Choo Choo Fly & Tackle, Chattanooga’s hometown fly shop of nearly thirty years, is very excited to have Sondra Rankin as a celebrity bass angler for its first annual Bass Fishing Clinic. This clinic will be very informative and instructional as it will combine Sondra’s knowledge of conventional bass fishing with Mac McGee’s knowledge of fly-fishing for bass.
Sondra Rankin from Kentucky is a busy, professional angler on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour and fishes on a national level with some of the best bass anglers in the country. As a co-angler, she has been promoting fishing for women for more than three years by being a strong competitor. Sondra is sponsored by many reputable fishing companies such as Berkley, Abu Garcia, Ranger Boats, Fenwick Rods, Evinrude Outboards, MinnKota, Lowrance, and Hot Shot Lures… but her biggest career jump has been her signing to the official Chevy Pro Team on the FLW Tour this year. She stands beside Jimmy Houston, Dion Hibdon, Luke Clausen, David Fritts, Larry Nixon, and Kim Stricker in this elite sponsorship. Last season she had three top-10 and seven top-25 finishes. Sondra also placed 25th at the Wal-Mart Championship. Her success has led to several appearances on FSN Television and FLW Outdoors TV. And she recently finished filming a fishing show due to come out in the fall.
Mac McGee is the owner of Choo Choo Fly & Tackle and career fishing guide.
Also coming to participate in this event will be Park Burson, area representative for St. Croix Fishing Rods and Reels. The weekend clinic will be as follows:
Saturday, July 7th – on-site demonstrations, discussions, and lectures of various topics and techniques involving both conventional and fly-fishing for bass. This will be open to the public at no cost. Everyone is welcome between 10am and 4pm.
*** There will be a private-party dinner later in the evening for those who care to reserve a spot for $25/person. (call Choo Choo Fly & Tackle at 423-267-0024 to reserve)
Sunday, July 8th – join Sondra Rankin and Mac McGee at Tennessee RiverGardens in the Tennessee River Gorge to experience exceptional bass fishing with each of them. Participants will learn first-hand the techniques and skills of both conventional fishing and fly-fishing for bass in one day. Each person will have the chance to fish in the boats of both instructors during the course of the day. There are limited spaces available and costs $100 per person. This day will begin at Choo Choo Fly & Tackle where all participants will meet at 6:30am and then caravan to Tennessee RiverGardens. Fishing will most likely begin at 7am and continue thru mid-day. Other instructors/guides will be there to assist participants. Drinks and equipment will be provided. Participants are welcome to bring their own sack lunch. (call Choo Choo Fly & Tackle at 423-267-0024 to reserve)