NEW YORK –
Canadian Cory Johnston has his first Bassmaster tournament title.
The angler from Cavan, Ont., captured the Bassmaster Northern Open at St. Lawrence River/1000 Islands event Saturday.
Johnston’s five-fish limit weighed 27 pounds, six ounces to give him a three-day total of 78 pounds. Johnston, a veteran of the Bassmaster Elite Series, finished 13 ounces ahead of opening-day leader Cal Climpson, also of Cavan, to earn the US$43,333 top prize.
Johnston entered the final day of competition second overall, just 1.5 pounds behind Cooper Gallant, of Bowmanville, Ont. But Johnston said his familiarity with the area — which annually stages Elite Series tournaments — was crucial.
“I have a lot of spots out on Lake Ontario,” he said. “I only pre-fished for about two days out here.
“I just know this place so well, but it’s burnt me so many times. I caught a ton of fish and I caught a lot of big fish. It just goes to show you what an…