Cherokee Nation Businesses sponsors local pro-angler

CATOOSA, Okla. – Cherokee Nation officials announced today they are teaming up with local pro-angler Jason Christie as he competes in his first Bassmaster Classic.

“The Cherokee Nation is proud to sponsor Jason on his quest to win the Bassmaster tournament,” said Bill John Baker, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief. “He is a Cherokee citizen that our people, especially our youth, can look up to and be inspired by. Through his commitment, character and drive, Jason has ascended to the highest ranks of professional fishermen in the nation.”

The sponsorship gives Christie an opportunity to sport his Cherokee pride by displaying the Cherokee Nation seal and the Cherokee Nation Businesses brand on his boat and truck and the businesses brand on his jersey.

“This sponsorship is especially important to me,” said Christie, who will compete Feb. 22 -24 in the event on Grand Lake. “It is an opportunity to represent the Cherokee people and the Cherokee Nation. I am honored to represent my tribe.”

Christie, a native of Tahlequah, grew up fishing local lakes with his father, and five years ago he made his debut on the pro-circuit. So far in his professional career, he has earned 13 top-10 finishes on the national level and has ranked as high as 4th on the FLW Tour after winning eight FLW tournaments.

His most recent accomplishment is earning a spot to compete in the 2013 Bassmaster Classic by snagging a victory last summer in Michigan.

“It seemed like such a long shot,” Christie said. “I didn’t know if it was even worth trying. All I knew about that lake was what I saw on the map. But I really wanted to be in the Classic on Grand Lake. It’s my home lake — my favorite — the one I grew up fishing.”

The 2013 Bassmaster Classic, presented by Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa, features the top professional bass anglers in the world when they hit the lake next week.

Fans have the chance to meet Christie on Wednesday at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.