Young Canadian Laser-Focused On Pro Career

By Jonathan LaPera
Special to BassFan

At age 4, using a bobber and worm, Cooper Gallant caught a 4-pound largemouth. It was his first fish ever, off the dock of a cottage that his parents rented at Paudash Lake in his native Canada. “I have the worst memory, but I remember every second of catching that fish. I’ll never forget it,” Gallant said.

At 23 years old, Gallant has one goal – qualifying for the Bassmaster Elite series.

“I love bass fishing so much; constantly learning and putting the pieces of the puzzle together to try and better yourself as a tournament angler.” he said. “I live for that next bite! I’m blessed that this is what I get to do. It’s the last thing I think about before going to bed and the first when I wake up.”

Growing up in the Durham Region of the Canadian province of Ontario, with the shoreline of Lake Ontario in his back yard, Gallant was also steps away from Bowmanville Creek and several marshes renowned for trout, salmon, carp,…