If you’ve been around the fishing game as long as I have, I don’t have to tell you that the reach of bass fishing extends well beyond a bunch of blue collar folks.
Dozens of celebrities will tell you they like to escape the public world by getting on the water with a bass rod in hand.
Several country singers and NASCAR drivers are some of the most notable, but there have been MLB, NFL and NBA players who are eaten up by the sport as well.
Cody Cannon, lead singer and founder of popular country rock band Whiskey Myers, is no exception, and he has taken his passion for the sport to the next level. He loves fishing so much he started his own bait company: Toad Thumper.
More about that later.
If you’re not familiar with Whiskey Myers, you need to check them out. It’s a talented band from Texas, and the group saw its prominence launched after a cameo appearance in the first season of the popular television series “Yellowstone.”
Like many of you I’m a huge fan of the show and remember hearing their music on “Yellowstone.” I checked them out and began to follow their music.
While working the Phoenix booth at last spring’s Bassmaster Classic, I heard that Cody was exhibiting at the Outdoor Show with his company, and he had recently purchased a Phoenix Boat.
I took a break and visited him in his booth, thanked him for buying a Phoenix and told him I was a huge fan.
I could tell immediately he shared the same passion for bass fishing, and we hit it off. In fact, he often incorporates fishing into some of the songs he writes for the band.
This summer, I attended one of his concerts at the Red Rocks Amphitheater just outside Denver, Colo., and he invited me backstage.
Again, he and his band had just played before a massive crowd, but he wanted to talk fishing.
He’s also an avid frog angler which explains the investment into the Toad Thumper bait company. Cannon explained to me the details of the frog and how he designed each feature.
Let me tell you, this isn’t “just another frog.” There are two versions — the Swamper Walkin’ Frog and the Thumper Poppin’ Frog — both of which have many of the characteristics you want in soft-bodied frogs. First, they are very soft and have custom-designed quality hooks for better hookups. But what impressed me about the Swamper is how easily it walks.
Cody explained to me that he designed it specifically so the novice can throw it out and walk it back easily.
I’ve caught a lot of fish on these baits. My favorite colors are the all black, but there are many others colors. I’m sure there is one for you.
You can find the baits in stores, online at ToadThumper.com or Tackle Warehouse. And you should really check out Whiskey Myers music; they are one of my favorite bands.