ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. – Yamaha Pro Jason Christie captured the 2026 Bassmaster Elite at the Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound with a four-day total of 92 pounds, 7 ounces, including a 26-pound limit on Championship Sunday. The Dry Creek, Oklahoma, native earned his second Bassmaster Elite Series victory of the 2026 season and the 10th B.A.S.S. win of his career.
"Even today, I thought my luck was going to run out," Christie said. "I could go up there tomorrow and not catch one. It was so random where I was catching them."
Christie brought 19 bass to the scales over four days after falling short of a limit on Day 2. Fishing primarily in the Chowan River, he focused on shallow cover including cypress trees, laydowns and stumps. A key dock produced several of his most important fish during the final two days of competition and played a significant role in securing the victory.
"It is the best dock I have ever fished," Christie said. "It took care of me yesterday and today. Without that, I wouldn't be standing here."
Christie delivered his strongest performance on Championship Sunday, catching three bass weighing more than 20 pounds, including an 8-pounder, within a 10-minute span. The early momentum helped him secure a 26-pound limit and his second Elite Series trophy of the season.
Yamaha Pros claimed five of the top 10 positions during the tournament. Drew Cook finished fifth with 82 pounds, 4 ounces, followed by Wesley Gore in eighth with 76 pounds, 8 ounces. Kyle Patrick placed ninth with 71 pounds, 15 ounces, and Tyler Williams rounded out the top 10 with 67 pounds, 5 ounces. The Yamaha Pro Team returns to Plattsburgh, New York, for the next Bassmaster Elite event at Lake Champlain Aug. 13-16.
Christie earned the $4,000 Yamaha Power Pay contingency award as the highest-placing eligible angler. Cook won $1,500 for being the second highest-placing eligible angler.
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