Topics:
- Smallmouth techniques
- Livescope and techniques
Chris Johnston from Otonabee, Ontario, is a former semi-pro hockey player turned Professional Bass angler. Having fished professionally for 11 years, Chris originally started his career with Major League Fishing then joined the BASS Elite Series in 2019. Chris finished 2nd in the 2016 FLW Angler of the Year. He kicked off his first season in BASS with two 2nd place finishes on the St Johns River and St Lawrence River, followed by a 2nd place Angler of the Year finish in 2021. Chris has proven his consistency throughout his career but solidified it with back to back Angler of the Year titles in 2024 and 2025, joining legends Kevin Van Dam, Roland Martin and the late Guido Hibdon as the only anglers to do so.
Chris grew up just north of the border in Canada. He started fishing at the young age of 4 and got his first tournament taste at the young age of 11. His father was a dedicated tournament fisherman, and his older brother Cory is also a professional angler. At a young age he learned a very diverse style of fishing from flipping heavy cover with braid, to finesse fishing giant smallmouth. Although known for his smallmouth fishing, these largemouth bass techniques have helped his consistent high finishes fishing tournaments in diverse water bodies across America.
- First Canadian to ever win a FLW tour event
- First Canadian to win a BassmasteElite event
- Current BassmasteElite angler and reigning 2 time AOY champion.
