Twenty anglers ranging from beginners to people with decades of experience gathered on Saturday, May 8, for a seminar on fishing the Clinch tailwater with spinning and fly fishing gear. Glorious weather amplified the beauties of Lonnie Hatmaker's property along the Clinch just upstream from Second Baptist Church -- participants were grateful both to Mr. Hatmaker for permitting use of the place and to the church for opening gates and allowing us easy access.

The program, ably organized by Jerry Van Fossen and Jim Ferguson, started with presentations by John Thurman (history of Norris Dam and tailwater, biology and stocking of trout, what trout eat) and Buzz Buffington (fishing etiquette, safety while wading and boating, how to release fish undamaged).

Then we divided into two classes, to learn from Bill Shipman about spincasting and from Clayton Gist about fly fishing. Even veteran anglers listened closely, picking up tips they hadn't heard before.

Next, students paired off with experienced fishermen and waded into the river for hands-on instruction. And finally, the group sat down together at Mr. Hatmaker's pavilion to enjoy the lunches we'd brought along.

Was it worthwhile? Mark Allen, who'd been saving the day since he first learned of plans for the program, said emphatically, "Yes!" And Lorelei Jacobs called the mix of education on river, fishing and gear "really interesting and helpful," showing her that wade fishing is definitely something she wants to explore.