(2/16/2026) – Major League Fishing pro Justin Cooper has quickly become one of the most respected anglers on the professional tournament scene. Known for his calm, analytical approach and deep understanding of Louisiana and Texas fisheries, Cooper blends technical precision with a natural instinct for seasonal fish behavior. As the first Bass Pro Shops Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive approaches on the historic waters of Toledo Bend, Cooper offers valuable insight into what competitors and fans can expect from the fishery and how he plans to tackle the early-season conditions.
How Weather and Conditions May Shape the Event
According to Cooper, late February in Louisiana can be unpredictable, swinging between sharp cold fronts and warm, spring-like stretches. Either scenario could completely reshape the bite. “If we stay in the cold pattern we’re in now, the water should remain in the low 50s,” he explained, noting that temperatures have only just begun dipping. “Toledo this time of year is phenomenal—one of the best lakes in the country for big bags. You’re probably going to need over 30 pounds to win.”
Cooper believes the current low-water conditions will help the bite, especially for anglers who want to target offshore or pre-spawn staging areas. While heavy rain could raise the lake two to three feet quickly and muddy large sections, a stable low-water scenario concentrates fish and helps narrow down where they could be living.
He expects most competitors to focus on the lower two-thirds of the lake, where depth, structure, and consistency are better this time of year. “Up north, there’s not much water right now outside the river and sloughs,” he said. With Toledo Bend’s massive size second anglers will need to commit to productive zones and avoid getting lost in the lake’s expanse.
Cooper’s Tactical Approach and Equipment for the Event
As the first tournament of the season approaches, Cooper emphasized the importance of preparation. “I just make sure my equipment is top-notch,” he said. That includes motor, electronics, fresh line, tuned rods, and organized tackle. From a technique standpoint, Cooper expects forward-facing sonar and minnow-style baits to play a major role early.
“There’s going to be a minnow bite for sure,” he said. With fish shifting from threadfin shad to gizzard shad ahead of the spawn, he plans to upsize to a 5-inch XPS Rock’n Shad to match the forage profile.
His preferred setup features:
Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Series Reel
Johnny Morris Platinum 7’1” Medium-Light Rod
Shop Justin Cooper’s Tackle – HERE
This combo allows him to present a larger bait with accuracy while maintaining sensitivity. However, Cooper believes the winning pattern may not rely solely on forward-facing sonar. If warming trends push fish shallower, he anticipates a strong grass-related bite in drains or onflats. Here, lipless crankbaits and bladed jigs will come into play, especially around hydrilla patches that are still holding strong in select areas.
Justin Cooper’s Top Tip for Winter and Early-Spring Fishing
Cooper’s biggest piece of advice for anglers fishing this transitional period is simple: “Don’t get discouraged. Keep moving.” He describes the early-spring bite as “feast or famine,” where long stretches of inactivity suddenly give way to tightly grouped schools of quality fish. “Once you find them, it’s going to be good,” he noted. Those fish are often bunched up in drains, staging areas, or points as they wait for the first warming trend to push shallow. The first
Bass Pro Shops Texas Team Trail event presented by Progressive of the season looks to start the tournament year with a bang!
Toledo Bend Registration Now Open!