Meet The Pros

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Russell Thornberry has contributed greatly to fly-fishing in a variety of ways, including pioneering the first float company on Alberta’s legendary Bow River, establishing The Fishin’ Hole - western Canada’s first year-round fly-fishing specialty shop, and founding the first chapter of Trout Unlimited in western Canada. 

Russell, equally at home on salt or fresh water, founded D.O.P.A.P. – The Distinguished Order of Permit Angling Purists, a tongue-in-cheek order aimed at those smitten with and overwhelmed by fly-fishing the flats of the Caribbean in pursuit of Permit, arguably the world’s most challenging target with a fly. 

In addition, Russell has literally chased the ultimate brown trout all over the world, from the U.S. to Chile, from New Zealand to the southern tip of Argentina. Over the past 40 years, Russell’s award-winning writing has graced the pages of numerous books and outdoor magazines. We are pleased to welcome Russell Thornberry to the Cook & Worsham Rod Company Pro Staff and delighted to have him as part of the design team for our rods. 

 Cook and Worsham Rod Co is delighted to have Mark Crawford as a Pro Staff  member. We met Mark four years ago and have waded and floated the Spring River with him on several occasions. Our respect for his abilities as a guide was immediate and over the years we developed a friendship.  Mark Crawford is owner and operator of springriverfliesandguides.com, the guide service and fly shop for the Spring River in northeast Arkansas. Mark is a classic troutbum that gets to do what he loves for a living, guide on the Spring River. Known for his honesty and quick witted humor, he really enjoys the opportunity to help others discover the great art of fly fishing. This is what Mark had to say after testing our rods for two weeks.  "I only sell rods in my fly shop that I would love to use myself, that is why I have decided to join the prostaff of Cook and Worsham Rod Co. These rods are a great value that come in at a price point below the big rod companies and have an extra tip with each rod plus a lifetime warranty, and most important, the rods are easy to cast,  Light weight and responsive is what I insist on in a fly rod and the Cook and Worsham rods do all of that and more." Book a trip with Mark and let him show you how great the rods really are. Tight lines and good luck, 

 Paul grew up on the banks of Arkansas' White and Norfork rivers fishing for Trout. During those early years he also fished the Buffalo river and Crooked Creek for Smallmouth bass. After attending Auburn, he moved to Dauphin Island, Alabama and became a commercial fisherman, eventually starting  Bent Rod Guide service doing charters.  After losing everything in hurricanes he came home to the rivers of northern Arkansas. For the last 15 years he has been guiding for trout on his home waters. He has  a group of independent guides and can put together trips large or small. He can also help with info on lodging .

He offers full and half day trips.  On the full day trip he offers a sandwich lunch from Heidis Ugly Cakes,  a unique sandwich shop and bakery that caters to the fishing crowd.

half day---200

full day---300

All of the guides with whom Paul works have top of the line wide river boats and can provide all equipment.  We are delighted to have Paul as a Pro Staff Member. For a truly memorable day on the White River contact our friend Paul Price.

Captain Rick J Thompson is a proud native of New Orleans, LA. Growing up, Captain Rick spent countless hours fishing and hunting the inshore waters of Venice, LA, and his fondest memories are of time spent learning to "Get'em Out of the Water" with his Dad. After six rewarding years in the United States Marine Corps, Rick began his professional fishing career in Annapolis, MD (where he served as First Mate to Admiral of the Chesapeake Vincent O. Leggett). He soon earned his Captain's License, got his own boat (the Lady Che') and employed Admiral Leggett (upon his retirement) as First Mate. During those years, every free moment was spent trolling for trophy Rockfish (Striped Bass) and working conservation efforts alongside Oyster Fisherman. While those times proved fun and educational, Captain Rick's desire to return home to Southern Louisiana grew strong and eventually could not be ignored. In 2018, Captain Rick and his wife LaToya bought the "Storm Cell" (a boat designed perfectly for comfortable and safe navigation on the Bayou) and returned to start ClearVision Charters. Now, just a half-hour from downtown New Orleans, Capt. Rick calls Myrtle Grove Marina home.

While Captain Rick Thompson has come to be known as the "Fish Hunter" (focused on catching multiple species slams, rather than high numbers of a single species), he still enjoys taking groups out for bayou cruises that include tubing, swimming, swamp tours and destination/dinner cruises to Grand Isle, LA. Rick's highest single trip species count to date is 11 (Redfish, Sheepshead, Speckled Trout, Stingray, Sail Catfish (Gaftop), Hardhead Catfish, Croaker, Ladyfish, Black Drum, Spot and Needlefish), all in a 6 hour charter. These waters also hold Flounder, Channel Catfish, Largemouth Bass, Garfish, Jack Crevalle, White Trout and Bluegill, so the ultimate goal is still that baker's dozen. As a former Marine, disabled Veteran and Special Olympics Unified Golf Partner, Rick takes great pride in sharing his love of the Bayou with athletes that have physical and/or intellectual disabilities. Captain Rick now spends over 200 days a year on the bayou, sharing his love of Fly Fishing with anglers and families from all over the world.  

Cook and Worsham  Rod Co is delighted to welcome George McMillan to our Pro Staff. George has been guiding the streams of northeast Georgia for over 20 years. Most of that time being spent on the famous Chatahoochee River and the Soque River. Being a retired teacher, he has a true passion for his outdoor classroom. His goal is to teach others to be better fisherman and appreciate the outdoors. He has appeared on an episode of The Nuts and Bolts of Fishing and Boating entitled "Soque River Trophies". He also has been the feature guide in the April/May 2017 issue of Southern Trout Magazine. You can reach George at Unicoi Outfitters or at fishwithgeorge@gmail.com.  Our time on the river with George left us with a deep appreciation of his knowledge of the waters of North Georgia as well as his determination to give his clients the best possible chance at a trophy trout.   

You can get in touch with Mark Crawford through his website

springriverfliesandguides.com

Contact Paul at Bent Rod Guide Service:

870-404-5354

George McMillan fishwithgeorge@gmail.com

or through Unicoi Outfitters

706-878-3083

Keith Chism's Cold Water Guide Service 

 870-297-8955

870-421-5069

Captain Rick

Clear Vision Charters

504-940-8844

clearvisioncharters.com

Keith Chism is a second generation White River Guide.  When he was fourteen Keith started guiding along side his dad and at fifteen was guiding on his own.  Keith still lives just a short drive from the White River.  Over the past forty years Keith's honesty, integrity and easy going manner have earned him hundreds of repeat customers.  His knowledge of the White and Norfork Rivers is unmatched. Spend a day on the water with Keith and you'll find he's not only great at putting you on fish, but excellent at knowing which fly to fish.  You'll also get a very interesting history lesson of the White River.  Cook and Worsham Rod Co. is delighted to have Keith Chism on our Pro Staff.