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:

Shaun Haney with Real Ag Radio joined us to break down the USMCA review and what Canadian producers and exporters should be watching in the months ahead.
USDA Undersecretary Dr. Mindy Brashears provides more insight on the updated “Product of USA” label campaign and the USDA’s goals for both consumers and producers.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer joined us to break down the application process for Stages 1 and 2 of the USDA’s Supplemental Disaster Relief Program, and what farmers can expect as the deadline approaches.
Fertilizer relief may be limited despite the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz this week. AgriSompo’s Brooks York discusses marketing strategies, crop insurance considerations, and other tips for producers navigating volatility this planting season.
Overall, the report suggests a shift toward more comfortable supply levels, with demand emerging as a key factor to watch in the months ahead.
Dr. Jeffrey Gold with the University of Nebraska joined us to explain public health in rural communities and highlight resources residents can access to stay healthy
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
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.
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!
Celebrating 16 Consecutive Seasons on RFD Network! “The Penny Gilley Show,” starring “The Sweetheart of Country Music” herself, Penny Gilley.
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.
SharkFarmer TV is the brainchild of Rob Sharkey, a 5th-generation farmer from Illinois. He shares the stories of incredible people in agriculture—both their successes and perhaps a few blunders along the way. You’ll see aerial footage of the field just as the drone crashes into a barn—and hear the story behind it all.