Anybody Like Mark Zona? 2024

coryn h. fishowl reply :

Mark Zona is an alumni of my high school. I juast found out one of our security guards is an angler who has fished with him occasionally. HHHMMMM... I woder if I could get a chance to meet a celebrity. :blob9: BTW I know this is not a very productive discussion, but according to my girlfriend spending hours by the water with a stick in my hand has never been productive. :laugh5:

BrianinMD reply :

One of my favorites, would love to fish with him for a day.

TRYTOFISH reply :

Got a chance to spend a couple of hours with him 2 or3 years ago at downstream casino in Oklahoma. they were having a tournament called fish and chips I think where they fished one day on grand lake and played a poker tournament the next. I had no idea it was going on and I was sitting at the bar and he and skeet reece cam and sat down next to me. I introduced myself to him and told him I liked his show. they sat there and talked and included me in there conversations as if we had been friends for along time. kinda neat experience.

Felix77 reply :

Love his show. Would love a chance to fish with him.

J Francho reply :

He's a smallmouth animal. I'd fish with him.

mnbassman23 reply :

I'm a fan of his show and would gladly spend a day in the boat with him. Some people don't like his personality, similar to Ike, but I do. I can be the same way at times so I can relate.

ww2farmer reply :

He is one of the few guys who's schtick actually seems genuine and funny to me, not to mention the dude can lay the wood to the fish. So I like him. I also like how his shows will show you if things sucked and the train came off the track.

iabass8 reply :

Big fan of his show. great energy.

trailer reply :

From what I see on TV I like him. But then again, I like Ike and Ted Nugent...

SPEEDBEAD. reply :

I dig his show. I agree that his persona seems genuine. If you are like that, be like that all the time.

GoneFishi'n reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 2:28 AM, SPEEDBEAD. said:
I dig his show. I agree that his persona seems genuine. If you are like that, be like that all the time.

TrapperJ reply :

Agree Zona is the man, I crack up watching his show. My wife gets a kick out of him too.

I know hes not for everyone but its good to have someone different out there doing what we all love here.

Him and people like Mike Ike love them or hate them they have done good things for our sport.

Traveler2586 reply :

IMHO, I'll have to go the other way on this one; I really can't get into his show or his persona, so I'd put him on a boat with M.I. and send them off to fish the other end of the lake out of ear shot.

As for M.I. as a good rep for the sport? I think not... IMHO

flippin and pitchin reply :

Zona is a goof ball. He doesn't take him self seriously and laughs at himself as much as anyone. That I like. I watched his show when he took his boys out. I like what I saw as he was a dad. The man knows his smallmouth and gets as excited as anyone when he gets something going and catches them. How can you not appreciate that.

Felix77 reply :

My 2 favorite moments of all time ...

Randy Moss = "I'm going to sign this fish ..."

and the

Strike King Sexy Dead Carp Head

Makes me cry/laughing everytime I think of it.

J Francho reply :

The Randy Moss episode was full of one liners. That was a good one.

clayton86 reply :

I'd fish with him and Ike in the same boat it would be a blast

CoBass reply :

I like Zona's show. It's one of the few shows that doesn't turn into a 30 minute infomercial for the bait of the day. He tells you what he is using but doesn't ram it down your throat like some other fishing shows.

shootermcbob reply :

I just like the fact that he just enjoys what he is doing...whether he is fishing, hosting his show, or hosting the bassmasters show. He just has fun, and I think that is great. I tend to be more serious, and wish oftentimes I was more "outgoing" and able to just have fun with different scenarios.

Bobby Uhrig reply :

I dont like him but as for my son HMMMM you tell me LOL

Bobby Uhrig reply :

and I dont like Elwood--Again my son??ask him

Jell0b0y reply :

I would fish with Zona any day. I bet he would be a blast to fish with.

MrPeanut reply :

I like some of his antics, adds some flavor to the show instead of being an infomercial for x product.

Another vote too for the episode with Randy Moss lol

Traveler2586 reply :

What shows & channels is he on other than Bassmasters? Maybe I haven't seen him at his best. But on Bassmasters, I just loose interest and start looking at my watch.

RyneB reply :

Hes a Bears fan, so of course I like him.

gripnrip reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 1:25 AM, coryn h. fishowl said:
Mark Zona is an alumni of my high school. I juast found out one of our security guards is an angler who has fished with him occasionally. HHHMMMM... I woder if I could get a chance to meet a celebrity. BTW I know this is not a very productive discussion, but according to my girlfriend spending hours by the water with a stick in my hand has never been productive.

Better than spending hours in front of a mirror.

CKFishin reply :

Yup seems like a real straight shooter... If you watch the vid he did on jigs with Gene you can see it first hand...

EvanT123 reply :

His YouTube channel is great. Funny guy that drops knowledge in between the humor; definetly makes for a good show.

YoungProdigy19 reply :

I love the Z-Train.

rockchalk06 reply :

Zona's the man. Get him Mercer and Vandam in the same room and you have one hellova good time. They bring a since of humor and all around fun to what can be a boring sport at times.

He's the "happy Gilmore" of fishing!

Jrob78 reply :

Please don't compare Dave Mercer to Mark Zona. Mercer is the worst. Zona is who he is, I think he's like that all the time, camera rolling or not. His excitement for fishing is infectious and genuine. He's sometimes too over the top for my tastes but I have a lot of respect for the guy and enjoy watching his show. He and Tommy Sanders work really well together too.

rockchalk06 reply :

Show me where anyone was compared to anyone? I simply said all 3 bring a great humor to the sport and when around each other it gets even funnier

Hi Salenity reply :

I'm getting tired of watching Zona reruns does anyone know if he has any new episodes coming up?

I have my DVR set up to only record NEW episodes but they label all of them new so it records about 4-5 reruns every weekend. I have the same problem with major league fishing btw are they going to come out with another tournament?

TNBassin' reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 5:19 PM, Jrob78 said:
Please don't compare Dave Mercer to Mark Zona. Mercer is the worst. Zona is who he is, I think he's like that all the time, camera rolling or not. His excitement for fishing is infectious and genuine. He's sometimes too over the top for my tastes but I have a lot of respect for the guy and enjoy watching his show. He and Tommy Sanders work really well together too.

This. Mercer is......ugh. Zona I can handle MOST of the time, but other times he's pretty obnoxious. I really like the more laid back fishing shows, as fishing for me is about relaxing and having fun. Not screaming and acting like a toddler who drank a case of red bulls.

Bobby Uhrig reply :

Dont make me get a fishing show-You'll all be haters LOL Zona is a good guy Period- We all have our faults and we are human -He dosent hurt anyone nor disrespects -so with me -if he puts a smile on your face-ITS ALL GOOD

Ratherbfishing reply :

I like Zona. He can be a bit much at times but can't we all? Or, rather, some of us (including myself) could probably benefit from an infusion of some of his zany enthusiasm.

Traveler2586 reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 10:00 PM, TNBassin said:
This. Mercer is......ugh. Zona I can handle MOST of the time, but other times he's pretty obnoxious. I really like the more laid back fishing shows, as fishing for me is about relaxing and having fun. Not screaming and acting like a toddler who drank a case of red bulls.

X2, well said.

Zona I can deal with too. But some others,,, no.

Case in point, I sat down one Sunday with my granddaughter by my side to watch a fishing show where they fish near cities. Well, long story short, the host scared my Granddaughter to the point she left the room saying "there's something wrong with that man", she hasn't watched any fishing shows with me since and I don't watch anything with that host either. So much for a positive roll model for the sport.

Bass Dude reply :

^{In one word....NO!}

NorcalBassin reply :

Huge fan... always look forward to the new episodes. He truly enjoys himself out there and almost always fishes public waters.

Zach Dunham reply :

Mark Zona is the man. I met him last summer while I was a marshal for the Elite Series tournament at Lake Oneida. Friendliest guy. I also met Ike while there and he was also genuine and friendly.

Zona's show is my favorite one to watch right now.

Traveler, I believe you are referring to City Limits Fishing, which Ike was the host of. I never saw anything on any of those shows that was over the top.

Jrob78 reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 5:42 PM, rockchalk06 said:
Show me where anyone was compared to anyone? I simply said all 3 bring a great humor to the sport and when around each other it gets even funnier

Sorry, not trying to put words in anyone's mouth. If you're a Mercer guy, it's all good. I just find him to be annoying and very unoriginal, he makes Elite weigh ins painful to watch. Just my opinion though.

Topwaterspook reply :

I haven't the slightest desire even to meet him. From my present perspective, I wouldn't want to spend time in a boat with him. On the other hand, I hated Mike Iaconelli when I first saw him. It only took an hour and a half with him to change my opinion 180 degrees.

gripnrip reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 7:58 PM, Hi Salenity said:

I'm getting tired of watching Zona reruns does anyone know if he has any new episodes coming up?

I have my DVR set up to only record NEW episodes but they label all of them new so it records about 4-5 reruns every weekend. I have the same problem with major league fishing btw are they going to come out with another tournament?

April 4th

IntroC reply :

I like Zona's show. Everytime I see that clip of him kissing James Overstreet in the head I can't help but crack up.

Jell0b0y reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 11:24 PM, Bobby Uhrig said:
Dont make me get a fishing show-You'll all be haters LOL Zona is a good guy Period- We all have our faults and we are human -He dosent hurt anyone nor disrespects -so with me -if he puts a smile on your face-ITS ALL GOOD

webertime reply :

The Muskie episode ... "it's a seabeast!" I die when I hear it.

Big-O reply :

He's exactly as you see him on his shows Here's a shot when we were on the water at Falcon last year... His Hands tell the entire story

Vinny Chase reply :

There isn't anyone more passionate about fishing, and it shows through his hard work and creativity. Love the show and if I had one person to spend a day fishing with, it would be him.

Brian Needham reply :

"Zona's Awesome fishing show" is one of my favorites.

while I am not a fan of Ike persona I really like Zona's, as it seems more real and genuine excitement.

CATCH A FISH!!!

Traveler2586 reply :

On 3/22/2013 at 10:43 AM, Brian Needham said:

"Zona's Awesome fishing show" is one of my favorites.

while I am not a fan of Ike persona I really like Zona's, as it seems more real and genuine excitement.

CATCH A FISH!!!

Ok, I consider myself open minded (or is it empty headed?) so I just programed my DVR with Zona's Awesome Fishing Show cause I can't really say that I've seen it, or just the ones he's done for ESPN or Bassmaster. So, based on the comments here, I'll give him a month or so to show me I'm wrong.

fishinkeebs reply :

Ztrain is awesome. Never met him but would love the opportunity. He is always full of energy and passion in his shows and commentary.

Hooligan reply :

Zona is the original train wreck.

I'll leave it at that, and direct him here to hopefully have some verbal jousting.

J Francho reply :

I'd LOVE to see him post up here!

rmcguirk reply :

If he's reading, he can take me fishing. As a number of people have said, it just seems like he genuinely enjoys himself and realizes how lucky he is to be getting paid for doing something he loves.

Traveler2586 reply :

My DVR recorded the first Zona's Awesome Fishing Show; IMHO, he needs to rework his intro music. But I did save the recorded show for a second viewing, so that says something positive. The show I got was with Jerry McKinnis who had the show "Fishing Hole" many years back. WOW, did that bring back old memories.

I found it interesting listening to him talk about how he found the Fishing Hole Show so calming and a great way to unwind & start the weekend; and how he loved it's music; I hope he does steal Jerry's music.

And I laughed out loud when Jerry told him to "shut up and fish"........

bocabasser reply :

obviously the guy can fish. his obsession with kvd is what i find most irritating.

Brian Needham reply :

On 3/23/2013 at 7:08 AM, Traveler2586 said:

My DVR recorded the first Zona's Awesome Fishing Show; IMHO, he needs to rework his intro music. But I did save the recorded show for a second viewing, so that says something positive. The show I got was with Jerry McKinnis who had the show "Fishing Hole" many years back. WOW, did that bring back old memories.

I found it interesting listening to him talk about how he found the Fishing Hole Show so calming and a great way to unwind & start the weekend; and how he loved it's music; I hope he does steal Jerry's music.

And I laughed out loud when Jerry told him to "shut up and fish"........

zona does like the heavier side of music , thats for sure.........I used to be "eh, whatever" about him, but now I really look forward to his show every friday.

They might be opposite in so many ways but I think I could listen and watch Zona and spanish fly (RIP Jose) all day every day.

jbird9009 reply :

i like his show for the reasons stated. just Fun to watch. someone who enjoys what hes doing. just catching fish. on the other hand theres shows where they have to be catching trophy fish to crack a smile.

Same reason i like watching Shaw Grigsby, first time i saw him on tv i just sat there laughing with a buddy, how excited he was catching keepers. around the time i started fishing alot. same reason im happy with ultralight and bluegill when there biting all day

AK-Jax86 reply :

I just watched his show yesterday for the first time seems like a fun guy to fish with

AK-Jax86 reply :

On 3/23/2013 at 7:08 AM, Traveler2586 said:

My DVR recorded the first Zona's Awesome Fishing Show; IMHO, he needs to rework his intro music. But I did save the recorded show for a second viewing, so that says something positive. The show I got was with Jerry McKinnis who had the show "Fishing Hole" many years back. WOW, did that bring back old memories.

I found it interesting listening to him talk about how he found the Fishing Hole Show so calming and a great way to unwind & start the weekend; and how he loved it's music; I hope he does steal Jerry's music.

And I laughed out loud when Jerry told him to "shut up and fish"........

That wa the same episode I saw yesterday. They pulled up to a lake Jerry use to fish but it was dried out. And Jerry caught 2 bass in one shot

ripinthem reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 1:41 AM, J Francho said:
He's a smallmouth animal. I'd fish with him.

Must be a different guy, this guy is a loudmouth-type...Pretty funny, though.

Goose21 reply :

I love Zona's enthusiasm and passion for the sport, and enjoy watching his show.

Michael DiNardo reply :

Zona is a trip and seems genuine to me.

Mike

The Rooster reply :

On 3/21/2013 at 10:00 PM, TNBassin said:
This. Mercer is......ugh. Zona I can handle MOST of the time, but other times he's pretty obnoxious. I really like the more laid back fishing shows, as fishing for me is about relaxing and having fun. Not screaming and acting like a toddler who drank a case of red bulls.

Best post here. I'm just the same. You should see some of the old Hank Parker and Bill Dance shows from the 90's. I loved those. Orlando Wilson was good too, and Shaw Grigsby, In those day, Al Linder was on In-Fisherman and that was about as exciting and energized as it ever got on those shows. I even liked Mark Sosin's saltwater journal show, even though I don't live near, and don't plan to fish salt water, or ever fly fish either. I liked it just for the laid back, easy atmosphere it had.

A-Jay reply :

I am a Zona fan.

Mark should come with us on our next trip to Lake Baccarac.

His head might actually explode . . . .

A-Jay

Brian Needham reply :

On 3/26/2013 at 11:21 AM, A-Jay said:

I am a Zona fan.

Mark should come with us on our next trip to Lake Baccarac.

His head might actually explode . . . .

A-Jay

OH I HEAR YAAAAAAAAAA!!!!

big black bass beatdown, SLAUNCH wouldn't even begin to describe those pics!

0119 reply :

Zona is a sign of the times. Sort of an indicator of what society is like with the generation or demographic that sponsors target. If your 50 or older shimano, loomis and strike king really dont care if your watching Zona and being exposed to their product. If they did, the show would be different. He was interestingly funny in a charming way when he was on that news type bass show ESPN had him on some ten years ago. I think his straight guy was the founder of *** or something whatever that is. Now he's just like a rap song in the ears of a 70 year old. Painful, stupid and best with the mute button on.

Traveler2586 reply :

On 3/26/2013 at 6:44 PM, 119 said:
Zona is a sign of the times. Sort of an indicator of what society is like with the generation or demographic that sponsors target. If your 50 or older shimano, loomis and strike king really don't care if your watching Zona and being exposed to their product. If they did, the show would be different. He was interestingly funny in a charming way when he was on that news type bass show ESPN had him on some ten years ago. I think his straight guy was the founder of *** or something whatever that is. Now he's just like a rap song in the ears of a 70 year old. Painful, stupid and best with the mute button on.

LOL, I think you nailed it; he has his better moments, but INHO his intro music and barbed wire facade is all part of the "in your face" style that the younger crowd seems to love these days. Those of us over 50 remember the more relaxing side of fishing shows when we could kick back, put our feet up, and unwind from the weeks BS at work by watching Hank, Bill, and the gang for a while. Now, everyone wants to emulate the tournament angler, the run-and-gun excitement and challenge that the newer fishing shows bring to the sport. As for the manufactures, they have always focused on the more impulsive buyer that's looking for that secret edge that will make up for their inexperience; whereas the older crowd have settled into their routine based on their experience and are less prone to inpulsive purchases of new colors or styles of baits.

I've started watching Zona for a while, maybe I'm wrong about his style and need to break out of my comfort Zone.

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