Is bass fishing truly thriving—or have we just forgotten what “healthy” looks like?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Steve Sammons, one of the most respected fisheries biologists in the game, to expose a hidden problem in the bass fishing world: shifting baseline syndrome.

We unpack the uncomfortable truth about how anglers—without even realizing it—have accepted degraded fisheries, smaller populations, and less biodiversity as the “new normal.” From tournament pressure and habitat loss to management blind spots, this is a brutally honest look at the future of bass fishing if we don’t start paying attention.

🔎 What we cover:

• What “shifting baselines” means in fisheries

• How anglers are unknowingly part of the problem

• Why today’s bass fishing isn’t as good as it once was

• The long-term dangers we’re facing if nothing changes

🎧 Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a hardcore tournament angler, this episode will challenge the way you see the lakes you love.

You've heard the whispers, seen the headlines: "Bass Fishing is DEAD." But is it really? Tonight, we're challenging that narrative. We'll be looking at everything from changing fish populations and environmental pressures to the evolving landscape of the sport itself. As a full-time fishing content creator, I've seen the changes firsthand. Join me for a no-holds-barred discussion on the state of bass fishing: "Bass Fishing is DEAD... Or Is It REALLY..."

When my cohost had to step away for very understandable reasons, I called in an emergency guest—and things got real quick. We talk about the drama around the Bassmaster Classic, how social media flipped the fishing world on its head, and why the average angler just doesn’t connect with pro fishing anymore. Oh, and there’s a little surprise personal news in here too… 👀