Canadian Cooper Gallant skyrockets into top-10 at Elite Series event in Alabama

By Canadian Press on February 6, 2026.

SCOTTSBORO — It was moving day for Canadian Cooper Gallant on Friday.

Gallant, of Bowmanville, Ont., went from 51st overall to No. 9 after the second day of the Elite Series season-opening event on Lake Guntersville. Gallant’s five-fish limit weighed 23 pounds, 10 ounces — the day’s heaviest bag — giving him 40 pounds, 13 ounces overall.

Gallant’s total Friday was anchored by an eight-pound, four-ounce fish, the biggest of the tournament thus far.

Cory Johnston, of Cavan, Ont., — who led Thursday with 24 pounds, nine ounces — stands 10th overall at 40 pounds, 10 ounces after his five-fish limit Friday weighed 16 pounds, one ounce.

Jeff Gustafson, of Kenora, Ont., is 16th at 39 pounds, four ounces after his five-fish bag Friday weighed 17 pounds, three ounces. Evan Kung, of Pickering, Ont., stands 17th just three ounces behind Gustafson after bringing in five fish that weighed 15 pounds, 11 ounces.

Chris Johnston, of Peterborough, Ont., improved 18 spots to stand 32nd. He had a five-fish bag weighing 19 pounds, 11 ounces for 36 pounds 15 ounces overall.

All five Canadians made the top-50 cutline and will compete Saturday. The top-10 competitors after Saturday’s round will qualify for Sunday’s final.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 6, 2026.

The Canadian Press