Meet the Anglers: Challenge Cup - Team BUBBA (#1)

Justin Cooper + John Hunter

justin cooper and john hunter_GTTS-Erie-D5-SmkyMtn-PMoore-03.jpg

2024 General Tire Team Series - Challenge Cup Teams

Major League Fishing

Cooper_0327.png

Justin Cooper

Major League Fishing

Justin Cooper

Zwolle, Louisiana

Before making the Bass Pro Tour in 2023, Cooper placed second in the 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit Rookie of the Year race. He finished in the Top 20 for Angler of the Year all three years he fished the Pro Circuit/Invitationals, including three Top 10s in 2021. In 2025, the Bass Pro Tour limited forward-facing sonar use to one period per day, and Cooper made his first Bass Pro Tour win at Stage 1 on Lake Conroe, weighing 78 pounds, 5 ounces, on 34 scorable bass.

FUN FACT

Cooper holds a pre-med degree from Northwestern State University, but chose to follow his dream of becoming a professional angler. He owns a guiding business on Toledo Bend where they fish for crappie and bass. He also has an outfitting business where they hunt whitetail deer and exotics.

Career Wins1
Top 10s3
Top 20s7
REDCREST Appearances1
Career Winnings$468,764

GTTS-Erie-D6-Takeoff-PMoore-03.jpg

John Hunter

Major League Fishing

John Hunter

Shelbyville, Kentucky

From fishing at Georgetown College in his early years to a short stint on the Bassmaster Elite Series, Hunter has been around the block in bass fishing. In the second breakout season of his career, Hunter finished eighth in points on the Pro Circuit in 2022 to qualify for the Bass Pro Tour. Hailing from the hills and hollers of Kentucky, Hunter has been able to handle everything from Florida grass to northern smallmouth in his career. Hunter made his REDCREST debut in 2024.

FUN FACT

Hunter enjoys real estate investing, including flipping homes and building new ones. He also enjoys golf and deer hunting

Career Wins-
Top 10s14
Top 20s25
REDCREST Appearances2
Career Winnings$470,525
Related Stories
Team Ferguson’s Takahiro Omori and Dean Rojas, who surged from below the cut line with a late third-period flurry to win Knockout Round Match 1 of the Folds of Honor Patriot Cup Presented by B&W Trailer Hitches.
Team Knighten Industries’ Jake Lawrence and Alton Jones Jr. lived up to their billing as one of the most dialed-in duos in the game on Friday, during Elimination Match 3 of the Patriot Cup.
Despite calm, sunny conditions to start the morning, the veteran duo quickly deciphered the bite – then shifted gears perfectly when the fish changed.
Jacob Wheeler and Dustin Connell of Team O’Reilly Auto Parts took an early lead and never let go, finishing atop SCORETRACKER® with 64 pounds, 8 ounces on 42 scorable bass.
Team O’Reilly Auto Parts’ Dustin Connell and Jacob Wheeler caught 42 scorable bass weighing 64 pounds, 8 ounces—by far the day’s best total—advancing directly to the Knockouts.
Catch the action on RFD-TV and streaming live on the RFD-TV Now app.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

High fertilizer costs and global risks threaten spring margins for growers.
Be sure to catch Kim Collingsworth on Gaither Gospel Hour’s new special, “His Gift, My Story,” tonight, Friday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. ET, on RFD Network and streaming on RFD+
Colorado Congressman Jeff Hurd joins Champions of Rural America to share insights into the Western Caucus legislative priorities as they champion wildfire prevention and mitigation in the West.
Britt Hilton with the Oklahoma Farm Bureau joined us to discuss current conditions, producer impacts, and the road to recovery following the Ranger Road Fire.
National FFA Southern Region Vice President T. Wayne William talks about Wear Blue Day, the history of the blue jacket, and why the tradition continues to inspire pride and connection among FFA members nationwide.
The closure of Lubbock Feeders highlights mounting pressure on the U.S. cattle supply, according to the Texas Cattle Feeders Association, as border restrictions and costs strain feedyards.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.
Bill Gaither, the founder of one of gospel’s most successful groups, the Gaither Vocal Band, and his wife, Gloria, are delighted to showcase their favorite gospel music during “Gaither Gospel Hour” on RFD-TV.