Following professional anglers on social media offers unique insight into the world of competitive bass fishing. Below, we highlight the trials and tribulations of two FXR Pro Fish pro anglers — Cooper Gallant and Justin Hamner. It truly is a passion for these two anglers who are at different stages in their competitive fishing careers. There are so many YouTubers to follow these days — consider catching a glimpse into the lives of bass pros grinding on the different Bassmaster trails. It is both eye-opening and entertaining. One thing is for sure, they both live and breathe bass fishing.
Ride Along with Justin Hamner
About Justin Hamner
Justin Hamner is a professional bass angler from Northport, Alabama, who has quickly risen in the ranks of competitive fishing. His journey to professional fishing involved significant dedication. He used to pour concrete and mow lawns to fund his fishing career, often sleeping in tents and eating the basics to save money. His family has been a huge support in his pursuit of his dream.
You might recognize him as the 2024 Bassmaster Classic Champion. He won the prestigious Bassmaster Classic on Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, leading all three days of the tournament. The victory earned him $300,000 and the coveted Ray Scott trophy. But he’s always been competitive on the trail. In his rookie year (2021) on the Bassmaster Elite Series, he had two Top 15 finishes and finished second in the Rookie of the Year standings. He also had a 4th place finish at the Bassmaster Classic in 2022.
Sitting Shotgun with Cooper Gallant
About Cooper Gallant
Cooper Gallant is a professional bass angler from Ontario, Canada, who has made a name for himself on the Bassmaster Elite Series. He qualified for the Bassmaster Elite Series in 2023 after strong performances in the Bassmaster Opens in 2022. He’s been competing in the Elite Series ever since. In 2022, he won the St. Croix Bassmaster Southern Open at Cherokee Lake, which earned him a spot in the 2023 Bassmaster Classic. He’s also a three-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier, having appeared in the Classic in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Gallant will likely tell you he specializes in catching smallmouth bass. Gallant has mastered numerous techniques smallmouth bass fishing, which is evident in his success on smallmouth-heavy fisheries. He flat-out finds them and catches them. He has also helped develop unique techniques, such as speed-shotting, that are particularly effective for catching smallmouths.
Behind the Scenes: Being a Bass Pro is Not for the Weak
Pro bass angler is an incredibly difficult career path. Knowing what competitive anglers are up against is like watching a movie from the bleacher seats. The twists and hurdles become obvious pretty quickly. It sounds like a dream job, but when you dig in, the cold hard facts can knock the wind right out of you.
First, there are the financial burdens. Entry fees for major tournaments can be thousands of dollars per event. On top of that, there are significant costs for high-performance boats (often six figures with advanced electronics), trucks for towing, fuel for both the boat and truck, lodging, food, and a constant need for new, specialized fishing tackle. Unlike a regular job with a consistent paycheck, income for professional anglers is entirely dependent on tournament performance and sponsorships. Only a small fraction of competitors receive substantial prize money.
Then, there’s the intense competition. The highest levels of bass fishing are incredibly competitive. Everyone competing is skilled, and even slight mistakes can cost an angler a win or top finish. Bass fishing is a complex sport influenced by countless variables: weather, temperatures, water clarity, seasonal patterns, lure choices, forage species, currents, and plenty more. Anglers must learn on the fly, adapt their strategies, and stay updated on the latest techniques and technologies. Each lake or river system is a different beast. It’s not enough to have one good tournament — consistent top finishes are required to make a living.
Finally, consider the physical and mental aspects. The sport is One day an angler might be catching fish easily, and the next they might struggle, leading to frustration. Where did the fish go? They were here yesterday. Dealing with bad tournaments and maintaining a positive mindset is critical. Professional anglers spend countless hours on the water, often in demanding weather conditions. They also face extensive travel, leading to physical and mental fatigue. The pressure to perform is immense.
You’ll notice the bass pros who do have success are some of the most dedicated, fervent freshwater anglers you’ll ever meet. Justin Hamner and Cooper Gallant take you on an emotional rollercoaster with their most recent vlogs.
