CONROE, Texas – Six MLF pros swapped their rods and reels for books and markers Wednesday, using their “off day” to bring smiles and inspiration to students at Creekside Elementary and Madeley Ranch Elementary in Montgomery, Texas. As the Bass Pro Tour stop at Lake Conroe loomed, the visiting anglers shared fish stories, answered questions, signed autographs – even on an unexpected item – and left a lasting impression on the young fans.
The day began at Creekside Elementary, where students welcomed Ott DeFoe, Edwin Evers, and Andy Montgomery. Students eagerly swapped fishing tales, boasting about their biggest catches and peppered the pros with questions about their lives on the water. Evers, who won when the Bass Pro Tour last visited Lake Conroe in 2019, encouraged the students to chase their dreams, while DeFoe shared his journey to becoming a professional angler and a four-time Bass Pro Tour winner.
The visit also delivered some unexpected humor. Montgomery, known for his calm precision on the water, couldn’t hide his discomfort when he realized one of the classrooms they visited had a pet snake. He spent most of his time standing near the door, drawing laughs from students and teachers.
Later in the day, Skeet Reese, Greg Vinson, and Drew Gill brought their own brand of excitement to Madeley Ranch Elementary. The halls were abuzz as students eagerly showed off their hand-colored largemouth bass artwork, which the anglers happily signed. Reese’s truck and boat were a hit, drawing crowds of enthusiastic kids who marveled at the custom rig and peppered him with questions.
“It’s great to see so much joy and curiosity,” Reese said. “This community loves fishing, and being able to connect with these kids is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.”
One moment of laughter came during the autograph session when an excited student asked Vinson to sign a pair of Crocs—a standout moment that highlighted the fun that everyone was having.
Key school staff, including Creekside’s Betsy Baney and Madeley Ranch librarian Jordan Anderson and principal Dallas Clark, were instrumental in organizing the visits. Their efforts ensured a seamless day filled with laughter, learning and plenty of autograph requests.
