Patonov 2008

The Race is On !

March 2008; Hemphill, Texas –

When Professional Angler Stephen Johnston wrapped up last year’s fishing season by claiming the “Angler of the Year” title for the Texas Division of the FLW Stren Series he did so with a further goal in mind. Back in November, as that circuit was drawing to a close, he was already making plans to move on to the FLW Tour for the 2008 season. With that move would come a new field of competition, new waters to fish, and a new race; the FLW “Rookie of the Year” race.

Now that the 2008 season has begun, Johnston finds himself not only in the race, but holding his own among a field of anglers that contains legends in the sport of bass fishing including Tommy Martin, Jay Yelas, Jimmy Houston, Guido Hibdon, and more.

Now, in early March, when many anglers are just planning their spring fishing trips, Johnston finds himself in the position of having three tournaments under his belt for the season including two FLW Texas Stren Series events and one FLW Tour event. The results? Two Top Tens and one Top 50.

“It’s already turning out to be a hectic year with just as much pressure as last”, says the busy angler. The Stren Series kicked off on Falcon Lake in South Texas, a body of water that Johnston had never fished. After a few days of practice and a slow start to the tournament, he found himself positioned to receive a check, but seemingly short of a final day cut; and then at the last minute, made the Top Ten cut.

Johnston is owner of Johnston’s Guide Service on Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend and has taken clients on bass, crappie, and duck hunting trips since 1989. He is sponsored by Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, Motor Guide trolling motors, All Star Rods, Pflueger Reels, Sebile Lures, Falcon Jigs, Lowrance Electronics, Navionics, and Stanley Lures. For more info on Stephen Johnston, visit his website, www.JohnstonFishing.com

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