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still fish tournaments. I’ve got a competitive streak in
and I am pretty good at making fun of myself. The show
me to want to win. I’ve got the fire in the basement.
has been around for 20 years, because we have fun.
My first show, I was trying to be the “hot dog guy”
WB: You’re very consistent on all of the Arizona that knew everything and was super-cool; but that
lakes. What’s your secret to success?
wasn’t me. My show didn’t start sparking off, until I
JOHNSON: Owning my own production company
started being myself.
for my show, I’m paying people to go the lake to film.
I film it as if it were live and I have to catch fish for the
WB: What are three things nobody knows
show. If I don’t, I go home empty-handed and don’t
about the reigning U.S. Open champion?
mhaovneBeeaycsathouosmweao; bkfeuktnthIosewtsiilnlhgsoptwhee.nt the US Open Winners 1982 to Current
JOHNSON: That’s a hard one. I am on TV;
so people seem to know everything.
The music thing used to be quieter;
expense, I’ve learned to cut
but not anymore.
ties with a pattern that isn’t
#1 - Probably not many know
working. That has given me
that I have a General Lee. I bought it
the experience to be easy to
when I was 15-years-old, with my
change. I think there are a lot
music money. It is a 1969 Dodge
anglers that find something
Charger - just like the one the
working in practice and have
Dukes of Hazzard.
time giving that up when it’s not
#2 - I am a movie buff. I love
working on tournament day.
action-packed movies and
Fishing changes day-
comedy – slapstick no-brainer
to-day. Knowing what the
type movies. Rocky is my favorite
bass are doing on a fishery at
movie. It is very inspirational.
that particular time of year,
#3 - I used to be a race car
considering water rising or
driver - pro stock dirt track racing.
lowering and water clarity and all
Not many know that.
those other things that change,
I know I also have to change on
WB: Looking back, what
the fly. That’s why my show has
are your final thoughts on the
helped me in my tournaments.
Open?
JOHNSON: I want to thank
WB: What should someone
everyone from WON and Billy.
that isn’t familiar with your
He really puts on a great show.
show know about it?
The internet showing is a big
JOHNSON: It’s called Fishing
deal and very special for the
with Johnny Johnson and it’s
family and friends. A lot of us
based out of Arizona. I fish local
drive a long way to compete
lakes and streams, showing people
and we cannot bring all of our
techniques for their local waters
family and friends with us. It is
and have fun doing it. I teach people
very special to be able to have
what it takes to catch fish on a
them watch.
consistent basis – techniques, line
I also want to thank
size, patterns, but just have a lot of
everyone that supports the
fun. show and me. I am looking
One thing that I learned from Bill
forward to the next U.S.
Dance, along time ago – if you cannot
Open and the California
make fun of yourself, don’t be on TV
Open.
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