Anglers competing in the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour now have 10,000 more reasons to tow their boats with a Toyota this week in Fort Worth. $10,000 will be up for grabs for the highest finishing Classic competitor driving a 2021 or newer Toyota tow vehicle through Toyota’s popular contingency program “Bonus Bucks”.

This payout has increased for the 2025 Classic, up from $7,500 in past years. Also new for 2025, the second and third highest finishing Classic competitors driving a Toyota will earn $5,000 and $3,000 payments, respectively.

Elite Series pro John Cox has capitalized on Bonus Bucks rewards numerous times throughout his 14-years as a full-time professional fisherman and has his eyes on the prize this week.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to win quite a bit of money through Bonus Bucks and I want to get my hands on this ‘Happy Gilmore’ check,” Cox joked. “Last year I was the second highest Toyota driver in the Classic and the first highest in REDCREST. I actually used that money on a down payment for my new Tundra this year, which was so nice. I’ve been handing down my old trucks to my kids, cause they are all driving now, so we just keep adding them to the family.”

He and his wife, Melissa, have a driveway full of Toyota tow-vehicles at their Florida home and value the added opportunity from Toyota as well as the brand’s steadfast support of tournament bass fishing. Melissa has spent plenty of time behind the wheel of her husband’s trucks, as she often has had to serve as John’s driver and teammate, helping him manage a famously jam-packed tournament schedule.

“We love the trucks, and I definitely love the extra bonuses,” Melissa Cox said. “We have four Toyotas in our driveway at home, three Tundras and a 4Runner. Obviously, Toyota isn’t a sponsor of John’s but through Bonus Bucks we’ve really felt the love from the brand, and everyone feels like family.”

When questioned what they’d spend this year’s increased Classic Bonus Bucks payout on if they were to win it, Cox was quick to consider a high-dollar cleaning service for his fishing-tackle-filled garage. What Cox lacks in tackle organization, he makes up for with humor and his uncanny ability to catch bass in shallow water and notch top finishes regardless of the fishery or time of year.

While Cox was quick to admit he did not have a stellar practice on Lake Ray Roberts, it would surprise no one to see his name near the top of the leaderboard as the 56^th annual Super Bowl of Bass Fishing plays out.

Toyota Bonus Bucks rewards far more than just Classic competitors. With over 620 supported tournaments, including team trails, college and even kayak events, you can reap the rewards of Bonus Bucks just like the pros. To learn more or see a full list of tournaments head to: www.toyotatrucksbonusbucks.com/events.