The Psychological Tightrope of Trey McKinney’s Third AOY Shot
There’s something uniquely torturous about chasing a title that’s just out of reach. It’s like trying to catch a bass in murky water—visible enough to know it’s there, but elusive enough to drive you mad. Trey McKinney, the 21-year-old phenom from Illinois, is now teetering on his third attempt at the Bassmaster Angler of the Year (AOY) crown. And honestly, I can’t stop thinking about the psychological weight he must carry. Two seconds places in a row? That’s not just bad luck. That’s the universe whispering, “Prove you deserve it.”
Why Does This Rivalry Feel Different?
Let’s talk about the Johnston brothers. Cory and Chris Johnston aren’t just competitors; they’re a dynasty in motion. Cory’s right on McKinney’s heels this year, trailing by 16 points, and the family’s track record is unnerving. Chris clinched AOY twice. The Johnstons aren’t just good—they’re a system, a well-oiled machine that thrives on northern fisheries like Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence River. McKinney admits he’s “not comfortable” with their proximity, but here’s what fascinates me: He respects them so deeply that he almost sounds resigned to their presence. “They’re always right there,” he says. It’s like being haunted by a pair of ghosts who also happen to be fishing gods. Is this rivalry pushing him harder, or is it a mental anchor?
The Geography of Doom
The Northern Swing isn’t just a logistical challenge—it’s a psychological battlefield. Champlain and St. Lawrence are the Johnstons’ playgrounds. Cory alone has three wins on the St. Lawrence. McKinney knows this. He’s even adjusting his strategy, scouting both largemouth and smallmouth patterns, but here’s the kicker: He can’t use forward-facing sonar on Champlain. Personally, I think this rule change is a masterstroke of chaos. Without sonar, it’s back to raw instinct and experience. And who has more of that? The Johnstons. This isn’t just a tournament; it’s a test of adaptability. Can McKinney outthink a family that’s built its legacy on these waters?
The Disqualification That Broke the Momentum
Let’s rewind to that DQ at Smith Lake. McKinney had a 59-point lead evaporate overnight. In my opinion, that incident is the dark cloud hanging over his third attempt. He started this year with three Top 10s, built a 42-point buffer, and then—boom—90th place at Santee Cooper. He blames a missed bite on a Coike jig. But what’s the deeper issue here? Overconfidence? A crack in the mental armor? McKinney stayed to solve the problem, which speaks to his grit, but the fact remains: The DQ reshaped this entire season. How does a pro athlete recover from that kind of setback? I’d argue it’s not about the fish anymore—it’s about trust in his own process.
The Tech Ban and the Mental Game
Forward-facing sonar is banned on Champlain, and McKinney calls it a “bummer.” But here’s a thought: Maybe this restriction levels the playing field in a counterintuitive way. Sonar has become a crutch for modern anglers. Remove it, and suddenly it’s 2003 again—guys relying on intuition, local knowledge, and sheer stubbornness. Cory Johnston might dominate these waters, but McKinney’s adaptability is his secret weapon. He’s young, hungry, and (let’s face it) a little reckless in the best way. If Champlain becomes a free-for-all, could that actually play to his strengths? I’d bet on it. The pressure’s on Cory to replicate his tech-aided success without the tech. That’s a mind game in itself.
The Unseen Competitors: Cook, Sands, and Garrett
Let’s not forget the other sharks circling: Drew Cook (17 points back), Cole Sands (21 back), and John Garrett (29 back). McKinney’s focused on Cory, but if both he and Johnston stumble, this thing could blow wide open. What’s McKinney’s Achilles’ heel? Consistency. He’s had bombs this year (89th, 90th), and while he clawed back 36 points on Cory at Pasquotank, one bad day could end this. From my perspective, the real story here isn’t just the Johnston rivalry—it’s whether McKinney can silence the noise and fish his race. Titles aren’t won by avoiding mistakes; they’re won by recovering from them faster than your rivals recover from theirs.
The Bigger Picture: Legacy vs. Longevity
Here’s the thing people misunderstand: McKinney isn’t just chasing a trophy. He’s chasing narrative. Two seconds in a row? That’s the setup for a redemption arc—or a tragic footnote. The Johnstons, the tech bans, the DQ—it’s all just scenery in a career that’s already historic. He’s the youngest Elite winner ever. He’s got two titles. But AOY? That’s the stamp of dominance. And here’s the irony: If he fails again, does it tarnish his legacy? Or does it just make him the sport’s version of a cult hero, forever the “almost” everyone roots for? Personally, I think he’s too young to be burdened by legacy. But he’s not fishing for us. He’s fishing for that third shot at charm. And honestly? I’m not sure the world’s ready for what happens if he nails it.
