Bass tournament teams arrive in Emory for major competition

Emory, Texas, is preparing for a week of intense bass fishing competition starting Sunday, Nov. 15. Major League Fishing brings the B&W Trailer Hitches Challenge Cup Presented by MillerTech to the community through Friday, Nov. 20. This marks the third stop in the 2026 Starlink Team Series season.

The event features 12 two-man teams of professional anglers. These competitors are part of a series that includes four major Cup events in 2026. The total prize pool for the four events is $560,000. Teams are driven directly to secret launch ramps each morning to keep competition waters a surprise.

All fishable waters within 60 miles of Emory have been off limits to these pros since October. Brent Hilliard, the Rains County Judge, stated that the county is proud of its fishing heritage. He said hosting the event helps showcase the area and generates positive economic activity for local businesses.

The field includes anglers from several states and one from Japan. Matt Becker and Spencer Shuffield represent Team Kubota from Ten Mile, Tenn., and Hot Springs, Ark., respectively. Jake Lawrence and Banks Shaw, both from Tennessee, compete on Team Lucas Oil. David Dudley and Dylan Hays make up Team B&W Trailer Hitches from Lynchburg, Va., and Hot Springs, Ark.

Other notable teams include the father-and-son pair of Alton Jones Sr. and Jr. from Lorena, Texas. They compete on Team BUBBA. Takahiro Omori from Tokyo, Japan, teams with Dean Rojas from Lake Havasu City, Ariz., on Team Lowrance. Nick LeBrun and Jacob Wall from Louisiana and Alabama fish for Team MillerTech.

The competition features a live broadcast on MLFNOW! starting at 9 a.m. CT on the water each day. Anglers only learn their specific competition waters when they arrive at the boat ramp. The event runs for five days, ending on Friday, Nov. 20.

Rains County officials expect the tournament to highlight the region’s agricultural roots and outdoor recreation opportunities. The partnership aims to benefit both the tournament and the citizens of the area. Local businesses are positioned to see increased activity during the event week.