Evan Kung Achieves Milestone Victory at Bassmaster Elite Series on St. Lawrence River

Evan Kung, the Canadian professional angler, made a remarkable comeback at the 2026 Lowrance Bassmaster Elite held at the St. Lawrence River, not only preserving his place in the tournament but also clinching his first Bassmaster trophy. Coming into this event, Kung was facing the threat of losing his spot on the renowned Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series for the following year. His performance over the four-day event was nothing short of spectacular.

Kung's total weight for the tournament was an astonishing 109 pounds, 9 ounces, which not only earned him his first blue trophy but also secured him the record for the heaviest winning weight of all smallmouth bass in the history of the Bassmaster series. This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Patrick Walters, who had a weight of 105 pounds in 2023 at the same location. Moreover, Kung's victory marks his induction into the prestigious Bassmaster Century Club, a significant milestone for any angler.

In his own words, Kung expressed the emotional weight of his win, stating, "This is by far my biggest win. It was a tough year for me, so it was great to end it like this. I couldn't think of a better ending." Throughout the tournament, which saw him starting in fourth place, Kung consistently climbed the ranks. He opened with a limit catch of 26-9 before moving into second place on Day 2 with a total of 28-9. He maintained his position with 26-11 on Semifinal Saturday and ultimately seized the lead on the final day with a bag weighing 27-12, which included a standout 6-13 smallmouth that earned him the Phoenix Boats Big Bass of the Day award.

While Kung celebrated his victory, fellow competitor Trey McKinney, who had led for the first three days, finished second with a total weight of 107-9, while Tucker Smith took third with 107-1. The Championship Sunday was marked by remarkable performances, with nine of the ten anglers finishing with over 21 pounds—a clear testament to the tough competition.

Entering the final event of the season in 72nd place in points, Kung adopted a strategy of focusing on catching enough fish to remain within the top echelons required for Elite Series participation. Each day began with him setting target weights, all aimed at securing his position before pursuing larger bass. According to Kung, "Every day I went out knowing I needed a certain amount to stay in the Elites. So, I did that and then looked for big ones." His approach paid off as he meticulously navigated through the challenging waters of the river and Lake Ontario.

On Day 1, the rough conditions meant Kung opted to stay in the river to secure his initial limit, while the subsequent days saw a shift to Lake Ontario, which proved more fruitful. He targeted smallmouth bass in depths ranging from 20 to 40 feet around rocky structures and cover. Notably, he discovered that casting between boulders rather than directly over them yielded better results, as pressured fish tended to move away from heavy traffic.

Kung's success came largely thanks to a prototype lure, the Great Lakes Finesse Vibra Bug, which he utilized in tandem with a drop shot rig. Employing a Douglas X Matrix Series spinning rod and a Daiwa Exist reel, he managed to hook the majority of his catches throughout the tournament.

The conditions on the final day brought rain and wind, which made fishing challenging, yet Kung held steadfast. He began in the St. Lawrence River, targeting what he believed was a productive spot for 18 pounds, managing to net a total weight of 22 pounds. After fluctuating success, he returned for a crucial catch—an impressive 6-13 smallmouth that solidified his winning position.

While Kung celebrated his triumphant season closing, McKinney also etched his name into the history books, earning the Angler of the Year title at just 21 years of age. He not only showcased stellar performances throughout the competition but also broke records with the heaviest single-day limit in B.A.S.S. history.

With the tournament behind them, Kung’s breakthrough victory now sets high expectations as he prepares for the 2027 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic, aiming to build on this success in the next competitive season. The 2026 Lowrance Bassmaster Elite Series was a testament to strategic excellence, perseverance, and a true love for the sport, captivating both participants and fans alike.