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
San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association’s Trenton Priddy preview this year’s event, which is now streaming on RFD+
Student volunteers at the Fort Worth Stock Show & Rodeo are teaching visitors about agriculture through the FFA Children’s Barnyard ahead of the Junior Sale of Champions.
The Fort Worth Stock Show and Rodeo continues through Saturday, showcasing livestock, youth involvement, and agricultural talent, with the Junior Sale of Champions serving as the culmination of the 23-day event.
Strong seasonal demand and manageable production growth continue to support poultry markets.
Tennessee State Veterinarian Dr. Samantha Batey joined us with the latest on biosecurity efforts and the state’s new “Know Before You Show” initiative.

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:

Patrick De Haan with GasBuddy joined us to discuss diesel price volatility and what farmers can expect as geopolitical tensions continue to impact energy markets.
Farm programs remain small but politically easier to expand.
Transporting pollinator colonies—primarily honey bee hives—is a major logistical operation in U.S. agriculture. Costs can vary widely depending on distance, fuel prices, labor, and timing.
Jake Charleston from Specialty Risk Insurance Agency recapped an Oklahoma auctioneer contest and recent industry events, showing how stakeholder feedback helps insurers gauge market conditions and risk management needs.
Pat Hord with the National Pork Producers Council joined us to recap producer meetings in Washington and discuss key policy priorities including Prop 12 and agricultural labor.
Cattle-on-Feed is down on the year in the USDA’s April report, with lower placements and marketings signaling tighter feedlot activity.
Rural Lifestyle & Entertainment Shows
Hosted by Emmy Award-winning journalist Tanji Patton, “Goodtaste with Tanji” focuses on chefs and popular dishes from restaurants across the culinary spectrum, along with wines, cocktails, and spirits, too. As a travelogue, the show visits restaurants, diners, and eateries across the Lone Star State in fun and adventurous settings, plus the program occasionally travels to neighboring states like Louisiana and New Mexico. In addition, the show educates viewers on wine pairings and value buys available in current wine trends.
Follow Aumann Auctions coast to coast on a road trip adventure! Each episode of “Old Iron Adventures” highlights the challenges of hosting an auction. Plus, get behind-the-scenes looks, history lessons & meet a cast of very interesting characters along the way!
Experts from the University of Nebraska Medical Center discuss health and how it impacts farmers, ranchers, and rural Americans on this special LIVE call-in show.
Mecum delivers the auction action to tractor fans everywhere, offering an unparalleled array of vintage and collectible tractors ranging from entry-level collector tractors that sell for a few thousand dollars to high-end, ultra-rare machines!
“California Bountiful” brings you up close with the people, places, food and farms that make California so delicious! The weekly show delivers a fun, entertaining and educational look at California’s farm to fork lifestyle, and everything in between.