Gustafson becomes first Canadian winner of US$1-million Bassmaster Classic event
By The Canadian Press on March 26, 2023.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – A historic first for Jeff Gustafson. Gustafson, of Kenora, Ont., became the first Canadian to capture the US$1-million Bassmaster Classic on Sunday. Gustafson led wire-to-wire, weighing 12 fish for 42 pounds, seven ounces to finish one pound, nine ounces ahead of American Bryan Schmitt. But securing the iconic Ray Scott Trophy certainly didn’t come easily. Gustafson began Sunday’s final round with a five-pound, 12-ounce lead over American John Cox. But Gustafson managed to boat just two fish that weighed a combined six pounds, 13 ounces to edge Schmitt and capture the US$300,000 winner’s share. Schmitt weighed a final five-fish limit of 11 pounds, one ounce for 40 pounds, 14 ounces overall to finish second. He started Sunday’s round in third, over five pounds behind Gustafson and had assumed top spot after weighing his last five fish. Cory Johnston, of Cavan, Ont., also qualified for Sunday’s final round and finished 11th overall, his 12 fish weighing 30 pounds, eight ounces. Johnston’s brother, Chris, finished 31st in the 55-angler field, his six fish weighing 15 pounds, five ounces. Cooper Gallant, of Bowmanville, Ont., was 52nd with his four fish weighing six pounds, 13 ounces. Gustafson and the Johnstons were appearing in their fourth straight Classic. Gallant, an Elite Series rookie, competed in his first event. This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 26, 2023. 10-9
