WHAT IS IT?
Fitzgerald Fishing Bryan Schmitt Rods
WHAT SETS IT APART?
Schmitt’s signature series comprises two casting rods — the 7-foot, 1-inch medium-heavy Swim Jig and the 7-foot, 6-inch heavy Carolina Rig — along with the 7-foot, 1-inch medium-heavy Neko spinning rod. The Swim Jig rod also handles most of his bladed jig work, while the Neko rod is ideally suited for wacky rig duties. The latter model is designed to handle offshore Neko rig action where you need to pull ‘em away from cover, as well as open water light line applications. The Carolina rig model is engineered to maximize hooking power at the end of a long cast.
HOW DO I USE IT?
With a pair of blue trophies on his mantle, Bryan Schmitt has proven himself a force to be reckoned with on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Channeling his insight and experience into tackle development led to his signature series Fitzgerald Fishing rods. Three fast action models — swim jig, Neko and Carolina rig — are built on proprietary high modulus blanks that are engineered for extreme sensitivity and durability. With Schmitt’s insistence on comfort and performance, these rods include precision components like Artus HD micro guides, American Tackle Company Carbon fiber reinforced G2 reel seats and non-slip EVA grips.
HOW MUCH?
$189.99
MORE INFORMATION:
ANGLER’S INSIGHT:
With these new rods introduced in July at ICAST, Schmitt put them to work in the latter end of the 2023 season. As he recalled: “At Champlain I weighed in several on the Carolina rig rod, and I used the Neko rod for all three of the Northern Swing events (Lake St. Clair, Champlain and the St. Lawrence River).” Schmitt said he’s pleased with all of his new Fitzgerald rods, but he said he’s particularly optimistic about the Carolina rig model, which he says has the potential to play the multifaceted do-everything role.
