Trey McKinney, the 21-year-old angler from Carbondale, Illinois, is on a mission to prove that the third time's a charm. After finishing second in the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year (AOY) for the past two seasons, McKinney is determined to finally claim the top spot. With 554 points, he leads the pack heading into the Elites' Northern Swing, with a particular focus on the SPRO Bassmaster Elite at Lake Champlain and the Lowrance Bassmaster Elite at St. Lawrence River.
McKinney's journey to the top has been an intriguing one. He's faced tough competition, especially from the Johnston brothers, Cory and Chris. While Chris has already claimed the AOY title twice, McKinney is confident in his abilities and has shown his prowess in previous tournaments. A disqualification at Smith Lake in 2024 prevented him from running away with the AOY, but he still managed to become the Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Rookie of the Year.
The upcoming tournaments present a unique challenge. Lake Champlain, known for its largemouth bass, will be a battleground where McKinney must navigate the competition and make strategic decisions. Without the use of forward-facing sonar, he'll have to rely on his fishing skills and adaptability. The St. Lawrence River, on the other hand, offers the potential for catching ginormous smallmouth bass, a prospect that excites McKinney.
McKinney's respect for his competitors, particularly the Johnstons, is evident. He acknowledges their exceptional fishing skills and their ability to work together. However, he's determined to bring his A+ game to their turf, as he knows that Cory Johnston needs to average eight places better than him to overcome the 16-point deficit. The pressure is on, and McKinney is ready for the challenge.
Despite the tough competition, McKinney's determination and talent cannot be overlooked. With his second Elite title at Lake St. Clair and a history of impressive performances, he's a force to be reckoned with. The question remains: will this be the year he finally secures the AOY title? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - Trey McKinney is a rising star in the world of bass fishing, and his journey to the top is a captivating one.
