Chris Johnston has carried his winning ways into 2026, capturing his second Bassmaster Elite Series win of the year at Santee Cooper Lakes from May to 14-17.
With a four-day total of 113 pounds, 12 ounces, the 41-year-old from Peterborough won by a margin of 19 pounds, 12 ounces over second-place Brandon Palaniuk. His total winnings were $103,000, according to Bassmaster.
Johnston led for most of the event. He caught 29 pounds, two ounces, on day three to re-claim the lead with 82 pounds, 13 ounces and carried a three-pound, two-ounce advantage over second place Palaniuk heading into championship Sunday. He also fell into the lake, leaving a pair of sunglasses and flip flops in the water.
After landing 21 pounds, three ounces on day one to start in 16th, Johnston caught the Rapala CrushCity Monster Bag of the tournament on day two, a limit that weighed 32 pounds, eight ounces — good for second place.
“I had one of the best afternoons of the week as far as catching fish goes,” he said. “I wish I had two more hours.”
The Peterborough pro was the first Canadian to win Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year in 2024, and the fourth angler ever to win the title in consecutive years in 2025, joining Kevin VanDam, Roland Martin, and the late Guido Hibdon.
Johnston’s brother Cory finished fourth at Santee Cooper Lakes with a total of 92 pounds, three ounces, while fellow Canadian and OOD contributor Jeff Gustafson finished 53rd with 31 pounds, 12 ounces.
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