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Everyone’s different, but the freer I can fish, the more dangerous I am — the Classic was a perfect example of that.
Winning the Bassmaster Classic is arguably the pinnacle of professional bass fishing—a lifelong dream for many and a reality for only a few. This year, Easton Fothergill claimed that title, marking a monumental moment in his career. Here, we sit down with Easton to recap this victory, and while it’s clear that he’s more than dialed on the angling side of things, his mental game is next-level, rock solid, and just as crucial to his success. Unlike many post-tournament recaps that dive into techniques and tactics, we wanted to explore the mindset behind his championship performance.
INSIDE THE MIND OF EASTON FOTHERGILL
Simms: After seeing you perform and fish down in Texas, what really stood out was the mental grind of it all. The decision making, the ability to stay focused and locked in. Can you tell us more about the mental game you have during tournaments and specifically what that looks like for an event as big as the classic?
Easton: Yeah, I’d say the biggest thing for me, in every tournament I fish, is constantly reminding myself to keep an open mind. As tournament anglers, we rarely get the same conditions two days in a row, which forces us to adapt every single day. I’m a firm believer that the first person to make the right adjustment is the one who comes out on top.
That was definitely the case for me at the Classic. I covered all kinds of water—working different depth ranges and moving through the pockets. I’d start near the middle, then push all the way to the back, just trying to figure out where the fish were staging each day. On Lake Ray Roberts, they were shifting constantly—moving to different parts of the pockets and even changing throughout the water column.
For me, the key is always trusting my gut and fishing with an open mind. That final fish catch? It was a complete instinct call. I had this random thought: Hey, let’s hit that area one more time. So, I pulled the troller, ran across the lake, and it just happened.
Honestly, that’s when I fish my best—when I’m completely free. No set plan; just going with what feels right. When I pull the trolling motor, there’s no telling where I’m heading next—and that’s when I’m at my most dangerous.
Simms: It was really cool to watch you fish, and it seemed like you were able to stay locked in on making adjustments and focusing on the technical side of things—even on a stage as massive as the Classic. That can’t be easy. As spectators, we pulled up in a camera boat on the final day and were just one of like 20-30 boats watching you. One can only imagine how that kind of pressure affects the mental game. Is that something you’ve experienced at other events, or was the Classic on a whole different scale? It really seemed like, despite all the eyes on you, you were able to stay completely dialed in on the task at hand.
Easton: Yeah, you know, I’m definitely not used to that. I’ve had a few events where I’ve had some people follow me, but nothing like that. When you’re leading the Classic, you’re bound to have 15 to 30 boats trailing you. I knew that going in, but you just have to block it out as best you can. You can’t let it affect you—but at the same time, you’ve got to manage it.
There were a couple of times, especially in one of the first areas I fished, where I actually had to direct some of the boats, letting them know where they could be so they wouldn’t interfere. That’s definitely new territory for me—I haven’t had to do that much before. But it just adds another layer to the game, another thing you have to manage and adapt to.
At the end of the day, though, it’s all good. You just have to block it out and stay focused on what you’re there to do.
Simms: It was pretty impressive watching you handle all of that with such calmness—just casually and collectedly reminding folks, “Hey, I’m gonna run this line here. Do you mind sliding over a bit?” It never seemed to rattle you or throw off your mental game.
For us, it was wild to see just how many boats were following you around. You mentioned that this event was on a whole different level compared to anything you’ve experienced before. From the outside, you seemed incredibly composed and locked in—just fully focused on the fishing and the task at hand.
Is that typically the case for you? Is it really just a matter of blocking everything out? Or is there more going on internally than what we might see from the outside—especially on that final day when you were still hunting for that kicker fish?
Easton: Yeah, I mean, I definitely don’t express my emotions much, but my mind is always racing a lot faster than it seems from the outside. I’m constantly trying to stay ahead of the game—whether that’s mentally or with my equipment. I think that’s one of the biggest keys in fishing: you have to constantly adapt and evolve, always working to stay ahead of the curve.
So, to answer your question—yeah, my mind is definitely running a million miles an hour out there. I’m always trying to make decisions faster than my competitors, looking for any edge I can find.
But even with all that going on internally, I don’t really show it. For me to react the way I did on that winning 8-pounder—that probably says more than anything. It just shows how much that fish meant to me. I’m usually a pretty quiet, keep-to-myself kind of guy, so that was probably the biggest reaction I’ve ever had to a fish catch.
Simms: That was incredible to witness firsthand. Like you said, leading up to that moment, everything was calm and quiet, and you weren’t giving away much. Then, when it happened, we were right there—just 30 feet away—watching you grab that fish and get it into the boat. The way you let out that victory shout fired us all up. We were all hooting and hollering right along with you. It was such a sweet moment.
Simms: Was there anything—whether mentally or from a technical angling perspective—that you learned or feel like you want to apply going forward after the Classic?
Easton: It just confirmed that, for me, every one of my three major wins—whether it was the Classic or my two Opens last year—came when I was in the same exact mental state. Like I said, it’s all about having a completely open mind with no set plan or expectations. I just go out there free, not knowing where I’ll end up. That’s when I’m at my best.
For me, that’s the ideal mindset. Everyone’s different, but the freer I am, the more dangerous I am. The Classic was a perfect example of that—dealing with constantly changing conditions and how the fish reacted differently each day. I had to stay adaptable, and I felt that’s what made the difference.
It really confirmed that the winning mindset for me is to fish with that kind of freedom. The challenge, of course, is that it’s so hard to capture that mindset for every event. It’s impossible to do it every time; no one can. But that’s the beauty of fishing. I know what my winning mindset is, but the real challenge is harnessing it consistently. That’s what I’m always striving for.
Simms: Yeah, it really feels like it's out of your control, right? Having that open mindset requires certain variables to align, where everything feels out of your hands, and you’re just able to go out and fish however you can. It’s the complete opposite of having a killer practice where you feel dialed in and set expectations for yourself—like, "I should perform," or "I should go to this spot and catch a bunch of fish." When you set those expectations and things don’t go as planned, it can quickly turn into a downward spiral. But with that open mindset, like you said, it levels everything out. No expectations, just going out there and doing your thing.
Simms: For many anglers, including yourself, the Classic is obviously a top of the bucket list win. But being 22 with a long career ahead of you, is there anything you’re looking to focus on or put more time into going forward? Any specific goals or things you’re aiming to accomplish in the future?
Easton: Looking ahead, my two main career goals are an Elite Series win, along with winning AOY. Those are my top priorities. Of course, after winning one Classic, the competitor in me definitely wants to win another one even more. But if I had to pick a number one, I’d say AOY. With the start I had this year, it’s still possible, but I’d need something really special to make it happen this season.
For now, I’m focused on chasing that blue trophy for the rest of the year. Then, hopefully, we can keep the momentum going into next season and make a solid run at AOY. For me, those two goals—Angler of the Year and the blue trophy—are at the top of my list.
Simms: Looking ahead to the rest of the season and chasing that blue trophy, are there any specific events or fisheries you’re particularly excited about? I know you probably don’t want to set too high of expectations, but is there a certain place or event you’re really looking forward to competing in?
Easton: I feel really good about Lake St. Clair. Growing up in Minnesota, I’m really comfortable with that style of smallmouth fishing. On top of that, I’m also fired up for Lake Tenkiller. It’s a deep, clear, highland reservoir, and I tend to do really well on lakes like that. So, those two events are where I feel I have the greatest opportunities for a blue trophy.
That said, Hartwell is my favorite lake in the country, so I’m definitely excited about that one, too. Overall, I feel really good about the rest of the schedule. We all know how tough it is to get a blue trophy, but I’m definitely hoping to make a solid run at a couple of those events.
Simms: From our side at Simms, looking back at that open mindset and being able to stay focused with that tunnel vision, is there any gear—whether it’s what you're fishing with or what you’re wearing—that helps you maintain that mindset and stay locked in on the task at hand?
Easton: The biggest thing I’ve learned is that you have to have top-quality apparel and outerwear. It’s not always sunny and beautiful out there, so being comfortable is key. Pro Dry gear never fails at that—it helps keep me dry and comfortable on big runs, in storms, no matter the conditions. Another one of the biggest things I’ve realized over the last couple of years is just how much the sun can drain you. If you let it get to you, it’s amazing how much it affects your energy and mental game. You spend all day with the sun beating down, and then you wake up the next morning sunburned and exhausted. It can really take a toll.
That’s why I’ve made it a point always to wear sun hoodies, gloves, and sun gaiters. Ever since I started doing that, I have felt so much better. Not only am I worried about skin cancer, but I also just feel so much more energetic and sharp throughout events. Being covered up with good sun protection really makes a difference.
Simms: It’s really interesting to hear that. We hear the same thing from folks on the fly side and definitely in the saltwater world as well. You wouldn’t think of fishing as a super physically intense sport, but after a whole day in the sun, even if you’re just standing on the deck of the boat, it’s incredible how wiped out you feel. It really takes a toll on you. You end up with that "brain fry" where you just feel kind of sluggish and out of it after being in the sun for eight hours. I imagine that plays a huge role in staying mentally sharp and performing at your best.
Easton: Yeah, as we all know, fishing is so mental. So if you can stay comfortable all day long, that’s a huge advantage over your competitors. When you’re comfortable, no matter the conditions, it allows you to make better decisions and stay focused throughout the day.
Simms: Is there anything else you’d like to leave our audience with or anything you’ve been reflecting on after last weekend’s events now that you’ve had some time to chill? Or is it just about staying focused and doing the thing?
Easton: I guess, like we talked about, the biggest thing that stood out to me is how important the mental side of it is. I’ve learned a lot about my mental approach from Brandon Palaniuk—he’s a master at controlling the controllables. It’s all about focusing on what I can control and fishing freely, that’s been key for me lately. Take things seriously, but not too seriously, you know? Put in the work beforehand, set yourself up for success, and then when the time comes, just go out there, do what you know, and try to have some fun, too. Be intentional and calculated, but don’t overthink it; trust your gut.
At just 22, Easton’s an incredibly impressive angler to watch —his ability to tune out distractions and adapt on the fly, even in the most intense conditions, shows that experience comes from time on the water, not years on a calendar. Whether he’s fending off the pressure from a crowd of boats or adjusting to the ever-changing patterns of a fishery, Easton remains in complete control, focusing on what he can influence. His victory at the Bassmaster Classic is a testament to his unwavering mental fortitude and his dedicated pursuit of the podium. It’s clear that in a sport as mentally demanding as tournament angling, the right mindset can be the game-changer.
Looking ahead, Easton remains hungry as he chases an Elite Series win and Angler of the Year honors. What makes his journey so captivating is that it’s not just about catching fish—it’s about mastering the mental grind that comes with the sport. As he continues to evolve and refine his approach, it’s no surprise that Easton’s got his eyes set on more victories. With his calm, calculated approach to each tournament, it’s only a matter of time before he secures even greater success. Keep watching—this young angler’s mental game is as sharp as ever, and his future is one to keep an eye on.
Winning the Bassmaster Classic is arguably the pinnacle of professional bass fishing—a lifelong dream for many and a reality for only a few. This year, Easton Fothergill claimed that title, marking a monumental moment in his career. Here, we sit down with Easton to recap this victory, and while it’s clear that he’s more than dialed on the angling side of things, his mental game is next-level, rock solid, and just as crucial to his success. Unlike many post-tournament recaps that dive into techniques and tactics, we wanted to explore the mindset behind his championship performance.
INSIDE THE MIND OF EASTON FOTHERGILL
Simms: After seeing you perform and fish down in Texas, what really stood out was the mental grind of it all. The decision making, the ability to stay focused and locked in. Can you tell us more about the mental game you have during tournaments and specifically what that looks like for an event as big as the classic?
Easton: Yeah, I’d say the biggest thing for me, in every tournament I fish, is constantly reminding myself to keep an open mind. As tournament anglers, we rarely get the same conditions two days in a row, which forces us to adapt every single day. I’m a firm believer that the first person to make the right adjustment is the one who comes out on top.
That was definitely the case for me at the Classic. I covered all kinds of water—working different depth ranges and moving through the pockets. I’d start near the middle, then push all the way to the back, just trying to figure out where the fish were staging each day. On Lake Ray Roberts, they were shifting constantly—moving to different parts of the pockets and even changing throughout the water column.
For me, the key is always trusting my gut and fishing with an open mind. That final fish catch? It was a complete instinct call. I had this random thought: Hey, let’s hit that area one more time. So, I pulled the troller, ran across the lake, and it just happened.
Honestly, that’s when I fish my best—when I’m completely free. No set plan; just going with what feels right. When I pull the trolling motor, there’s no telling where I’m heading next—and that’s when I’m at my most dangerous.
Simms: It was really cool to watch you fish, and it seemed like you were able to stay locked in on making adjustments and focusing on the technical side of things—even on a stage as massive as the Classic. That can’t be easy. As spectators, we pulled up in a camera boat on the final day and were just one of like 20-30 boats watching you. One can only imagine how that kind of pressure affects the mental game. Is that something you’ve experienced at other events, or was the Classic on a whole different scale? It really seemed like, despite all the eyes on you, you were able to stay completely dialed in on the task at hand.
Easton: Yeah, you know, I’m definitely not used to that. I’ve had a few events where I’ve had some people follow me, but nothing like that. When you’re leading the Classic, you’re bound to have 15 to 30 boats trailing you. I knew that going in, but you just have to block it out as best you can. You can’t let it affect you—but at the same time, you’ve got to manage it.
There were a couple of times, especially in one of the first areas I fished, where I actually had to direct some of the boats, letting them know where they could be so they wouldn’t interfere. That’s definitely new territory for me—I haven’t had to do that much before. But it just adds another layer to the game, another thing you have to manage and adapt to.
At the end of the day, though, it’s all good. You just have to block it out and stay focused on what you’re there to do.
Simms: It was pretty impressive watching you handle all of that with such calmness—just casually and collectedly reminding folks, “Hey, I’m gonna run this line here. Do you mind sliding over a bit?” It never seemed to rattle you or throw off your mental game.
For us, it was wild to see just how many boats were following you around. You mentioned that this event was on a whole different level compared to anything you’ve experienced before. From the outside, you seemed incredibly composed and locked in—just fully focused on the fishing and the task at hand.
Is that typically the case for you? Is it really just a matter of blocking everything out? Or is there more going on internally than what we might see from the outside—especially on that final day when you were still hunting for that kicker fish?
Easton: Yeah, I mean, I definitely don’t express my emotions much, but my mind is always racing a lot faster than it seems from the outside. I’m constantly trying to stay ahead of the game—whether that’s mentally or with my equipment. I think that’s one of the biggest keys in fishing: you have to constantly adapt and evolve, always working to stay ahead of the curve.
So, to answer your question—yeah, my mind is definitely running a million miles an hour out there. I’m always trying to make decisions faster than my competitors, looking for any edge I can find.
But even with all that going on internally, I don’t really show it. For me to react the way I did on that winning 8-pounder—that probably says more than anything. It just shows how much that fish meant to me. I’m usually a pretty quiet, keep-to-myself kind of guy, so that was probably the biggest reaction I’ve ever had to a fish catch.
Simms: That was incredible to witness firsthand. Like you said, leading up to that moment, everything was calm and quiet, and you weren’t giving away much. Then, when it happened, we were right there—just 30 feet away—watching you grab that fish and get it into the boat. The way you let out that victory shout fired us all up. We were all hooting and hollering right along with you. It was such a sweet moment.
Simms: Was there anything—whether mentally or from a technical angling perspective—that you learned or feel like you want to apply going forward after the Classic?
Easton: It just confirmed that, for me, every one of my three major wins—whether it was the Classic or my two Opens last year—came when I was in the same exact mental state. Like I said, it’s all about having a completely open mind with no set plan or expectations. I just go out there free, not knowing where I’ll end up. That’s when I’m at my best.
For me, that’s the ideal mindset. Everyone’s different, but the freer I am, the more dangerous I am. The Classic was a perfect example of that—dealing with constantly changing conditions and how the fish reacted differently each day. I had to stay adaptable, and I felt that’s what made the difference.
It really confirmed that the winning mindset for me is to fish with that kind of freedom. The challenge, of course, is that it’s so hard to capture that mindset for every event. It’s impossible to do it every time; no one can. But that’s the beauty of fishing. I know what my winning mindset is, but the real challenge is harnessing it consistently. That’s what I’m always striving for.
Simms: Yeah, it really feels like it's out of your control, right? Having that open mindset requires certain variables to align, where everything feels out of your hands, and you’re just able to go out and fish however you can. It’s the complete opposite of having a killer practice where you feel dialed in and set expectations for yourself—like, "I should perform," or "I should go to this spot and catch a bunch of fish." When you set those expectations and things don’t go as planned, it can quickly turn into a downward spiral. But with that open mindset, like you said, it levels everything out. No expectations, just going out there and doing your thing.
Simms: For many anglers, including yourself, the Classic is obviously a top of the bucket list win. But being 22 with a long career ahead of you, is there anything you’re looking to focus on or put more time into going forward? Any specific goals or things you’re aiming to accomplish in the future?
Easton: Looking ahead, my two main career goals are an Elite Series win, along with winning AOY. Those are my top priorities. Of course, after winning one Classic, the competitor in me definitely wants to win another one even more. But if I had to pick a number one, I’d say AOY. With the start I had this year, it’s still possible, but I’d need something really special to make it happen this season.
For now, I’m focused on chasing that blue trophy for the rest of the year. Then, hopefully, we can keep the momentum going into next season and make a solid run at AOY. For me, those two goals—Angler of the Year and the blue trophy—are at the top of my list.
Simms: Looking ahead to the rest of the season and chasing that blue trophy, are there any specific events or fisheries you’re particularly excited about? I know you probably don’t want to set too high of expectations, but is there a certain place or event you’re really looking forward to competing in?
Easton: I feel really good about Lake St. Clair. Growing up in Minnesota, I’m really comfortable with that style of smallmouth fishing. On top of that, I’m also fired up for Lake Tenkiller. It’s a deep, clear, highland reservoir, and I tend to do really well on lakes like that. So, those two events are where I feel I have the greatest opportunities for a blue trophy.
That said, Hartwell is my favorite lake in the country, so I’m definitely excited about that one, too. Overall, I feel really good about the rest of the schedule. We all know how tough it is to get a blue trophy, but I’m definitely hoping to make a solid run at a couple of those events.
Simms: From our side at Simms, looking back at that open mindset and being able to stay focused with that tunnel vision, is there any gear—whether it’s what you're fishing with or what you’re wearing—that helps you maintain that mindset and stay locked in on the task at hand?
Easton: The biggest thing I’ve learned is that you have to have top-quality apparel and outerwear. It’s not always sunny and beautiful out there, so being comfortable is key. Pro Dry gear never fails at that—it helps keep me dry and comfortable on big runs, in storms, no matter the conditions. Another one of the biggest things I’ve realized over the last couple of years is just how much the sun can drain you. If you let it get to you, it’s amazing how much it affects your energy and mental game. You spend all day with the sun beating down, and then you wake up the next morning sunburned and exhausted. It can really take a toll.
That’s why I’ve made it a point always to wear sun hoodies, gloves, and sun gaiters. Ever since I started doing that, I have felt so much better. Not only am I worried about skin cancer, but I also just feel so much more energetic and sharp throughout events. Being covered up with good sun protection really makes a difference.
Simms: It’s really interesting to hear that. We hear the same thing from folks on the fly side and definitely in the saltwater world as well. You wouldn’t think of fishing as a super physically intense sport, but after a whole day in the sun, even if you’re just standing on the deck of the boat, it’s incredible how wiped out you feel. It really takes a toll on you. You end up with that "brain fry" where you just feel kind of sluggish and out of it after being in the sun for eight hours. I imagine that plays a huge role in staying mentally sharp and performing at your best.
Easton: Yeah, as we all know, fishing is so mental. So if you can stay comfortable all day long, that’s a huge advantage over your competitors. When you’re comfortable, no matter the conditions, it allows you to make better decisions and stay focused throughout the day.
Simms: Is there anything else you’d like to leave our audience with or anything you’ve been reflecting on after last weekend’s events now that you’ve had some time to chill? Or is it just about staying focused and doing the thing?
Easton: I guess, like we talked about, the biggest thing that stood out to me is how important the mental side of it is. I’ve learned a lot about my mental approach from Brandon Palaniuk—he’s a master at controlling the controllables. It’s all about focusing on what I can control and fishing freely, that’s been key for me lately. Take things seriously, but not too seriously, you know? Put in the work beforehand, set yourself up for success, and then when the time comes, just go out there, do what you know, and try to have some fun, too. Be intentional and calculated, but don’t overthink it; trust your gut.
At just 22, Easton’s an incredibly impressive angler to watch —his ability to tune out distractions and adapt on the fly, even in the most intense conditions, shows that experience comes from time on the water, not years on a calendar. Whether he’s fending off the pressure from a crowd of boats or adjusting to the ever-changing patterns of a fishery, Easton remains in complete control, focusing on what he can influence. His victory at the Bassmaster Classic is a testament to his unwavering mental fortitude and his dedicated pursuit of the podium. It’s clear that in a sport as mentally demanding as tournament angling, the right mindset can be the game-changer.
Looking ahead, Easton remains hungry as he chases an Elite Series win and Angler of the Year honors. What makes his journey so captivating is that it’s not just about catching fish—it’s about mastering the mental grind that comes with the sport. As he continues to evolve and refine his approach, it’s no surprise that Easton’s got his eyes set on more victories. With his calm, calculated approach to each tournament, it’s only a matter of time before he secures even greater success. Keep watching—this young angler’s mental game is as sharp as ever, and his future is one to keep an eye on.
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