WACO, Texas (March 4, 2026) – Nearly 90 fourth-grade students at Woodway Elementary School received a special visit Friday morning when Major League Fishing (MLF) Bass Pro Tour anglers Alton Jones Sr. and Alton Jones Jr. stopped by to share their passion for the outdoors and encourage the next generation to explore, learn and protect natural resources.
The one-hour program combined stories from life on the professional fishing circuit with lessons about perseverance, conservation and water safety. The event was conducted in partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, whose staff helped deliver educational messages about safe recreation and responsible stewardship of public waters.
Photos from the event can be found here.
Throughout the morning, students learned what it takes to compete at the highest level of professional bass fishing while also hearing about the importance of spending time outside and respecting the lakes and parks that belong to everyone.
“It’s always special when we get the chance to connect with kids and talk about the outdoors,” said Jones Sr. “Fishing is about much more than catching fish. It teaches patience, problem-solving and respect for nature.”
For Jones Jr., the visit carried an extra personal connection – he once attended Woodway Elementary as a kindergarten student. Returning to the school years later as a professional angler created a meaningful full-circle moment.
“It was really cool to come back and share what I do now with the students,” said Jones Jr. “You never know what sparks a kid’s interest. If one of them decides to spend more time outdoors, go fishing with their family, or dream bigger about what they can accomplish, then it’s a great day.”
Students also heard from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers park ranger Michael Champagne about key water safety practices and how to responsibly enjoy public lakes and parks. As part of the visit, students received information about the Every Kid Outdoors initiative, which provides fourth graders and their families free access to many federal public lands.
Teachers and administrators at Woodway Elementary welcomed the opportunity to expose students to new experiences and real-world role models.
The visit took place prior to the start of this week’s MLF Bass Pro Tour event in the Waco area, where 51 of the top professional anglers in the world are competing at the Champion Teamwear Stage 3 on Lake Whitney and Lake Waco Presented by MillerTech for a $125,000 top prize and a share of the $600,000 purse.
Jones Sr. and Jones Jr. also invited students and their families to attend the tournament’s upcoming weekend activities, including the MLF Fishing Show and Watch Party at Twin Bridges Park in Waco, to experience the sport of bass fishing and meet the pro anglers in person.
“Events like this are a great reminder that the outdoors belongs to everyone,” Jones Sr. said. “All it takes is getting outside and giving it a try.”
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.