(3/25/2026) – Bassmaster Elite angler Dakota Ebare is no stranger to Texas fisheries, and as the Bass Pro Shops Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive heads to Sam Rayburn Reservoir, he expects one thing above all—opportunity. Known for its ability to produce both big bags and tight competition, Rayburn is shaping up to be one of the most wide-open events of the season.
“You’re going to have a lot of 20-pound bags… a lot of guys will have an opportunity to win this tournament.” – Dakota Ebare
How Conditions and Timing Could Impact Sam Rayburn
With lower lake levels limiting shallow cover, anglers will need to be more precise in how they break down the fishery. The lack of flooded vegetation and shoreline cover could push more fish offshore, tightening key areas and increasing the importance of efficiency.
Ebare expects stable weather and warming trends to keep fish active, with spawning activity underway and the potential for a strong shad spawn bite. That combination creates a unique scenario where anglers can target fish in multiple phases at once.
The result is a tournament where decisions matter—whether committing shallow, offshore, or adjusting throughout the day could ultimately determine who separates from the pack.
Technology and Equipment to Watch
As the fish spread out and conditions limit traditional shallow patterns, technology is expected to play a major role in how anglers locate and target fish.
“With that new Garmin (Spy™ Pole)… it allows you to anchor with your trolling motor and still freely LiveScope around… it was a huge advantage.” – Dakota Ebare
Ebare pointed to that advantage after using the setup during the Bassmaster Classic, where staying locked on offshore structure while actively scanning for fish proved critical. Pairing Garmin LiveScope with the Garmin Spy™ Pole allows anglers to maintain precise boat control while tracking fish in real time—something that could be a key factor at Sam Rayburn.
And when it comes to execution, having the right setup matters. Dakota relies on his Nitro, paired with Mercury power, giving him the speed and control needed to cover water and adjust patterns throughout the day. Add in electronics from Garmin, and anglers are more equipped than ever to break down a fishery like Sam Rayburn.
Dakota Ebare’s Outlook for the Event
At its core, this event may come down to adaptability more than anything else. With fish positioned across multiple patterns and the lake fishing more evenly, the door is open for a wide range of competitors.
“Anybody’s got a shot this time of year… you can literally go down the bank and win this tournament.” – Dakota Ebare
With opportunity wide open, strong weights expected, and multiple patterns in play, Sam Rayburn is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable stops of the 2026 Bass Pro Shops Texas Team Trail presented by Progressive season.
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