Guide Staff



  Mac McGee

Having guided fly fishing since he graduated from Furman University in 1993, Chattanooga native Mac McGee has spent much time fishing and exploring in Montana, Idaho, British Columbia, New Zealand, Tierra del Fuego, the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, Mexico, Chilean & Argentine Patagonia, Costa Rica, Russia, Scotland, and Venezuala. His experience has led to a wealth of knowledge and fishing skills of almost every major game-fish there is to pursue with a fly. Having competed in fly fishing billfish, tarpon, permit, and bass tournaments, his fishing skills were rewarded with Grand Champion honors in both inaugural events of the 2001 Del Brown Permit Tournament and the 2009 Chattanooga Bass Bug Classic. Mac’s contributions as a career fishing guide and fly shop owner to support the fly fishing industry and to preserve the natural resources within which he works and lives are ever-present to those who know him and share his passions. 



 Scott Grafe

Born and raised in Dalton, GA, Scott Grafe has worked for Choo Choo Fly and Tackle as a guide, instructor, and on sales staff since 2002. Scott has been fishing most of his life, and he has an extensive knowledge of the North Georgia waters, such as the Toccoa and Tuckaseegee Rivers. Scott is proficient with a drift boat, and he takes many trips throughout the year, especially on his home water, the Hiwassee River. He is excellent with anglers and can turn any day into a great and enjoyable experience no matter the conditions or mood of the fish. In addition to working for Choo Choo Fly and Tackle, Scott works as an Account Manager for Dorsett Industries.



Parker Bacon is from Nashville, TN, and has joined the Choo Choo Fly and Tackle guide staff. He is currently a member of the UTC Bass Fishing Team, and has fished collegiately all over the southeast, as well. Parker's pleasant personality makes for a very enjoyable day out on the water. Parker runs a Triton bay boat, and specializes in bass fishing on our local waters. Parker executes many of his trips on the Nickajack, Chickamauga, and Guntersville lakes, and when he is not out on the water, he can be found working in the shop.


  David Newsom

David Newsom grew up in Memphis, TN, fishing the local waters of Arkansas, and moved to Chattanooga to attended business graduate school at UTC. He has trout fished the western Rockies from Wyoming to Utah, and has spent much time trout fishing the tailwaters of the South like the Elk River, as well as the freestone rivers of East Tennessee. When not pursuing trout, David focuses his fishing time on largemouth and smallmouth bass in the Tennessee River. He intently stays on top of the fish activity from Chickamauga Dam downstream to Hales Bar.