Johnston top Canadian at Classic
A repeat as Bassmaster Classic champion was not in the cards for Jeff Gustafson, but other Canadian professional anglers had strong showings at the annual event known as the Super Bowl of bass fishing.
Justin Hamner, a four-year pro from Northport, Ala, won the three-day event on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Oklahoma and $300,000 in prize money with a three-day total weight of 58 pounds, 6 ounces.
Gustafson, who won the event last year with a total of 42 pounds, seven ounces, didn’t make the cut for the final day of fishing on Sunday, March 24, known as Championship Sunday, where the top 25 anglers from the field of 56 compete. He caught 27 pounds, 12 ounces.
Cory Johnston of Peterborough finished sixth with a total of 49 pounds, six ounces, his brother Chris finished 25th with a total of 24 pounds, while Cooper Gallant of Bowmanville finished 12th with 47 pounds, 12 ounces.
Gallant continues rise
“My first Classic was in 2016 and I was out there (in the stands),” Gallant, 26, told Bassmaster Classic MC Dave Mercer, of Port Perry, CBC reported. “Just like these kids here, I dreamt of being on this stage one day. If you want to be up on this stage here, you can do it. One hundred per cent.”
On the BASS Elite Series Tour, Gallant finished seventh, Cory Johnston 12th, Chris Johnston 16th, and Gustafson 37th.
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