I was watching some of last seasons tourneys on the DVR lastnight and I got to wondering about Mark Zona.  He seems like he knows alot about fishing and I know Him and KVD fish alot togather and are good freinds.  I was wondering why he doesn't fish tournaments or does he and he isn't good enough to compete on a pro level.  He seems like a really nice person and funny at that Just curious.

I like Mark too and think he does a great job. He was a boat salesman when KVD got him the job at ESPN. He has a good gig and would probably make much less trying to compete on the tour. Smart guy--good carreer move. Making money and fishing for fun is a good way to go because any hobby you turn into your job--turns into a job!

8-)

I like Mark. Personally I think he should be the next MC for the Classic and the other Bassmasters Tournies. He would be great.

He fishes the BFLs and bassmaster northern tour I am pretty sure.

I have never seen Mark's photo or read anything about him fishing any pro tournaments.

I had no idea how he got the ESPN gig but he does an excellent job and I enjoy his commentary.

He has a very pleasing voice and I agree he would be outstanding at the Classic.

Thanks for letting us know how the got the ESPN job.

I like Mark. Personally I think he should be the next MC for the Classic and the other Bassmasters Tournies. He would be great.

No kidding.  I don't know how they think the guy they have now is doing a good job.  He is soooooooo annoying and also seems very fake.

Zona is just a naturally funny guy.....hes got a great presence.......and sometimes I find myself laughing when I am watching a fishing show??

Since fishing is life or death in my book......its nice to see someone make it light-hearted  ;D

he reminds me of a football announcer, and I think its a good direction for the competative side of Bass fishing.....

http://stren.flwoutdoors.com/ap/bio.cfm?mid=173011

I thought he fished the Stren series and this says he did.   It says he was ranked #1 in 2003.

He's never fished the BFL events.

I like Mark too and think he does a great job. He was a boat salesman when KVD got him the job at ESPN. He has a good gig and would probably make much less trying to compete on the tour. Smart guy--good carreer move. Making money and fishing for fun is a good way to go because any hobby you turn into your job--turns into a job!

8-)

HAD TO LAUGH AT THIS ONE....SORRY.

HE WAS FISHING THE STREN CHAMPIONSHIP....AND THEY MADE EVERYONE WHO HAD SPONSORS THAT WERE NOT INVOLVED WITH THE FLW  TO PUT TAPE OVER THEM......WELL.....HE, WITH SOME HELP.....PUT TAPE ON HIS WHOLE BODY JUST BEFORE HE WENT ON STAGE....NO LONGER DONE TODAY...THEY GIVE YOU A STREN SHIRT NOW BECAUSE OF ZONA..LOL.  

WELL ESPN PEOPLE WERE SITTING IN THE AUDIENCE WATCHING ALL THIS AND THOUGHT HE WAS FUNNY.   WHILE WORKING FOR THE BOAT DEALER HE GOT A PHONE CALL FROM SOME GUY SAYING HE WAS FROM ESPN AND WANTED TO KNOW IF HE WOULD LIKE TO TRY OUT FOR A SERIES CALLED LOUD MOUTH BASS.  HE SAID YEAH SURE...WHATEVER...AND HUNG UP ON THE GUY.    WHILE TALKING WITH HIS BOSS ABOUT THE CRANK CALL HE KEPT LOOKING AT HIS CALLER ID AND DID NOT RECOGNIZE THE NUMBER..SO HE CALLED BACK....GOT THE OPERATOR..."ESPN...HOW MAY I DIRECT YOUR CALL?"   HE ASK FOR THE PERSON WHO JUST CALLED HIS PHONE ABOUT 15-20 MINUTES AGO.  WHEN THE GUY CAME ON...HE OFFERED HIM THE CHANCE TO GET THE JOB.  HE WENT TO NY FOR AN INTERVIEW....DIDN'T NEED IT...WAS THE ONLY ONE OFFERED TO...AND GOT THE JOB.

NO KVD HELP HERE...ALL ZONA.

HOW DO I KNOW ALL THIS?   HE TOLD ME WHEN I WAS IN KALAMAZOO AT DnR SPORTS SPRING SHOW.  (RANDY VANDAM'S STORE) CAUSE I WANTED TO KNOW HOW A GUY FROM MICHIGAN GOT A JOB LIKE THAT.....LOL

Zona is great. And it doesn't hurt that he's from Michigan.  ;D ;D

I really didn't like him on the Loud Mouth Bass show, but then I didn't like that show at all -- he was obnoxious and Kumar was whiny.  But now that he is doing more "serious" work he has really grown on me.  Hope he stays around awhile.

As for the announcer gig -- bring back Fishburne!!!!

Fishborne is with Bass Champs.  ESPN will never bring back Fish.

I really didn't like him on the Loud Mouth Bass show, but then I didn't like that show at all -- he was obnoxious and Kumar was whiny. But now that he is doing more "serious" work he has really grown on me. Hope he stays around awhile.

My sentiments exactly.