Pro Fisherman DISQUALIFIED from My Tournament?! You won't want to miss this....

Day 2 was UNBELIEVABLE at my first Bassmaster Open! First off, huge shout out to Gary Clouse on showing a ton of class as we fished my starting spot together. Not gonna lie, it's a bit intimidating pulling in on your starting spot with a veteran Elite Series angler/owner of one of the biggest boat brands sitting there...but he was very friendly and cordial with me. On to Toledo!
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SUBSCRIBE ► bit.ly/MFishing

[@messyfisherman4140]

The way you interact with your co angler and other aglers really shows what a true sportman you are

[@calebsmith4567]

Merica

[@stevensands33]

True!

[@derekcross3808]

Most people will cut you off just for the fun of it

[@WitchDRofKabul]

Brown nose 👃

[@JonnyJetson754]

👍

[@eugeneweeks3325]

Seeing you trying to help your co angler goes to show that your a really good human. Makes me happy to see this!

[@vincentgelles3805]

Loved seeing how you treated your co-angler! He seemed like a really good dude and he was rooting for you. You’re a respectful guy and a real sportsman! Way to take 5th!! I’m hoping you keep killing it and I know I’ll be watching every step of the way!

[@FuManDrew365]

I've been a subscriber since Ben had a job in good old Nebraska. I've literally watched him grow into one of if not the best fishing channel on KZbin for the knowledge and entertainment factors alone. Ive got nothing but faith in Ben and see him getting a spot on the classic in his first year out with a start like that it's almost inevitable lol

[@Aidan-gs7tm]

Same so awesome

[@WarEagleTheBest]

What else you can suggest as a good bass fishing channel? I don’t like Scott Martin, TB, Randy Blaukat - too much hidden advertising.

[@FuManDrew365]

@@WarEagleTheBest Justin Royal has a pretty decent channel.. just search the name lol

[@artslade125]

@@WarEagleTheBest Try Dustin Connell( MLF PRO ANGLER)

[@gavinpatch6223]

@@WarEagleTheBest tactical bassin is the single most informative bass fishing channel there is

[@stevephillips6973]

Heck yeah Ben! You really are a master at your craft! Super versatile. You taught your co angler lessons he'll never forget. You're the future of this sport!

[@jgreathouse41]

Ben, I am one of those guys who will watch fishing videos for months and then not for years. For some reason whenever one of your videos pops up I watch it no matter what. There is something about truly being 110% humble and 110% honest now a days. You are both. Not only that but you know what the heck you're doing when there is a rod in your hand. You're simply real. Short back story but meaningful when it comes to what I am trying to say. I had a very amazing life ahead of me until life said eff you and turned me 95 degrees. I went from two college degrees and a hockey career to a drop out and unemployed. I then found a passion in something that potentially isn't sustainably profitable but something that I know I need to be doing for the rest of my life. When I watch your videos (I've been an MFr for 5 years (11 ft Jon Boat video to be exact)) I see that passion and specifically that passion where you don't care about the benefits it truly is simply something you love doing and want to show the world how it makes you feel in the best way possible. It's been freaking amazing seeing you grow and push yourself to not only with your passion but to make it sustainable as well. Taking risks that had a huge 'this really might not work' situation. You grabbed them all by the balls and now you're fishing professional tournaments. I have been wanting to make this comment for a while now but it was something about how you acted around Satoshi. You are finally at a point where you can and will sky rocket your life in the direction you have dreamt of and at the final steps before that first peak you have a 'curveball' and I mean that in the most cliche way possible because I know how serious people get when it comes to competition. (You killed the first day on your own and now there is another angler kinda things) A normal angler would have probably thought 'freak what if this throws me off my mojo and I lose my biggest chance at the life I have been dreaming of?' You, didn't even think to think about something like that. You not only were dead focused on business but were a co-angler, humble, a friend, a mentor, you were YOU. That speaks volumes and to anyone who has made it this far in this comment is reading this, IT SPEAKS VOLUMES AND REALIZE WHY. We need more people like this in this world. We need to hype this energy through the roof (knowing we are humble gentlemen) because this energy is what this world needs. You are an amazing human being Ben. Never change and I am beyond stoked to see not only where this journey has taken you but seeing how far you are going. Mfr for life!

[@Gotme_bowed_up]

It was awesome to see the humbleness of your co-Angler and how generally happy he was for you. The fact that he was learning from you as yall fished was cool to watch. Good luck Ben going forward on your tourney career. Routing for you from Texas 🤘

[@joeweber1575]

Ben has a quality disposition about him.just relaxed and is cognizant of other people.

[@youremomsvilleplayzmc9528]

Well Ben, I am very impressed with not only your fishing skills but also with how you conducted yourself with your co-angler and with Gary. I felt like I was along the ride with you being your biggest cheerleader. Keep up the great work my friend!

[@RandyBanscope]

Congrats Ben and of course Coleslaw for the awesome video!! Loved the way you treated your co angler! You are truly a great role model and fisherman!

[@Mjones8383]

The Gary Clous interaction was how its done. Great job 👏

[@MJ_Bass]

You could tell Gary was annoyed at first, but Milliken definitely approached it the correct way working it out before he started fishing.

[@dreichert1438]

Hell yeah Ben! Fifth place is awesome, especially on your first outing. Incredible really. But I'm not surprised. The winner definitely crushed it but you weren't far from second place and I hope we'll see you get your first win this year. That's validation on a different level, personally and professionally. You should feel well validated after this buddy! Told you what you already knew but wanted to find out, you can hang with the best of them. Hell yeah, yooouuu bet! 💪💪🤘🤘

[@rsktransport]

5th in an open is really good. Its super hard to win one, thats why you get classic berth if you do. Ben, is a super savy angler, have watched him grow into this wasnt just over night.

[@jeffreyhuff4673]

Despite knowing where you finished in this Open, I couldn't be more happy watching every hook set and hoping for a slaunch everytime! I share the sentiment of many of your fellow fans here that I enjoy the genuineness of your interactions with competing anglers, your co-angler, and fans after the weigh-in! I've enjoyed every minute of your Open content so far! Good luck through the rest of the season!

[@cfox39]

You could make a follow up on this video. You overall experience, thoughts, emotions, and how your co angler fared. Bet there will be very happy co anglers coming off that boat of yours in future tournaments. Awesome job placing in top five

[@billljones979]

Your interaction with Gary was awesome, respect is earned they say, manners go along way in that, you didn't have to do to fish near him technically right, but that's giving respect and that'll earn your some respect respect, other anglers take note of Ben he coming

[@256bassfishing]

I wish more anglers would do just that!

[@kvaughn1573]

No kidding I was fishing a ledge main lake last summer all of a sudden I hear talking and man’s is 20’ from my boat!

[@jwluciano]

Really love the content of your videos and how you teach everyone what you have learned from your own experiences. I think I love how you treat your co-angler and fellow tournament fishermen with such respect even more. That is admirable these days

[@FullTimeFishing]

Great video Ben! Thanks for taking us along on your adventure this year. We are all hoping you finish first!

[@squarebill]

Man the way you include your co is top notch and you want hardly ever see any others doing it quite this way so thx for being a great guy and always keeping it real. It's what will take you higher!!!

[@bsatt70]

Once again...Cole killing the camera shots!

[@jamesbaskins6351]

Slaw jaw thanks for the great shots dude

[@kylegrosvenor772]

Let's goooooo!! Love your co-angler too man. The Japanese fisherman who come over here, I just love it. Tight lines from Ohio brother!! KEEP EM COMING!!!!!!

[@hnm9678]

I think we are all impressed with the way you treated your co angler as well as asking the other fishermen if you could squeeze in for a little bit. Show me why I’ve been watching you for at least 5 years. Thank you Ben

[@chipsterblack7950]

Bro you've got to be the coolest angler on the planet...the way you treated your co-angler like he was your best bud....your a kind good hearted dude and I'm sure he will never forget fishing with you and will return that kindness somehow some way. I'm half Japanese and we never forget kindness from others and will return to you ten times over the kindness we received.

[@GoPackJoeG]

A few years ago I messaged you about getting sick and becoming disabled, but I was still trying to fish. You were good enough to have a conversation with me and said some nice/inspiring things. Just wanted to tell you I’m still with ya Ben. Well done dude. I am very glad/proud to see how well you are doing and how far you have come. Don’t slow down and keep it up. YOU BETTTT!

[@johncarlos99]

he let you fish cuz youre top 20. what a gentleman and a stud. thats a good ass dude right there.

[@katstinykitchen9144]

Good sportsmanship is important in anything you do. Ben you are so great and gracious. I commend you.

[@rjruelas6740]

This is just awesome! My dad and I are routing for you! We love your videos and to see you doing this tournament series has me all excited! Keep ripping them lips!

[@johnbeavers351]

Congrats Ben! Very impressive! Love these tournament videos, looking forward to the entire season!

[@johnevans8553]

Congratulations Ben on a great start to your year fishing the opens. Been following you for quite some time now and if anyone deserves good fortune on this tour, it is you my friend. All the hard work is going to pay off because you have done it the right way. You've also got a great wife that can keep the home front in order while you climb the mountain. I hope Ozzy can file all this in his memory banks for future reference and joy. We'll all be watching the progress with great anticipation!!!

[@nate_85]

Awesome stuff Ben, keep it going. ...um watched this twice but don't remember anything about someone getting disqualified? You peaked my interest and left me hanging! Lol

[@jodawago]

I am glad you made this comment. I also watched it twice too see if I missed something.

[@YankeeDoodle2]

He click baited you

[@Mightyducks45]

Milliken you’ve been killing it man keep up the good work! with your fishing skills and filming skills no one could do what you do

[@256bassfishing]

Went to the 6th Sense site and the 500DD in that color is, of course, sold the hell out. 😂 I expected that. Keep slaying those slaunches, Ben! Hope to see you at the Classic and Elite level next year.

[@MyChaoticFishing]

Hope everyone who watches this smashes their PB this spring 🤘🤘

[@SgtSlime365]

Thanks bro

[@matthewhairell849]

My wife gave birth to my 7-0 lb son today. He’s my PB!

[@Nate_Higgins]

Back at ya. Congrats Matthew.

[@Duckie.999]

Your gonna change the fishing world one lake at a time 🎉❤ keep doing you man

[@kennycarroll2835]

Enjoyed watching your fish and interacting well with other anglers.

[@Stinkybeard]

You are an amazing angler. You were fishing among some legends/Elite Series anglers. Some people think these opens arent a big deal - Greg Hackney, Ish Monroe, Brandon Palaniuk, Brandon Lester and many other HAMMERS from the ELITE Series were fishing this tournament and you beat all but 4 people out of 225 boaters - this is unheard of for your very first Bass Masters Open. Justin (the winner) was fishing the exact same stuff as you and he won - you were absolutely fishing the right stuff!

[@averageamerican1639]

Congrats on Top 5 Ben!! I’m pumped to see you fishing the open this year!! You’ve come such a long ways from the early days on KZbin. You’re proof that dedication and hard work can take you far in life!! Stars the limit man, keep slaying em!!

[@paynecharlie]

Really impressive watching you repeat your outstanding fishing skill on Lake Eufaula, a lake you had never fished before. As other's have commented, your "humble disposition" makes watching your videos that much more enjoyableI

[@steveecherd]

Way to go Hammer!! Following you all the way to the Elites!

[@jarretrichards6731]

Just seeing how you treated your co angler. Made me subscribe to your channel. Good Job man

[@michaelhancock46]

Congrats bro!! I see you killing it all season! All that hard work is paying off and I can wait to see it all happen. You bet 🤙🏻

[@natekeller9544]

It's only just begun.. Congrats on a great start sir! Ben Milliken is a name we're going to see in the top of the leaderboards for some time now.

[@blakewilkerson9695]

I believe the pure sportsman ship between Ben and his co angler is prob the most respectable thing I’ve seen.. congrats Ben!!! Been rooting for you sir

[@kylebolenske4229]

Incredible finish in your first open. They’re always stacked with talent. Hardest tournaments to win but you have good points to start with. Keep it up. I wish the open was still on the James in Virginia. I fished it on the co side last year.

[@48bobbi]

MFer, I like how you are thinking about your co angler as well. Good dude

[@wexcrjake2955]

I was biting my nails waiting for you to check in. BM should thank Ben for the views from the MFer Army

[@brianbelcher9567]

That shows what a good angler you are, getting a top five in your first open and never have come here and fished Eufaula and I think most of the top finishers probably fish that lake every week. Been watching your channel for a few years now and it ain’t just livescope, you can fish, I think you’re gonna have a good season and make the elites on the first try. Congratulations

[@Meet_Me_In_The_Pit]

Dude fifth is something to be proud of in any tourney and ur playing with the big dogs and first time out u got 5th...ur a beast and u got many tour wins coming ur way....I'm gonna follow ur pro career 100% and now I gotta get ur autograph on a 8x10 to go beside my jimmy hueston and I've 8x10's.u sir have entered my top 3 fav bass fisherman outta conduct and hard work and skill

[@kenpiper7524]

Love watching you catch them but the amount of sportsmanship and pure encouragement you show for your co angler is why you’re my favorite! Keep it up man and will always route for you to keep up your success!

[@KyleB3434]

I fished as a co angler for a few years won 3 boats and a angler of the year. I’ve been back-seated like crazy. But there are some really good dudes out there..Way to be cool to your co and stay positive the whole time. It’s tough being a co … way to do your thang bro, one of the best KZbin sticks if not the best 💯

[@285proxl5]

Man I believe if I was a co angler I'd be more excited to fish a day with you than to win. You seem to have fun and stayed relaxed regardless of it being a tournament.

[@jamesbaskins6351]

My thoughts exactly

[@thefishingfix59]

Congrats Ben-jammin!!!!! Freaking stoked for you. Kick ass job in your first open. I've been following you since before the 6 when you were pulling hogziillas out of pipes on the side of the highway. Your hard work has paid off huge and you deserve this. Born for it. Watching you interact on the main stage shows everyone what a model sportsman should be. The king of cool and always humble. I'm not much of a follower but am proud to a follower of yours since the beginning. Keep doing you kid! Show out for the 6 and go get this Bassmaster classic win along with a first class ticket to the elites! Sorry for the book I'm sure you won't have time to read but truly am happy for you. Proof dreams come true when you work your ass off. Peace!! ✌️

[@patrickgazzara3992]

Gary is a good man in my estimation. You can tell when calling Phoenix boats and speaking to anyone there they can't do enough for you. Sure is a reflection of Gary's influence on them.

[@jessetate88]

That was Scott Martins co angler when Scott won an flw event.

[@SimplisticFishing]

Congrats! You deserve everything you get. By far the best fisherman I have ever seen. Good luck out there!!

[@stephenhuelster1776]

Congratulations Ben. Happy to watch your success.

[@Aqua_Holic_Fishing]

Class shown from top to bottom, much respect. Keep grinding, your time is NOW my man!

[@billhill33584]

What a journey! Great job Ben 👏🏼.

[@godsdozer]

thanks dude, I was a professional golfer 35 years ago............long road in any sport, dont forget who was with you at the beginning.

[@glenndaugherity6187]

Gary is a first class fisherman and person for sure ! I was his Marshal on day 3 at Okeechobee Elite event. Great job Ben !

[@craigtaylorfishing]

Way to treat your Co, and also props to Gary for being a gentleman. Makes me proud to own a Phoenix boat!

[@tannerwi]

Congrats on 5th. Truly amazing on your first Open. Sotoshi must have thought he won the lottery. He probably learned more in that one day with you than he learned that past 5 years. And you treated him with such class and respect.

[@ksoutdoorsports]

Nice finish! Second day 23 is pretty sweet.

[@anthonyfoti9718]

You killed it. 5th place out of 200 plus anglers is a great finish, especially for your first Bass Master tournament. Congrats!

[@greghiday]

Congrats Ben on the great finish. Good luck at Rayburn.

[@artslade125]

BEN U ARE A HAMMER ! I personally think ur gonna go straight to the top of the circuit in ur first year , ur too damn awesome not to ! Ben u have forgotten more than half of the guys on the circuit ur fishing on know and after watching ur videos over the years I’m glad u decided to join the big boys where u belong ! Thank you for all u have taught me over the years buddy!

[@mikeschneider8574]

I'll be GLUED to this series the rest of the season! LFG!!!

[@Sacred_1]

Never get tired of watching you catch fish! Long season, looking forward to seeing you hold up that trophy. See ya on the water brother.

[@brianeads1522]

Congrats on your tournament standings. Excited to see you rise in success. Love your sportsmanship and attitude.

[@otech88]

Congrats on your first open event you did a hell of a job!

[@unlock_your_dream_home]

Congrats Ben on an awesome 5th place finish. I have zero doubt you will be in the Elite series and a good chance you'll win one of these and make the Classic. Keep up the good work.

[@timothyverdine6431]

Congrats on a great opening tournament. Gotta love the hair jigs, I make my own. I mainly fish walleyes with them but just about anything that swims will eat a mouth full of bucktail

[@luismagana2059]

Great start to your pro career. I see you making it far this year. Keep grinding. I've watched you for awhile now. Love everything you stand for.

[@haroldrogers6566]

ROFLMAO 😂😂. Great video Ben and Cole. And a great finish. But this was a great feet and low level shooting shots of the front of the boat. 🤣🤣. But the highlight was in the way you treated your co-angler, and the way your co-angler treated you!!! I wish they were always that way. Great first tournament and looking forward to the next 8 tournaments. 👍👍

[@Shawn_Lai]

It was pretty awesome seeing how friendly you were to competitors and your co-angler. That was a cool encounter with Clouse, who was really nice after that 20th place drop 😅 You would think other anglers would know there are eyes everywhere. Great start to the year!

[@alexhunter4654]

LOVING this series. So excited been watching for years

[@evanmoses8718]

Been waiting for this video can’t wait for the rest of the season you deserve to win been putting in the work for it good luck for the season

[@billljones979]

No no you haven't

[@y0ssa]

I was so keen to find out how you did I ended up looking it up. Looking forward to seeing the video. From the UK 🇬🇧

[@davidwilliams1805]

Awesome! Thanks for taking us along!

[@josephabeytajosephabeyta9305]

I love how your co angler clearly learned from you...402 in the house Awesome Ben, I'm an "all in Mfer"

[@gregellingson7584]

Ben it’s so fun watching you catch fish. I hope to catch some giants one day from my Kayak!

[@almcpike6512]

Best video anyone has ever made on You Tube I wanted be Bass Fisherman for 50 years. I felt like I was in the boat with you at Eufaula

[@andrewjackson8401]

Did i miss something who got dq’d? Good job Ben killing it out there. Never can have too many poles on the boat!

[@brucemckinnley5272]

Well done Ben, you did all your fans and subscribers proud. Another day ....would've been very interesting

[@jeremyhines6862]

Im a little new, but your tourney vids are awesome. You, Mr. Royal and 6th sense are great. Much love

[@Thorn2669]

Congratulations on a great tourney!!!

[@pimpslapish]

Genuine guy doin genuine fishing. Cool video

[@michealkinney5283]

Dude 5th hella start man congratulations. I love the way you treated your co-angler. I’ve been one most of my tournament life and had some shitty ones. Keep it rolling!

[@dereknugent6448]

Congratulations Ben! Good luck in the rest of the tournaments.

[@cabinmusikslaps]

You killled it man!!! Shhhaaaaaabaaanngggg Yaaaa beettttt

[@clintallard912]

First thing is….. we gotta know what they’re biting on🤙 Mfer checking in

[@josephcolunga894]

Congratulations that is is a great step in your start as a pro fisherman. ONE more thing fishing from TEXAS !!!!!!!

[@richardgeorge6156]

New found respect for you Ben after watching how you interact and treat your co-angler. Great tournament keep up up!!

[@duanedannis4139]

Good job Ben and good luck down the road,enjoyed watching

[@robertrader5008]

Freaking Awesome 1st tournament Ben! Huge Congratulations 💥🎣‼️ Keep Grinding Brother! So looking forward to the next tournament!! And Way to go Helping your Co-Angler!! Total Class Act! Much Respect for You‼️ Best Wishes!!! 🎣💓

[@Camby-fs5pi]

Really pumped your doing this, been watching you from near the beginning , you’ve got the crashing a golf course at lunch videos all the way to being a pro, when you sit back and think about it that’s pretty fing awesome 🍻best of luck

[@FitxForxLife]

I grew up watching fishing and you're definitely the Bill Dance of our time! Keep gettin them biggins

[@jeremygilreath224]

Dude by far the best opens video I HAVE EVER SEEN CONGRATS!!!!

[@nathanielgay3]

Great Edit Coleslaw! Super cool to see alll aspects of the tournament, before , during , and the fan love after! Keep it up!

[@johnknight4877]

@Millikenfishing, you are correct about Gary Clouse, 1st class individual, and builds an awesome boat and has runs a 1st class business!

[@5onitfishing328]

Almost time ima watch Justin's vid wile waiting 👍💪