“We’re very excited and humbled by the support that anglers in Texas and beyond have demonstrated,” said tournament director Mike Hastings, who pointed out that the trail features the biggest team payouts in the state, plus many sponsor bonuses.

Russell Cecil and Todd Casteldine, winners of the inaugural Team of the Year Award are leading the 2015 Lucas Oil TOY race with 916 points over four events. Trailing them by only two points is the powerhouse team of David Curtis and Mark Mueck, winners of the 2013 TOY Award. However, the TOY could be up for grabs as the two-day championship is a double-points event.

“If we’re going to win the points, we’re going to need to win the championship or be right there in contention,” Cecil said. “The guys we’re fishing against are talented and I know how hard they work. We always want to win these things. We don’t worry about bombing; we’ve always taken that approach.”

A fully rigged Ranger Z119C valued at $45,000 is guaranteed for first place. The second-place finishers will take home a Ranger Z118C valued at $34,000. The season-long chase for the TXTT Team of the Year is also at stake, as are multiple contingency opportunities.

“Lake Palestine is slightly above full pool but is in overall good shape following the flooding that affected many areas of the state. The high, off colored water will create an interesting challenge for the championship competitors,” Hastings said.

“However, given the skill level of the competitors, I’m sure several teams will figure the fish out and bring impressive catches to the scales both days.”

Castledine agreed.

“I think a lot of guys will struggle, but I think the top 10 is really going to figure them out and catch them. I could be wrong, but I think you’ll need at least 20 pounds per day to win. The place has 9s and 10s and not just a few – they live there. And it’s also got a lot of the 3- and 4-pounders,” he said.

“Palestine is unique in that wherever the fish live, they all live,” Castledine added. “I’m talking about everything from baitfish to bass to catfish. There will be no fish at all and then suddenly there’s a wad of fish with everything mixed in. And the bass will eat just about anything. They are mean and they are opportunistic on Palestine.”

Hastings also announced the 2016 TTT season will kick off at Sam Rayburn at the end of January, with qualifying events also planned for Toledo Bend, Richland Chambers and Texoma. The location for the championship event and exact dates will be announced soon.

 

Texas Team Trail Championship

Jun 13-14, 2015

Lake Palestine

The Villages

Call (210) 788-4143

www.texasteamtrail.com