Meet Johnnie
I picked up my first fishing pole when I was 4 years old using a cork and bobber and crickets. I didn’t start bass fishing until 2009 after my fascination grew to want to catch a biggin’. Speaking of a biggin’, I caught a 24 ¼ inch Chain Pickerel in Virginia in 2005 earning the Freshwater Trophy Award.
My first bass boat was a 2009 Bass Tracker with a 25hp motor. I was so proud of that boat! I joined my first bass club, Bryan County (Georgia) Bassmasters mid-season in 2009. Out of 102 members on the club roster, I finished the year in 6th place!
I took a 2-year sabbatical from bassin’ as I was transitioning from military service in the Coast Guard to civilian life. I joined Liberty County Bass Club in 2012. I came back strong and earned 6th place in the club that season.
I participated in my first regional tournament in 2012, competing against 200 anglers. I completed all 3 days and finished in 100th place as a non-boater. I knew the first morning out there before safe light, I was addicted to tournament fishing. All of the lights reminded me of Christmas, my favorite time of the year.
I got into custom rod building in 2019 after making my first custom rod. I immediately appreciated the difference between a custom rod! Store-bought rods are simply too big for me – I am just under 6 feet – and the performance varied from rod to rod. Having a custom rod allowed me to work the bait better resulting in better hookups and landing more fish.
Since starting competitive bass fishing, I have won several first-place finishes in various club tournaments in Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
- Personal Best Big Fish 7.5 pounds caught in Lake Murray – 2020
Why I Fish
Fishing relaxes me. That first tug I feel on my line, makes my heart beat so hard. I love sharing my stories with others and introducing this fascinating sport to young people.