1999 Johnson 150 Problem Starting Out

[NCBoater123]

I have a 1999 Johnson 150. Usually it runs good for the first few starts and then after that day warms up it does not want to take off. It starts hard then it does not want to pull it self out of the water. Things that help me get going are when I rev it up first then let it idle back down then put it in gear, then I can get it to go. Also I noticed last time I was out that if I tap the choke intermittenly I can get it to take right off. I have an appointment with the mechanic but it runs so good when it is plained out that I just thouhght I would ask if it was a quick fix?? I have already tried a very concentrated version of the sea foam and it did nothing. After reading all of the forums, I tried it several ways and it did not help. I dont think it is the carbs. The local mechanic said that it could be one if the diaphrams in the fuel pump leaking down and it is getting too much fuel. That would make sense because when I hold the choke in on the key it stalls even worse, its only when I pump the choke that it gets better.