Trey McKinney becomes youngest Bassmaster Angler of the Year at 21, breaking Kevin VanDam's record
Clayton, N.Y. – July 2026 – The final day of the Bassmaster Elite Series was a double‑header of drama and record‑setting moments at the St. Lawrence River, with 21‑year‑old Trey McKinney taking home the Angler‑of‑the‑Year (AOY) title and rookie Caleb Hudson clinching Rookie of the Year even though he didn’t cast a line on the championship Sunday.
The tournament, part of the nine‑event regular season, was won by Evan Kung, who lifted the trophy that bears his name. McKinney finished second, just two pounds behind Kung, but the cumulative points that determine the AOY went to the younger angler, who shattered a 34‑year‑old record set by Kevin VanDam.
A Record‑Breaking Year‑End
McKinney’s season had already been filled with milestones. On day two he logged the heaviest five‑fish smallmouth limit ever recorded in Bassmaster history – a staggering 30 lb 11 oz – and on the final day he captured a 6‑lb. fish that sealed his AOY bid. “I didn’t win the tournament, but that was never what I was thinking about,” McKinney told reporters. “Angler of the Year is the only thing I was thinking about all week.” His mom stepped onto the stage afterward, sharing the moment and crediting faith and the support of everyone who had backed him throughout the chase.
McKinney’s nerves were palpable. “I was more nervous today than I’ve ever been in my whole life,” he recalled. “I couldn’t even think straight. My fish were short‑striking, not committing, and I thought there was no way I was about to hand this away.” He described a tense final stretch, catching the 6‑lb. fish near the water’s edge after a moment of hesitation. “If I hadn’t caught that fish, I don’t think I would have gotten it.”
At 21, McKinney became the youngest Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year in the league’s history, a record that had stood since 1992. He also earned his own Century Belt, weighing 100 lb 5 oz, for the first time in the competition.
The Rookie Showdown
While McKinney closed the tournament, a separate story unfolded in the Rookie of the Year race. Caleb Hudson, who had led the rookie points for most of the season, did not qualify for the championship Sunday. He watched the event from the shore as fellow rookie Fisher Anaya, still in contention, fished for the title. Anaya had to finish in the top six to surpass Hudson and was required to post a haul of at least 100 lb 5 oz. He finished ninth with a 100 lb 5 oz catch – a Century Belt – but it wasn’t enough to overtake the leaderboard.
Hudson, who never cast a line on the final day, reflected on the tension: “It was the most nerve‑wracking day I’ve ever had to go through… I think today has felt like at least 30 hours long.” He added, “Either way, I’m going to be happy. I’ve had an amazing season, and Fisher’s a great angler. I’d have no problem losing to him. He’s phenomenal.”
Hudson’s victory was sweetened by a $10,000 bonus check from Pro Guide Batteries, and he joked that the win was a birthday present for his mother. “Today’s my mom’s birthday, so I did it for her. Best birthday present – saves me some money on a gift,” he said.
Anaya, meanwhile, expressed disappointment but sportsmanship. “What a battle, what a season. The last two days have been rough. I lost more than I caught. I knew heading out this morning it just didn’t feel right.” He congratulated Hudson, saying, “It was his time to win, and he had a heck of a season. I’m not mad about
