Longoria / Miles Finish Second, Shaw / Smith Take Third
Presented by Garmin
Tyler, TX (June 2026) –The 2026 Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive season-ending championship concluded at the Tyler Bass Pro Shops, where one of the top qualifying teams of the season battled it out on Lake Palestine. Heavyweights, shifting patterns, and high-pressure moments defined the final event—not only crowning tournament champions, but also deciding the prestigious Progressive Team of the Year race.
Winners – Mayo & Barney (1st Place)
Mayo & Barney capped off an impressive season by claiming the Championship victory on Lake Palestine, relying on a disciplined structure-fishing approach to outlast the field.
The duo committed to targeting anything bass could relate to, focusing on fish transitioning into early summer patterns.
“We were straight up structure fishing. Anything a bass might sit on—that’s what we were targeting.”
Rather than limiting themselves, they covered everything from grass and docks to brush and rock, keeping an open approach throughout the event. A key component of their success came from triggering hesitant fish with reaction baits.
“That bait (COIKE) can trick so many fish into biting—even ones that don’t want to.”
After a strong practice, the team faced adversity on Day Two when conditions tightened. Adjustments and perseverance ultimately made the difference, as they regrouped and made critical moves late in the day to secure the win.
“We had to put our heads together and really grind it out.”
The victory marks a defining moment for the team, rewarding a season full of near-misses and consistent performances.
The win earned the the duo a brand new Ranger Z518 powered by a Mercury 150 Pro XS and a total payout of $57,795!
Progressive Team of the Year – Marshall & Rose
While the Championship title was up for grabs, one of the biggest storylines of the week centered on the Progressive Team of the Year race, ultimately won by Marshall & Rose.
Their season-long consistency set them apart in one of the tightest races in Texas Team Trail history.
“This was our goal—this is the best award. If you win Angler of the Year, it means you’re the best all year long.”
Through multiple top finishes and only minor setbacks, the pair kept themselves in contention all season long, staying within striking distance heading into the Championship. The final event came down to the wire, with pressure mounting late on the final day.
“Both days mattered down to the last 30 minutes for us.”
Despite the stress, they delivered when it counted most, sealing the title in dramatic fashion.
“It was a very stressful year… but this means everything to us. It’s life-changing.”
Their achievement highlights what the Progressive Team of the Year represents—consistency, resilience, and performance across an entire season.
View TOY Results
Second Place – Longoria & Miles (2nd Place)
Longoria & Miles put together an impressive runner-up finish, leaning heavily on a bluegill-driven pattern that produced quality fish throughout the week.
Their approach centered on matching the forage and targeting bass feeding around bluegill beds.
“We really felt like bluegill beds were going to be the deal.”
A mix of techniques contributed to their success, with a standout commitment to larger profile baits.
“The best deal for us was a glide bait—a bluegill imitation.”
They also incorporated traditional Texas staples to round out their program.
“This time of year in Texas, you better have a big worm.”
Fishing a mix of docks, brush, and key stretches, the team capitalized on high-quality areas and adjusted as conditions changed, staying competitive against a strong field.
Third Place – Schott & Smith (3rd Place)
Schott & Smith secured a strong third-place finish by effectively running a two-pattern strategy that kept them around quality fish all day.
The team split their time between shallow and offshore zones, maximizing opportunities across the lake.
“We basically had two patterns—shallow docks and offshore structure.”
Early in the day, they targeted dock fish with a jig before transitioning offshore later.
“We caught most of our shallow fish on a jig, then went offshore with a big worm and a minnow.”
Key pieces of structure—including brush piles, logs, and rock stretches—produced their biggest bites.
Future Lone Star Legends Showcase the Next Generation
Championship weekend also featured the Future Lone Star Legends Tournament, where young anglers from across Texas had the opportunity to compete in a free, high-energy event designed to highlight the next generation of the sport.
With over $5,000 in prizes and guaranteed giveaways for every participant, the event brought together youth anglers across three divisions—elementary, middle school, and high school—for a memorable day on the water.
In the 5th Grade & Under division, Platt delivered an impressive performance, weighing in 4 pounds, 13 ounces, anchored by a standout Big Bass weighing 4 pounds, 7 ounces.
The 6th–8th Grade division saw Tarrant take the top spot with a strong 7-pound, 4-ounce limit, while also securing Big Bass honors with a 2-pound, 11-ounce fish.
In the 9th–12th Grade division, Kiel & Moore led the way with a tournament-best 10 pounds, 12 ounces, showcasing the skill and competitive edge of the high school field.
The Future Lone Star Legends event continues to be an important part of the Texas Team Trail Championship experience, providing young anglers the chance to compete, learn, and be part of a major tournament stage. The strong turnout and impressive catches reflect a bright future for the sport and the next wave of Texas bass anglers.
Garmin Contingency Award – $1,000 Bonus
Cecil & Castledine earned the Garmin Contingency Award, taking home an additional $1,000 bonus for running a fully integrated Garmin setup, including a Garmin trolling motor and Garmin electronics.
See Championship Payout!
Thank You, Visit Tyler!
Texas Team Trail would like to extend a sincere thank you to Visit Tyler for their partnership and hospitality throughout the 2026 Championship event.
From welcoming nearly 200 anglers and their families to Tyler to hosting an outstanding Angler Appreciation Dinner during Friday’s registration, Visit Tyler played a vital role in making championship week a memorable experience for everyone involved.
LIVE COVERAGE FROM LAKE PALESTINE
Fans can relive all the action from the 2026 Texas Team Trail Championship on Lake Palestine through archived live coverage and weigh-in broadcasts, available across all official TXTT digital platforms.
From on-the-water competition to the final weigh-in at the Tyler Bass Pro Shops, the livestream captured every key moment of the championship showdown.
Full event coverage is available now on the Texas Team Trail website, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram channels, giving fans the opportunity to experience the intensity and excitement of championship week from anywhere.
