FORT WORTH, TEXAS — Canada’s Cory Johnston has some work to do to capture his first US$1-million Bassmaster Classic.
Johnston, of Cavan, Ont., remained second overall following Saturday’s second round on Lake Ray Roberts. Johnston again brought in a five-fish limit that weighed 20 pounds four ounces, giving him 45 pounds 13 ounces for the tournament.
But Johnston will have some ground to make up in Sunday’s final round. American Easton Fothergill’s five-fish limit weighed a whopping 29 pounds six ounces — the tournament’s heaviest bag thus far — to move from third into first overall with 54 pounds five ounces.
“I had a decent bag but it was a grind,” Johnston said. “I ran all over the place and finally ended up settling down and catching a few fish.”
Johnston captured his first two Elite Series tournaments last year. But being presented the Ray Scott Trophy has long been the Canadian’s fishing dream.
“This has been a dream for a lot of years,” Johnston said. “And we’re going to have a crack at it (Sunday).”
If Johnston can win the title, he’d become just the second Canadian-born champion. Jeff Gustafson of Kenora, Ont., was the first Canuck to win pro bass fishing’s premier event in 2023 on the Tennessee River in Knoxville, Tenn.
Johnston’s brother, Chris, of Peterborough Ont., moved up 20 spots into ninth overall with 37 pounds four ounces. After weighing four fish for 13 pounds 15 ounces Friday, Johnston had five bass weighing 23 pounds five ounces Saturday.
The top-25 competitors in the 56-angler field qualified for Sunday’s final round. The tournament winner will also receive US$300,000.
Gustafson finished 29th with 26 pounds three ounces. His five-fish bag Saturday was 11 pounds eight ounces.
Cooper Gallant, of Bowmanville, Ont., rebounded well Saturday. After weighing one fish (two pounds 11 ounces) to stand 53rd on Friday, Gallant had five bass for 17 pounds 15 ounces to finish 41st with 20 pounds 10 ounces.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 22, 2025.
The Canadian Press
