Americana Outdoors E-Magazine - March 2023

HUGHES & FRANKLINWIN TXTT SEASON OPENER ON SAM RAYBURN RESERVOIR

The 2023 Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive kicked off the season on legendary Sam Rayburn Reservoir. Anglers were greeted by frosty boat decks, and air temperatures in the 30s at take-off. After a long day of bright bluebird sky conditions, water temps in the mid 50s, and little wind, Marshall Hughes and James Franklin brought a five-fish limit to the scales, totaling 28.06lbs. In reward for their efforts, the duo walked away with $51,795 in cash and prizes, including a new 2023 Nitro Z18 with a 150hp Mercury Marine motor. “We covered history today and ran a lot of areas we knew would be holding big pre-spawn largemouth in [Sam]Rayburn,” said Triton boat owner Marshall Hughes. “A big key to our success today was using forward-facing sonar to locate fish relating to pre-spawn areas on brush piles. Once we found fish wanting to react, we relied on a Rat-L-Trap ScopeStick in the Cajun Pearl color to catch most of our weight. Also, throughout the day we were able to mix in throwing a lipless

crankbait and a swimbait to catch other keepers.”

One other key to Hughes and Franklin’s success was upgrading their jerkbait technique to using Short Shank EWG Gamakatsu Treble Hooks and fishing 14lb Sunline Shooter fluorocarbon. “I am so fortunate to be partnered with Marshall and be able to compete with him in Texas Team Trail events,” Franklin said. “We fish this circuit because there is a boat giveaway at each event and with the championship being held at Choke Canyon, we really want the opportunity to be there.” The team took home several contingency prizes, including Triton Gold ($8,000) Mercury Marine ($1,000). The team also reeled in the Big Bass honors and was awarded a new Power-Pole Pro Series II unit. The 2023 Bass Pro Shops & Cabela’s Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive returns to Sam Rayburn Reservoir on March 25th.