KINGSTON — Brothers Cory and Chris Johnston went wire-to-wire to capture the Canadian International Sport Fishing (CISA) Kingston Open on Sunday.
Cory Johnston, of Cavan, Ont., and Chris Johnston, of Peterborough, Ont., captured the $50,000 winner's prize with a total weight of 83 pounds, 14 ounces. The Elite Series veterans finished the three-day event with a five-fish limit that weighed 26.75 pounds Sunday.
The Johnstons compete as individuals on the Elite Series, a pro bass circuit in the United States. But Cory Johnston said it was nice for the pair to combine forces in this team event.
"Fishing solo is one thing but when there's two of us in the boat, it makes it way easier," he said. "One person ties rods, one person looks for bass and if there's multiple fish you can get multiple at one time.
"It just makes it way more fun."
Evan Kung, of Pickering, Ont., -- another Elite Series competitor -- and partner Jacob Kung finished second overall at 79.87 pounds. Danny McGarry, of Newcastle, Ont., and partner Spender Newell were third with 78.78 pounds.
The Kungs went into Sunday's final round in 13th spot but vaulted into second overall with a final five-fish bag that weighed 30.64 pounds.
The Johnstons headlined a stellar field that also featured fellow Elite Series competitors Cooper Gallant, of Bowmanville, Ont., and Americans Matt Robertson and Jacob Powroznik along with former TV host Bob Izumi.
Gallant and his father, Carey, finished seventh overall with 76.83 pounds.
The Johnstons, though, came in as heavy favourites.
Chris Johnston just completed the '25 Elite Series season with a second straight overall title after finishing 19th last weekend on the Mississippi River at La Crosse, Wisc. Cory Johnston was third in that event and 11th overall.
Last month, Chris Johnston won a Major League Fishing tournament on the St. Lawrence River in Massena, N.Y. At the same time, Cory Johnston and their father, Lynn, captured the BaitFuel Fishing Tour's Thousand Island Open in Kingston.
In 2020, Chris Johnston became the first Canadian to win an Elite Series tournament (also on the St. Lawrence River). Then last year, Cory Johnston captured two events — including the season-ending tournament on the St. Lawrence River.
Cory Johnston's first Bassmaster victory was at the 2021 Northern Open at St. Lawrence River/1000 Islands. Kung, though, and Ryan Clark, of Whitby, Ont., won last year's Thousand Island Open.
Sixty-six teams began the event Friday, with the top-20 following Saturday's round qualifying for Sunday's final.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 31, 2025.
The Canadian Press
