Chris Johnston Aims for Back-to-Back Bassmaster Elite Series Titles Amid Mixed Season

Chris Johnston is determined to defend his Bassmaster Elite Series title as he competes in the season finale on the Mississippi River at La Crosse, Wisconsin. Currently tied for the lead with American angler Trey McKinney, both have amassed 690 points. Johnston, who made history last year as the first Canadian to win the overall title, aims to become only the fourth competitor to achieve back-to-back victories.

This season has not been typical for Johnston, as he has yet to log a tournament victory or finish in the top ten, a departure from his four top-ten results from the previous year. He described his current performance as "consistent," emphasizing that while he hasn't secured a top-ten finish this season, he remains optimistic about his chances in this final tournament. Johnston noted that regardless of his previous performances, his goal is to have a shot at victory as the season comes to a close.

Johnston's recent tournament history shows stability, with no finishes worse than 15th in his last four competitions, including two consecutive 11th-place finishes. In contrast, McKinney has had an impressive year with five top-ten finishes alongside a win. Johnston believes he will need at least a top-20 finish to claim the overall title but plans to approach the tournament as if it were any regular competition focusing on securing the win.

Historically, only a few elite anglers have successfully defended their titles, with Kevin VanDam being the last to accomplish this feat from 2008 to 2011. Johnston expressed how meaningful it would be to have his name mentioned alongside legends of the sport who have achieved repeated success.

Having fished on the Mississippi River before, Johnston's past experiences include both a disappointing finish and a strong second place. He finds comfort in the fishing techniques used in this location, which resemble the methods he learned growing up, particularly in targeting largemouth bass with frogs and flipping tactics.

While the Mississippi River offers both largemouth and smallmouth bass, Johnston has noted his encounters with smaller fish during practice. The current tournament marks the end of a demanding fishing season that began in February and included numerous stops across the United States, capped off by the Bassmaster Classic in Texas. In addition to his personal endeavors, Johnston's family also succeeded in the BaitFuel Fishing Tour, marking a memorable weekend for him.

As the competitive season comes to a close, Johnston looks forward to spending time with his family and embracing hunting season. He noted that by the year's end, he is eager for a shift in pace from the intense fishing competitions.