barrel?

[@luevang9801]

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

[@timweakley6565]

He has a podcast and spoke on all this stuff for the most part. Probably wouldn’t give specifics with regard to James.

[@H2Oman_fishing]

So he brought up Lambert...and the team series earlier. How does Lambert literally win the team series one year and doesn't qualify the next? 1:54:48

[@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

[@veskergaming8611]

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

[@saltyfry8688]

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

[@BenC-77]

As usual...exceptional interview.

[@randycasejr156]

I love this podcast! Keep it up guys!

[@jeffreyyoung8605]

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

[@joetucker63]

if you watch the entire podcast, it will be the best podcast you have ever seen! James needs to go to as many Toyota's and BFL's as ne can and sell FBD apparel on the parking lot at take off and weigh in

[@F.Ronnie]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@TheRealFireTurtle75]

Came to watch as soon as I saw the notification!

[@bobramsey8380]

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

[@justincase5847]

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

[@Josey4u]

As a Missouri guy who hits that Lampre area often, what does one have to do to get a fishing trip with James? Asking for a friend...

[@DannyBFishing]

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

[@bobbycolson1957]

Thanks guys...

[@genebohannon]

Awesome show!!

[@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

[@tylermcclurg]

9:54 Definitely one of the smaller topics, but this struck me. Idgaf about MLF, but I’ve been tracking B.A.S.S. averages on a spreadsheet for years. Why do they keep it such a secret? Why don’t they have explanations of the top 70, the rolling average, the legend’s exemption? I know it’s negative for the anglers below that line, but why not make that more public? B.A.S.S. and the angler could even exploit that. On the final tournament they have camera boats on the top few AOY competitors, they could have 2-3 cameras on “Bubble Boys” too. Give those guys some tv time while they are fighting to keep their careers afloat. Great tv (more emotion for those fans who hate FFS), plus gives them a chance to gain a following and build their brand to try to make it back, if they do in fact get cut.

[@Zaldaingerous]

I agree. Sponsors would like this to be public, too. Anglers generally aren’t forth coming with their AOY average when negotiating contracts mid-year

[@tylermcclurg]

I understand it’s not a great position to be in, but I feel like fans and sponsors should know. Plus, sponsors are going to know if you get cut anyways. Why not be transparent and try to make a deal that includes some conditions and expectations for being cut? I know everyone has their reasons and opinions, I’d just love for everyone to be more transparent about it.

[@rickystapleton8120]

Great show guys!

[@jacobtanner92]

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

[@basstex6703]

EXCELLENT PODCAST.....

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@joetucker63]

why doesn't anyone ever talk about MLF allow the culling of dead fish in the BFL and Toyota series?

[@basscat2107]

Was there not a so-called secret deal hand shack deal for BASS to buy MLF recently. But Boyd wanted 20 spots reserved for BPT anglers on the Elites, and BASS said no. So the deal did not happen?

[@stevenjohnson9855]

I can’t wait to buy me a hat, we got you JAMES

[@dougstanton1436]

If James Watson got fined 10 grand for breach of confidentiality because of inconclusive polygraph test. How did James find out and why didn't whoever told him also get fined.

[@JMFWWorldwide]

From the administrator who gave the poly.

[@Chrishoult32]

Love my fbd hat.

[@davidharris4030]

What burns my azz the most is when it all began. The pitch that was given to all the anglers to make the mass exodus. After that happened and one “FBD”starts trying to sink BASS but then starts making rules the anglers have zero vote! It was pitched like we all love fishing and we are all buddies and we can all make a lot more money plus you the angler has a say/ vote. What I see is what I call a “USER “! I have had to deal with “ USERS” through out my life time! I can promise you the “ USERS “ could care less about doing things the fair way and what they originally projected to everyone. The “ USERS “ are exactly what the name implies. They don’t care who they step on or who they hurt as long as themselves pad their pocket and pad the pockets of a select few that keeps the house of cards from falling. People can say what ever they want like you don’t understand because this is a business. BlaBlaBla! Yes it is a business but being honest and fair with basically your employees is obviously not part of what “ USERS “ do! Hooray for me and the hell with all my “ PALS “!!!! This is what I see from a outsider looking in.

[@matthewcoker9448]

So my question is why can't guys like ott Defoe, edwin evers, Brent Chapman, skeet Reece, and others not see through the Ducketts B.S.

[@Whyflyfishingsucks]

$$$

[@asianboi08]

🔥 podcast as always.

[@andybrode2507]

Drama drama…..real housewives of Guntersville. Wish y’all would bring together anglers from BASS and MLF and revive the Cups top 12 vs top 12.

[@TheFLcmanroberts]

Gotta listen to the whole thing first bud before you act like these people don’t want what is best for the sport. Lol

[@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!

[@chaseasher606]

I’m curious of how much entry fees will be for those 50 guys. It’s gotta be even higher than it is already to accommodate those promised incomes? How much is this going to increase already high equipment and boat prices to be able to pay 25 guys “superstar” incomes?

[@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.

[@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.

[@Striddefishing78]

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

[@justincase5847]

I’ve been in the BFHOF banquet when Boyd made things awkward, it’s happened more than once.

[@stevelorenzen5525]

Watson is so real. Love that man