Canadian Jeff Gustafson has lead halfway through Bassmasters Elite Series tournament

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Canadian Jeff Gustafson is halfway to his first-ever Bassmasters Elite Series victory.

The Kenora, Ont., angler remains atop the leaderboard midway through the Bassmaster Elite Series event on the Tennessee River. Through the first two rounds Gustafson has a combined weight of 33 pounds, eight ounces.

American Brandon Card is second, three pounds, one ounce behind Gustafson. Card, in his 10th Elite Series season, is also chasing his first career victory.

Gustafson opened the tournament with five keeper fish weighing 17 pounds, 14 ounces Thursday. He brought in another five-fish limit Friday that tipped the scales at 15 pounds 10 ounces — second only to Card (16 pounds, 10 ounces) on the day.

Gustafson is attempting to become just the second Canadian to win a Bassmasters Elite Series event. Chris Johnston of Peterborough, Ont., accomplished the feat last year.

Both Johnston and his older brother, Cory, finished among the top-50 in the 100-angler field Friday to qualify for the semfinal round Saturday. Cory Johnston, of Cavan, Ont., stood No. 33 (seven fish weighing 16 pounds seven ounces) while Chris Johnston was No. 46 (seven fish for 13 pounds 12 ounces).

The top 10 anglers after Saturday’s round will compete in the final Sunday. The tournament winner will receive US$100,000.

All three Canadians are in their third season on the Elite Series and qualified last year for the Bassmaster Classic, the circuit’s premier event that offers a $300,000 prize for the tournament winner..

Gustafson’s best-ever Elite Series finish was second in 2019. He’s cracked the top-10 on three occasions.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 26, 2021

The Canadian Press