Fantasy Fishing: Does it get any better than this?

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Arkansas

It was quite the thrill a year ago when Trey McKinney and eventual Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year winner Chris Johnston were tied at the top of the standings heading into the final event, but the fact that we have three anglers (Trey McKinney, Cory Johnston and Drew Cook) all within two points of the top spot is pretty amazing. All three anglers have had incredible seasons, but one of these guys will hoist the prestigious trophy over their head at the 2026 Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.

The Pro-Guide Batteries Rookie of the Year race has Caleb Hudson and Fisher Anaya within 12 points of one another heading into this event, so that race is far from over as well. Additionally, as always, we will have to keep a close eye on the projected cutline for the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour as well as the re-qualification line for the 2027 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series.

Oh, and I forgot to mention that this is a “win and you’re in” event which means the winner automatically qualifies for the 2027 Bassmaster Classic.

There’s a lot to keep up with in the final event of the season, and that’s a huge part of what makes this event so fun to watch and follow along with.

At this point, it goes without saying that the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario are special, and each Elite Series event that is held here is incredible. However, when it comes to Fantasy Fishing, it’s hard to go against what you know. There’s a large number of anglers who always do well here and many anglers who historically haven’t done as well.

There’s certainly a few under the radar picks in each Bucket that could pay big dividends, but overall, this is a tournament that going with the crowd isn’t a bad strategy. Especially if you’re in a good spot as far as points go for the season. If you’re way behind in points, it may be worth taking some risks with low percentage anglers.

Let’s get into some picks!

BUCKET A: JOHNSTON

When both Johnston brothers are in Bucket A, which is literally every time we end up at the St. Lawrence, the question really becomes which one are you going to pick. To me, this has the feel of the 2024 event where Chris Johnston is battling it out for the AOY while Cory wins the event. That said, I am going with Chris Johnston based on his unbelievable track record here and the fact that there’s very little pressure on him.

Solid secondary selection: If you have a strong gut feeling on who will win the AOY title between Trey McKinney, Cory Johnston and Drew Cook, that’s who you should pick in Bucket A.

BUCKET B: BLAYLOCK

Bucket B is one of the few places where I’m willing to take a risk from a player percentage with Stetson Blaylock. The Arkansas pro is one of the more underrated smallmouth anglers on the Elite Series, so at just a 1.2% player percentage, I’m willing to take the “risk”. Since 2019, Blaylock has averaged a 25th place finish at the St. Lawrence River in six events.

Solid secondary selection: While Easton Fothergill doesn’t have a ton of tournament experience at the St. Lawrence River, it’s easy to bet on the fact that his smallmouth expertise should shine.

BUCKET C: ITO

Taku Ito has the highest player percentage of any angler in Bucket C, but it’s easy to see why. In five Elite Series events, Ito has three Top 10 finishes including a win back in 2021. While he hasn’t had a great season by his standards, a good event here would likely put him back inside the Classic cut.

Solid secondary selection: If you’re looking for an angler with a much lower player percentage, don’t overlook Joey Cifuentes. While he didn’t have a great finish here back in 2024, he does have a couple of Top 20 finishes in B.A.S.S. competition here.

BUCKET D: SMITH

After winning Rookie of the Year a year ago, it’s a bit of a surprise to see Tucker Smith in Bucket D in the final event of the season. I selected Smith at Champlain, and that didn’t work out, but I’m betting on a bounce back in the final event of the season.

Solid secondary selection: At a much lower player percentage, Logan Parks, who was Tucker Smith’s team partner in college is a great choice. The Alabama pro needs to catch them in the final event to maintain his spot on the 2027 Bassmaster Elite Series, so he’ll be at the top of his game.

BUCKET E: GALLANT

70.6% is a crazy player percentage, but how can you pick against Cooper Gallant in Bucket E? This has certainly been an unexpectedly tough season for the Canadian pro, but you know that he’s going to go for it in a big way to try to win his way into the 2027 Bassmaster Classic.

Solid secondary selection: Aaron Jagdfeld has plenty of smallmouth fishing experience, and a solid tournament here would give him some momentum heading into his second season on the Elite Series.