ALX Rods Signs Elite Rookie Jake Whitaker

Aiken, S.C. — ALX Rods, headquartered in Aiken, S.C., has added Fairview, N.C. angler Jake Whitaker to its national pro staff. Whitaker is heading into his rookie season on the Bassmaster Elite Series trail.

Whitaker qualified for the Elite Series through the 2017 Bassmaster Northern Opens where he finished third in the Angler of the Year standings after several strong finishes. Before the Northern Opens, Whitaker fished in the Bassmaster College Series while a student at UNC-Charlotte, winning the 2014 Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship with his partner.

With a Carolina lineage, a history of providing top quality, handcrafted bass fishing rods, and an established lineup of technique-specific rods, Whitaker was a natural choice for ALX Rods.

“Jake embodies exactly what we believe at ALX Rods with a “do the right thing, not the easy thing” mentality. This was evident the first time we talked and we are excited to help him get his professional fishing career rolling.”

While many top-level anglers are known for their specialty with a certain type of lure, Whitaker worked his way up to the Elite level by being flexible and using different lures and methods on different bodies of water according to conditions and environments. This style of fishing goes well with the specialty series of rods made by ALX.

For Whitaker, the feeling was mutual.

“ALX has rods fit for all techniques, whether it’s flipping grass or fishing off shore with a drop shot. The quality, craftsmanship, and service provided by ALX Rods is second to none. I’m really excited to be teamed up with a great family owned company!” Whitaker said.

ALX Rods had a very successful 2017. Their rods were used to win the 2017 Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year award, the 8th Annual Black Bass World Championships in South Africa, and numerous local and regional tournaments. ALX Rods offers 5 series of rods at a variety of price points that cater specifically to bass fishing.