In less than a year, Easton Fothergill went from being a standout college angler to rewriting the record books at the biggest event in bass fishing. The Minnesota native’s win at the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour on Lake Ray Roberts was the stuff of legends—not just because he shattered the all-time Classic weight record held by Kevin VanDam, but because of the unlikely, inspiring path he took to get there. And woven into that journey? A Toyota Tundra, the Toyota Bonus Bucks program, and one very smart phone call.
What Is Toyota Bonus Bucks?
Before we dive deeper into Easton’s story, it’s worth understanding the program that played such a pivotal role in his rise. Toyota Bonus Bucks is one of the most angler-friendly incentive programs in the sport. Designed to reward tournament competitors who tow with a qualifying Toyota vehicle, the program pays cash bonuses at hundreds of events across the country—from grassroots club tournaments to top-tier professional circuits.
What sets Bonus Bucks apart is its accessibility. Whether you’re fishing team tournaments, kayak events, walleye derbies, or the Bassmaster Opens, if you’re behind the wheel of a qualifying Toyota and place high enough, you’re likely eligible for a payout. Signing up is free, and you don’t need to be a pro to cash in.
From College Series to the Pro Ranks
Easton Fothergill’s breakthrough started in 2024 when he represented the Bassmaster College Series at the Classic after winning the College Classic Bracket. That win came with a new opportunity: compete in the 2024 Bassmaster Opens EQ series while driving a fully wrapped Toyota Tundra in his alma mater’s colors, the University of Montevallo.
For most anglers, that kind of opportunity is a dream. For Fothergill, it was just the beginning.
Not long into his rookie Opens campaign, he won two events—including one on Lake Eufaula—and locked up the EQ points title, which earned him a spot on the 2025 Bassmaster Elite Series. But the moment that turned heads inside the Toyota camp came right after that Eufaula win.
Buying the Tundra: More Than a Tow Vehicle
Fresh off his first professional win and still in the afterglow of victory, Easton picked up the phone. He wasn’t calling sponsors or media outlets—he was calling to ask if he could buy the Tundra he’d been driving all season.
“I knew a week into driving the 2024 Tundra that I loved it and wanted to buy it, but I was fresh out of college and a new truck wasn’t exactly in my budget,” Fothergill said with a laugh. “I had owned a 2011 Tundra up until that point, and it was the perfect college fishing truck. Solid, reliable, and it earned me some extra cash through Bonus Bucks at the college level.”
The timing couldn’t have been better. With a little prize money now in the bank, Easton made the leap and purchased the truck. That decision didn’t go unnoticed. Toyota quickly saw the value in working with a young, hungry angler who wasn’t just winning—but who genuinely believed in the product. They welcomed him into the fold as an official Bonus Bucks ambassador for the 2025 season.
Making History at the 2025 Bassmaster Classic
Then came Lake Ray Roberts. Fothergill had qualified for his second straight Classic, but this time he wasn’t just happy to be there—he was ready to win. And win he did.
Over three days, the 22-year-old phenom from Minnesota strung together the most impressive performance in Bassmaster Classic history, shattering the all-time weight record previously held by Kevin VanDam, arguably the most dominant angler the sport has ever seen.
In a sport where experience is often everything, Fothergill showed that preparation, talent, and the right support system can close the gap fast. His win wasn’t just a personal triumph—it was a statement to every young angler watching from their dorm rooms or boat docks that it can be done.
The Bonus Bucks Bonus: $10,000 on Top
As if the Classic trophy and career-launching victory weren’t enough, Fothergill’s win also came with a $10,000 Toyota Bonus Bucks check, since he was towing his rig with his purchased 2024 Tundra.
That’s the beauty of the program: it’s not just for weekend warriors or college kids. It pays at the highest levels of the game, too. And for Easton, it was the perfect full-circle moment—a Bonus Bucks payout on the sport’s biggest stage, behind the wheel of the truck he believed in enough to buy.
“To drive a new Tundra and work with a company like Toyota the past year has been a dream come true,” said Fothergill. “I may be young, but I know that it’s important to try and align yourself with brands who support the sport. There is no better example of that than Toyota. They support tournament anglers of all levels. I’m proud to drive a Tundra.”
Toyota’s Role in Growing the Sport
Toyota isn’t new to supporting bass fishing—they’ve been doing it for years. But their Bonus Bucks program has become one of the most important resources for anglers at every stage. Whether you’re a college angler grinding your way up, or a seasoned pro chasing Classic titles, Bonus Bucks puts real money back in your pocket for doing what you’re already doing—towing to tournaments.
With over 620 eligible events, the program continues to grow and adapt. Kayak anglers, co-anglers, walleye pros—everyone’s got a shot. And the best part? Registration is completely free.
Want In? Here’s How to Sign Up
If you’re running a qualifying Toyota and fishing tournaments, there’s no reason not to get on board. It’s quick and easy to sign up for Toyota Bonus Bucks, and the potential rewards speak for themselves.
To learn more, or to register for the program, visit: www.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com
Easton Fothergill: Proof That It Pays to Believe
From college champion to Classic legend, Easton Fothergill’s rise is a reminder that hard work, opportunity, and smart choices can turn dreams into reality. And sometimes, those choices include picking the right truck—and the right brand to align with.
For Fothergill, driving a Toyota wasn’t just about getting from Point A to Point B. It was about putting himself in the best position to succeed, on and off the water. And thanks to Toyota Bonus Bucks, that drive paid off—literally.
Whether you’re chasing trophies or just grinding out local events, the takeaway is clear: align with the brands that invest in the sport, and don’t be afraid to go all-in when opportunity knocks. Just ask the 2025 Bassmaster Classic champion.