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
A leading Oklahoma veterinarian explains common symptoms of Equine Herpes Virus (EHV) and warns owners to remain vigilant because it can spread quickly among horses.
National FFA President Trey Myers joins Monday’s FFA Today to share his hopes and goals for the 2025-2026 year as he steps into this opportunity to lead and serve the next generation of agriculture.
Justin Lucas and Brent Ehrler of Team Ferguson powered through a stingy Championship Round on Cross Lake to claim the Bass Pro Shops Summit Cup Presented by Zenni with a gritty, wire-to-wire performance.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller warns horse owners after EHV-1 cases linked to the Waco WPRA Finals. Horses linked to recent Waco events should be isolated and closely monitored, as early action is critical to stopping the spread of EHV-1.
Team Ferguson closed out a tense, back-and-forth battle with a total of 30 pounds, 5 ounces on 18 scorable bass to overtake a tight field in the closing stretch and secure the win.
An outbreak of Equine Herpesvirus Type 1 (EHV-1) first appeared after livestock events in Texas and Arizona, and some horses have already died.

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:

Hurd joined this week’s Champions of Rural America to review the proposed Farm Bill moving through the House and discuss its potential impact on rural communities and farmers across the country.
Mexican livestock officials are emphasizing surveillance and inspection systems to preserve access to the U.S. cattle export market. Texas’ Bovina Feeders explains the rising stakes as the border stays closed.
University of Arkansas’ Allen Szalanski discusses a news study on rice stink bugs, what it could mean for farmers, and pest management strategies for the future.
Weak crop margins and tariff uncertainty are delaying machinery purchases and signaling slower capital investment across U.S. agriculture.
Farm Bureau Economist Dr. Faith Parum explains the role farm safety net programs play in supporting farm finances as growers head into the 2026 planting season.
Corn demand is rising thanks to ethanol expansion, yet year-round E15 remains missing from the Farm Bill—leaving farmers questioning the policy gap.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Join host Allen Treadwell and the Hayden Outdoors crew plus landowners across the country as we bring you exciting adventures on the land with the most amazing properties for sale and learn what it means to broker these magnificent properties.
Strong rural traditions, religion, cowboy boots, and technology collide in “Cowboy Church” — and taking part is as easy as turning on the TV! Airing Sundays on RFD Network.
“Somewhere West of Wall Street” is simply the most recent addition to the long list of noteworthy accomplishments by the Renaissance cowboy, singer-songwriter, poet, author, and show host Red Steagall. Join Red and his quarter horse, Grey Dog, as they explore the people, places, and stories of the American West.
Discover the untold stories of farm families across the United States as they face tough decisions, adapt in unexpected ways, and fight to secure a future — for the next generation to carry on the farm. This unscripted documentary-style TV show follows the lives of ambitious farmers from diverse backgrounds across the US, highlighting the challenges, triumphs, and unique stories of these farmers as they navigate the world of agriculture.
“Positively Paula,” is a nationally-syndicated lifestyle/food show that invites viewers to share a moment with their friend: Paula Deen, who we know and love.