Wire-to-Wire Victory Nets Elite Series Title and Record Weight
Macomb County, Mich. — August 11, 2025 — Rising star Trey McKinney electrified the Bassmaster Elite Series this past weekend with a wire-to-wire victory at the Yokohama Tire Bassmaster Elite at Lake St. Clair, setting a new Elite Series record for total weight on the famed smallmouth fishery. The 20-year-old phenom from Carbondale, Illinois, topped the Elite field with a staggering four-day total of 96 pounds, 1 ounce, eclipsing the previous record for an Elite event on Lake St. Clair.
From Day 1, McKinney took control with a 24 pound, 11 ounce opening bag and never looked back. His unmatched consistency kept him atop the leaderboard each day, capped by a 23 pound, 13 ounce Championship Sunday limit that sealed his second Elite Series title.
This victory also vaulted McKinney into a two-way tie in the Progressive Bassmaster Angler of the Year (AOY) standings heading into the 2025 season finale. With only one event remaining, the AOY race is going to be decided in Wisconsin, and McKinney’s momentum makes him a serious contender for one of the sport’s most prestigious titles.
About Trey McKinney: A former 2024 Dakota Lithium Rookie of the Year, Trey McKinney continues to defy expectations with his composure, skill, and adaptability across all fisheries. Already a two-time Elite Series champion at just 20 years old, McKinney’s victory at Lake St. Clair is another milestone in what’s shaping up to be a storied career.
About Bass Cat: Bass Cat, owned by Correct Craft, manufactures the industry’s premier bass fishing boats from its headquarters in Mountain Home, Arkansas. Family operated since its founding in 1971, Bass Cat is the only bass boat company with over five decades of family involvement throughout its long history. For more information visit www.basscat.com.
About Correct Craft: Celebrating 100 years of excellence in the marine industry, Correct Craft is a Florida-based company with global operations. Focused on “Making Life Better,” the Correct Craft family includes Nautique, Centurion, Supreme, Bass Cat, Yar-Craft, SeaArk, Parker, and Ingenity boat companies, Pleasurecraft Engine Group, Indmar Marine Engines, Velvet Drive Transmissions, Mach Connections, Merritt Precision, Osmosis, Watershed Innovation, and Aktion Parks. For more information, please visit www.correctcraft.com