Hank Cherry Wins with Old-School Grub & Toyota Bonus Bucks

Bassmaster Elite Victory Highlights Enduring Power of Fundamentals in Evolving Sport

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hank Cherry's victory at the FXR Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville was a triumph of old-school techniques over high-tech gear. Using a simple chartreuse grub, Cherry proved that mastering the basics of lure presentation, fish behavior, and adapting to conditions remains paramount in bass fishing, even as forward-facing sonar and advanced lures transform the sport.

Why it matters

Cherry's win sparks a conversation about the evolving landscape of bass fishing and whether simplicity can still triumph over complexity. It also highlights the growing importance of contingency programs like Toyota Bonus Bucks, which reward brand loyalty and provide a significant financial boost to professional anglers.

The details

Cherry secured the top spot using a chartreuse grub, a classic bait that has consistently produced results for generations of anglers. As he noted, the grubs he used were from a package he'd had for 20 years, demonstrating that fish respond to effective presentation and action, not necessarily the newest or most expensive lures. Cherry's victory also earned him $4,000 from Toyota Bonus Bucks, a program that rewards anglers who tow their boats with Toyota vehicles. This highlights the value of brand loyalty and the growing importance of contingency programs in professional fishing.

  • Hank Cherry won the FXR Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville on February 18, 2026.

The players

Hank Cherry

A professional bass angler who won the FXR Bassmaster Elite at Lake Guntersville using a simple chartreuse grub lure.

Toyota Bonus Bucks

A contingency program that rewards anglers who tow their boats with Toyota vehicles, providing a significant financial boost to professional anglers like Hank Cherry.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The ability to effectively work a lure, regardless of its price tag, is a skill that transcends technology.”

— Hank Cherry (newsy-today.com)

What’s next

The expanded Toyota Bonus Bucks program for 2026 is expected to continue supporting a growing number of tournaments, providing more opportunities for anglers to earn rewards for their brand loyalty.

The takeaway

Hank Cherry's win demonstrates that while technology continues to transform bass fishing, the fundamentals of lure presentation, understanding fish behavior, and adapting to conditions remain essential for success. This hybrid approach, blending traditional techniques with modern advancements, is likely to shape the future of the sport.