Ewing Minor, 24, took the Native Watercraft-presented Newport Bassmaster Kayak Series Championship for 2026 on Lake Murray in South Carolina with 292.75 inches, collecting $20,000 along with the Pro-Guide Batteries Angler of the Year crown after prior series victories at Santee Cooper Lakes plus the Susquehanna River.

Defending champion Wyatt Hammond of Fayetteville, North Carolina, placed second at 290.75 inches, and Jacob Berryhill finished third at 276.5 inches in his first championship. Casey Reed of Virginia landed the 23.5-inch Big Bass on day one as Minor led the points with 995, followed by Hammond at 982 and Rus Snyders at 976.