Untold Bassmaster Split Stories (The Bilge Podcast)

Mark Zona, TV Show Host, joins Chris Zaldain and Trait Zaldain on The Bilge Podcast presented by Battle Born Batteries to discuss the Bassmaster-MLF Split Story from his experience.
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[@CrankCaveBaits]

Zona is hands down my favorite personality in the industry. Dude pulls no punches and is as honest as they come. Chris and Trait, phenomenal podcast!!!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Same here. He’s one to look up to!

[@CrankCaveBaits]

@@ZaldaingerousI’m watching this for the third time now. I would love to hear more stories about the split. More people need to know how nasty that split really was. There are a few guys I’d love to see come back to BASS and a bunch I’d love to see file bankruptcy 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jamesmurphy1040]

Zona is a straight shooter!

[@IRON49ER1]

Hands down the best... It was so great to sit and just talk fishing with Mark when he was at bass Pro in Gurnee Illinois last year.

[@jessewiggins6950]

Love this. My name was mentioned in this so I thought I’d comment…I have always respected the opinion of the guys that turned down the invite, IMO they are the only ones that can even speak on this stuff…as far as begging people to stay/leave. I didn’t beg anyone for anything. I didn’t experience any of that. In my situation the only calls I received was from people at BASS, (that I had never spoke to previously asking me if I were going to stay, ) And I didn’t even get asked initially. I went to MLF because I grew up watching all the big names and I wanted to fish against them, and we weren’t going to have entry fees. That’s the only reasons I left, I was young into my career and money was a driving factor without a doubt. I’ve always said that…I love putting fish in livewells. Lol….as a fan, I’ve never understand why fans want to hate one or the other, hell it’s more fishing to watch. Who cares where one guy wants to fish, do what makes you happy. Love y’all’s stuff, keep it up. 👍🏽

[@Zaldaingerous]

👊🏽

[@mtaylor516]

Agreed, as a fan it’s great having options and more content to enjoy. Don’t have to love it all to appreciate it.

[@TheFishdoctor1952]

Had relatives in the cattle business in La. Know it can be tough. Hope both sides of the fence works out for you.

[@davejones7202]

I watch both, enjoy both but find the behind the scene personality conflicts disheartening.

[@kevingonyea]

Please have Seth Fielder on to talk about the split, that will be a good one!

[@billljones979]

It would but Chris might not want that heat lol

[@kevingonyea]

@@billljones979 You may be right, but people selling out to corporations, is how the country has gotten itself into the trouble we are in.

[@dustinwalker8152]

Or any of the guys that left and then came back.

[@paulgsmith9874]

Seth for sure!!!!

[@Tackletuesdayfishing]

I’m so glad to finally get some raw insider on “the split” . This podcast is absolutely necessary in the fishing industry. I love the emotion and unfiltered content.

[@TheZamboon]

Dude! You definitely created the best fishing podcast that'll ever exist

[@Zaldaingerous]

Appreciate that bro thank you

[@curtismelvin2547]

No matter the guest, Trait is this podcast! The questions she brings out are what us as bass geeks want to know. Real journalism style topics that get to the point. Keep it up Trait!

[@SBFishing]

Such a great show. Always been a huge fan of Zona, this just solidifies it. Class act.

[@ericsmith9965]

You get the guys who stayed with bass or even left and came back around a campfire and reflect on everything about the split would be one of the most watched videos in pro fishing.

[@jason21nl]

This podcast with Zona might be the best podcast I’ve ever watched. It was that good. I didn’t want it to end. The brutal honesty from everyone is so refreshing. Thank you.

[@Zaldaingerous]

Zona isn’t afraid to be real and that makes for a genuine conversation. Glad you enjoyed it 👊🏽

[@ltbo6781]

Great podcast. Honestly, mlf was fantastic to watch prior to 2020. Going places no one ever went to.

[@shanehamilton6708]

I wish someone would write a book about the split. Get angler’s from both sides of course. I’m so glad Zona, Chris and the others stayed. I’m sure there’s still some animosity on both sides but I hope one day all the stories come out. I didn’t realize just how many of the anglers had a decision to make about leaving and how it apparently caused so much friction between longtime friends. This is a good story, and needs to be told. Thank you Zaldangerous

[@f5outdoors956]

I literally just became a bigger Zaldain fan! I didn't know so much passion and heartache came with your decision to stay with BASS. God bless you and thanks for sharing this!

[@munn3y440]

great episode. I want more of these untold stories about the split and what you guys and other anglers thought and felt during that scary time in the industry

[@Zaldaingerous]

We love to talk about it!

[@culliganman578]

If you’re a die hard BASS fan this is the best thing podcast episode ever. But for us fans we don’t know all the behind the scene stories. Lol so please drop names and more stories we don’t know about.

[@fishingwithdom1657]

Bass fishing needed this show. Excellent job, Zaldains and Zona 👏🏼 much respect.

[@nawinchester]

Z is absolutely the best. I could listen to him talk on any topic. Honest. Straightforward. Sincere. Knowledgeable. Solid values. Family man. Just an all around good dude.

[@bobnokley]

Dang this is so good, I remember you saying no thanks I worked my ass off making hit here. Then to know Zona's back story is great. Thanks for staying. You guys did a heck of a professional job when everything was changing.

[@smokyoakbbqco2385]

This was one of the best podcasts I’ve seen/listened to! You guys are great conversationalists! I’m gonna watch all of your previous podcasts , I subscribed, liked, and won’t miss another in the future! I saw Zaldaingerous on Scott Martin’s podcast and enjoyed that one as well! I love Trait’s brutal honestly, nothing like a good woman that stands her ground! Thanks to both of you for great content!

[@hockeyguy3417]

Definitely one of my favorite episodes! Top 3 for sure! Love seeing & hearing these kinds of stories. I'm a Lifetime member of B.A.S.S. and always appreciated you guys for standing up for the organization. I also love that you guys get it that it's about the sport as well. Personally as a fan of bass fishing I really appreciated the MLF guys that showed up at The Classic to meet fans because those guys "get it". Thank you for helping grow our sport in a positive way and keep up your great work!

[@mikeswearngin9681]

Damn… your podcasts just get better and better.. Trait always asks the best questions.. your guys podcast is my favorite fishing podcast. Keep them coming

[@hmgtechnics]

Wow... this was deep and heartfelt. Great interview and show today guys!!

[@rickmoore2854]

Chris, Trait, Zona…awesome podcast, raw, honest and needed. Thanks!

[@danielstowell8871]

Never commented on a KZbin video before and watch them ten hours a day at work 5 days a week but out of 1000s of hours watching videos this is hands down one of the most eye opening and honest clips I’ve ever seen and I liked you guys before but mad respect and huge fan after hearing this good work and keep it up

[@joshwhitfordfishing2304]

I also love the pitbull attitude Trait has, and hows Chris's eyes get big when shes asking the hard questions 😂

[@hotfootproductions9783]

What a show!! Well done Z and Zaldains!

[@jmelvin901]

Enjoyed every minute of this...have always respected all of those who stayed with BASS and those who earned their way back. Hopefully the one with KVD will include this level of transparency. Well done.....We need more of this.

[@brote2]

I have attended both the classic and redcrest and nothing beats the atmosphere of the classic. I got hooked about 5 years ago, watched both and watching the stories develop in the elites with new guys and guys returning is great. From just watching it seems like the elite guys are tighter bunch together. Thank yall for be true to yalls ethics,bigger fan for it.

[@colechantler1016]

This is the best podcast going period! Giving the people what they really want to hear and not holding back! 10/10 would recommend getting Zona to come back on again soon!

[@BBrown-yn9qp]

This was so awesome. Thank you guys. I'm a huge fan of Z and a huge fan of all of your videos.

[@jeffriggle4127]

Absolutely awesome show! Gets to the point it doesn’t sugarcoat anything ! I love hearing the back stories. Would be cool if you can get some of the other anglers on there that actually left and then came back to bass ! Keep rolling y’all!

[@fish4kbcf]

More of these split stories. This was the best podcast you guys have done and one of the best I’ve ever listened to. Super open and no punches pulled.

[@pacebozeman]

How am i just now finding this channel? Haven't even watched 3 min and already subscribed. Z and Zona......has to be gold.😊

[@Budget_bassin]

Love that you all stayed. I very much so like BASS more.

[@bigbassbum]

These are getting better and better. Keep it coming

[@BillJacksonDesign]

I laughed, I cried, I loved it! Best Podcast EVER. The level of honesty shared is refreshing in a time when you question everything you see and hear.

[@jimmyrogers1490]

Awesome !! I am 59 years old and became a member of B.A.S.S. when I was 12, then in 1985 became a Lifetime Member ! B.A.S.S. is in my blood ! We lived in the "country" in north Texas and didn't have cable tv back when TNN was airing The Bassmasters. My Grandmother lived in town and would record the shows on VHS and I would pick up the tape on Sunday afternoon after it aired. Many heroes in that sport from way back in the day are still active ! Clunn, Nixon, Fritts, etc. Just like the NFL (as Zona mentioned) B.A.S.S. will never be replaced by some "new" concept in tournament fishing. Ray Scott and Dewey Kendrick set the bar high and that's where it's staying ! Glad you guys hung tight and stayed the course !

[@mathewsarrowslinger2787]

I am glad ya all did this podcast though. Good to hear the perspective. I’ve watched both BASS and MLF coverage this week. They both have coexisted just fine.

[@Zaldaingerous]

🤝

[@20bowhnter]

This show is always a must watch for me. Absolutely love the quality and Trait asking the tough questions! Zona for the win!!

[@Zaldaingerous]

😊

[@bamadondon0495]

18:52 man I've NEVER heard Zona get like that... One of the most uplifting, grounded, honest, humble, FUNNIEST people I've had the pleasure of watching most of my life.. I've never even seen a sliver of something like this from that man!!!! 😮😢

[@Zaldaingerous]

❤❤❤

[@ryanhartman9876]

Best part is, he's not like this for the cameras, he's like this period. Realest dude I've ever interacted with in the Fishing Industry

[@bamadondon0495]

@@ryanhartman9876 100%

[@hoopsheavenpa]

Wish the split never happened. I have favorite anglers on both sides. MLF doesn’t have the awesome team of Sanders, Zona, and Hite. Shocked MLF is still a thing. It seems there is no one at their trophy presentations. You can’t hear a crowd and there’s probably a reason they never show a crowd on championship day for their tour stages.

[@bamadondon0495]

@@hoopsheavenpa I couldn't agree with you more!!! It's funny how something like money always finds a way to divide and screw up a good thing! Instead of using all that money to be greedy and divide up something so classic and impactful as what it once was, and maybe probably pay the anglers to come to work instead of having them pay to clock in.. and then never this mission of a split and this MLF thing.. could you imagine what that would have done for BASS!!?? I guess we'll never know.. but I couldn't agree with you more!

[@Eric.C78]

You guys have a great show going on. In my opinion this was the best one yet. Gonna be hard to top this one. Keep up the great work.

[@brucehoffman7063]

Wow! I’m impressed! It’s good to see another side of Zona. I couldn’t stand him til this podcast, know I find myself liking the dude! How did he do that? I’m proud of him standing up for what’s right! That’s rare in professional fishing. I’m 69 yrs old and fished in FLW and bass as a co-angler, now that I’m handicap and made it to state tournament in bass last year in Tennessee and my boater kept me in the middle of the lake all day so the co-angle in his club would win. And he said that and I told the official did do anything about it. I’m quit bass and never fishing co-angler again. Need Zona to address what there doing to coAnglers. In bass! Keep the faith Trait and Chris. 👍🥸🙏

[@joshwhitfordfishing2304]

Maybe the best podcast Ive watched! Love Zona and his honesty!

[@TheMuffinMan89]

Great episode once again. Your honest and BS free takes are exactly why we keep coming back! Get Zona back in ASAP! That man's heart is as big as his mouth! He's made a huge impact on me following the sport. Really enjoyed listening to the recent history of the pro circuit too!

[@teachwithtechtminc.1751]

A great interview with Zona! Very entertaining. Lots of great stories and behind the scenes insight.

[@Striddefishing78]

Absolutely loved this, I love watching Mark's show, he's real all the time which I love ! enjoyed this podcast...keep it up!

[@Bbest6933]

The more episodes you do, the better you guys get! Can’t wait for KVD! Keep up the great work 🔥🔥

[@Three-13]

Another great Bilge Podcast, Chris! I love Zona!

[@iluvjenni20]

Having only watched professional fishing since 2020, I didn't know about the split. Love the raw unfiltered conversation about the split. Thank you Trait for being raw and unfiltered, love it. Keep it coming DON'T STOP.

[@CalebHorton]

Same here. I guess it was the buzz around the split is what drew me in and got me to follow professional bass fishing. To be honest, I had never heard of Zaldain, Wheeler, Polnick, Christi... all the big names until I started following b/c of MLF. That's when I started following both leagues. Had no idea there was a controversial split to begin with.

[@blakeraider5312]

What a great insight into both the MLF and BASS. Amazing podcast!

[@JVig77]

Great conversation with some excellent insights and behind the curtain stuff. Thanks for the content.

[@zoommaster7253]

This was great. Please keep ‘em coming

[@alford79]

Zona...I met you in Philadelphia when Ike won and thank you for spending a few minutes with me and taking a picture. Best life advice out there.

[@ludsteinbasser]

By far one of the best podcasts you guys have done.. great info and gossip 😂😂😂

[@user-vl2kf2ex9n]

THIS WAS THE BEST BILGE YOU'VE GUYS HAVE HAD. LOTS of inside behind the scenes info about the split we've been wanting to know! BASS hats off to this. I've always been BASS and always will be! The other organization just don't have IT!

[@Zaldaingerous]

Thank you 🙏🏽

[@barrybarkley1316]

I love you guys speaking the truth, it is much needed in this world today.

[@slimquinn5692]

Chris you are doing a great job giving the GP a look into the world of pro bass fishing. Keep up the good work.

[@nicholasporter4682]

I could listen to Zona speak anytime. What a great human being! man. Zona is the type friend you want.

[@QuietCornerFishing]

love the behind the scenes look into the industry. LOVE Zona

[@leviwiget8848]

One of the best podcast in a long time.

[@keenanmoore264]

Great episode. Keep the fire coming!

[@matthewlindquist6747]

That was awesome. Thanks!

[@hytekrednekbama4400]

I would love to see some episodes with the pro anglers I grew up loving like Hank Parker, Roland Martin, Bill Dance, etc... you know , the Golden era of bass fishing!

[@basseditorfishing]

Much respect to all three of you. Great discussion.

[@Zaldaingerous]

👊🏽

[@robertjacobsfishing]

One of the best Bilge podcasts ever. Love Z and love you guys for your honesty! We are part of B.A.S.S. here in South Africa and it was difficult to witness things from this side of the Atlantic. It even caused ripples and affected our fishing on this side too!

[@mattbacola1227]

Awesome podcast! I’ve been a fan of Zona, then Chris, and now Trait. She’s a savage. Love it!

[@saltysailor141]

Another hr Chris and Trait! 👍

[@JimGLopez67]

Great interview, this could have gone on another 2 more hours. Excellent inside view of the behind the scenes look 👌 perfect job. Love the woman Trait Zaldain she has never held back any punches.

[@ronswinford4952]

This was a great podcast, you covered a lot of stuff that was rumored, but not talked about. Great job to all three of you.

[@Zaldaingerous]

Thanks for listening brother

[@chundle09]

Hahaha Zone’s hackney impersonation was too good 😂

[@mattfast7006]

What a fantastic episode!!

[@bradmcdaniel9675]

Another home run! I watch them all and, at the moment, you guys have the best bass fishing podcast IMO. I do realize doing these once every couple of weeks or once a month makes it easier to get the A level guests vs the guys that are doing them much more frequently - but if I skip a few of those guy's episodes its no big deal because it probably wasnt very special - I do not skip any of yall's!! Not unlike Clunn, Zona had to grow on me for awhile, but I love him now - lol.

[@F.Ronnie]

It is good to see the three of you guys together. Class acts. Thanks.

[@F.Ronnie]

Trait for president!!!

[@treylee7623]

Just curious of why y’all are hating on Jacob?? I truly enjoy watching everyone on this podcast… but. Have ANY of y’all ever been number 1 in the world?? Have any of y’all ever been in the top 5 or 10?? It’s not a good look when y’all hate on a fellow angler.. sounds like there is a little bit of jealousy. Is there? Anyways I truly enjoy this channel and I’m NOT try to belittle anyone. I am a fan of all of y’all! Thanks for the content.

[@ronaldbryant8457]

Thats such an awesome interview with Zona.......can't wait to hear yall with Kevin....

[@jlbjfishing]

Way to go Trait BASS nation has your back We need more Traits and transparency

[@dustylepere99]

This was by far the best episode

[@Shawn_Lai]

Lol you saw Sheff self report his fish touch today when the Marshall said it was a slight touch 😂 I was like yep he done learned himself something.

[@rogerwilliams977]

Great interview, what a voice he has ! Wow!

[@joelbabin4365]

Kudos guys... excellent show.

[@gregshelton4487]

Awesome podcast!! Trait dm details about JW conflict. I’m a bass fishing fanatic! I love both BASS and MLF!! Can’t wait for KVD Bilge 🎣🎣🎣

[@mattcrawford3254]

Absolutely love this episode and you guys for putting it out there. Wish I had found it earlier

[@Zaldaingerous]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnhanley8708]

excitant show!!! THanks!

[@bobbycolson1957]

Thanks for the insight then and now...Trait is a piece of work....

[@Seth-Lafollette]

Best podcast out there.. Zona is the real deal and the best to ever cover the sport!

[@brandonbrightfishing7477]

Huge respect for just speaking just straight truth everybody

[@lipsnatcher7483]

Awesome podcast guys!!😎

[@DwayneMcguire]

Great show Chris and Trait 👍🎣🕊️🙏

[@chickenbutt721]

Great show everybody !

[@Afishermanstale]

Fantastic episode guys thank you 👍 can’t wait to hear the KVD episode.

[@Zaldaingerous]

😊

[@keithpinkerton2933]

Had to go back and watch this one again. Your podcast is the best and Love you got KVD on. Hope you can get a few more MLF guys to come on as well

[@JamesS7fan]

Chris and Trait this is cool. But why the hate for wheeler? Man the dude is smart and is in his own zone. I'm new to listening to the split. I like both tours.

[@DannyBFishing]

Great pod yall! I could watch Z all day long! Can't wait for KVD

[@BOQBassin]

Finally....... The Bilge podcast has come back to youtube!!! What a great episode.

[@Zaldaingerous]

👊🏽👊🏽👊🏽

[@BOQBassin]

@@Zaldaingerous What do you do with a hour and a half on boxing day while waiting for the World Jr Hockey tournament to start??? You listen to one of the best podcasts of 2023 of course🤟

[@coloreye7963]

Two of my favorite in the game!!!

[@bamadondon0495]

34:47 TRAIT THROWING🔥🔥 STRAIGHT DOWN THE DAMN MIDDLE!!!!😂🤣😎😎😎.. she calls it like it is bud, Balls and Strikes!! BALLS AND STRIKES!!!, 💪👌✌️

[@Zaldaingerous]

Yes!!

[@codyhooser3333]

Awesome brother, great show 👍

[@kevingonyea]

Excellent show, Glad to hear Zona has the same feelings about the split I do. Keep asking the questions us fan want answers to Trait. You talked about the anglers feelings about Vandam compared to Wheeler, I don't think Ray Scott would have allowed that stuff to happen at least publicly.

[@areddfishing7473]

Sooo we gonna get skeet on this👀 let’s just put it all out there

[@stevenjohnson9855]

Awesome show, luv Zona

[@barryeslick1967]

Great, great show!

[@johntauzin4705]

🔥 Straight fire! Yall may have the best podcast in fishing right now. Atleast in my book its the best! Funny, but I also like wheeler. However I don't think it's his favorite podcast. Lmao. For real though yall put it out there and it's real stuff. I really wish the anglers could be as honest/open as Trait. I know that's a hard ask but how else will the fans know the true story. I think its part of what holds fishing as a sport back, "we cover up what we should cover" JTK. I have been waiting for info like this since the split happened. I love that yall talked about it and Zona was amazing like always!