Country music veteran Trace Adkins stepped onto the stage at Old Hickory Lake in Nashville, Tennessee, on Saturday morning to sing the national anthem before the championship round of World Bass Enterprises’ inaugural The Champions tournament. The event, which gathered 15 of the sport’s top professional bass anglers, featured a record‑setting $1.25 million first‑place purse and a total $3.25 million purse – the largest in professional bass‑fishing history.
Adkins highlights faith and patriotism among anglers
In an exclusive interview with OutKick OutDoors, Adkins expressed his admiration for the competitors’ willingness to “pray and have the national anthem before they fish.” He said, “I like that they’re not afraid of God or patriotism. They’re going to pray and have the national anthem before they fish.” The country star, who grew up fishing in Louisiana, said the blend of sport, faith, and love of country reminded him of his own childhood experiences on the water.
From “Just Fishin'” to a record‑breaking tournament
Adkins’ 2011 hit “Just Fishin'” celebrated a father‑daughter fishing outing, underscoring his belief that time spent outdoors builds family bonds. That same year he opened his Middle Tennessee lake to a group from Big Brothers Big Sisters, giving children and mentors a chance to fish together. In a 2017 Fox News interview he joked about stocking his own hole so he could “just catch” without actually fishing.
Despite his own stocked pond, Adkins remains a fan of the professional circuit that has turned bass fishing into a major spectator sport. He recalled watching legends Roland Martin and Bill Dance on television as a youngster, noting how the sport has grown into an exciting, high‑stakes competition.
The Champions tournament recap
The three‑day competition featured a blend of Bassmaster Elite Series and Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour athletes. On Saturday, Matt Robertson claimed the $1.25 million grand prize, capping a historic weekend for the sport. The event also included a team competition, with Bassmaster’s Team Stars taking home The Champions Cup on Friday.
OutKick OutDoors reported from the lakeside, providing live updates, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes coverage throughout the weekend. Fans could follow the action on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube for exclusive video highlights.
Why the event matters to the local community
Beyond the prize money, the tournament highlighted Tennessee’s reputation as a premier fishing destination. Local businesses benefited from the influx of anglers, spectators, and media, while the event reinforced the region’s cultural ties to outdoor recreation, family traditions, and Christian values.
Adkins’ remarks resonated with many attendees who see the sport as a celebration of both skill and shared values. As the tournament concluded, the community looked forward to future events that continue to blend competition with faith‑based fellowship.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
