Ben Milliken From YouTube to the Bassmaster Elite Series on MERCER-133
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ส.ค. 2024
- Ben Milliken is one of the biggest TH-cam anglers in the game. But that was not enough for him. He wanted more-he wanted to chase his childhood dream of fishing the Bassmaster Elite Series. In one year he did what many people predicted was impossible. Not only did he win a Bassmaster Open and qualify for the Bassmaster Classic but he qualified for the Bassmaster Elite Series. This week Ben joins the podcast to talk about all of that and so much more.
Please help me thank Ben for coming on the show again by checking out his You Tube channel- youtube.com/@M...
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The sport needs more magical stories, this is a magical one. It's actually legendary depending on how long you been following Ben. Great show.
I totally agree that Ben’s story is a magical one. I will do everything I can to help promote it
I have followed Ben for four years, yes I’m a MF’er. To watch him work, put forth the effort, time away from home and just putting himself out there. I’m not surprised that he made the Elites. One of the things I think that has made his channel so popular is that he is one of us common fishermen. He relates to his fans, he talks to his fans even while bobbing up and down on his boat.
I also follow Scott Martin, why? Because he relates to the fans even while fishing. Ben and Scott are the best at relating to the fans. I can’t wait to see both win that big blue trophy. Both deserve to be there. And I expect a win any time.
Others who relate to the fans are Jacob Wheeler, Dustin Connell, Mark Daniel’s Jr. Brandon Paulkinc and more. I’m a 64 year old fisherman, I’ve been fishing all my life and I dream though these guys. They are my hero’s.
I am not only Ben’s friend but I am also a MFer too so I agree with you totally
I’m 77 and health hit me and sold boat and gave up fishing. Sad day. I went out in younger years and tried to fish a pro tour but money shut me down, but the thing I noticed about all these pros was work ethics. I remember headed to dinner and coming out of cabin at Marina I noticed Roland Martin sitting in his boat rigging under a light. This is what made these guys.
I’m 76 and also I have fished all my life. I fished tournaments. Injuries stopped running 70 mph in a boat. I now fish kayaks with electronics, elec. motors and all of the crazy new kayak technology. I love fishing and we need to pull together and gain audience and pull in the networks and their money. All ages, nationalities, religions fish. When we have children, we take them fishing at very early ages. We start teaching day one with them raising them to become the men and women that will run this World we have formed. Everything evolves or goes away. We have to take steps now.
I’ve watched Ben’s videos for about 4 years now and had no doubt he would qualify for the ELITE Series! I truly think he’s going to grow the sport of bass fishing tremendously. The sport needs guys like him 💯
I'm sure looking forward to the classic next year, Milliken is gonna help bassmaster set a new classic attendance record.
I am jacked to have him on the Elites. Thanks for watching and commenting
Ben is great‼️ Like a mix between KVD & Ike. A confident loose cannon!😜 All 3 are geniuses. 👊 Miliken will do more to bring eyes to the Sport of Bass Fishing than anything yet! And I’m saying this as an old, almost 70 year old guy. 👏🎣 Great show, Dave❣️
Thanks Land🔨, I can’t wait to see all the MFers at weigh ins this year
Ben I've so blessed to have been able to found and admired your future and the life you've accomplished Great Job
Ben is such a great guy and great story. A strong family man with a lot of drive to succeed not just in professional fishing but in life. I've been following him for a few years now and he continues to impress me. I will be following his newly acquired professional career.
Thanks Joseph, It’s going to be a blast watching it all season long. Thanks very much for watching and commenting
Watching Ben this year was like watching my favorite team punch their way to the finals. Couldn’t wait to see where he was at. I follow his channel because of his personality and skills. But his personality is what really keeps me tuned in.
I loved watching it too. He is a good dude and next season is going to be even better watching him on the Elites. Thanks for watching & commenting
Really hope Ben stays on the elites for a long time. So fun to watch. So entertaining. He will bring more fans to the sport more than anybody else I can think of.
Thanks for watching Ryan, I can’t wait to see all the MFers at the weigh ins this year
Opened TH-cam 43 seconds after this was posted. Talk about a SIXTH SENSE….. I’ll show myself out 😅
I see what you did there 😂👍
I love it
That's why you suck at fishing
🤣💪🏻😎
Milliken's the man. When you have drive and determination like that, the sky is the limit. And that Mercer sure knows how to ask the questions to keep a juicy conversation going. Another vote for the M&M podcast 😂
Thanks very much Brandon, I love the sounds on the M&M podcast 👍
Always enjoy seeing Ben on here and absolutely stoked he made the Elites!! I think we need Zark and Slaw in a chase boat filming and live on the water commentary
Oh damn you could sell that as PPV 😂
I was so stoked to see Ben make the Elites. I’m pumped to see him compete at that level. I’m speechless over BPT but not surprised. Feel terrible for those guys that took a chance and now gotta find another way.
Hey Jim, Ya Ben is definitely going to be a lot of fun to have on the Elites. The other deal is just sad. Thanks for watching and commenting as always
I felt like I was gonna have a heart attack watching live day 2. Can't imagine the stress he felt lol. So glad Ben made it! He bust his butt for a long time and made a dream come true!
Ben is one of the few that was not handed anything he has earned all of his success and that's why he is as good as he is. He will win a classic within his first 5 years. Bet!
Thank you Dave I appreciate all of the interviews that you do and your passion for the sport. I personally feel one of the greatest things you do is you seem to know the people you interview and make it feel like this is a huge part of your life. You were certainly the voice and one of the reasons why I continue to follow bass fishing.
Mercer & Milliken, the M&M podcast
I like the sounds of that 👍
@@factsoffishing me too!
Great show Dave like always! I have followed Ben since he had 500 subs. I can't wait for all of the events next year so I can hear that legendary voice of yours call out Ben's name especially at the Classic. Gonna call it now before anyone else I think next year's Classic will shatter the attendance records of all time and will be the most viewed ever! Ben is gonna bring alot of new eyes to the sport and i hope BASS will recognize him for that! I am out! Peace ✌️
Thanks for watching Micah, I can’t wait to see all the MFers at weigh ins this season
Congrats to Ben. I enjoy his you tube which makes me want to follow his elite career.
Original MF'er here. This does NOT surprise me that he made it. He's always touched on this as his dream, but the time wasn't right. I started following him for his tips & tricks for bass fishing. BTW, those tips & tricks actually worked. Bait mods & making baits, etc. Winter fishing, cold water fishing. He kept it real and was always himself, which made his content interesting.
Yes, the all crazy shit with Zark & Pornstash was fun, too... the videos that went viral, etc... More big things to come from BMF/ 402.
Thanks for having him on, Dave... 🍺🎣
Thanks Shane, I think you are right. Many good things ahead for Ben and the MFers
“I’m just not going to do it” much respect. Timing is everything and you choosing to focus on the stories current to BASS as opposed to an hour of taking them down might be the reason you are where you are and they are where they are today. Their initial stated goal was to put BASS out of business. They made the wrong choice then you made the right choice today. Definitely cover it when those guys are ready to be open and honest. As always great stuff!
Thanks very much Thomas, I truly appreciate your kind words. Thanks for watching and commenting
You tube to Elites!watched the man from the start of his channel and he has always had the right mindset and passion to do something like this.Storybook ending for his hard work
That's why living in the moment is called the Present , a gift ,of awareness and letting what's in front of you determine emotion. Congratulations and thank yall for sharing the passion.
One of the BEST podcast i have seen. Great interview/story, very professional from both of you. Wishing Mr. Milliken great success chasing his dreams.
Great episode! Congratulations to Ben. Love watching the journey
Thanks I appreciate you watching and commenting
Great interview as always! Ben is just one of the dudes and it’s why it’s so easy to follow him. Still can’t believe the HOF trip got to 15k. Told the wife I was going to bid on it when it was around 4K and I woke up the next morning to find it at 15k lol excited to keep following Ben on his journey.
Thanks so much. Being real always help connect with you and Ben is very real.
I’m rooting for Ben! Love this guy and how he got here. All young pros and social media stars should study Ben’s path.
I think the Milliken name will go down in history! Maybe not for what he does in the elites but just for what he’s done to fishing!
He definitely seems to be heading that way
Great show again Dave. Thanks for being positive and upbeat. My first view of Ben, impressed
Thanks very much. Life is too short to waste time on hate and anger
This interview has changed my entire perspective on Ben. I was a long subscriber from the early days, but unfollowed years ago because I had a very wrong idea of him in my head.
I have re subscribed and truly appreciate this interview.
Wow thanks Steven, That is awesome to hear. I am thankful that I could help show you another side of Ben. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment
So pumped for Ben I've been following him for along dudes a hammer! This is one the best Rookie classes I've ever seen can't wait to watch them battle for Rookie of the year! I predict one of these Rookies wins AOY! MFR NATION LFG!!
It will definitely be a awesomeness ROY race. I can’t wait. Thanks for watching
Dave I have watched hours of your fishing shows and have learned so much. Some guys catching fish you don't even know what the bait was or the technique. I have never caught a fish on a jig but I am sure one day I will learn.
Thanks so much Steve, Great to hear you have enjoyed the Facts of Fishing show. You need to watch next week’s podcast. It includes an awesome story about learning the jig on FOF.😂
Yeah man huge congrats to Ben... I've been watching him for years now and learned a bunch. Great video as always keepem coming brother!!!
Thanks Daniel, i appreciate you watching and commenting
You NEED to stream live BASS on TH-cam to get more people. Bottom line, I have trouble sometimes trying to watch it on the website. And there is so many people that are on TH-cam that aren’t going to go to the website and watch it. Also with the algorithm it will pop up for people and they will click on it randomly which will get more new people into watching the events. It will make a huge difference
Hey Matt, Thanks for watching. I am obviously a huge supporter of TH-cam. You are not wrong, I would definitely love to see BassLIVE on YT
Thanks for watching and commenting
This needs to be shouted at Bass.Cant even find the tourneys on TV
Meet the Pro’s Pod Cast Dave! Great ideal to help grow the sport. Heads off screens and relationships with fans grows the sport. More men like Ben and Scott Martin grows the sport.
Congratulations to Ben!
Thanks James, That’s the whole goal of this show. To show off the amazing people that pro anglers are
Great story for Ben will be rooting for him. He does use forward facing constantly way more than 30% more like 85% all the power to him.
He sure is good on that screen
Great interview Dave! I wondered how this could be 1.5 hours. It took a few days but I am about done. Great stuff! Thank you.
Ben is an awesome dude. I've followed him from the start. The reason he is so popular is because he is so relatable. He puts these videos out fishing with his buddies cracking jokes, doing all different types of fishing. He has a professional side when he needs to be but he also shows the more unprofessional side with showing everything and not hiding the good stuff. I personally don't think he will fish the elite series very long I just don't think it's his style but maybe I'm wrong. Regardless congratulations Mfer! I look forward to seeing you fish the elites series I think you will do well and probably even win a few!
Learned a lot about Ben...wish him luck in 2024!!
Dave your doing a great job!!!
Bass still needs to go to lake of the woods!!!
Thanks James, I would love to see a LOTW Elite 🔥
I can hardly wait for February to get here! I live on Toledo Bend, and having the Elites start off the season on my home waters is truly a blessing! I have a spare bedroom Mercer or Milliken if y’all need a place to stay, free of charge! I’m not a big cook except for my famous pancakes, but breakfast for supper is a good thing! Great interview Dave and Ben. Congratulations on your Opens success this year Ben! By the way… I’ve got plenty of room for boats trucks etc…20 minutes from Cypress Bend!
Great show tonight Dave! Hope Ben does well in the Elites and I look forward to watching him!
Thanks Mike, I can’t wait to see all the MF’ers at the weigh ins in 2024.
Ben will be the biggest star on the Elites. It will be fun to watch next season!
Great show Dave, thanks so much for what you do. It's always one of my weekly highlights that I look forward to. MF'r here always rooting for BM. Thnx M
Thanks you very much. I appreciate you watching and commenting. I am a MF’er too 😂
Soon to be 62 years old and happy to say I’m an MFer from the beginning 😂, go Ben. Never had a doubt he would make it to the Elites
That was a great show and I believe a large part because of Ben but you both help each other out and grow the sport and media
It’s awesome that Ben made the elites congrats he earned it. Great show Dave. I see you went over 300K congrats to you.
Thanks Mark, I am still shocked at 300k subs but I am truly thankful for all of you. Especially folks like yourself that watch and comment every week
Great pod cast Mercer.thanks for bringing it to the table for us bass fishing freaks
Thank you for watching. Lots more good shows coming up. I appreciate your support
Fantastic episode. He pulled off an amazing thing. So glad it worked out in Florida. Especially considering he had never fished there. Impressive. Looking forward to seeing him on The Elites.
Thanks very much. It’s going to be a lot of fun watching his career unfold on the Elites
Dave, first off I LOVE your show! Your show and Luke Duncan are my absolute favorites. But if you choose not to talk about the bad in fishing isn’t that just sliding it under the rug? I feel like we the public deserve to know. Btw Ben deserves this more than anyone!
Thanks for watching. I talk about plenty of bad. The big difference is I don’t ONLY focus on the negative. There are lots of positives in the fishing industry but they usually don’t get as many plays as the negatives click chasing shows. Sorry I just try to have real conversations & I am not looking to make shows out of negative gossip. Hope you understand
Ben was a hammer from the start he just proved it! TH-cam to the elites it can come true!
It’s like a real life Rocky story
Great backstory! Man you rocked it Ben! Congratulations.
It was fun to watch last year but it’s going to be ever more fun to watch on the elites. Thanks for watching
Ive followed Ben for years since he was fishing creeks in Nebraska.
He showed us 6th sense...and when i researched it i found out the warehouse(old) was right down the street from my grandparents...cool coincidence....until Ben up and moves his family 20min down the road from my house 😅😅
Im glad he's a Texan now, and will continue to support him in the future!
Keep on keep'n on MFER!
Thanks for watching Patrick, long term fans like yourself is the reason Ben is where he is.
I actually listened to the entire interview...something u don't normally do. Your questions were genuine and Ben seemed to open up more as the conversation went on.
Great show! Have watched Ben for a long time now, excited to see him on the ELITE series!!!
I really hope you can get Trey on the show soon! That would be awesome!
Thanks very much. I will definitely have Trey on the show in the future
I dont see why BASS doesnt stream the tournaments live on TH-cam, I think thats one way to reach more people, also its hard for most people to watch the first 2 days of the tournaments because most people have to work and cant sit on their phone all day. I dont have an answer for that problem other than starting the tournament later in the day and going later into the evenings so people can watch after work and attend the weigh ins after work but im not sure thats a good idea.
Hey Dusty, I totally agree, I would love to see them on TH-cam.
The Greatest fishing podcast on the interweb!!!!
👍👊💪
Thanks so much 🐍. I really do appreciate your support and comments
Great show Dave, glad Ben made it to the Elite’s. I think he will fair pretty good on tour. Wish Bobby would have made it. Looking forward to next weeks show.
Great interview with Ben. And your right about needing more personalities in pro bass fishing. Ben is the next Roland Martin or Jimmy Huston in that category. They were the reason B.A.S.S had a huge surge in the 70's and 80's. Still watch their videos.
He is a great fishermen. One of the best ive seen at catching the big ones.
Ben, don't change a damn thing, no boat decals, no sponsorship jersey. This is why you're unique and much appreciated, best of luck my Man!
I think it’s a requirement in the Elites that you have to have a wrapped boat. 👍
It is
He will have to have a boat wrap but he will definitely do it his way. I have faith
Congrats to Ben for scoping his way into the Elites!
Dave, Ben coming off a win on Toledo Bend and it being the first elite series event. Get ready to see big bass being caught because its winter. Those fish will be out deep in 30-40ft about to push to spawn and you better believe Ben will whack them with the scope. Toledo and Fork will be the biggest tournaments of the year.
Can't use a rigs in elites
They are 2 tournaments that I am really excited about. Thanks for watching
@@YankeeDoodle2he didn't A rig his fish on Toledo, he caught most his big ones on the glides didn't he?
I fished with Ben in Tournaments in Iowa never forgets where he started very respectable guy!!!
When I started watching I was excited to see what Ben has in store for next season, now I just wanna know who this “newly famous podcaster” is! 😅
Ben has always harbored "the dream" of the Elites. He didn't talk about it a lot. Often, he was not well received on the local and regional scene. This happens with a lot of TH-cam bass fishing content creators.
There are many that are expert content creators. However, like Ben, there are more than a few true hammers. I think in this respect. Ben is something of a pioneer. He's laid down the template for a non traditional path to professional tournament fishing.
Another great show Mercer. I know who Ben is, but have never watched his videos. I have friends who have developed an opinion of him that is less than stellar. However, not knowing anything more than the two times I've seen him on your show, he sounds like an upstanding dude. Definitely gonna check out some of his stuff. I'm only 1 more view but it will be because of you.
That’s awesome Mikey, glad this show could help your opinion of Ben. He has been great to me
Making the elite series is huge and I believe it validates his utube credentials even more.
What podcaster is he referencing? Zaldain?
I don’t know I never asked him so that’s a Ben question
Mercer can’t wait to hear you announce Ben in your full game on mode tournament day one looking forward to it
It will be fun. I am looking forward to that. Thanks for watching Adam
Ben will have a great career in the elite series… cant wait to see the Rookie of the year race
Thanks Billy, 2024 ROY will be insane
I love Ben Milliken and people who chase the dream, but its easier, not easy, when you're financially comfortable to be able too.
I can’t wait to hear Mercer commentating and interviewing Milliken at the weigh ins.
Great interview!!! Congrats again Ben!
Thanks very much. I appreciate you taking the time to watch and comment
Get Trey McKinney on here!
I hope to have him on at some point in the future Thanks for watching
Great show!! Your podcast are amazing. I'm trying to catch up on as many as I can!!
Hope we see him in one event, wearing the Orkin uniform! 😀👍🏼
That would be something 😂
I can't wait until next season, hope to see a Blue Trophy in Milliken's hands.
That would be awesome
Just spitballing here Dave and I have no clue but, it seems just as you said, Ben has over 500k subscribers and you have 300 plus. Scott Martin has 500 plus I think. My point is TH-cam it’s self. Can BASS live stream Elite events on TH-cam? I’m watching you right now on TH-cam. In today’s age, TH-cam is where it’s at. Is it possible??? I think more folks would watch. “Grow the sport”
Hey Bobby,
I totally agree that TH-cam is where it’s at. I would love to see Bass Live on TH-cam. Thanks for watching and commenting 👊🏻
I hope some sponsors step up and help him get going in the elites!!!!!! Congratulations ben
Pretty badass he made it can’t wait to watch
You and I both. Thanks for watching
Congrats on 300k subscriptions, Dave. Love the show.
Thanks very much Scott, I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment
Dave, another great podcast. Keep up the great work. Love all your content.
Thanks so much. Lots more good shows coming
As much as I've tried to not like this dude. I gotta say he's grown on me. The guys a hammer on the water and I like how he's not scared to tell it like it is. Also MAD respect for having a baby born on the open trail. I just had a baby myself couldn't imagine traveling and fishing with a newborn God bless your wife she must be a Saint bro. Love you Dave haven't watched in a month or so but today I'm binge watching 👊🤘
Thanxs dave, next week bro.
Thank you for watching and commenting
With regards to the MLF thingy, this was the first thing to come to my mind. I remember watching another podcast, and there was this guy, Mark Z. from Sturgis, was on there. He said that one of the last things he said to that Duckett guy, was '..do right by those guys". Welp, that don't seemed to be happening over there..
Thanks for watching. Sadly it does not seem to be happening at all.
@@factsoffishing Exactly. I too feel sorry for those guys and their families that are out now. The grass was not greener. I'm thinking next year's Opens EQ events, will be like a Royal Rumble every event! 🤣
@@factsoffishingjordan Lee is back to BASS!
Thanks for bringing the good content as always Dave!
Thanks for watching and commenting it all helps the channel grow. Lots more cool shows coming up
Mfr nation comin to the classic better start getting ready now
I CAN’T WAIT!!!!
Much respect to ben
Congratulations on 300K!
Thanks Ed, Great supporters like you are the reason we hit 300k. Thank you
Another great one Super Dave! 👍😎
Thank you 613👊🏻
A $5 reel was a bit out of my price range till I was 14. A pin setter at the DeMolay got me that reel.
Awesome Ben made it and congrats to you busting 300k.👍👍👍👍👍
Thanks William, I appreciated all you awesomeness. Watching every week and always commenting really helps
Amazing Podcast Dave !! I hope I draw Ben as a Marshall next year in Florida !!
You have to be an entertainer and draw the fans in. Bill Dance was a great showmen
Still to this day he is one of the best
WHOOT ! To Ben and you !
Thanks very much 👊🏻
Ben talking about his content not getting the traction or views it should have is 100% FACTS. Dude puts out the best bass fishing videos with the biggest bass/bags TH-cam has ever seen and gets crap for views. Yet some clown posts a video with a Barbie rod and it gets a million views… TH-cam truly makes zero sense and it honestly pisses me off… I can’t help it lol
Thanks for watching John, TH-cam can be a crazy deal but people like your self are helping by commenting on videos. Every little bit helps. If ya gotta fish with a Barbie rod for views I guess I am happy to have less views 😂
I’m a MFer for life now! I can’t wait to watch this story unfold
It’s going to be fun. Thanks for watching
I am going to be totally honest. Ben reminds me of Michael Bisping of the UFC. I was watching Ben several years ago on his TH-cam channel and thought at some point he is mediocre. I just stop watching for the most part but then noticed he was trying to make the Elites. Both Michael Bisping and Ben Milliken made me like them. In other words I wasn’t a fan of them at first but they made me realize. I am a fan without a doubt!! Congratulations Ben on the EQ!
You guys are right on. People need to be invested in the person not so much the fishing.i watch F1 racing after seeing it on Netflix. Just because I became invested in the drivers. The racing is boring. I don’t fish bass or what’s Bass live. I’m watching all the videos about these bass guys I can relate to. Especially the guys that give information on about using electronics to locate fish.
Someone needs to make a Milliken Bobblehead!
I agree and if they do hopefully I get one for my collection
Mr. Mercer, I love your pod cast. It’s entertaining and informative….very difficult to do well and you do it. I have a few comments and questions.
1. What does 402 mean or stand for?
2. Falling in line with today’s pod cast; the questions about growing this sport through TV. I’m not in favor of FFF, BUT as in everything computers are going to take us to areas we’ve never been and will continue to. We have to figure a way to make FFF more enjoyable to TV. Looking at a fisherman watch a screen or watching their backside is not entertainment or promotion of our sport. We have to find a way to improve that part of fishing. It’s not looking at the beautiful lake or river or the way to work a shoreline or hydrilla or downed wood. The aspect of that in fishing is in a large way lost in video/TV. So we need a way to gain back those visuals for the watcher and as you both M & M boys stated entertainment gathers viewers and viewer/audiences pulls TV and their money into our sport, pays the bills, promotes our sport. So FFF is here now and how can we better the visual to the audience and to the Networks? FFF is here and we need to promote and entertain to grow audiences. Networks will do the rest when audiences appear. There’s an opportunity here, let’s figure it out and use it while it is hot. 1:30:42
Thanks for watching and commenting Larry, Glad you enjoyed this episode.
402 is the Nebraska area code. That’s where Ben grew up. As far as your thoughts on FFS I agree in many ways & the good part is it’s something that everyone is working on daily.
I just look at what Ben did and who he beat to get there is amazing. Bobby Lane and Ish Monroe really struggled
It truly is amazing. A real life Rocky story. Thanks for watching and commenting