LEESBURG, Fla. (Feb. 13, 2025) – On Wednesday, before the Major League Fishing (MLF) pros hit the Harris Chain of Lakes for the Bass Pro Tour Suzuki Marine Stage 2, many spent their “off day” giving back to the Leesburg, Florida, community in a series of impactful events. From volunteering at the Leesburg Food Bank to meeting fans at Bass Pro Shops Orlando and mentoring young anglers at a student angler clinic, the day was filled with meaningful connections and memorable moments.
LINK TO PHOTO GALLERY FROM EVENTS
At sunrise, four MLF pros – Justin Cooper, Alton Jones Jr., Fred Roumbanis and Jeff Sprague – arrived at the Leesburg Food Bank, ready to roll up their sleeves and serve. Food was dispensed to more than 65 families Wednesday morning, thanks in part to the anglers, who sorted, weighed and distributed shopping carts full of essentials.
“Growing up, I knew that need personally, and taking the opportunity to give back to people who are struggling to make ends meet is something very important to me,” Sprague said. “Fishing and competing is a lot of fun, but this is the kind of thing that hits me right in the heart.”
Beyond the hands-on work, the pros connected with longtime food bank volunteers, including a couple of military veterans who have dedicated years to the organization. The morning was not without its lighthearted moments, as the veteran volunteers took advantage of the “young guns’” strong backs and one of the pros tried their hands at maneuvering a forklift – resulting in a few mishaps but plenty of laughs.
Roumbanis said he was impressed by the scale of the food bank’s operation – over 700,000 pounds of food pass through the food bank each year, ran solely by volunteers – and encouraged members of the Florida community to get involved.
“As we walked through room after room full of food and saw the full scope of the organization, it was obvious how much pride and determination is put in by each of these volunteers,” said Roumbanis. “With more than 7,200 shopping carts of food distributed each year, the need is great and any donations – time, food, money, drivers – is a huge necessity to help keep the wheels turning.”
By midday, the action shifted to Bass Pro Shops in Orlando, where fans gathered to meet some of the biggest names in professional fishing. Nine MLF pros – Dustin Connell, Justin Cooper, Mark Daniels Jr., Ott DeFoe, Brent Ehrler, Edwin Evers, Chris Lane, Andy Montgomery and Skeet Reese – signed autographs, took photos and even helped feed the fish in the store’s massive tank. One redfish put on a show, slamming bait at the surface and soaking fans in the splash zone.
The day wrapped up at the Venetian Center, where 25 students from the Florida Teen Sportfishing Association gathered for the MLF Student Angler Clinic. The young anglers spent over an hour peppering MLF pros Matt Becker, Wesley Strader and Jacob Wall with questions, learning tips and tricks from the Bass Pro Tour anglers.
“Being able to share our experiences and foster the love for bass fishing with these young anglers is so important,” said Wall. “I love seeing the excitement and joy on their faces as they ask questions or laugh about mishaps on the water.”
Thanks to MLF sponsors, the students didn’t leave empty-handed. Many went home with Abu Garcia rods and reels, as well as MLF signed angler jerseys, bait packs and merchandise – a fun end to an unforgettable day.
While the Bass Pro Tour competition began on the Harris Chain of Lakes Thursday, Wednesday’s community events left a lasting impression on the pros, volunteers, fans and students alike. Whether handing out food, signing autographs or inspiring the next generation, MLF’s day of service reinforced that professional bass fishing is about more than just competition—it’s about community.
For complete details and updated information on Major League Fishing and the Bass Pro Tour, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com. For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.
