Image for MLF Bass Pro Tour Anglers Will Meet Fans at Kissimmee-Area Bass Pro Shops
January 22, 2019 • Mason Prince • Bass Pro Tour

In just one week, people from all over the nation will be traveling to Kissimmee, Fla. for the inaugural Bass Pro Tour B&W Trailer Hitches Stage One Presented by Power-Pole. Eighty of the world’s top professional anglers will compete from Jan. 29 to Feb. 3 to be the last man standing for a $100,000 payday.

Fans will have access to the Major League Fishing pros like never before during the first four days of the event because while 40 of the pros are competing on the Kissimmee Chain during the Shotgun and Elimination Rounds, the other 40 anglers will be off the water. In fact, you’ll find many of them at local Bass Pro Shops, chatting with fans and signing autographs.

“I enjoy every interaction with the fans that we can,” said MLF pro Jonathon VanDam. “We’re just regular people that get to fish for a living which is awesome, and I like to talk fishing just as much as I like to do it. Being able to interact with the fans is what makes our sport unique and really makes it special.”

Here are the details of these special meet-and-greet events:

Tuesday, Jan. 29

  • Palm Bay Bass Pro Shops
  • 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • MLF pros Kevin VanDam, Jeff Kriet, Brent Chapman, Josh Bertrand, Mark Rose, Brandon Palaniuk and Jonathon VanDam will be there to meet with fans and sign autographs.

Wednesday, Jan. 30

  • Orlando Bass Pro Shops
  • 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  • MLF anglers Mark Daniels, Andy Montgomery, Randy Howell, Ish Monroe, Edwin Evers, Chris Lane, David Walker, Mike McClelland, Ott DeFoe, James Watson and Timmy Horton will be there to meet fans and sign autographs.

At both of the events, attendees also have a chance to win free gear from MLF and Bass Pro Shops.

“It’s pretty cool when two leaders of the industry (MLF and Bass Pro Shops) combine to deliver to the fans the ultimate bass fishing experience,” Montgomery said.

With just a week left to prepare for the event, Montgomery is starting to get excited for his trip down to the Kissimmee Chain. He says he can’t wait for the moment when he hears an MLF Official say, “Lines In.” He even knows which technique he’ll try first.

“Jerking on the first one that bites,” Montgomery said with some excitement. “I haven’t fished in a long time so I’m ready to jerk.”