1988 90 horse mercury problems

[Bass smacker]

I have a 1988 90 hp mercury that has been running great all year. Took it to the lake Sunday and it ran fine all day until right before we left. Didn't start real easy and when it was running as soon as I put it in hear it would die, started it again and the same thing. Didn't sound like it was idling very good either. I just don't understand why it would run great all day then all the sudden keep dying. Anybody have this happen to them or have any suggestions? Thanks.