PROFILE :
KEITH
CARSON
DEBARY , FLORIDA Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit rookie Keith Carson is a rookie by only the strictest definitions . A native Floridian ( and noted lifelong best friend of MLF superstar John Cox ), the 34-year-old Carson has fished all over the country for years , piling up accolades along the way – including a Bassmaster Open win and Bassmaster Classic appearance , as well as Angler of the Year honors during the inaugural season of the National Professional Fishing League last year .
Through two events to start the 2022 Pro Circuit season , Carson is already proving he ’ s more than ready for a new challenge , cashing checks at Sam Rayburn ( 41st place ) and the Harris Chain ( 28th ) and positioning himself well for a potential run at Rookie of the Year honors .
QA &
Does it feel weird being called a
By Justin Onslow
PHOTO BY KYLE WOOD
“ rookie ” this year on the Pro Circuit ? You ’ re certainly not a rookie bass angler . You ’ ve kind of been all over the place fishing professionally for a long while .
Yes . It feels odd , but at the same time , I am a rookie on the Pro Circuit . I ’ m a rookie in the sense that we only have two days of practice for a fourday tournament . That ’ s new to me . That ’ s a whole different mindset . There ’ s a big difference between two days of practice and three .
What made you want to tackle the Pro Circuit this year ? How much influence did John [ Cox ] have on your decision ?
John had a ton of influence on me . He ’ s always pushed me to get to the next level . I ’ m the type of angler that I believe you should come up through the ranks . I fished BFLs , I fished Toyota Series and kept moving up , and every level I fished at I truly loved fishing at that level . I would do well and John ’ s like , ‘ You ’ ve got to move up ; it ’ s time to move up , man .’ He talked me into and I ’ m sure glad I listened to him .
80 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | APRIL-MAY 2022