Meet the Anglers: Challenge Cup - Team O’Reilly (#7)

Ron Nelson + Martin Villa

GTTS-Erie-D1-Wix-PMoore-19.jpg

2025 General Tire Team Series - Challenge Cup Teams

Major League Fishing

Nelson_4158.png

Bass Pro Angler Ron Nelson

Major League Fishing

Ron Nelson

Berrien Springs, Michigan

It was no surprise when Ron Nelson won Angler of the Year for the 2020 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit and the 2023 Tackle Warehouse Invitationals, having built a solid reputation on the Toyota Series for several years before that. On the Toyota Series, he won Smith Mountain Lake in 2013 and Lake Champlain back-to-back in 2017 and 2018. He went on to earn the title of 2019 FLW Polaris Rookie of the Year and soon found himself on the Bass Pro Tour. He went on to place third at his REDCREST debut in 2024 and followed it up with a ninth-place finish at REDCREST 2025.

FUN FACT

Nelson is an avid biker in his down time, and enjoys walking the beach with wife Karla and their two pups, Adori and Annie.

Career Wins3
Top 10s26
Top 20s51
REDCREST Appearances2
Career Winnings$977,733

GTTS-Erie-D6-Takeoff-PMoore-03.jpg

Martin Villa

Major League Fishing

Martin Villa

Auburn, California

Martin Villa made his Bass Pro Tour debut in 2024 with a Top-10 finish at Stage One on Toledo Bend.

FUN FACT

Martin Villa considers Lake Anna to be his home lake. He started with fly fishing and remains a big fan of it, enjoying cooking what he catches.

Career Wins
Top 10s2
Top 20s5
REDCREST Appearances1
Career Winnings$299,774
Related Stories
From barns to show rings, producers and students say that livestock events offer economic opportunity and life lessons. Let’s take a look at some shows across the southeast in Georgia, Virginia and Louisiana.
Held each year in Mercedes, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show remains a cornerstone event for the region — blending education, competition, and community, even during challenging times for agriculture.
TYM North America unveiled two new Series 5 tractor models at the National Farm Machinery Show and announced an exciting new partnership for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Severe drought in South Texas is forcing ranchers to consider cattle sell-offs as feed and water supplies dwindle, threatening herd health and livestock operations.
Streaming LIVE March 12-28 only on RFD+
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo concluded last night, marking the end of another successful year showcasing youth exhibitors, livestock producers, and the spirit of agriculture.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

USDA Undersecretary for Trade and Foreign Agricultural Affairs Luke Lindberg joined us with a recap of the Malaysia trade mission and a look at USDA’s broader trade strategy moving forward.
Mike Steenhoek of the Soy Transportation Coalition shares how extreme winter weather is affecting the ag transportation network and what producers should keep in mind as conditions slowly improve.
Matt Brockman, Communications Director for the Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo, joined us with a look at how the legendary event is moving forward—weather and all.
Strong White House backing supports ethanol demand, but timing now hinges on Congress resolving procedural — at the same time as they push toward a spending bill to avert another federal government shutdown.
Roger McEowen, with the Washburn School of Law, offers an in-depth look at two of the top legal issues of 202. Today, he walks through last year’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) ruling and “lawfare.”
Lewis Williamson of HTS Commodities joined us with an update on the historic winter storm impacts and his outlook on today’s ag markets.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.