Chris Johnston isn't surrendering his Bassmaster Elite Series overall title without a fight.

Johnston, of Peterborough, Ont., opened the season-ending tournament Thursday on the Mississippi River at La Crosse, Wisc., tied with American Trey McKinney atop the standings with 690 points. Johnston, who last year became the first Canadian to secure the crown, is looking to become just the fourth competitor to record consecutive titles.

Johnston is trying to do so in what's been an uncharacteristic 2025 by his standards. He hasn't recorded a tournament win or a top-10 finish yet, after earning four top-10s last year.

"I wouldn't say it's been a stellar year by any means, just consistent," Johnston said. "Normally, I have a couple of top-10s, but I don't even have one this year, so hopefully I

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