21-Year-Old Trey McKinney Becomes Youngest Angler of the Year in B.A.S.S. History
Clayton, N.Y. – September 03, 2026 -- Trey McKinney, a 21-year-old pro from Carbondale, Ill., has become the youngest angler ever to win the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year title, finishing the nine-event season with 735 points.
McKinney clinched the title with a second-place finish at the Lowrance Bassmaster Elite on the St. Lawrence River, edging Canadian pro Cory Johnston by four points, 735 to 731. The previous record for youngest AOY winner belonged to Kevin VanDam, who was 24 when he first won in 1992.
McKinney earns a $100,000 bonus and pushes career earnings past $900,000
The AOY title comes with a $100,000 check, bringing McKinney's career earnings to more than $900,000 after just three seasons on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Johnston earned a $50,000 bonus for his runner-up finish in the standings.