Mark Zona returns to Bassmaster with new podcast, TnZ, launching on the Bassmaster Channel
Feb. 6, 2025
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Bass fishing fans, get ready! Mark Zona is making his highly anticipated return to Bassmaster, bringing his unmistakable energy and insight back to the sport with the launch of the TnZ Podcast alongside his longtime colleague Tommy Sanders. Debuting Monday, Feb. 10, on Bassmaster.com, the TnZ Podcast will be the anchor show of the all-new Bassmaster Channel, which is set to revolutionize the way fans engage with the sport.
After serving as a host of Bassmaster LIVE for a decade, Zona retired from the show after the close of the 2024 season. Now Zona, affectionately known as “Z,” steps back into the Bassmaster fold, reuniting with the legendary Tommy Sanders — one of the most respected voices in bass fishing. Together, the dynamic duo will offer a fresh, unfiltered take on the sport, delivering top-tier analysis with their signature mix of expertise, humor and bold opinions.
Phillip Johnson, Chief Operating Officer of B.A.S.S., expressed his excitement for the launch of the new Bassmaster Channel and its flagship program. “We are so excited to have Zona and Tommy bringing their tremendous knowledge and personalities to our new Bassmaster Channel with the TnZ Podcast. I know our fans will love watching these guys tackle some crazy topics as the Elite Series kicks off. We developed the Bassmaster Channel to enhance the fan experience, and the TnZ Podcast will no doubt be the crown jewel of our programming.”
The TnZ Podcast will lead an exciting lineup of programs available on the Bassmaster Channel, which includes other premier shows such as:
- Inside Bassmaster Podcast – A deep dive into the latest in tournament action and fishing industry news.
- O-Fish-Ally, Unofficial Podcast with Dave Mercer – A unique, entertaining take on the sport from Bassmaster’s inimitable emcee.
- And much more!
The Bassmaster Channel is designed to inform and entertain, providing fans with unprecedented access to expert analysis, angler interviews and behind-the-scenes stories from the sport’s biggest personalities.
On the TnZ Podcast, Sanders and Zona will tackle the biggest topics in bass fishing, from angler rankings and tournament breakdowns to equipment trends and even unexpected pop culture crossovers. This will be a pull-no-punches fishing show where no topic is off-limits.
Mike McKinnis, VP of media/content for JM Associates, emphasized the podcast’s unique approach. “This will be unlike any other fishing podcast out there. Zona and Sanders will be no-holds-barred, prognosticating angler tiers from best to worst and making rookie predictions on who makes it and who falls off. Most importantly, these guys are going to offer real information, not misinformation that fishing fans often get from other sources.”
“Ya … it’s a podcast, but sort of a Bassmaster fishing sport show where we can dive into the good, bad and ugly,” said Zona. “We will also hold ourselves accountable when we are totally wrong, which will probably be often. Going off my last 20 years with Tommy, I don’t think our sport will run out of crazy stuff to talk about. It’s definitely something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.”
The TnZ Podcast launches Monday, Feb. 10, on Bassmaster.com. The podcast will have 26 episodes in 2025, and fans can expect a new installment every other week.
About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
