PROFILE :
CLABION
JOHNS
SOCIAL CIRCLE , GEORGIA
Clabion Johns was a “ rookie ” on the 2021 Tackle Warehouse Pro Circuit by only the strictest definitions . Sure , it was his first season fishing the national level , but the 39-year-old Georgia native has spent the last several years fishing more bass tournaments than just about anyone . One look at his Toyota Series and Phoenix Bass Fishing League resumes says it all : In 2020 alone , Johns fished 23 MLF tournaments ( including the All-American and Toyota Series Championship ) and has 14 career Top 10s to his name .
With nothing left to prove on the regional circuits , Johns brought his substantial talent to the Pro Circuit this season and announced his presence with authority , finishing seventh in Angler of the Year points en route to Polaris Rookie of the Year honors . “ Consistent ” and “ steady ” might be the best words to describe Johns ’ season ( if you exclude words like “ successful ” and “ impressive ”): five top- 35 finishes in seven events , including the Tackle Warehouse TITLE in August , and it all culminated in a rookie season he ’ ll remember forever .
QA &
Talking with you up at the St . Lawrence River where you locked up Polaris Rookie of the Year , your season goal was to qualify for the Bass Pro Tour and try to win Angler of the Year . You didn ’ t win AOY , but you got ROY and a Bass Pro Tour spot . How ’ s it feel to have accomplished that in your rookie season ?
Oh , it ’ s awesome . When I saw the schedule for this year , I knew I could do well . Making the Bass Pro Tour was my main goal , and I can ’ t wait for the opportunity to fish both that and the Pro Circuit next year . I still don ’ t think it ’ s sank in yet , though .
By Kyle Wood
PHOTOS BY JODY WHITE
“ Clabion ” is an interesting name . Is it a family name ?
It ’ s my middle name , actually , and it ’ s actually a misspelling of “ Clayborn ,” but it ’ s a happy accident . I ’ m a junior , but I go by Clabion and I like it .
80 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2021