Hank Cherry Secures Victory with Classic Lures and a New Tundra

Where Old-School Meets New Triumphs: A Winning Combination

The Unexpected Return of a Classic Lure: Chartreuse Grubs Steal the Show

Hank Cherry's remarkable performance at the early-February FXR Bassmaster Elite on Lake Guntersville was nothing short of captivating. His winning strategy, which involved using simple, old-fashioned chartreuse grubs on a jighead, was a refreshing contrast to the prevalence of cutting-edge technology in contemporary bass tournaments. It was particularly striking to witness a seasoned angler like Cherry achieve the largest catch of the week with a lure reminiscent of those found in tackle boxes from decades past. This victory was especially noteworthy as it marked the first Elite Series tournament won without reliance on forward-facing sonar, adding an ironic twist to the narrative.

Timeless Effectiveness: The Enduring Appeal of Traditional Baits

Cherry’s triumph at the iconic Lake Guntersville will undoubtedly be etched into the annals of bass fishing history. He revealed that the grubs he employed on the final day were remarkably old, possibly two decades past their purchase date from a sale bin he discovered with his father. He further emphasized the versatility of these grubs, noting their effectiveness beyond bass fishing, extending to flounder, redfish, and sea trout. This success story serves as a powerful reminder that while modern equipment and sophisticated electronics can enhance fishing experiences, the fundamental appeal and effectiveness of simple techniques, like winding a grub through shallow grass as Cherry did in his youth, remain potent enough to secure wins at the highest echelons of the sport.

A Historic Victory Coupled with Automotive Loyalty Rewards

Beyond his substantial $100,000 first-place earnings, Cherry also received an additional $4,000 from Toyota Bonus Bucks. This award recognized him as the top-finishing angler who towed his boat with a 2022 or newer Toyota vehicle. Cherry is well-acquainted with Toyota's incentive program, as the 2024 Tundra currently hauling his BassCat boat is his seventh Toyota towing vehicle. Throughout his 15-year career as a full-time professional angler, he has accrued a significant amount of bonus money through this program. This particular win is distinct, however, as he is the inaugural Elite angler to benefit from Toyota Bonus Bucks' expanded angler payouts for the upcoming 2026 season.

A Testament to Trust: The Unwavering Faith in a Reliable Brand

Cherry’s unwavering commitment to Toyota is evident in his acquisition of seven consecutive Tundras over the years. His confidence in the brand extends to his family, as both his wife and son drive Toyotas for their daily needs. He expressed appreciation for the vehicles' consistent reliability and the excellent service provided by dealerships like Scott Clark Toyota. For Cherry, factors such as dependability, incentive programs, and brand loyalty hold significant value. He firmly believes in supporting brands that actively contribute to the sport, noting Toyota's long-standing and consistent sponsorship of bass fishing.

Engaging the Angling Community: Opportunities with Toyota Bonus Bucks

The Toyota Bonus Bucks program offers benefits to tournament anglers across all skill levels, with payouts available for over 620 supported tournaments annually. Anglers interested in participating, registering, or learning more about the eligible events and potential rewards are encouraged to visit the official Toyota Trucks Bonus Bucks website.