​Help fund local Bassmaster angler Thomas Newman’s freshman season at Wabash Valley College! 100% of the profits from these custom-designed baits go directly to Thomas.
​At Bent Rod Fishing, we believe in supporting the next generation of anglers. That’s why we’ve teamed up with our own Pro Staff angler, Thomas Newman, to create two exclusive, custom-designed colors to help fund his collegiate fishing journey.
​Thomas, a standout high school Bassmaster angler for Frederick County Bass out of Winchester, VA, has earned a scholarship to fish the Bassmaster College Tournament Circuit for the powerhouse squad at Wabash Valley College in Illinois.
​These premium soft plastics are made to order, ensuring you get fresh, high-quality baits while backing a phenomenal young angler. Order yours today for a fast turnaround!
​
Meet the Angler: Thomas Newman's Journey to the College Circuit
​Thomas’s passion for the water started at a young age, taught by his father, Bryan. He quickly honed his skills as a junior angler for Frederick County Bass under the expert guidance of then-coach Corey Carter. Driven by a fiercely competitive nature and a deep love for the outdoors, tournament fishing was a natural fit.
​Thomas joined the Bent Rod Fishing Pro Staff in 2026, bringing an unmatched passion for our baits to the team. His track record speaks for itself:
 
​4x Bassmaster National Championship Qualifier (3 years in High School, 1 year as a Junior).
 
​2025 North Division of Virginia: 1st Place (Team Points).
 
​2025 Virginia State Championship: 4th Place Overall.
 
​Virginia State Championship (Junior Division): Two-time 2nd Place Finisher.
 
​When asked about his goals for the Bassmaster College Series, Thomas didn’t hold back:
​"My goals are to fish at a very high level, to be a consistent top 10% finisher, and to win at least one tournament before I graduate."
 
​By purchasing these baits, you are directly investing in those goals. Thomas and Bent Rod Fishing hand-crafted these two colors in our studio, and Thomas is already out on the water landing big bass with them.
 
​ The Custom Color Lineup
​Choose from two exclusive, athlete-designed colors engineered to trigger aggressive strikes.
 
​1. Shadtastic (Available in The RIG & Mogambo)
​The ultimate baitfish imitation. This premium two-color laminate perfectly mimics a vulnerable shad.
​Top Color: Pale bluish-gray with hints of green and large silver flake for maximum flash.
​Belly Color: Classic translucent white.
​Available Bait Styles: Offered pre-rigged in our flagship baits, The RIG and the Mogambo.
 
​2. Cosmic Dawn (Available in the Twitch Switch)
​A high-visibility, finesse-fishing game changer designed to stand out in any water condition.
​Top Color: Deep, vibrant purple packed with a violet sparkle flake.
​Belly Color: Pearl blue featuring small silver flake for subtle belly flash.
​Available Bait Style: Offered exclusively in our brand new Twitch Switch—a 5.25-inch finesse worm that bass cannot resist.
 
​100% Profits Donated: Every single dollar of profit goes directly to Thomas Newman’s college sponsorship fund.
 
​Proudly Made by Bent Rod Fishing: High-quality plastisol, durable designs, and fish-catching action.