A year ago, we told you to remember his name. Now, Easton Fothergill has made sure you won’t forget it. The Simms Pro and young phenom took home the 2025 Bassmaster Classic title in dominant fashion, cementing his place among the sport’s elite.

Competing in only his second Bassmaster Classic, Fothergill proved that experience is measured in time on the water, not years on the calendar. Over three days of high-pressure competition on Lake Ray Roberts in Fort Worth, Texas, he out-fished a stacked field of legends and veterans, adapting to changing conditions with the kind of instinct you can’t teach. The event was defined by relentless wind, testing both the anglers and their equipment. While others struggled to adjust, Fothergill leaned into the challenge and made strategic adjustments that kept him in contention. With a final-day performance that left no doubt, he hoisted the trophy, etching his name in Classic history with a record-setting three-day total weight of 76.15 lbs.

“The week that I had was a dream come true. Nothing went wrong. Everything went completely right. Every decision I made was the correct one. It was just a dream week for sure” says Fothergill. “The key to this win was to not dwell on the past and only focus on the task at hand. I kept an open mind and followed my gut every step of the way.”

This win wasn’t just a breakthrough — it was a statement. At just 22 years old, Fothergill became the second-youngest angler to ever win the Bassmaster Classic. He has been on a steady rise, putting in the work, fine-tuning his approach, and proving that his spot on bass fishing’s biggest stage didn’t happen by accident. From early morning practice sessions to late-night tackle adjustments, he has embraced the grind, knowing that championships aren’t won on the final day, but in the countless unseen hours leading up to it.

A Simms Pro through and through, Fothergill’s win underscores what we’ve known all along, he’s built for this. His ability to read the water, adjust on the fly, and stay locked in when the stakes are highest makes him the kind of angler who doesn’t just compete but thrives. And when it came time to deliver, he did what the greats do, he executed.

For years, Simms has outfitted anglers who refuse to settle for anything less than the top. And while every destination has its challenges, brutal wind, temperamental fish, and pressure that could break the unprepared, Fothergill proved that his ultimate destination was always the same: the podium.

“Watching Easton this weekend was incredibly inspiring. He truly represents everything we believe in,” said Head of Simms, Ben Christensen. “He’s proof that hard work and passion can take you to the highest heights, including the top of the podium.”

With this victory, Fothergill doesn’t just join the ranks of Bassmaster Classic champions, he ignites a new era. One where young, hungry anglers refuse to wait their turn. One where, if you weren’t already paying attention, you are now.