I met Ben at a truck stop in Nebraska about 4 years ago while I was getting fuel he had Stratos bass boat like the one I had and he told me about his you tube channel then. Been a subscriber since that day. Very humble dude
Ben has been my favorite for 5 years now, I have bought his jacket, rods, and baits. Anything to support the guy, I buy. He's a phenomenal angler, and no matter how anything eles goes he's proven that.
I just knew Ben was going to do great. He did everything right, he got his finances together, built up his social media platform, made his way into the industry and then went for it. So much respect for Ben and the very hard work and dedication to get where he’s at now.
I've been following Ben for years. I automatically loved the content he shares when he started making his own baits. My father Tom Grider started Riverside Bait And Tackle in 1991 from the bottom! He had LLCs with a ton of companies including Do it mold company. Ben should not be getting any negative comments. He has earned his clout. Good job Ben. Keep kickin bass 🎉
WOW! Ben portrays a knowledge of bass fishing that, in my almost 80 years, has Never been vocalized publically! He displays the qualities of THE NEXT BIG THING in professional bass fishing!!! FANTASTIC INTERVIEW!😊🎣🍺
Mr Milliken deserve some respect for what he's done so far and I'm really pulling for the guy and wish him absolutely nothing but the best and keep working! Thanks Dave for getting him back on for us and celebrate his huge win!
@@factsoffishing He is a skilled fisherman no doubt. we all saw it in his lure modifications, and actual size of fish he'd catch on camera. But he said it himself, it really is about the work you put in, meaning not just the quality but also the time you spend working. Working hard is not the same as working smart. If you can work smart for more hours than the next guy that can work smart, you will have the advantage. When it comes to FFS, the point is that it lowers the bar for experience and intuition. It can always be reduced to what it actually turns into being, JUNK FISHING. remember that term? Remember how the debate back in the day was whether or not there was such a thing as junk fishing? FFS in tournaments is like checking your smart phone for every rebuttal in debate class. The fact is that some people would be at a disadvantage if they could not use FFS, compared to someone that never relied on it to win tournaments. Ignoring that point is like ignoring Rick Clunn's and KVD's multiple tournament wins before FFS as coming from experience, skill and sound judgment. To scoff at people that say FFS should probably be banned during tournament time, but allowed during practice, is just arrogant and obtuse. Everyone that has to mention Randy in the debate is only diverting the attention from the actual facts and circumstance on the subject. it's not just the fish that will adjust, future tournament anglers will adjust and become more dependent on it, particularly those that started their careers using it. Even Ben said it himself, his daughter wouldn't have Been interested in fishing if she couldn't see them on a screen first. It's truly telling how people can have their perspectives narrowed by their own confirmation biases. Biases are good when they help us avoid unnecessary challenges and complications in life. They are bad when they literally cause unnecessary complications and avoidable challenges. Being dependent on FFS before you learned the rhythms and signals already there to tell us what we need is an unhealthy bias that favors dependency and eventual disability. LET'S NOT FORGET IT ISNT ABOUT FFS, WHEN IT COMES TO PEOPLE HAVING ISSUES WITH BENS PERSONALITY. People that have them will can counterproductively use YT and FFS as points of criticism. But it's not about UA-cam or FFS, it's about his arrogance and short tempered short sightedness that feeds into his impulsivity and ego, Honestly consider what too much praise and compulsive recognition does to young peoples ability to develop a healthy perspective of themselves as they get older. Will they end up needing a screen to do that for them too? It should be obvious to anyone with enough IQ points by now, they already do.
If everyone didn’t know before… they are all on notice now!!! Watching that guy has been amazing! Kinda like KVD when he busted on the scene! I love how Ben interacts and kinda takes care of his co anglers. I’ve heard a few co’s that didn’t have a very good experience with their boaters! Congratulations Ben! Hit ‘em hard man! I wanna see him win it all!!
Ben gets it…he is a great balance of confidence and humility! I’ve been a MFer for over 3 years…and his channel keeps me educated, motivated, and entertained! Great interview as always Dave…Ben Milliken is The Next Big Thing!
The rapper Young Jeezy was interviewed and he was asked "Jeezy, why do you do it?" His reply was just like Big Ben Milliken, "I do it for me and niggas like me"...mic drop
He is the next big thing. Go back to his first fishing youtube videos. He changed his life, focus and he is determined! Haters going to hate but he put in the work! Go get it!
Dave, Great episode! Was waiting on this one. Being a Michigander its only natural that I followed KVD for the longest time and now Im a big Scott Martin fan. I go fish Okeechobee, follow him each tourney and have hung out with him and the fam down at the tiki hut. But........ Ben Milliken is THAT DUDE!!! Don't know when I started following him (been a few years) but he is much watch TV. I want this dude to win everything lol I wasn't privy to 6th sense before watching him and now just about every rod and every bit of tackle I own is 6th sense. Always anxious for his videos to come out but now the tourney vids have taken his content to the next level. Just so happy for him and his family for the success he is having right now. Hope he stays consistent this year, makes the Elites and just makes waves on the circuit. Fun time to be a BASS fan.
Ben don't let a fishery scare you. Buckle down and fish what you know and how you know. Remember this about Florida...I don't always fish in Florida but when I do..I fish a cold front!!!! You can do it! 5x3 ❤
I'm a skippin, flippin shallow water fool. And I have nothing but respect for Ben. Every sport needs an outlier to come in and shake things up now and then. The shade that is thrown at him comes from ignorance. Keep it up , the two of you! Nothing but good stuff, thanks.
@@lannyseals2084 I never realized just how much time these guys were spending on the water not fishing. That's like 2 months of the time I spend on the water without taking a cast!
@@edwardcowan7012 I'm with you and it equals out to about that same amount of time for me as well lol takes tons of dedication and willingness to accomplish for sure
Ben is a great competitor and fisherman. I love his outgoing attitude and an example of how the fishing community is going to get the younger people more than just interested. Congratulations Ben@
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Ben is one of the hardest workers out there. I have been an MFr for a few years now. Does that make me a Humpin MFr? As far as watching guys use FFS on the live feed, it’s not a big deal to me. I like seeing that bent rod, tight line the tanks hauled in. Great show Dave!!!
Great interview !! Ben Millikan is a great person. I have learn so much watching him. I really think he bring more to bass!! And he is growing the sport!! And it help dad and moms taking there families out doors fishing more. Thank u for taking the time to talk to Ben. 👍
Ben for years has been a great teacher, sharing his knowlege from painting crankbaits, carving a swim bait or cooking carp on the side of a mid west spillway. I glad his dream are coming true, think I might go to the next classic and cheer him on.
Ben is the modern angler ! He is utilizing the latest and greatest equipment. He’s exciting to watch and I can’t wait to see how he does at the next 7 stops. Keep it going Ben.
Dude is a big bait bad ass!!!!! Love that forward facing sonar wish I could dial mine in as good as him. YOU THE MAN!!! Keep it up. Can’t wait to see him win the classic. His haters will triple.
Next Big Thing for sure. Definitely helps show people how he catches them down here in TX. I have learned things that really work by watching some of his videos.
I’ve been watching Ben for years, and in my opinion, he’s by far the most consistent big Bass angler I’ve seen in years, especially when you consider multiple lakes across the country. I watched multiple UA-camrs and have followed the sport for 30+ years!
I've learned a lot from him very generous with what he knows. Im tired of the same old heads saying the same thing and not having any results that generates wins themselves. He shows what he learns from live scoping which is massive.
I've been watching Ben since he was doing his bank fishing and to see him progress into his future with the bass masters through the opens series he is a great teacher and front setter for the next generation coming up just to show that anything is possible if you carry the passion an drive determination to carry it to the next level all in all a very genuine person whole heartly wish him the best and pulling for him in every tournament much respect for Ben Milliken
Been a fan and watching Ben for awhile now. Always knew he could get it done, but if I’m honest, I didn’t think he’d qualify so fast. Think he’s gonna have a very good year and will not be surprised to see him win AOY
I’ve been watching him for a few years now and it’s awesome to see him crushing it out there. I’m really rooting for this guy definitely one of my favorites and one of the greats. Keep up the great work Dave.
Glad Ben is in the industry and is a teacher…which sells product. Would love to see him do videos on tournament prep, choosing baits, and talk about electronics etc.
I never heard of Ben before you had him on the first time. Seemed knowledgeable, I’m not ready to say he’s the second coming of KVD but as a Classic Qualifier he has my respect. 86 hours on a month old boat is not how I fish. My 2006 boat that I’ve had since new has fewer than 600hrs and I probably use it 100 days a year. Fishing for big fish has always been a good strategy, but that meant Flipping back in the day. I don’t think I’ve caught a fish deeper than 5 ft this year, my trolling motors don’t last long but I don’t put any hours on the outboard. If I took up trolling I could put 86 hours on the outboard, lol.
I'm back Mercer. I told you that he was my pick as far as any UA-camr out there that could make it to the Elites. We are all witnessing his dreams come true. It's awesome to see and should inspire people, to see how hard work really pays off. Happy to see it as someone that has watched him for 7-8 yrs.
Ben is a legend at this point. His knowledge of all his equipment is so far beyond what people can imagine. Truly a bass beast. And I don't care for him so much but respect
Ben is true to himself. That I will say about him from the beginning. He is real to friends and it’s friends forever if he befriends you. His core is good and he came from good people. As long as he keeps his head, he’ll always be a winner. 👍👍😁
Ahhhh hell yess!!! Ben is already in with the #1 crew on the Elites.... You have to make it now, cause I can't wait to see the videos of next year with that clan.....
My man is a hammer been watching since he started UA-cam and I can see he being the next big thing for sure,he's just so good with or without livescope,thise elites better look out
I am surprised and not surprised all at the same time. I have been watching many of his videos and he teaches and shows you exactly what he is doing and how to catch big bass. I have seen him catch big bass on his videos from 2.7” swimbaits to jerkbaits to a-rigs to big swimbaits, crankbaits and big glide baits. He appears to be the real deal to me even before he started fishing the opens. To win in such a short time is really an incredible feat. Good luck to both of you guys!!! Really enjoy both of your attitudes and humor.
Living a dream I’d say. That is the American way! I thank God we live in a country that allows us to pursue our dreams. Tight lines Ben, and great interview Dave..
Thanks Dave for having Ben on again. Dude definitely brings something to the sport we all love that is different than before. He sees and approaches things differently. He learns on the fly. He retains everything. He is totally clued in to every part of this sport.
Go team MFer. I think having the picture in picture of the live units is the deal. Watching the classic was eye opening. watching in real time, the fish react to what the fisherman is doing was so cool.
I’m looking at Ben like I looked at Tiger Woods when he won the US Amateur in I think 1996…hoping Ben is the next meteoric history maker in BASS. I have that child-like anticipation and I think Ben is going to do great things in and for BASS.
He’s not a fluke! He’s been preparing for this time in his life for some time. Something that stood out to me is he’s waited for the right time in his career to do this. He’s put in the work and now he’s seeing the fruits of his labor. I know there’s a lot of great fishermen in the opens right now and I’m not dismissing that. He should qualify for the elite series this year but it is very hard to make it and I don’t want to take away from the rest of the top guys. They deserve to be there also. If I was a gambling man I would put my money on him. Along with 8 others.
I think we are set to see a passing of the torch, KVD retires this year and we truly haven’t seen another angler as dominant as Kevin since. I know it’s early but Ben has got “ IT “.
I haven't followed tournament fishing in years until now this guy's just something else Yes the next big thing and I want to be there watching Great job Ben Milliken keep hammering them Bro 🎣
Absolute 🔨. One question I have is if there is a way to tell how much more eyes he is bringing to the opens? Is there a way to find out how many more people are tuning in to weigh ins? I know myself and many buddies are now watching every single one and before this year never had. Great interview, thanks Dave!
I've been watching enough to remember pond bank donks!! No livescope needed for this guy. He does use it and should. But I know that this guy is a hammer.
He's one of the best bass fisherman I've seen greatdude been a subscriber for years love the way he shows you how to use the lures learned alot this Ben good luck
Great podcast once again Dave. Very impressed with @MillikenFishing so far. I think he has a promising future for sure. Looking forward to watching him compete in the Opens and maybe he will wrestle Matt Robertson when he makes the Elites.
Ben Milliken is a bad MOFO, I don't care who you are or what you say lol. Dude has worked hard and he is a hammer at that. Keep up the good work BEN!!!! Can't wait to see you at the classic next year.
I have followed Ben since he decided to quit his 9-5 to pursue this career. Really is a dream type story. He is what you look for to represent a brand like BASS. I think having him at the classic next year is good for everyone lol !!!!
I know I'm definitely the minority, but I love when guys are fishing off shore fishing with ffs, and they have the screen recording so we can actually see how they are catching them. My only complaint is that they would show livescope instead of the mega live.
@@factsoffishing no problem sir ! Bass master WOULD NOT be the same without you ! Keep up the good podcast and awesome things you do for the bass master.. hopefully one day soon I’ll be shaking your hand on that stage
Ben is a freaking hammer been following him for a long time nobody works harder than him! He deserves all the success that comes his way!! MFR NATION!! Your pretty cool to Dave!! UNBELIEVABLE!!
My gut has been correct about Ben, I have nothing but respect for the guy. I think the field needs to respect him and know he's not here to play around.
Love your show I guess I will have to get to the Classic next year. I fished with Ben on Wednesday nights in Omaha and he can catch fish anywhere. Thanks Dave❤️❤️
Great show Dave, as always! I admit it, I've been living under a big rock for a while. I'd never heard of Ben. Boy, what a season he's had to this point! As far as FFS, I've never had it, don't need it for my style of Bass fishing, shallow water junk fishing. Plus, I'm just not going to spend the money on something that I don't feel I need. As to my feelings about it, to each his own. Here are my concerns, maybe they're unfounded, maybe not. For bass anglers, the vast, vast majority of us return them to the water. No harm, no foul, especially tournament angler's. I no longer fish in tournaments. My concerns lay with angler's targeting panfish. In my area there are crappie and bluegill anger's using FFS and they are putting a hurt on fish populations in some of the smaller lakes. My brother in law has been a diehard crappie guy all of his life. He and others are talking about how hard it is to even catch a limit of small ones now, much less a limit of big crappie. Doesn't really effect me as I rarely go panfishing. For me the jury is still out. In a few years I would love to read some creel reports and/or fish population reports. I do agree with Rick Clunn, FFS is a learning tool.
Dave I have never seen how it works. Looks Comunidad. I can see it really help fishing out in the deep water . I have never fished deep for bass. Thanks Dave for sharing 👍
Dave, newish viewer, but catching up rapidly. Ive “ben” missing out on your show. I apologize. Your show is great, thank you sir. Keep up the great work.
just listened to the whole thing...I have been an MF'er for a couple years and this solidifies his capabilities and his humility! Happy for Ben and best of luck with rest of open season!!
Comparing new technology to the deer woods. When deer cameras came out, I got so mad seeing deer that I didn’t see and put them up. I leaned to adapt and how to use them to my advantage and increase my success in deer hunting. Looking forward to fishing with some guys to see how they successfully use forward facing sonar then adding and using it to my advantage in fishing.
absolutely phenomenal interview Dave! I was really wondering when one of the youtube guys would show some success in the big leagues. very excited to see how the rest of his year goes and what he can do at the Classic!
I met Ben at a truck stop in Nebraska about 4 years ago while I was getting fuel he had Stratos bass boat like the one I had and he told me about his you tube channel then. Been a subscriber since that day. Very humble dude
Ben is definitely the next big thing. It’s gonna be cool to watch his career unfold. Kudos Dave for having him on again!
Thanks Jim, I appreciate you watching every week. I am thankful Ben could make the time for it. I have a feeling that we will be a regular
reminds me of a more articulate Arron Martens. but with a college education and FFS.
Ben has been my favorite for 5 years now, I have bought his jacket, rods, and baits. Anything to support the guy, I buy. He's a phenomenal angler, and no matter how anything eles goes he's proven that.
I just knew Ben was going to do great. He did everything right, he got his finances together, built up his social media platform, made his way into the industry and then went for it. So much respect for Ben and the very hard work and dedication to get where he’s at now.
I've been following Ben for years. I automatically loved the content he shares when he started making his own baits. My father Tom Grider started Riverside Bait And Tackle in 1991 from the bottom! He had LLCs with a ton of companies including Do it mold company. Ben should not be getting any negative comments. He has earned his clout. Good job Ben. Keep kickin bass 🎉
WOW! Ben portrays a knowledge of bass fishing that, in my almost 80 years, has Never been vocalized publically! He displays the qualities of THE NEXT BIG THING in professional bass fishing!!! FANTASTIC INTERVIEW!😊🎣🍺
Thanks Jay, It is definitely a very special talent. We will miss you this week at Murray
Mr Milliken deserve some respect for what he's done so far and I'm really pulling for the guy and wish him absolutely nothing but the best and keep working! Thanks Dave for getting him back on for us and celebrate his huge win!
Some of us always knew Ben was the shit 🤘. #TeamMilliken
The 402 Army will be strong at the Classic
Yep checking in, been there since the start of his channel
You bet
@@factsoffishing He is a skilled fisherman no doubt. we all saw it in his lure modifications, and actual size of fish he'd catch on camera. But he said it himself, it really is about the work you put in, meaning not just the quality but also the time you spend working. Working hard is not the same as working smart. If you can work smart for more hours than the next guy that can work smart, you will have the advantage. When it comes to FFS, the point is that it lowers the bar for experience and intuition. It can always be reduced to what it actually turns into being, JUNK FISHING. remember that term? Remember how the debate back in the day was whether or not there was such a thing as junk fishing?
FFS in tournaments is like checking your smart phone for every rebuttal in debate class. The fact is that some people would be at a disadvantage if they could not use FFS, compared to someone that never relied on it to win tournaments. Ignoring that point is like ignoring Rick Clunn's and KVD's multiple tournament wins before FFS as coming from experience, skill and sound judgment. To scoff at people that say FFS should probably be banned during tournament time, but allowed during practice, is just arrogant and obtuse. Everyone that has to mention Randy in the debate is only diverting the attention from the actual facts and circumstance on the subject.
it's not just the fish that will adjust, future tournament anglers will adjust and become more dependent on it, particularly those that started their careers using it. Even Ben said it himself, his daughter wouldn't have Been interested in fishing if she couldn't see them on a screen first. It's truly telling how people can have their perspectives narrowed by their own confirmation biases. Biases are good when they help us avoid unnecessary challenges and complications in life. They are bad when they literally cause unnecessary complications and avoidable challenges. Being dependent on FFS before you learned the rhythms and signals already there to tell us what we need is an unhealthy bias that favors dependency and eventual disability.
LET'S NOT FORGET IT ISNT ABOUT FFS, WHEN IT COMES TO PEOPLE HAVING ISSUES WITH BENS PERSONALITY. People that have them will can counterproductively use YT and FFS as points of criticism. But it's not about UA-cam or FFS, it's about his arrogance and short tempered short sightedness that feeds into his impulsivity and ego,
Honestly consider what too much praise and compulsive recognition does to young peoples ability to develop a healthy perspective of themselves as they get older. Will they end up needing a screen to do that for them too? It should be obvious to anyone with enough IQ points by now, they already do.
If everyone didn’t know before… they are all on notice now!!! Watching that guy has been amazing! Kinda like KVD when he busted on the scene! I love how Ben interacts and kinda takes care of his co anglers. I’ve heard a few co’s that didn’t have a very good experience with their boaters!
Congratulations Ben! Hit ‘em hard man! I wanna see him win it all!!
So great to see where he's gone. You bet!
Ben gets it…he is a great balance of confidence and humility! I’ve been a MFer for over 3 years…and his channel keeps me educated, motivated, and entertained! Great interview as always Dave…Ben Milliken is The Next Big Thing!
The rapper Young Jeezy was interviewed and he was asked "Jeezy, why do you do it?" His reply was just like Big Ben Milliken, "I do it for me and niggas like me"...mic drop
He is the next big thing. Go back to his first fishing youtube videos. He changed his life, focus and he is determined! Haters going to hate but he put in the work! Go get it!
Dave, Great episode! Was waiting on this one. Being a Michigander its only natural that I followed KVD for the longest time and now Im a big Scott Martin fan. I go fish Okeechobee, follow him each tourney and have hung out with him and the fam down at the tiki hut. But........ Ben Milliken is THAT DUDE!!! Don't know when I started following him (been a few years) but he is much watch TV. I want this dude to win everything lol I wasn't privy to 6th sense before watching him and now just about every rod and every bit of tackle I own is 6th sense. Always anxious for his videos to come out but now the tourney vids have taken his content to the next level. Just so happy for him and his family for the success he is having right now. Hope he stays consistent this year, makes the Elites and just makes waves on the circuit. Fun time to be a BASS fan.
Ben don't let a fishery scare you. Buckle down and fish what you know and how you know. Remember this about Florida...I don't always fish in Florida but when I do..I fish a cold front!!!! You can do it! 5x3 ❤
The next new prodigy! Best of Catching!
I'm a skippin, flippin shallow water fool. And I have nothing but respect for Ben. Every sport needs an outlier to come in and shake things up now and then. The shade that is thrown at him comes from ignorance. Keep it up , the two of you! Nothing but good stuff, thanks.
Thanks Richard, Ben is definitely here to stay
Richard I bet you never put 86 hrs on a motor in a month either, lol.
@@edwardcowan7012 who cares? He's here for the show with Dave and Ben not who's been on the motor for 86hrs
@@lannyseals2084 I never realized just how much time these guys were spending on the water not fishing. That's like 2 months of the time I spend on the water without taking a cast!
@@edwardcowan7012 I'm with you and it equals out to about that same amount of time for me as well lol takes tons of dedication and willingness to accomplish for sure
Ben is a great competitor and fisherman. I love his outgoing attitude and an example of how the fishing community is going to get the younger people more than just interested. Congratulations Ben@
Beyond a shadow of a doubt, Ben is one of the hardest workers out there. I have been an MFr for a few years now. Does that make me a Humpin MFr? As far as watching guys use FFS on the live feed, it’s not a big deal to me. I like seeing that bent rod, tight line the tanks hauled in. Great show Dave!!!
Watched Ben for years now .. he is the real deal... !!!!!!..
Great interview !! Ben Millikan is a great person. I have learn so much watching him. I really think he bring more to bass!! And he is growing the sport!! And it help dad and moms taking there families out doors fishing more. Thank u for taking the time to talk to Ben. 👍
Ben for years has been a great teacher, sharing his knowlege from painting crankbaits, carving a swim bait or cooking carp on the side of a mid west spillway. I glad his dream are coming true, think I might go to the next classic and cheer him on.
David Fritts was deep cranking way back when. Love your show and there is a new sheriff in town called Ben Millikin
Ben is great his talent is undeniable and ive personally learned alot from his videos and im pulling for him
Thanks for watching, Ben is incredible
Ben is the modern angler ! He is utilizing the latest and greatest equipment. He’s exciting to watch and I can’t wait to see how he does at the next 7 stops. Keep it going Ben.
Dude is a big bait bad ass!!!!! Love that forward facing sonar wish I could dial mine in as good as him. YOU THE MAN!!! Keep it up. Can’t wait to see him win the classic. His haters will triple.
Next Big Thing for sure. Definitely helps show people how he catches them down here in TX. I have learned things that really work by watching some of his videos.
I’ve been watching Ben for years, and in my opinion, he’s by far the most consistent big Bass angler I’ve seen in years, especially when you consider multiple lakes across the country. I watched multiple UA-camrs and have followed the sport for 30+ years!
Thanks enjoyed the Ben interview outstanding job.
I've learned a lot from him very generous with what he knows. Im tired of the same old heads saying the same thing and not having any results that generates wins themselves. He shows what he learns from live scoping which is massive.
Very professional Dave. It's going to be interesting following Ben's journey.
I've been watching Ben since he was doing his bank fishing and to see him progress into his future with the bass masters through the opens series he is a great teacher and front setter for the next generation coming up just to show that anything is possible if you carry the passion an drive determination to carry it to the next level all in all a very genuine person whole heartly wish him the best and pulling for him in every tournament much respect for Ben Milliken
Been a fan and watching Ben for awhile now. Always knew he could get it done, but if I’m honest, I didn’t think he’d qualify so fast. Think he’s gonna have a very good year and will not be surprised to see him win AOY
I’ve been watching him for a few years now and it’s awesome to see him crushing it out there. I’m really rooting for this guy definitely one of my favorites and one of the greats. Keep up the great work Dave.
Glad Ben is in the industry and is a teacher…which sells product. Would love to see him do videos on tournament prep, choosing baits, and talk about electronics etc.
He does a bunch of them on his channel
So excited to follow Bin, I work all the time and have very little time to fish, watching Bin fish makes me fill like I’m there fishing with him
He reminds me of a fellow I'm really great friends with... He caught a 10.89lb L M Bass the only time I fished with him in his boat on Chick.
He’s the real deal ,been watching him for a while now,good show dave
I never heard of Ben before you had him on the first time. Seemed knowledgeable, I’m not ready to say he’s the second coming of KVD but as a Classic Qualifier he has my respect. 86 hours on a month old boat is not how I fish. My 2006 boat that I’ve had since new has fewer than 600hrs and I probably use it 100 days a year. Fishing for big fish has always been a good strategy, but that meant Flipping back in the day. I don’t think I’ve caught a fish deeper than 5 ft this year, my trolling motors don’t last long but I don’t put any hours on the outboard. If I took up trolling I could put 86 hours on the outboard, lol.
I'm back Mercer. I told you that he was my pick as far as any UA-camr out there that could make it to the Elites. We are all witnessing his dreams come true. It's awesome to see and should inspire people, to see how hard work really pays off. Happy to see it as someone that has watched him for 7-8 yrs.
Ben is a legend at this point. His knowledge of all his equipment is so far beyond what people can imagine. Truly a bass beast. And I don't care for him so much but respect
Ben is true to himself. That I will say about him from the beginning. He is real to friends and it’s friends forever if he befriends you. His core is good and he came from good people. As long as he keeps his head, he’ll always be a winner. 👍👍😁
Thanks for watching Harold, Ben is a great person and i appreciate you sharing your experience
Ahhhh hell yess!!! Ben is already in with the #1 crew on the Elites.... You have to make it now, cause I can't wait to see the videos of next year with that clan.....
He is a good dude and good person hang with good people
My man is a hammer been watching since he started UA-cam and I can see he being the next big thing for sure,he's just so good with or without livescope,thise elites better look out
I am surprised and not surprised all at the same time. I have been watching many of his videos and he teaches and shows you exactly what he is doing and how to catch big bass. I have seen him catch big bass on his videos from 2.7” swimbaits to jerkbaits to a-rigs to big swimbaits, crankbaits and big glide baits. He appears to be the real deal to me even before he started fishing the opens. To win in such a short time is really an incredible feat. Good luck to both of you guys!!! Really enjoy both of your attitudes and humor.
Thanks very much. I appreciate you watching
Living a dream I’d say. That is the American way! I thank God we live in a country that allows us to pursue our dreams. Tight lines Ben, and great interview Dave..
Ben is the real deal Dave!!🔥. He is grounded and is driven. I will be following him this season. Thanks Dave for a great episode!!👍
Hey Douglas, You got that right he is the real deal. Thanks for watching
Thanks Dave for having Ben on again. Dude definitely brings something to the sport we all love that is different than before. He sees and approaches things differently. He learns on the fly. He retains everything. He is totally clued in to every part of this sport.
Go team MFer. I think having the picture in picture of the live units is the deal. Watching the classic was eye opening. watching in real time, the fish react to what the fisherman is doing was so cool.
I’m looking at Ben like I looked at Tiger Woods when he won the US Amateur in I think 1996…hoping Ben is the next meteoric history maker in BASS. I have that child-like anticipation and I think Ben is going to do great things in and for BASS.
He’s not a fluke! He’s been preparing for this time in his life for some time. Something that stood out to me is he’s waited for the right time in his career to do this. He’s put in the work and now he’s seeing the fruits of his labor. I know there’s a lot of great fishermen in the opens right now and I’m not dismissing that. He should qualify for the elite series this year but it is very hard to make it and I don’t want to take away from the rest of the top guys. They deserve to be there also. If I was a gambling man I would put my money on him. Along with 8 others.
Great interview Dave that's the best interview I saw with Milliken yet
Thank you very much. I really enjoy my conversation with Ben. I feel like he will be back on a bunch in the future
I think we are set to see a passing of the torch, KVD retires this year and we truly haven’t seen another angler as dominant as Kevin since. I know it’s early but Ben has got “ IT “.
This guy is the balls. Great interview. Routing for him.
I think you will have Ben on your show fairly often this year and for years to come. He is the HAMMER! Thanks for the great show Dave!!
Thanks Steve, I would 100% be cool with that
2 of my favorite people in the world! Rooting for Milliken
Ben is the man. Period end or report
Thanks Curtis, We appreciate the support
I haven't followed tournament fishing in years until now this guy's just something else Yes the next big thing and I want to be there watching Great job Ben Milliken keep hammering them Bro 🎣
Absolute 🔨. One question I have is if there is a way to tell how much more eyes he is bringing to the opens? Is there a way to find out how many more people are tuning in to weigh ins? I know myself and many buddies are now watching every single one and before this year never had. Great interview, thanks Dave!
Totally agree with you. Never really followed the opens until this year!
I will look into that. Hopefully get some info to share in the next few weeks
Bens a hammer, love the conversations you have with him makes for a great show
Thanks Zack, I really enjoy my conversations with Ben. Good to hear you do also
I've been watching enough to remember pond bank donks!! No livescope needed for this guy. He does use it and should. But I know that this guy is a hammer.
He was a hammer before it and he will be a hammer without it
He's one of the best bass fisherman I've seen greatdude been a subscriber for years love the way he shows you how to use the lures learned alot this Ben good luck
Great podcast once again Dave. Very impressed with @MillikenFishing so far. I think he has a promising future for sure. Looking forward to watching him compete in the Opens and maybe he will wrestle Matt Robertson when he makes the Elites.
Best thing to happen to pro fishing in I can't remember when...and he knows and appreciates the history of the sport...BEN YOUR GOING TO THE CLASSIC
Hey Bobby, He is definitely great for the sport
Ben Milliken is a bad MOFO, I don't care who you are or what you say lol. Dude has worked hard and he is a hammer at that. Keep up the good work BEN!!!! Can't wait to see you at the classic next year.
I have followed Ben since he decided to quit his 9-5 to pursue this career. Really is a dream type story. He is what you look for to represent a brand like BASS. I think having him at the classic next year is good for everyone lol !!!!
I'd honestly be surprised if Ben doesn't win the classic this year! Such an amazing angler
Very genuine human being, complete master at his craft!
Ben keep the focus, Chase the dream . You have what it takes , one day at a time . Rooting for you buddy from South Africa .
Thanks for watching Rodney, I think Ben will keep the focus
Always love the show Dave. Seeing the "why" that drives the anglers and the "how" to their particular process, Its a great perspective.
Thanks Michael, I truly appreciate the kind words
Love Ben. Watch everything he posts. He is the best at what he does.
Great Angler for sure
Thank you! Ben is awesome! From South Africa! Ben go for it!
All good things, Ben, keep it up!!
He is a hammer for sure. Glad we made it over 200k that’s amazing congrats
Dave you are a Master of your craft. I attended my first Bassmaster Classic this year in Knoxville and it was amazing. Great interview
I know I'm definitely the minority, but I love when guys are fishing off shore fishing with ffs, and they have the screen recording so we can actually see how they are catching them. My only complaint is that they would show livescope instead of the mega live.
Awesome interview. Thanks Dave. Fun to see Ben doing well.
Thanks very much I enjoyed the conversation
Love Dave Mercer he’s like the darrel Waldrup of fishing…
Wow thanks Blake, That’s very hi praise. I appreciate the love
@@factsoffishing no problem sir ! Bass master WOULD NOT be the same without you ! Keep up the good podcast and awesome things you do for the bass master.. hopefully one day soon I’ll be shaking your hand on that stage
Ben is a freaking hammer been following him for a long time nobody works harder than him! He deserves all the success that comes his way!! MFR NATION!! Your pretty cool to Dave!! UNBELIEVABLE!!
Dude is a Hammer for sure.
Ben is just proof that practice makes perfect! Dedicated! Loved it!
My gut has been correct about Ben, I have nothing but respect for the guy. I think the field needs to respect him and know he's not here to play around.
I am pretty sure they all respect him now
That was an awesome interview!! I'm a big fan and have been following Milliken fishing for years now! I've learned so much 💯
Thanks Nicholas, I think we have all learned from Ben
Love your show I guess I will have to get to the Classic next year. I fished with Ben on Wednesday nights in Omaha and he can catch fish anywhere. Thanks Dave❤️❤️
Great show Dave, as always! I admit it, I've been living under a big rock for a while. I'd never heard of Ben. Boy, what a season he's had to this point!
As far as FFS, I've never had it, don't need it for my style of Bass fishing, shallow water junk fishing. Plus, I'm just not going to spend the money on something that I don't feel I need. As to my feelings about it, to each his own. Here are my concerns, maybe they're unfounded, maybe not. For bass anglers, the vast, vast majority of us return them to the water. No harm, no foul, especially tournament angler's. I no longer fish in tournaments.
My concerns lay with angler's targeting panfish. In my area there are crappie and bluegill anger's using FFS and they are putting a hurt on fish populations in some of the smaller lakes. My brother in law has been a diehard crappie guy all of his life. He and others are talking about how hard it is to even catch a limit of small ones now, much less a limit of big crappie. Doesn't really effect me as I rarely go panfishing.
For me the jury is still out. In a few years I would love to read some creel reports and/or fish population reports. I do agree with Rick Clunn, FFS is a learning tool.
Yesssir!! Ol' Ben Milliken absolutely SLAYS! Let's GO!!💥
Dave I have never seen how it works. Looks Comunidad. I can see it really help fishing out in the deep water . I have never fished deep for bass. Thanks Dave for sharing 👍
Absolute beast! Was hoping this podcast was coming. You both are the best
Thanks Jason, Looks like Ben plans to be a show regular 😂
Dave, newish viewer, but catching up rapidly. Ive “ben” missing out on your show. I apologize. Your show is great, thank you sir. Keep up the great work.
One great one leaves and another is born it's always been this way
just listened to the whole thing...I have been an MF'er for a couple years and this solidifies his capabilities and his humility! Happy for Ben and best of luck with rest of open season!!
Super impressed by Ben! I’m scared for his competition lol he’s definitely going to be a threat
He is very impressive
Hi Ben you're the best good luck on the next one👍🏻👏👏😉👍🏻❤
Loved it! Ben is the next Big Thing!
David Fritts offshore cranking, i sure remember that stuff
Yep David is always scary with a crank
Great pod as always! Haters gonna hate. He’s put in work. Ol B Mills a hammer
A 🔨 indeed
Great Show! Loved the checking on found fish question! Hope he wins a couple more!
Thanks Jerry!
This man's tips and advice help land my PB catch this year so keep it up bro!
Shots fired. Just keep doing you dude man , and keep hitting the with the big stick
Comparing new technology to the deer woods. When deer cameras came out, I got so mad seeing deer that I didn’t see and put them up. I leaned to adapt and how to use them to my advantage and increase my success in deer hunting.
Looking forward to fishing with some guys to see how they successfully use forward facing sonar then adding and using it to my advantage in fishing.
absolutely phenomenal interview Dave! I was really wondering when one of the youtube guys would show some success in the big leagues. very excited to see how the rest of his year goes and what he can do at the Classic!