“The final portion of the Bassmaster Elite Series season is coming up and I can’t wait to go up north and chase smallmouth bass,” said Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie Cole Sands. “My experience fishing for northern smallmouth is minimal, but I am confident that I can figure things out and finish my rookie season with some good finishes.”
Cole’s strength, and passion are finesse fishing and using forward-facing sonar which both seem to be keys to success in smallmouth tournaments. Three Witch Doctor Tackle Rods that Cole will have rigged up and on his deck to target smallmouth include:
1. 7’2″ Medium Shaman Spinning Rod: This is my go-to spinning rod for so many different applications. I plan on using this setup for a drop shot, ned rig, tube, spy bait, and hair jig. This rod is the perfect balance of strength and sensitivity for all finesse applications.
2. 6’10” Medium Surman50G Casting Rod: I plan on using this rod for a jerkbait, popper, and medium diving crankbait. I love this rod because it has a great tip for fighting fish on moving baits with treble hooks.
3. 7’2″ Medium Heavy Shaman Casting Rod: This rod is going to have a swimbait rigged on a ball head jig, a small football jig, or a Carolina rig tied up on it. This is one of the best all-around rod models that Witch Doctor Tackle makes and is on my deck in almost every tournament.
