No stranger to success on Summersville is the duo of Bill Shelton and James Pack who claimed the title of Cup Champions in 2021. Riding the momentum of last season’s win the duo looks to become the first back-to-back Marshall Fishing Cup champions.
“It would be an amazing accomplishment to be the first two-time Cup Champions,” said Pack. “I feel like we have the means and skill to make it happen.”
The only repeat winners the Trail has ever had was Tim and Tyler Cline that accomplished that back in September. There hasn’t been a winner of The Cup ever been close to repeating the win either. In 2020, Lee Hess and Josh Miller (2019 Cup Champions) decided not to come back to fish. In 2021, Kenny McSweeney and Randall Fields (2020 Cup Champions) posted a 14th-place finish.
“Beating out the talent of the field last year took a minute for it to sink in,” Pack said. “There was a lot of good fishermen fishing that day and it felt great to get a win against them.”
Pack suggests tough conditions are on the slate for Saturday and Sunday’s competition with not ideal water temperatures and clear water clarity.
“With the water levels down and the clarity of the water, the amount of space for power fishermen hitting the banks is going to be limited,” Pack said. “If the finesse fishermen find the right starting point I feel the advantage will go to them.”
Bill and James will launch as boat two on Day 1 as a courtesy of winning the 2021 Marshall Fishing Cup. Giving them quite the advantage of getting to start where ever they so chose. We asked James to give us his prediction of winning weight and Top 10 prediction.
“I am thinking it will take right around seven pounds to make it into the second day. I would estimate it will take a 14- to 16-pound bag total to take home The Cup.”
We asked Bill to add anything extra to the article.
“We hope everyone fishing this coming weekend enjoys the event and stays safe on the water. Also, we would like to congratulate Chase for creating an awesome trail and good luck with his new job!”
