Lifted Trucks Cactus Cup Team Trail: Lake Pleasant Season Opener Recap
The Lifted Trucks Cactus Cup Team Trail kicked off its highly anticipated fifth season at Lake Pleasant, marking a memorable start despite the challenges. On a brisk January morning, with temperatures so cold that some anglers found icicles forming on their fishing lines, 67 teams gathered to compete not only for the day’s prizes but for a chance to qualify for the prestigious Super Bass Bowl at the end of the year.
Lake Pleasant, however, was not the first choice for this season opener. The original plan was to hold the event at Bartlett Lake, but unforeseen closures forced a last-minute venue change. The decision to start the season at Pleasant was met with some hesitation, and the tournament weights validated those concerns. Historically tough during the winter, the lake lived up to its unpleasant reputation, making it a challenging day for all competitors.
Record-Breaking Turnout Despite the Challenges
Despite the chilly weather and the venue shift, the event drew the largest turnout ever recorded for a tournament at Lake Pleasant in January. A total of 67 boats took to the water, a promising sign of strong participation for the season ahead. However, the lake’s notorious winter conditions were evident in the results: only 12 teams managed to bring a full five-fish limit to the scales, while 14 teams, unfortunately, recorded zero fish.
The average team weight for the tournament was a mere 4.69 pounds, with an average of just 2.28 fish per team. These numbers starkly highlighted the difficulty of fishing Lake Pleasant during the colder months. Nonetheless, the resilience and determination of the anglers shone through, making for an exciting and competitive event.
Top Performances: Father-Son Duos Dominate
The father-and-son team of Mick and Leland Pageler emerged victorious, showcasing their skill and synergy with an impressive 14.87-pound bag. Their catch included the tournament’s third-place Big Fish, weighing 4.02 pounds. The duo’s efforts earned them a total payout of $5,960, including wins in both the red and blue options. This victory marked back-to-back wins for the Pagelers at Lake Pleasant, as they had also claimed first place the previous week at the Southwest Custom Tackle tournament with a 13.00-pound bag.
Second place went to another father-and-son duo, Joe Uribe Jr. and Joe Uribe Sr., who weighed in 14.65 pounds and took home $4,040. Their consistent performance added to the excitement of the event.
In third place, Shane Edgar and Jake Domres brought 12.52 pounds to the scales, including the tournament’s Suzuki Law Offices Big Fish—a giant 5.33-pounder. Their efforts earned them $3,340 in prize money and a brand-new rod from Stik5.
Fishing solo, Mason Smook secured fourth place with a 12.04-pound bag, earning $1,100. Rounding out the top five were Conrad Demecs and Shelby Griffin, who brought in 11.74 pounds and took home $900.
Out of the 67 teams, cash and prizes were awarded to 22 spots, thanks to the generous contributions of the tournament’s sponsors.
The Importance of Sponsors
Tournaments like the Lifted Trucks Cactus Cup Team Trail rely heavily on the support of sponsors. Their contributions not only provide the funds for contingencies and prizes but also enable the distribution of high-quality gear and other rewards. It is through these partnerships that the fishing community can continue to thrive and grow.
This season’s sponsors include title sponsor Lifted Trucks, as well as Liars Korner, Bajio Sunglasses, Lobina Lures, Phat Pak Baits, Arizona Custom Baits, Wickedbass, Persuader, A&M Graphics, Bling Sauce, Suzuki Law Offices, Liv Fishing, Q Bar & Grill, Stik5 Rods, PHX Marine, Sunline, Big Fish Bullies, and Pro Bass Adventures. Thank you to all of these brands for their contributions.
Anglers are encouraged to support these businesses in return, fostering strong relationships that benefit the entire fishing community. By working together, we can ensure the continued success and growth of the tournament scene.
Looking Ahead
The challenges of the Lake Pleasant opener set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and competitive season. With strong turnouts and high stakes, the journey to the Super Bass Bowl is sure to be filled with memorable moments and impressive performances. Stay tuned as the Lifted Trucks Cactus Cup Team Trail continues to bring anglers together in pursuit of excellence on the water.
Next up is our second event of the season at Martinez Lake on February 8th. Known for producing historically big weights, Martinez Lake is expected to deliver exciting results. Last year, we set an all-time record turnout with 71 boats, and this year we are aiming to break that record. Drawing teams from the Valley and a strong group of Yuma locals, the competition promises to be fierce. We can’t wait to see the incredible catches and the growing camaraderie that define the Lifted Trucks Cactus Cup Team Trail. To register for the next event click here.
