Trey McKinney, at 21 years old, has become the youngest angler in history to win the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title. He secured the prestigious award at the St. Lawrence River, concluding the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series regular season. McKinney's victory breaks a record previously held by Kevin VanDam since 1992.
While Evan Kung won the Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River tournament, McKinney's focus throughout the week was on the season-long Angler of the Year race. He had been the runner-up in the Angler of the Year standings for the two preceding years. McKinney described his final hours on the water as his most nerve-wracking, ultimately catching a 6-pound smallmouth bass near the end of the day to clinch the title.
During the St. Lawrence River finale, McKinney also achieved another notable feat by boating the heaviest five-fish smallmouth limit ever recorded in Bassmaster history, weighing 30 pounds, 11 ounces, on the second day of the tournament. He also earned a Century Belt for his performance.
In addition to McKinney's historic win, the Rookie of the Year award was also decided. Caleb Hudson secured the title, holding off a late challenge from Fisher Anaya. Hudson, who had led the rookie points race for much of the season, did not make the final day's cut. He watched from shore as Anaya, the only other rookie in contention, needed a top-six finish to overtake him. Anaya finished the tournament in ninth place, which was not enough to change the standings, allowing Hudson to claim the award.
Hudson described the final day as incredibly nerve-wracking and dedicated his win to his mother on her birthday. Anaya, reflecting on his season, noted the loss of a significant fish early on the final day, which he believes impacted his chances. He congratulated Hudson on his achievement.