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Chris Johnston claims emphatic Elite Series victory at Santee Cooper Lakes
Johnston earned US$100,000 and moved atop the Elite Series standings after his second 30-pound bag of the tournament.
- On Sunday, Canadian Chris Johnston won the Yokohama Tire Bassmaster Elite at Santee Cooper Lakes with a four-day total of 113 pounds, 12 ounces, defeating American Brandon Palaniuk by a margin of 19-12.
- Johnston relied on a Hideup Coike Fullcast creature bait pitched under main lake docks in less than 10 feet of water, rigged with a Gamakatsu treble hook and 1/8-ounce sinker to trigger strikes from largemouth bass.
- Securing his second career Elite Series win, Johnston earned the $100,000 first-place prize while cracking the 100-pound plateau for only the second time. He now ties his brother, Cory Johnston, for most all-time Elite Series victories by a Canadian.
- Palaniuk finished second with 94 pounds, while Georgia pro Drew Cook took third place with 92-9. Cory Johnston brought in 21 pounds, 12 ounces Sunday to finish fourth with 92 pounds three ounces overall.
- Johnston solidified his lead atop the overall standings with three tournaments remaining this season. The next Elite Series competition takes place June 11-14 on the Pasquotank River in North Carolina.
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Johnston Coike’s his way to victory at Santee Cooper Lakes
Canadian pro Chris Johnston has won the 2026 Yokohama Tire Bassmaster Elite at Santee Cooper Lakes with a four-day total of 113 pounds, 12 ounces. Photo by Seigo Saito/B.A.S.S. May 17, 2026 Johnston Coike’s his way to victory at Santee Cooper Lakes CLARENDON COUNTY, S.C. — Ever since joining the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series, Chris Johnston has wanted to win a tournament centered around southern largemouth. The Peterborough, Ontario nat…
Coverage Details
Total News Sources15
Leaning Left6Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Left
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
60% Left
L 60%
C 40%
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