In a thrilling finish to the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series regular season, Tennessee native Evan Kung emerged victorious at the St. Lawrence River tournament, a historic event that produced nine Century Belts – the most ever awarded at a single smallmouth bass competition.
Kung’s comeback caps a high‑stakes week
Kung entered the four‑day event on the brink of losing his Elite Series card. A strong finish was required simply to stay on the tour. Instead, he built a steady lead through consistent fishing and sealed the win with a Phoenix Boats Big Bass award weighing 6 lb 13 oz.
“It was a crazy week,” Kung said after the victory. “I knew every day what I needed to catch just to stay in the Elites. Once I had that locked up, I went out today wanting the Century Belt. Once I had that, I just went looking for big ones.”
Final‑day drama
Going into the last day, Kung trailed leader Trey McKinney by 1½ lb. After a three‑hour stretch on the lake without a catch, Kung returned to the river and landed a 27‑lb 12‑oz bag in the final 20 minutes, vaulting to a total of 109‑lb 9‑oz and overtaking McKinney, who finished at 107‑lb 8‑oz.
“It was a tough year on me, so it’s great to end it like this,” Kung added. “I couldn’t have thought of a better ending. I’m kind of at a loss for words right now.”
Support system and sponsors
Kung thanked the friends, family, sponsors, and his girlfriend’s relatives who traveled with him throughout the week, noting how special it was to share the triumph with them.
Other top finishers
McKinney, who placed second with 107‑lb 9‑oz, earned the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year prize. Tucker Smith (third, 107‑lb 1‑oz) and Cory Johnston (fourth, 106‑lb 7‑oz) also joined the Century Club, each posting some of the heaviest four‑day totals of their careers.
Cole Sands, a Tennessee pro who finished fifth with 105‑lb 10‑oz, highlighted his month‑and‑a‑half scouting effort, likening the river’s current to trout fishing and praising the St. Lawrence as possibly his favorite bass fishery.
Rounding out the Century Club were Brandon Cobb (sixth, 103‑lb 14‑oz), JT Thompkins (seventh, 103‑lb 0‑oz), Bryant Smith (eighth, 101‑lb 3‑oz) and Fisher Anaya (ninth, 100‑lb 5‑oz). Easton Fothergill narrowly missed the club, weighing in at 99‑lb 8‑oz.
Why the St. Lawrence River matters
The river’s goby‑fed smallmouth population and the depth of the Elite Series field made the tournament one of the most competitive smallmouth events in Bassmaster history. The nine Century Belts awarded underscore the venue’s status as a premier bass‑fishing destination.
Kung’s name now joins the trophy list, but the event’s legacy extends beyond a single champion. It highlighted the strength of the field, the quality of the fishery, and the dedication of anglers who travel far to compete at the highest level.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
