Pickering’s Evan Kung won his first Bassmaster Elite Series title as Trey McKinney, who finished second, outlasted Peterborough’s Cory Johnston to win Angler of the Year at the Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at the St. Lawrence River on Aug. 28.
Kung accrued a four-day total of 109 pounds, nine ounces, the heaviest winning weight of all smallmouth in Bassmaster history, overtaking Patrick Walters’ 105-pound total at the St. Lawrence River in 2023. The victory also qualifies him for the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Bass Pro Shops next March.
“This is by far my biggest win,” Kung stated. “It was a tough year for me, so it was great to end it like this. I couldn’t think of a better ending.”
McKinney, 21, became the youngest angler to win the title — Kevin VanDam was 24 when he won his first AOY in 1992.
“This feels unbelievable,” he said. “When I caught the six-pounder later in the day, I knew that bass had won me $100,000 and Angler of the Year, something I have dreamed of all of my life. I choked trying to win it for the last two years and have been so close. Then I immediately thought about trying to win the tournament.”
McKinney earned 735 points on the season, four more than Johnston, who was trying to follow his brother Chris’ back-to-back titles in 2024 and 2025.
On the season, Chris Johnston finished 11th with 615 points, while fellow Canadians Jeff Gustafson finished 25th with 553, Kung 55th with 459, and Cooper Gallant 82nd with 337.
For full standings, click here
[Photo: Canadian pro Evan Kung won the 2026 Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River with a four-day total of 109 pounds, 9 ounces and officially qualified for the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour]
