Gamakatsu Pro Chris Johnston Secures Historic Back-to-Back Bassmaster Angler of the Year Title
Tacoma, Washington – Gamakatsu USA proudly congratulates pro angler Chris Johnston on capturing the 2025 Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year (AOY) title, marking his second consecutive season earning the sport’s most prestigious crown.
Johnston, of Otonabee, Ontario, capped off a season of relentless consistency with a 19th-place finish at the final Elite Series stop on the Mississippi River, locking down the AOY race with 776 points. With the win, he becomes only the fourth angler in B.A.S.S. history to claim back-to-back AOY trophies — a feat previously accomplished by just three legends of the sport: Kevin VanDam, Roland Martin, and Guido Hibdon.
“Chris continues to prove he is one of the most disciplined and talented anglers on the water,” said Gamakatsu USA Sales Manager, Ted Thibault. “We’re incredibly proud to have him representing Gamakatsu and showcasing the performance and reliability of our hooks at the highest level of competition.”
Johnston relied on his trademark precision and smart decision-making all season, climbing steadily in the AOY standings with consistent top finishes—including back-to-back 11th-place results at Lake Tenkiller and Lake St. Clair. His championship run came down to the wire at the Mississippi River, where a late-day cull sealed both his limit and the season title.
“This is such a relief,” Johnston said following the win. “It’s unbelievable the amount of pressure that comes with that trophy. To do it two years in a row, against the best anglers in the world, is something I’ll never forget.”
From humble beginnings as Japan’s smallest fishing hook manufacturer in 1955, Gamakatsu® Ltd has evolved to become the world’s preeminent hook manufacturer. Over the years, manufacturing upgrades and cutting-edge innovations have fueled Gamakatsu® USA’s rise as a top producer of fishing hooks, apparel, and fishing-related items. When anglers purchase Gamakatsu® hooks, they are buying an original product made exclusively by Gamakatsu®. Gamakatsu® is continuously testing new materials and striving to improve its products, which already set the standard for the rest of the industry. For more information, please visit www.gamakatsu.com.