Douglas Lake Celebrity Pro-Am Brings Country Stars and Pro Anglers Together to Advance Tinnitus Awareness
VIENNA, Va., Aug. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Music and fishing fans are in for a unique and unforgettable event as the Douglas Lake Celebrity Pro-Am Fishing Tournament returns for its third year, blending the talents of country music stars and legendary professional anglers to raise awareness of tinnitus and funds for the American Tinnitus Association (ATA).
Event organizer Texas Roadhouse Pro Angler Mike DelVisco, a long-time professional bass angler based in Dandridge, Tenn., launched the event in 2023 to pay tribute to Texas Roadhouse founder Kent Taylor who struggled with tinnitus, an auditory disorder affecting 10 to 15 percent of the U.S. population, with symptoms ranging from mild to profoundly disruptive to daily life.
"Kent was a long-time friend who put community first in everything that he did. It's in that spirit—dedication to others, helping where there's a need, and having a good time while making a difference—that we're here for our third year," DelVisco said. For DelVisco, the event is about hope, healing, and community, which reflects the mission of ATA, the nation's only nonprofit dedicated to supporting individuals affected by tinnitus and funding critical research to advance better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
"We are incredibly grateful for Mike DelVisco's continued dedication to raising awareness about tinnitus and funds for ATA through this fantastic event," said ATA CEO Patrick A. Lynch, Esq., MBA. "Events like the Douglas Lake Celebrity Pro-Am not only help fund vital research and patient support but also generate important conversations about a condition that affects millions of Americans. The support from the country music and professional fishing communities helps us reach new audiences and remind people that they're not alone in their tinnitus journey."
The auction phase of the Pro-Am fishing tournament concluded, with amateur anglers having successfully bid for the opportunity to join a professional angler and celebrity team on a 3-person boat. Though unable to participate in the fishing tournament, multi-platinum country music star Darryl Worley, known for his number one hits "I Miss My Friend," "Awful Beautiful Life," and "Have You Forgotten," also supported the cause by offering an exclusive Grand Ole Opry backstage experience for auction.
In conjunction with the August 28th fishing tournament, a kickoff party will be held the evening before with celebrities, pro anglers, winning bidders, and sponsors. The evening offers a fun meet-and-greet among participants, complete with live country music, legendary food from Texas Roadhouse, vendor booths, and opportunities to win exciting raffle prizes, including an overnight stay at a Whiskey Retreats cabin, Turtle Box Audio speaker, Bass Pro Shops grill, and a Coca-Cola bicycle. Raffle tickets can be purchased online, with winners drawn on August 27th. The event is open to the community to attend without charge.
Star-Studded Lineup of Pro Anglers
- Mark Rose, one of the most decorated anglers in Major League Fishing (MLF) history, returns to defend his title. The General Tire/Midway USA pro was the 2018 Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) Tour Angler of the Year and is one of only three anglers to win back-to-back FLW Tour events.
- Paul Elias, a true icon in bass fishing, holds the record for the heaviest total weight in a four-day/five-fish-limit tournament—an astounding 132 pounds, 8 ounces on Falcon Lake in 2008. With eight career wins and 56 Top 10 finishes, he was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2012.
- John Murray, a western fishing powerhouse, has won fully rigged bass boats on every major western waterway from New Mexico to Washington. A two-time U.S. Open Champion and seven-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, he also took home the trophy at the Bassmaster Elite Series event on Toledo Bend.
Country Artists Lending Their Voices and Casting a Reel
- Andy Griggs, whose debut album You Won't Ever Be Lonely went gold and included multiple Top 10 hits, will bring his signature Louisiana charm to the tournament.
- Noah Thompson, winner of American Idol Season 20 (2022), is not only known for his hit "One Day Tonight," but also as the songwriter behind Luke Combs's "Front Door Famous."
Event Details
August 27th: Kickoff Party & Concert
5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Field of Dreams Activity Center
1145 Treadway Dr.
Dandridge, TN 37725
August 28th: Celebrity Pro-Am Fishing Tournament
7:00 am to 12:00 pm
Dandridge Boat Dock
122 Boat Dock Dr.
Dandridge, TN 37725
Raffle tickets available online
Drawing held August 27th
More Info: https://www.ata.org/douglas-lake-fishing-tournament
SOURCE American Tinnitus Association
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