#USA #Fort Worth #Bassmaster Classic #Trey McKinney #Cory Johnston

Trey McKinney's Striking Start at the Bassmaster Classic

The spotlight is on Trey McKinney as he seizes the lead on Day 1 of the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic, held at the bustling Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. Despite being a newcomer at just 20 years of age, McKinney has already established himself as a formidable competitor in the bass fishing world. He entered the tournament with an impressive total catch of 26-9, outperforming renowned contenders like Cory Johnston and Easton Fothergill.

As McKinney steps onto the stage, the pulsating rhythm of KB's "Church Clap" energizes the crowd. It's a vibrant start to what many regard as the pinnacle of bass fishing competitions. Just a month ago, he celebrated his 20th birthday, and already, he is making waves in the fishing community with his exceptional skills and strategic approach.

The Competition Heats Up

On his heels is Cory Johnston from Canada, who caught 25-9, trailing McKinney by a mere pound. The others rounding out the top five include Easton Fothergill, Jay Przekurat, and Lee Livesay, all of whom are seasoned anglers keen on grasping the coveted first place. The stakes are high, with a total cash prize of $300,000 awaiting the ultimate champion.

McKinney's impressive record precedes him; at only 18, he secured second place in the Bassmaster Opens EQ standings and made history as the youngest angler to qualify for the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series. His rookie year in 2024 garnered him the title of Dakota Lithium Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year, propelling him to prominence in the fishing circuit.

Combating Nerves and Finding Success

His first Classic experience began with a nerve-wracking moment; after battling anxiety and a series of unsuccessful casts, he landed a 7-pound bass shortly after 9 a.m. This significant catch alleviated his fears, planting the seed of confidence needed to push onward. Reflecting on that initial moment, McKinney mentioned, "I could hardly breathe for a while. It was a disaster... But you catch a 7-pounder, and that makes everything alright."

Following this victory, he continued to catch a 5-pounder and a 4-8, bringing his total weight to 16-½ pounds around 10 a.m. Just past noon, he added two more 4-12 bass to complete his impressive first-day haul.

Despite some technical challenges with his sonar electronics, McKinney was undeterred. A malfunction around 1 p.m. didn’t deter his resolve as he had already amassed a solid bag of fish. With the wind whipping through Lake Ray Roberts, he remained focused on targeting bass that were yet to be fished over, recognizing the strategic importance of finding less pressured spots.

The Competition Continues

With Day 2 on the horizon, every angler is eager to repeat their success. Johnston, too, found a promising rhythm, covering diverse water depths while going after specific fishing habitats. He’s determined, stating, "Whenever I can find the right cover, I feel like they'll bite."

He’s adjusting his tactics and scouting hopeful spots for the upcoming rounds, keen on maintaining his competitive edge. Fothergill, ranked third, expressed that his previous Classic experience lessened his nerves as he aims for significant catches using his electronics to locate bigger fish.

As the Bassmaster Classic unfolds, excitement surges amongst competitors and fans alike. The tournament has captured the essence of competition and camaraderie, where each cast can lead to fortune or disappointment. With the next weigh-in scheduled, anticipation builds, and McKinney’s performance will undoubtedly be one to watch.

Together with the Fort Worth Sports Commission, the tournament is expected to evoke heightened enthusiasm among fans. Daily takeoffs occur at 7:30 a.m. CT from Isle du Bois, while the crowd gathers for weigh-ins at 5 p.m. at Dickies Arena.

In Conclusion

As the competition continues, from young hopefuls to seasoned veterans, each angler's journey may come down to just one cast. Will McKinney maintain his lead, or will someone rise to challenge him for the championship? Each moment on the water holds the promise of wonder and skill as they seek to etch their names in bass fishing history.