GREENVILLE, S.C. — Chris Johnston continues to inch closer to becoming the first Canadian to capture the US$1-million Bassmaster Classic.
The Peterborough, Ont., angler finished fifth Sunday in the Elite Series premier tournament on Lake Hartwell. Johnston's result was the best for a Canadian in the event, eclipsing the eighth-place finish he registered last year at Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas.
Johnston had five fish weighing 18 pounds, five ounces (second-heaviest bag Sunday) for a three-day total of 49 pounds, four ounces. American Jason Christie had a final-day weight of 17 pounds, nine ounces to capture the $300,000 winner's cheque with 54 pounds even overall.
Johnston, who earned $25,000 for finishing fifth, went into the final day sitting 14th among the 25 anglers who qualified to fish Sunday with 30 pounds, 15 ounces. Christie and Kyle Welcher were tied for tops at 36 pounds, seven ounces.
Johnston was the lone Canadian in the final. His brother, Cory, finished action Saturday tied with American Marc Frazier in 26th spot with 29 pounds, six ounces. They were just an ounce behind Nick LeBrun for the 25th and final spot in Sunday's final.
Jeff Gustafson of Kenora, Ont., was 41st with 25 pounds, 12 ounces. Cory Johnston, of Cavan, Ont., and Gustafson both earned $10,000.
A total of 55 competitors qualified for the tournament.
Last year, the Johnstons and Gustafson all qualified for the final day, the first time three Canadians had done so at the tournament. Cory Johnston finished 11th overall while Gustafson was 21st.
The three Canadians were all competing in their third Classic. In 2020, Gustafson finished 31st while Chris Johnston was 34th and Cory Johnston was 47th.
Japan’s Takahiro Omori (2004) is the only non-American to win the Classic.
Chris Johnston vaulted into first overall Sunday after weighing his catch, leaving him to anxiously look on as the final six competitors awaited their chance at the scale. But Johnston, who in 2020 became the first Canadian to win an Elite Series event, was realistic about his chances when master of ceremonies Dave Mercer, of Port Perry, Ont., asked if Johnston felt he'd remain in the lead.
"No," Johnston said. "There's some studs back there."
American Stetson Blaylock, the next angler up, took first overall with a bag weighing 20 pounds, nine ounces. It was the heaviest of the tournament and secured Blaylock third overall (53 pounds, five ounces).
The Elite Series resumes March 17-20 on Santee Cooper Lakes in Clarendon County, S.C.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 6, 2022.
The Canadian Press
