BD is happy to introduce Katey McClenny, our next Fishin’ Chick. Katey is an avid angler and all-around outdoorswoman from Lake Wales, Florida.
BD: Where do you live?
Katey McClenny: I currently live in Imperial Polk County in Lake Wales, Florida!
BD: What is your occupation?
Katey McClenny: I have had several different jobs over the years. I have always been someone with varied interests and always a passion for the outdoors. I grew up working in bird dog/hunt test kennels, I have worked in the hospitality industry, I worked for a law firm in Tallahassee, FL, and I worked for a cattle ranch in Deer Park, FL. I am now a Future Pink Cadillac Sales Director with Mary Kay Cosmetics! It is definitely my dream job! I love the flexibility and the travel, and the people I have met along the way. I love to show people there is no stereotype for this job, and my passion is helping women reach their dreams and step into their purpose and use the gifts God gave them!
BD: What are your other hobbies?
Katey McClenny: Rodeo! I love to barrel race! I love anything outside and anywhere I can take my black lab Avery- duck hunting, goose, quail, dove, and pheasant. She’s even been turkey hunting with me.
I grew up at the hunt camp with my dad and those are some of my best memories. I also love hog hunting in the Florida scrubs.
BD: Who or what got you into fishing?
Katey McClenny: That is hard to say. I grew up in Florida and so everyone I knew fished. We spent all summer and most weekends at the beach, and were always on the water. My earliest memories are with my Uncle, who was a tournament bass fisherman, fishing on the lakes in South Georgia with my cousins. When I got older I started saltwater tournament fishing with one of our best family friends and he taught me a lot about offshore fishing.
BD: What types of fishing have you done and where?
Katey McClenny: I love it all! Anywhere on the water is a good day. I have been fly-fishing in the North Georgia mountains, all over the Gulf, the Florida Keys, and probably every lake and pond in South Georgia and North Florida.
BD: What is your favorite type of fishing?
Katey McClenny: Most definitely offshore! I love going deep and catching grouper, snapper, cobia, and kingfish. I love the saltwater more than anything.
BD: What are some future goals pertaining to fishing?
Katey McClenny: I would love to go to Costa Rica or the Bermuda to fish. I love to travel and love anywhere there is an ocean. I also want to see more youth involved in the outdoors. Outdoor sports are the best vehicle to teach so many life lessons. They develop character and integrity, and teach a profound devotion to this beautiful creation we are blessed to be stewards of. It is with great confidence I can say the outdoors led to many of the best relationships in my life and made me the person I am. Our future generation of leaders needs to know that.
BD: What part of fishing do you like the most?
Katey McClenny: I like so many aspects of fishing; the camaraderie, the chance to be in God’s glorious creation, the memories. There is nothing like watching the sun replace the moon, witnessing a magnificent sunset, riding out with the sea spray on your face, or being 50 miles offshore in the middle of the ocean to remind you how small we are and our problems are really not problems at all. I feel most at peace in our Creator’s masterpiece.
BD: What would you say are some of your proudest moments in fishing?
Katey McClenny: I will never forget catching my first tarpon! It was too rough to go offshore that day so we stayed inshore and were fishing for trout and reds. I hooked into a tarpon on 15-pound test and just knew he was going to break off. I fought him for 45 minutes, with everyone on the beach watching. He put on a show! I finally got him to the boat; we took a quick picture and let him go. I also got to fly-fish in the North Georgia mountains for the first time two springs ago. It was absolutely beautiful and different from anything I’ve ever done. We caught rainbows all day!
BD: Are there any other aspects of you that you can share with us?
Katey McClenny: I have always loved animals and grown up around them, but I also have a passion for people. My “job” does not feel like a job at all, and I consider myself blessed beyond measure that I get to help other women through my work. I love watching people step into all they are called to be, and become a better version of themselves. I never even knew I liked women! This company is way more than I could have ever imagined. I am surrounded by strong, beautiful, powerful women who have walked through life with me and will continue to do so. Whether it is helping a mom pay for swim lessons for her kids, earn a free car, be able to spend more time with her family, or gain confidence in herself, it is a privilege and joy to be a part of that. The world needs powerful leaders to stand up and women are a strong force in that!
