Meet the Anglers: Challenge Cup - Team Smokey Mountain (#8)

Dean Rojas + Josh Bertrand

rojas and bertrand_25-Challenge-D2-Takeoff-PMoore-28-scaled.jpg

MLF Bass Pro Tour Anglers Dean Rojas and Josh Bertrand

Photo by Pheonix Moore

Rojas_0263.png

Dean Rojas

Major League Fishing

Dean Rojas

Lake Havasu City, Arizona

Arizona native Dean Rojas holds one of the longest, most impressive records in bass-fishing history: the heaviest single-day weight ever recorded in a five-fish-limit format (45 pounds, 2 ounces on Lake Toho in 2001). Rojas has also notched 60 Top 10s and more than $2.9 million in career winnings. Rojas is the winner of the 2019 Bass Pro Tour Stage Five at Smith Lake in Cullman, Alabama.

FUN FACT

Dean likes golfing, off-roading, and fishing with his sons.

Career Wins5
Top 10s61
Top 20s104
REDCREST Appearances-
Career Winnings$3,034,976

GTTS-Erie-D6-Takeoff-PMoore-03.jpg

Josh Bertrand

Major League Fishing

Josh Bertrand

Queen Creek, Arizona

An Arizona-based pro with an affinity for smallmouth and West Coast techniques, Josh Bertrand picked up his first career tour-level win in 2018 (on the Bassmaster Elite Series). Bertrand was the 2012 Bassmaster Central Opens Angler of the Year, and in 2022, he won the U.S. Open.

FUN FACT

Bertrand is a big sports fan. His favorites are hockey, baseball, and football. He’s also the host of the Anglers Happy Hour podcast and enjoys camping with his wife and kids.

Career Wins1
Top 10s16
Top 20s30
REDCREST Appearances3
Career Winnings$940,465
Related Stories
Hughes shares how he’s preparing for the competition, his partnership with Bass Fishing Hall of Famer Mark Davis, and his journey from cattle ranching to professional bass fishing.
Cottage cheese sales are on the rise across the U.S., and industry leaders believe interest on social media is contributing to the surge in consumer demand.
Wednesday, October 22—Monday, October 27, starting at 2:30 PM ET daily

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

UNL Extension’s Troy Walz discusses the Nebraska Ranch Practicum, where sessions are held, how producers can get involved, and what ranchers can gain from participating in the program.
The Ranger Road Fire in the Oklahoma Panhandle is now 65% contained after burning nearly 300,000 acres over the past week. Kevin Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance Agency discusses wildfire recovery, livestock insurance considerations, and the importance of preparedness for producers across the Southern Plains.
Ag leaders say President Donald Trump’s State of the Union is unlikely to spark major agriculture headlines, but ongoing tariff uncertainty and trade policy remain key concerns, as does the debate around glyphosate and the status of the next Farm Bill.
Cotton jassid, a invasive pest, is raising concerns for Southeast cotton growers as experts work to understand its impact this season.
RFD Farm Legal & Tax expert Roger McEowen shares guidance on the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, its impact on renewable energy and agriculture, and what producers should know moving forward.
Singer-songwriter and RanchHER Clare Dunn reflects on the importance of National FFA Week, her time in FFA, and her commitment to advocating for agriculture and rural issues.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Brought to you by Gus Arrendale & Springer Mountain Farms, join dynamic bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent as they welcome scores of fabulous bluegrass, country, and gospel music acts as special guests. Loads of laughs, your favorite guests galore, and lots of good times are guaranteed. Don’t miss all the fun!
Twisted Skillet brings a straightforward, hands-on approach to kitchen television, rooted in food and fire. Hosted by Texas chef Sean Koehler, the series explores open-fire outdoor cooking techniques, regional ingredients, and the people who raise, prepare, and inspire the food found across America.
FarmHER + RanchHER on RFD-TV is working to change how people perceive a farmer by sharing the stories of the women who live and lead in agriculture.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.
Join popular polka performer Mollie Busta as she hosts the weekly “Mollie B Polka Party” on RFD Network! The one-hour program features the nation’s top polka bands and a wide variety of ethnic styles, recorded on location at music festivals across the country.