The Potomac River witnessed an intense start to the 2026 Starlink Team Series, presented by Bass Pro Shops. In a thrilling display of angling prowess, Mark Davis and Marshall Hughes emerged as the undisputed champions of the first Elimination Match. Their strategy, targeting scattered grass with soft plastics, proved to be a game-changer on a challenging Potomac.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the dynamic approach taken by Davis and Hughes. While Hughes focused on shallower waters with a weightless Senko, Davis targeted slightly deeper areas with a drop-shot and a Texas-rigged stick worm. This unique presentation combination allowed them to cover different zones and consistently attract bass.
"The key to our success was definitely the ability to adapt and cover various depths," Hughes explained. "We found grass patches with fish, and by utilizing different techniques, we were able to create a one-two punch that worked wonders."
Davis echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of their varied approach. "It wasn't an easy day, but our strategy paid off. We caught several bass using different rigs and depths, which kept us in the game."
As the competition heated up, Team Star brite made a late surge, but the consistent performance of Davis and Hughes throughout the day proved decisive. Their steady production ensured a comfortable victory and a well-deserved advancement to the Knockout Round.
The Patriot Cup continues its thrilling journey, with four more teams set to battle for their place in the Knockout Round. Tomorrow, a fresh set of competitors will take to the water, followed by another round of eliminations on Tuesday. The top performers will then face off in a winner-takes-all Championship Round on Friday.
For fishing enthusiasts, the action doesn't stop. You can catch all the thrills on the MLFNOW! livestream, accessible via MajorLeagueFishing.com, the MLF and MyOutdoorTV (MOTV) apps, and the Major League Fishing channel on Rumble. Additionally, the final hour of competition will be broadcast live on RFD-TV, offering an exciting glimpse into the world of competitive fishing.
As the Patriot Cup unfolds, one thing is certain: the Potomac River will continue to test the mettle of these skilled anglers, and the battle for supremacy is far from over.
