EMORY, Texas (Major League Fishing) – Major League Fishing, the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, is set to kick off the third event of the 2026 Starlink Team Series Presented by Bass Pro Shops season this week, with the B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by MillerTech, Sunday, Nov. 15, through Friday, Nov. 20 in Emory, Texas.
Hosted by Rains County, the Challenge Cup will bring MLF’s Team Series competition to Emory, Texas, a welcoming East Texas community surrounded by some of the Lone Star State’s most celebrated bass fishing waters. Known for its scenic countryside, small-town charm, and rich agricultural heritage, Rains County offers an ideal setting for an event that showcases the region’s deep-rooted fishing traditions and the camaraderie that defines the sport.
“On behalf of Rains County, I am pleased to express our interest in supporting Major League Fishing,” said Brent Hilliard, Rains County Judge. “Rains County is proud of its fishing heritage, outdoor recreation opportunities, and community hospitality. With some of the state’s most renowned bass fisheries in our backyard, we believe hosting an MLF event is an excellent opportunity to showcase our area and generate positive economic activity for local businesses. We look forward to working with MLF to build a successful partnership that benefits the tournament as well as the citizens and businesses of Rains County.”
In keeping with traditional MLF Cup protocols, all fishable waters within 60 miles of Emory, Texas, have been off limits to competing anglers since the location was revealed to them in early October. The competition waters for each day are top secret and only revealed to the anglers when they arrive at the boat ramp each morning. Anglers are driven directly to the day’s competition area launch ramp by their officials. The MLFNOW! live broadcast begins on the water at 9 a.m. CT.
The Starlink Team Series features four Cup events in 2026 – the Patriot, Heritage, Challenge and Summit Cups – each showcasing 12 two-man teams of Bass Pro Tour anglers competing for a share of $560,000 in prize money across all four events.
The 12 teams competing in the B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by MillerTech in Emory, Texas are:
Team BUBBA:
Alton Jones Jr., Lorena, Texas
Alton Jones Sr., Lorena, Texas
Team Ferguson:
Drew Gill, Mount Carmel, Ill.
Mitchell Robinson, Landrum, S.C.
Team Knighten Industries:
Keith Carson, DeBary, Fla.
Anthony Gagliardi, Prosperity, S.C.
Team Kubota:
Matt Becker, Ten Mile, Tenn.
Spencer Shuffield, Hot Springs, Ark.
Team Lowrance:
Takahiro Omori, Tokyo, Japan
Dean Rojas, Lake Havasu City, Ariz.
Team Lucas Oil:
Jake Lawrence, Paris, Tenn.
Banks Shaw, Harrison, Tenn.
Team MillerTech:
Nick LeBrun, Benton, La.,
Jacob Wall, New Hope, Ala.
Team O’Reilly Auto Parts:
John Hunter, Shelbyville, Ky.
Marshall Hughes, Hemphill, Texas
Team OFF! Deep Woods:
Ott DeFoe, Blaine, Tenn.
Andy Montgomery, Blacksburg, S.C.
Team Star brite:
Justin Cooper, Zwolle, La.
Colby Miller, Elmer, La.
Team YETI:
James Elam, Tulsa, Okla.
Fletcher Shryock, Cleveland, Tenn.
Team B&W Trailer Hitches:
David Dudley, Lynchburg, Va.
Dylan Hays, Hot Springs, Ark.
Fans can watch all six competition days on RFDTV+ starting Sunday, November 15, at 10 AM ET. MLF’s live coverage follows every hookset, strategy, and adjustment as teams explore unfamiliar fisheries. RFD-TV will also broadcast the final hour of competition live each day from 4-5 PM ET.
