When the tour bus pulls into Nashville, Randy Houser isn’t thinking about the next show – he’s thinking about the water. The Mississippi‑born country singer, an avid angler, will merge his two passions on Oct. 30 at The Pinnacle, where he will perform alongside fellow country artist Riley Green and headline The Champions, a professional bass‑fishing tournament hosted by World Bass Enterprises.
Local event ties music, sport and community
The Champions will take place on Old Hickory Lake, a beloved fishing spot for Nashville residents. The tournament brings together elite anglers from the Bassmaster Elite Series and Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour, competing for a record $3.25 million purse, including $1.25 million for the winner. Houser says the event showcases how far competitive bass fishing has grown and offers a unique experience for fans of both music and sport.
“There’s a strong synergy between country music, country music listeners and bass fishing,” Houser explained. “I think they’re going to have a lot more fans than they expected, not just for the music at The Pinnacle, but also hanging out at the lake waiting for the weigh‑ins.”
Family, faith and military support
Houser’s love of fishing dates back to childhood trips on Mississippi’s lakes, where he learned to catch bluegill, catfish and bass. Today he spends winters bone‑fishing in the Bahamas, a pursuit he shares with his wife and children. The upcoming tournament will also give him a chance to bring his kids to the show – a rare family outing, he noted.
Beyond family, Houser highlighted his gratitude for the nation’s service members. He recently spent three days at Blackfly Lodge in the Bahamas with the Navy SEAL Foundation, fishing alongside active and retired SEALs. “I’m a huge supporter of our military and military families,” he said. “Getting that time with those guys on the water, hearing stories they don’t usually share, was priceless.”
Economic boost for Nashville
The Champions is expected to draw thousands of anglers, spectators and music fans to the Nashville area, providing a boost to local businesses, hotels and restaurants. Houser, who has fished Old Hickory himself, believes the event will highlight the region’s outdoor recreation assets, including nearby Percy Priest Lake.
“Nashville is the perfect place to showcase how much the sport has grown,” Houser said. “It’s a chance for the community to see world‑class fishing right here at home.”
Looking ahead
After the concert and tournament, Houser expects to return to the road, but he says the water will always be on his mind. “Once the concert is over and I climb back aboard the tour bus, there’s a pretty good chance I’ll already be thinking about my next trip to the water,” he laughed.
Fans can catch the live performance at The Pinnacle and follow the tournament’s progress on the World Bass Enterprises website. With music, family, and a commitment to honoring the nation’s heroes, the Oct. 30 event promises a memorable celebration of Nashville’s vibrant culture.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
