Grand Rapids native Easton Fothergill wins Bassmaster Classic
MN native Easton Fothergill wins 2025 Bassmaster Classic
Grand Rapids native Easton Fothergill is $300,000 richer after winning the 2025 Bassmaster Classic.
(FOX 9) - Easton Fothergill overcame big odds, and is now $300,000 richer after reeling in a record catch at last weekend’s 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic in Texas.
History for Fothergill
What we know:
A 22-year-old Grand Rapids native, Fothergill hauled in 15 bass for a total of 76 pounds, 15 ounces over the three-day event on Lake Ray Roberts in Texas. It’s the highest weight ever recorded in the 55-year history of what’s considered the most prestigious tournament in the world.
He beat a field of 56 anglers by more than eight pounds. He’s also the second-youngest champion in Bassmaster’s history.
Overcoming adversity
Why you should care:
Fothergill didn’t know if he would ever fish again less than two years ago. In August of 2023, he was hospitalized in Alabama to remove an infected abscess in his brain.
MN angler competing at top level of bass fishing
Grand Rapids native, Easton Fothergill has been gaining success in the bass fishing tournament scene. With big wins in college and on the top level of competition; his future is looking bright in the fishing world. FOX 9's Jared Piepenburg has the full story.
After a few weeks in the hospital, he won the 2023 Bassmaster College Bracket in Kansas as an angler for the University of Montevallo.
Show me the money
By the numbers:
In addition to his $300,000 prize, Fothergill won an additional $10,000 for being the highest-placed entrant in the Toyota Bonus Bucks Program. He got another $20.000 for being in the Yamaha Power Pay Program.