Canadian Cory Johnston is one of four anglers featured in The Derby Boys.HO/The Canadian Press
Individually they’re four strong, distinct personalities but together Canadians Cory and Chris Johnston and Americans Seth Feider and Matt Robertson form an unpredictable, sometimes combustible but wildly entertaining combination.
The four have launched their own series, The Derby Boys, on YouTube. It provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at life on the Elite Series, pro bass fishing’s top circuit.
The anglers often room together on the road and recently gathered on Mercer, the official podcast of Canadian TV fishing host Dave Mercer – who’s also Elite Series long-time MC – to discuss the venture.
“It’s a very unique look at pro fishing, it’s a unique look that only they could share,” Mercer said.
Added Robertson: “Well, everybody talks about how cool it would be to hang out with us … you’re basically going to be hanging out with us and seeing the (sideshow) that goes on behind the scenes and on the water.”
In their fifth Elite Series season, the Johnstons have become a formidable force. Chris Johnston, of Peterborough, Ont., became the first Canadian to win a circuit event in 2020 and has registered 20 top-10 finishes overall.
Cory Johnston, of Cavan, Ont., captured his first Elite Series title in April at Palatka, Fla., and has earned 22 top-10 finishes.
Feider, of New Market, Minn., is in his sixth Elite Series campaign having won three times and recorded 21 top-10 finishes. He was the circuit’s top performer In 2021.
Robertson, of Kuttawa, Ky., is in his fourth Elite Series season. He has qualified for the US$1-million Bassmaster Classic – pro bass fishing’s premier tournament – three different ways: Bassmaster team championship; Bassmaster Opens; and Elite Series standings.
Feider has made six Classic appearances, one more than the Johnstons and Robertson.
It doesn’t take long for the colourful Robertson, with his Kentucky drawl and long, blond hair, to shine. Seconds into the first episode as Chris Johnston introduces himself, Robertson suddenly appears clad only in his underwear and holding a bottle of water.
That prompts Johnston to break out laughing before stating, “Put some clothes on.”
Robertson definitely beats to a different drummer. Often he competes in a sleeveless T-shirt and earned a fine for fishing a ’22 Elite Series event in his boxers.
Cory Johnston hinted the series could include more of Robertson’s antics, most notably in a water park during an Elite Series stop at Alabama’s Smith Lake. Robertson provided clarity about the incident on Mercer, adding it involved racing a friend after downing a strong margarita.
“I had one of those blow-up, like, inflatables for kids,” Robertson said. “He (friend) got up there and then I waddled up there and let me tell you something, that (water slide) wasn’t made for adults … we barely stopped.
“Dude, I’m telling you 240 pounds was moving at 40 miles an hour down that thing with no brakes.”
When Robertson said the incident was indeed a race, Cory Johnston quickly quipped: “That’s the only thing you've won this year, Matt.”
After countering with an expletive, Robertson added: “But you’re not wrong.”
There were also countless references to the anxiety Robertson experiences when he either forgets or runs out of his blood-pressure medicine. Cory Johnston adds while he enjoys poking the bear, he adds the easygoing Robertson is always quick to help those close to him.
During Mercer, Feider was often quiet, but Chris Johnston made it clear Feider is always very aware of what’s going on around him.
“Feider just waits for his moment to get a zinger,” Johnston said.
Added Feider: “When I see the moment, I'll let her rip. The gun is loaded, dude. I’m just waiting for Matt to say some stupid (stuff).”
During the season, talk between the four invariably turns to fishing. The Johnstons routinely share information among themselves and it seems they also do with Robertson and Feider.
Well, kind of.
“Me and Seth talk,” Robertson said. “Chris and Cory lie a lot.”
Added Chris Johnston: “I'll tell him any time how many bites I got and how many shook off. Just not where or how.”
But Feider backed Robertson, citing an exchange between himself and Cory Johnston at Florida’s St. Johns River where Johnston won his first Elite Series event.
“You asked me on the St. Johns how to catch them and I told you,” Johnston said.
Feider disagreed.
“I asked you if they were spawning in the springs,” he said. “And you said, ’No.’”
Added Johnston: “No, that’s not true. I said if you go flip pads you will cash a cheque.'
Feider countered: “And I asked you if there were any spawning in the springs. Direct quote, you said, ’No.’”
Offered Johnston: “I never said that.”
Feider then said, “Well, you did … but it’s my fault for asking you, man. I’m good with it.”
Johnston’s final comment on the matter was, “Maybe (it was true) but I don’t think so. Anyway, next question.”