Harrison, TN – Major League Fishing (MLF) is bringing more than elite angling to East Tennessee this weekend. As part of its O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 competition, MLF is partnering with Minn Kota, Kubota, and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA) for a two-day community-focused initiative featuring a public meet-and-greet and a fish habitat restoration project.
Jacob Blake, a writer for the outdoor publication Guide Fishing, will be on-site to cover the events and provide readers with an inside look at how professional anglers are connecting with fans and giving back to local waters.
The outreach begins Friday, May 2, with a fan-focused meet-and-greet at Cigars International in East Ridge, Tennessee. From 6 to 8 p.m., attendees aged 21 and over are invited to meet MLF pros Brandon Coulter, Fred Roumbanis, and Terry Scroggins for an evening of cigars, conversation, and behind-the-scenes insights into the world of competitive fishing.
The following morning, on Saturday, May 3, the focus shifts to conservation as MLF pros join youth and adult volunteers at the Wolftever Boat Ramp in Harrison, TN, for a hands-on habitat restoration project. In partnership with TWRA, participants will construct and deploy artificial habitats, including MossBack Conservation Cubes and Reed Mats, designed to enhance fish populations and improve long-term sustainability of East Tennessee’s fisheries. Support from Kubota USA and Lowe’s will assist in transporting and installing the structures.
“For Guide Fishing readers, this is a chance to witness how the sport of bass fishing is evolving,” said Jacob Blake, Writer at Guide Fishing. “It’s not just about what happens on the water, it’s about who shows up for the lakes, the fans, and the next generation of anglers.”
The O’Reilly Auto Parts Stage 4 event runs May 1–4 on Lake Chickamauga and Nickajack Lake, with 66 of the world’s top anglers competing for a $150,000 top prize and points toward the 2026 REDCREST Championship. Hosted by Chattanooga and Fish Tennessee, the event underscores the region’s importance to competitive fishing and outdoor culture.
For ongoing coverage and post-event insights, visit www.guidefishing.com.
