Billy Egan, Tournament Director for WON BASS, joins Byron Velvick on Fish Tales H2O for a behind-the-scenes look at tournament fishing, the legendary U.S. Open, and the experiences that shaped his career in the fishing industry. From his early days making swimbaits to becoming one of the people responsible for running major bass fishing tournaments, Billy shares the road that led him to WON BASS and what it actually takes to manage a competition at this level.
With the 2026 WON BASS U.S. Open returning to Lake Mead, Billy and Byron dive into the history of the event, what anglers can expect this year, the Pro and AAA experience, tournament rules, fish care, and some unforgettable stories from years on the water. They also get into one of the toughest subjects in competitive fishing: cheating. Billy explains how tournament directors approach suspected rule violations, why integrity matters so much in the sport, and how tournament rules and technology have evolved over the years.
Later in the conversation, Billy opens up about his own health experiences and the importance of men paying attention to their health, including conversations surrounding prostate health, autoimmune issues, lifestyle, and taking care of yourself both on and off the water.
🎣 In this episode:
• How Billy Egan went from making swimbaits to tournament directing
• The history and legacy of the WON BASS U.S. Open
• The U.S. Open’s return to Lake Mead
• What happens behind the scenes of a major fishing tournament
• Tournament cheating, enforcement, and fishing ethics
• Fish handling, conservation, and competition rules
• Pro and AAA/co-angler opportunities
• How fishing technology has changed tournament competition
• Stories from Lake Mead and Billy’s years in the fishing industry
• Men’s health, prostate health, and Billy’s personal experiences
• Why preparation and the right equipment matter on the water
The 2026 WON BASS U.S. Open returns to Lake Mead October 9–11, bringing one of Western tournament fishing’s most historic events back to the lake where much of its legacy was built. Whether you’re planning to fish the U.S. Open, follow tournament bass fishing, or simply want to hear what happens behind the scenes when the boats hit the water, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.
🩺 MEN’S HEALTH RESOURCE:
This episode is also an important reminder for men to take their health seriously, speak with a qualified medical professional about prostate cancer screening, and avoid putting off routine checkups. For those looking for support with hormone health and overall wellness, Byron highly recommends Dr. Dave at OptImage AMG. Dr. Dave has helped many patients better understand their health and find the support they need.
Learn more or contact Dr. Dave at:
https://optimage-amg.com/
If you reach out, be sure to tell him Byron Velvick sent you!
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FISH ON!
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