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
Streaming LIVE March 12-28 only on RFD+
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo concluded last night, marking the end of another successful year showcasing youth exhibitors, livestock producers, and the spirit of agriculture.
Three junior heifer exhibitors continue their trek through the Texas Swing at the San Antonio Stock Show, balancing competition, friendship, and life on the road.
Lynn County 4-H students showcase robotics and STEM skills at the San Antonio Stock Show, highlighting how ag education programs are preparing the next generation in agritech.

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:

USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins visits Arizona cotton producers as rising fuel, fertilizer, and fuel and fertilizer costs continue to pressure farm margins.
Fred Nichols with Huma joins us to break down “just in time” fertilizer applications, a growing trend in modern nutrient management as input costs continue to pressure farmers.
Lewis Williamson with HTS Commodities joined us to discuss spring planting progress and the outlook for trade and demand as the season continues.
USMCA review nears a critical stage as the U.S. and Mexico advance talks while Canada risks being left behind, raising concerns across North American agriculture trade.
Sen. Jerry Moran of Kansas joins us to discuss the Food for Peace program’s Kansas roots, its place in the Farm Bill, and the importance of the USDA’s visit to the state.
USDA approves disaster aid for Pennsylvania orchard and specialty crop growers after April freezes caused major crop damage statewide.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Opry Live is the premier weekly broadcast and livestream of the Grand Ole Opry, featuring country music superstars, legends, and rising talent performing on stage in Nashville.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.
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!
Enjoy traditional country music from modern-day troubadours The Malpass Brothers. Each episode stars the brother duo of Chris & Taylor Malpass along with a featured celebrity guest– and loads of clever humor.
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.