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
Held each year in Mercedes, the Rio Grande Valley Livestock Show remains a cornerstone event for the region — blending education, competition, and community, even during challenging times for agriculture.
TYM North America unveiled two new Series 5 tractor models at the National Farm Machinery Show and announced an exciting new partnership for the NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series.
Severe drought in South Texas is forcing ranchers to consider cattle sell-offs as feed and water supplies dwindle, threatening herd health and livestock operations.
Streaming LIVE March 12-28 only on RFD+
The San Antonio Stock Show and Rodeo concluded last night, marking the end of another successful year showcasing youth exhibitors, livestock producers, and the spirit of agriculture.
Three junior heifer exhibitors continue their trek through the Texas Swing at the San Antonio Stock Show, balancing competition, friendship, and life on the road.

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:

Wayne Cockrell with the Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association joined us to discuss preparedness, producer awareness, and the industry’s response to New World screwworm concerns.
President Donald Trump speaks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, addressing SNAP spending, tariff threats against Europe, market reactions, and the upcoming USMCA review.
From meatpacking settlements to landmark NEPA rulings, Roger McEowen outlines the top legal developments in 2025 that will shape agriculture in the years ahead.
Alan Bjerga with the National Milk Producers Federation joined us to review new policies and regulations supporting the dairy industry and what they mean for the year ahead.
Despite rising costs and growing food insecurity, meat demand remained strong in 2025 as higher-income consumers offset cutbacks elsewhere. Economists break down the K-shaped economy, upcoming USDA cattle reports, livestock production outlooks, and renewed debate over beef imports and country-of-origin labeling heading into 2026.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
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.
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.
The affable and unassuming international singing star Daniel O’Donnell is one of Ireland’s best known performers – from Australia to Alaska.