THE BACK STORY ...

Johnston's Guide Service was founded in 1989 by Stephen Johnston. At that time, he was fresh out of high school and guiding duck and goose hunts on the Gulf Coast but soon made the jump to fishing trips on Toledo Bend and Sam Rayburn. While growing up, he spent all of his spare time fishing and hunting both the marshes of the Gulf Coast and the waters of East Texas. He and his family took weekends and vacations camping at Toledo Bend, on the Angelina River just below Lake Sam Rayburn, or on the bayou South of Winnie, Texas. When not "fun fishing" he was tournament fishing with local clubs or some of the circuits.After an introduction in 1990 to the late Bill Fox, then owner/guide of Fox's Lodge on Toledo Bend, he began accepting trips from the lodge and learning the guide business from "the master" himself. In 1996, although still working from several local marinas and lodges on both lakes, all booking began to go through his home base on Toledo Bend.  During the years of building his guide business, tournament fishing continued to play a large part of Stephen's life. He successfully participated in both individual and team events regionally and nationally. Highlights include winning in the FLW Series, BFL, and Bassmaster Opens (qualifying for the BASS Elite tour), competing in an FLW Forrest Wood Cup, and winning multiple AOY awards. He has not only consistently produced results on the freshwater side of tournaments, but crossed over and also did well in saltwater (redfish) events.Over the years, Stephen has worked with multiple manufacturers to develop, refine, and promote tackle and equipment. He has represented some of the finest brands in the industry and continues to work with those he truly believes in and trusts for his own performance on the water including: Vexus Boats, Mercury Marine, Lucas Oil, Minn Kota trolling motors, Humminbird electronics, Talon shallow water anchors, Costa sunglasses, Shimano reels and G Loomis rods. Companies from outside the industry have also utilized Stephen for his promotional abilities and client entertainment including Flow Zone and Foster Fence. Currently, he spends 250+ days a year personally guiding clients, as well as arranging trips with a group of select guides for larger parties and overflow clients, and the remainder scouting for fish,  conducting sponsor related or product seminars and engagements, or tournament fishing. In 2017 he also took on another marine venture with the acquisition of Carlson Marine, a long standing Mercury Marine Sales & Service Center near Toledo Bend.