Flat spot in motor?

[outdoor ran]

Its getting to the point everytime I go out fishing I find a new problem with my I/O merc crusier 140hp 4cyl. Heres the lastest- the motor starts fine but chugs a bit in idle but when I go to give it throttle it will die or just start pukin ( stalling ). the only way I can get it to go is if I slowly (i mean slow) give it gas till I build the rpms up and then it kicks in and runs great at top end.

My trolling speed is all over without touching the throtte 2 to 4mph. I suppose it could be a bunch of things but sure would like to hear some ideas from ya guys, Thanks

[Surface Tension]

Your excelerator pump inside the carb is shot. Its time to clean the carb and put a carb kit in it.

[SpecialK]

Might check out the fuel filter as well. Definitely sounds like a fuel issue though.