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
Singer-songwriter Shea Fisher joined the program to discuss her latest projects and her appearance on the Dirt Diaries podcast.
CattleCon 2026 kicks off February 3 in Nashville. Kristin Torres with the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association joined RFD-TV to share more about what’s ahead at this year’s event.
Team B&W Trailer Hitches delivered a historic performance on Louisiana’s Cypress Bayou, posting a jaw-dropping total of 139 pounds, 15 ounces on 77 scorable bass to win Knockout Match 1 of the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni.
Check out some of the livestream highlights from Elimination Match 3 of the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni, the fourth and final event in the second year of the Fishing Clash Team Series.
Keith Carson and Ron Nelson of Team Fishing Clash boated 17 bass for 36 pounds, 10 ounces to win Elimination Match 3 on Caddo Lake and secure a berth in the Knockout Round.
You can also watch the final period of each day’s competition LIVE only on RFD-TV (2-5 p.m. ET) and stream all the action with your subscription to RFD-TV Now.

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:

Real Ag’s Shaun Haney explains how farmers are approaching risk management and the steps they’re taking to strengthen profitability through better financial planning.
Valley Irrigation’s Darren Siekman explains the advantages of their new pivots for growers managing acreages of up to 60 acres.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses spring allergies and respiratory illnesses on this week’s Rural Health Matters, offering advice on managing symptoms and knowing when to seek professional help.
ASFMRA’s George Baird shares insight on spring planting progress, acreage trends, and the financial factors influencing Mid-South farmers this season.
Jeramy Stephens with National Land Realty explains how the Supreme Court’s tariff ruling and ongoing ‘America First’ trade policy raise new questions about U.S. farmland values and agricultural market stability.
Heavy cattle weights are cushioning beef supplies despite shrinking herd numbers.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Discover the untold stories of farm families across the United States as they face tough decisions, adapt in unexpected ways, and fight to secure a future — for the next generation to carry on the farm. This unscripted documentary-style TV show follows the lives of ambitious farmers from diverse backgrounds across the US, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and unique stories of these farmers as they navigate the world of agriculture.
Experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center discuss health and how it impacts farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans on this special LIVE call-in show.
“Positively Paula,” is a nationally-syndicated lifestyle/food show that invites viewers to share a moment with their friend: Paula Deen, who we know and love.
“Somewhere West of Wall Street” is simply the most recent addition to the long list of noteworthy accomplishments by the Renaissance cowboy, singer-songwriter, poet, author, and show host Red Steagall. Join Red and his quarter horse, Grey Dog, as they explore the people, places, and stories of the American West.
Richard “Red” Skelton, reigned as the virtual King of TV Variety Show Comedy throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Airing for a total of of 20 seasons, from 1951 through 1971, Red’s hilarious facial contortions and colorful cast of boneheaded personas – including indept Sheriff Deadeye, inebriated boxer Cauliflower McPugg, hillbilly Clem Kadiddlehopper, and hobo Freddie the Freeloader – kept a whole generation of Americans in stitches during the earliest decades of television. Memorable guest stars included John Wayne, Phyllis Diller, Mickey Rooney, Audrey Meadows, Michael Landon, and many more.