Howe Brothers Deliver Big Showing at Sam Rayburn BFL Season Opener

Photos courtesy of MLF5.

Howe brothers celebrate a big showing at the Sam Rayburn BFL season opener.

SAM RAYBURN RESERVOIR — The 2026 tournament season got off to a strong start on Sam Rayburn Reservoir as the Howe family turned in an impressive performance during the Phoenix Boats Bass Fishing League Cowboy Division opener.

Evan Howe of Keatchie, Louisiana, topped the field with a five-fish limit weighing 20 pounds, 3 ounces, securing the Cowboy Division win and marking his second January BFL victory in the past two seasons.

Not to be outdone, Evan’s brother, Ethan Howe, also delivered a standout performance, finishing seventh overall and claiming Big Bass honors with a 7-pound, 9-ounce largemouth — one of the heaviest fish weighed during the event.

The tournament served as the season kickoff for the Phoenix Boats Bass Fishing League presented by T-H Marine Supplies and drew anglers from across the region to one of East Texas’ most popular and productive fisheries.

With heavyweight limits and a family one-two punch near the top of the leaderboard, the Cowboy Division opener proved to be a strong start to the 2026 season on Rayburn.