Evan Kung Triumphs in Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence
The 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series regular season ended with a remarkable finale in Clayton, New York. At the Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River, nine anglers surpassed the 100-pound mark, setting a new record for the most Century Belts given at a single smallmouth event in Bassmaster history.
Evan Kung emerged victorious, making a stunning comeback on the final day to overtake leader Trey McKinney. Kung entered the tournament with his Elite Series career hanging in the balance. However, by Championship Sunday, Kung not only preserved his place in the series but clinched the top spot with a Phoenix Boats Big Bass award for a catch weighing 6 pounds, 13 ounces.
“It was a crazy week,” Kung reflected. “Every day, I targeted a specific catch amount to stay in the Elites. Once secured, I aimed for the Century Belt and pursued the larger fish.”
“I went to the lake for three hours, didn’t catch a fish, came back in the river, and caught that big one in the last 20 minutes. It was a crazy week.” – Evan Kung
Kung’s strategy involved a consistent pattern, primarily using a drop shot with an unreleased Great Lakes Finesse prototype bait. By the final day, Kung trailed McKinney, who held an 83-5 lead, by a pound and a half. Kung weighed in a bag of 27-12 to take the lead at 109-9. McKinney needed 26-8 to overtake him but fell two pounds short, granting Kung the tournament victory.
Kung expressed gratitude for the support from sponsors, friends, family, and his girlfriend’s family, who accompanied him throughout the tournament.
The top ten anglers demonstrated exceptional performance at the St. Lawrence River. McKinney, though second with 107-9, received the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year award. Tucker Smith (3rd, 107-1) and Cory Johnston (4th, 106-7) also excelled, each achieving one of their heaviest four-day totals. Cole Sands (5th, 105-10) fulfilled a long-held dream of earning a Century Belt.
Sands characterized the fishing technique: “I chose not to go to the lake. The river was rich with big smallmouth, and understanding how to read the current was key. I kept it simple with a drop shot and minnow bait.”
Additional anglers in the Century Club included Brandon Cobb (6th, 103-14), JT Thompkins (7th, 103-0), Bryant Smith (8th, 101-3), and Fisher Anaya (9th, 100-5). Easton Fothergill (10th, 99-8) narrowly missed the milestone.
The event highlighted the St. Lawrence River’s reputation as a premier bass fishing location. The intense competition and rewarding catch prove its status as one of the country’s best.
Kung proudly took the trophy, but the tournament celebrated the collective achievement of all participants and the river’s abundant promise.