JT Thompkins, from Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, is a rising star in the professional bass fishing arena. From a young age, JT's passion for fishing was evident, often spending countless hours on the water honing his skills. This dedication has propelled him to notable achievements, including becoming the youngest Bass Open Champion and qualifying for the prestigious Bassmaster Classic.

In the 2024 season, JT showcased his competitive edge with impressive finishes: securing 2nd place at the Harris Chain of Lakes in April, 3rd at Lake Murray in May, and 8th at Smith Lake in June. 

Beyond the tournament circuit, JT is an active presence in the fishing community. His social media platforms offer a glimpse into his angling adventures, tips, and interactions with fellow enthusiasts. View Story

As JT continues to navigate the professional fishing landscape, his resilience and passion remain evident, marking him as a notable figure in the angling community.

Cooper was just five years old when he first caught the bass bug, but the way he remembers that first catch, it might as well have been yesterday. He was with his parents and two brothers at a cabin they rented for the weekend on Paudash Lake in Ontario. He was high up on the dock, fishing on a bobber and worm when he saw a huge bass in two feet of super clear water bite his worm. But his bobber didn’t go under. His brother Tanner started excitedly yelling at Cooper to set the hook – and the rest, as they say, is history.

Soon after the Gallant family’s weekend on the lake, they moved to the shores of Lake Ontario in Bowmanville and Cooper spent his formative years surrounded by water, marshes and creeks full of salmon, trout, carp, catfish, pike and bass. Fishing was in his blood and he spent every second he could fishing anything and everything there was to catch.

Cooper had the passion and the B.A.S.S. Nation gave him the platform to grow it. He started fishing tournaments in junior high and won the B.A.S.S. Eastern Regional High School Championship on the St. Lawrence River with his tournament partner, Danny McGarry, their freshman year. They went on to compete in the National Championship and have remained tournament partners all these years later – winning tournaments together and fulfilling Cooper’s childhood dreams of becoming a professional bass angler.

Tyler Anderson from Dallas, Texas, is a prominent figure in the fishing community, best known for his YouTube channel, TylersReelFishing. His passion for fishing was ignited at the tender age of three, thanks to his grandfather's introduction to the sport. This early exposure laid the foundation for a lifelong dedication to angling. ​

In February 2013, while still in high school, Tyler launched TylersReelFishing as a platform to share fishing adventures with friends. What began as a hobby quickly evolved into a full-fledged business, showcasing a blend of educational content, entertaining challenges, and collaborations with fellow anglers. ​View Story

By October 2018, TylersReelFishing had amassed over 112,000 subscribers and more than 15 million total views across 800 videos. As of March 2025, the channel boasts 390,000 subscribers and a cumulative 61 million views, reflecting its growing influence in the fishing community. ​View Story

Tyler Anderson's journey from a young fishing enthusiast to a renowned content creator exemplifies the fusion of passion and entrepreneurship. His unwavering commitment to his craft, coupled with his desire to inspire and educate others, continues to resonate with a broad audience, solidifying his status as a leading figure in the fishing community

Nathan Thompson, from Eagan, Minnesota, has rapidly emerged as a notable figure in the competitive bass fishing community. His early passion for angling led him to join Eagan High School's fishing team, where he honed his skills alongside longtime friend and fishing partner, Brian Linder. Their shared dedication paved the way for a seamless transition to collegiate-level competitions.

At Minnesota State University, Mankato, Nathan and Brian became pivotal members of the university's fishing club. Their commitment and synergy culminated in a remarkable victory at the Strike King Bassmaster College Series on Saginaw Bay in June 2022. This triumph secured them a coveted spot in the national collegiate bass fishing championship, underscoring their ability to compete against and outperform seasoned teams from established programs.

Nathan's individual accolades further attest to his prowess on the water. Over the course of 31 Bassmaster tournaments, he has achieved one first-place finish and one third-place finish, with two instances of finishing "in the money." Additionally, his participation in Major League Fishing events has yielded a top 10 finish, highlighting his adaptability across different competitive platforms.

Beyond the tournament circuit, Nathan's dedication to the sport is evident in his personal pursuits. On February 13, 2025, he landed a notable 10.44-pound bass at Toledo Bend Lake, a testament to his continual pursuit of angling excellence. ​

As Nathan continues to navigate the competitive fishing landscape, his achievements serve as an inspiration to aspiring anglers, particularly those hailing from regions less traditionally associated with bass fishing prominence.

Hunter Wendt, hailing from Pequot Lakes, Minnesota, has established himself as a formidable presence in the competitive bass fishing arena. His passion for fishing ignited at the tender age of three, laying the foundation for a lifelong dedication to the sport. ​ View Story

Over the past four years, Hunter has been an active competitor on the Classic Bass Champions Tour. His impressive track record includes two tour victories and seven top-ten finishes, culminating in lifetime earnings of $49,700. Notably, he has qualified for the Champions Tour Championship four times, underscoring his consistent performance at high levels of competition. ​ View Story

A highlight of Hunter's career came in June 2024 when he clinched the Classic Bass Champions Tour qualifier on the Okoboji lakes. Demonstrating strategic prowess, he weighed in 34 bass totaling 97 pounds and 13 ounces, securing a $13,000 first-place prize. This victory was marked by a remarkable second-half surge, where he landed 22 largemouth bass, showcasing his adaptability and skill. ​

Beyond the Champions Tour, Hunter has participated in Major League Fishing events, achieving a top-ten finish. His commitment to the sport is further evidenced by partnerships with esteemed sponsors such as Arsenal Fishing, Skeeter Boats, and Striker Brands. ​ View Story

Hunter's dedication extends beyond competition; he offers guide services, sharing his expertise with fellow fishing enthusiasts. His passion for the outdoors is also reflected in his active lifestyle, balancing time between fishing tournaments and personal pursuits. ​

As Hunter continues to navigate the competitive fishing landscape, his achievements and unwavering commitment serve as an inspiration to aspiring anglers, particularly those from the Midwest region.