On Sunday, Gustafson of Kenora, Ontario, became the first Canuck to win the $1 million Bassmaster Classic. Gustafson finished one pound, nine ounces ahead of American Bryan Schmitt after weighing 12 fish for 42 pounds, seven ounces.
But winning the prestigious Ray Scott Trophy wasn’t something that came easily.
Gustafson led American John Cox by five pounds, twelve ounces when the final round on Sunday began. However, Gustafson was only able to land two fish totaling six pounds, 13 ounces to defeat Schmitt and win the $300,000 first-place prize.
Schmitt came in second with a final five-fish limit of 11 pounds, 1 ounce, for a total weight of 40 pounds, 14 ounces. After weighing his final five fish, he moved into first place after beginning Sunday’s round in third place, over five pounds behind Gustafson.
With 12 fish weighing a combined 30 pounds, 8 ounces, Cory Johnston of Cavan, Ontario, also qualified for Sunday’s final round and placed 11th overall.
Chris Johnston, the brother of Johnston, placed 31st out of 55 anglers, with six fish weighing 15 pounds, 5 ounces. Bowmanville, Ontario resident Cooper Gallant placed 52nd with his four fish totaling six pounds, 13 ounces.
Gustafson and the Johnstons were competing in the Classic for the fourth time in a row. Gallant, a newcomer to the Elite Series, took part in the competition.