Guntersville, AL – Jacob Wheeler is proving once again why he’s the most dominant angler in professional bass fishing. Fresh off his third Angler of the Year title in 2024, Wheeler has wasted no time taking control of the 2025 MLF Bass Pro Tour AOY race—and he’s doing it with his brand-new Jacob Wheeler 2.0 rod series by Duckett Fishing.

With forward-facing sonar (FFS) continuing to play a major role in tournament success, Wheeler has relied heavily on his 6’10” Medium Light spinning rod, the ultimate jighead-minnow tool in his new lineup. Compared to the 7’0″ Medium spinning rod from his original series, Wheeler says the updated 6’10” offers even greater precision, sensitivity, and balance.

“I needed a rod that gave me the perfect load-up and feel for that jighead-minnow bite, and the 6’10” Medium Light is dialed. It’s got a softer tip than my old 7’0” Medium, so it keeps fish pinned better, but still has the backbone to get them in the boat,” Wheeler explained.

But Wheeler isn’t just winning with forward-facing sonar. During periods when FFS isn’t the dominant factor, he’s been leaning on his 7’4″ Medium Heavy casting rod from the Wheeler Select series to throw a chatterbait and lipless crankbait, two key reaction baits that have helped him rack up critical AOY points.

“There are days where I have to put down the spinning rod and go to work with a chatterbait or a lipless, and that 7’4” Medium Heavy Select rod is perfect for it. It loads up great on a long cast and lets me control the fish in open water or around cover,” said Wheeler.

For bigger bites, Wheeler has also relied on his 7’6″ Heavy casting rod, using it to power through fish in heavy cover with techniques that have been crucial throughout the early 2025 season.

With a proven track record of success and a refined lineup of rods tailored to his exact needs, Wheeler is once again setting the standard on the Bass Pro Tour. The combination of his elite decision-making and the new Jacob Wheeler 2.0 rod series by Duckett Fishing has him well on his way to another AOY trophy—one that would further cement his legacy as one of the greatest of all time.

For media inquiries, please contact Tyler Harden at tyler@duckettfishing.com .

About Duckett Fishing

Duckett Fishing, headquartered in Guntersville, Alabama on the shores of fabled Lake Guntersville, is renowned for crafting top-tier fishing gear, including rods and baits, designed by and for competitive anglers. With a diverse product range, Duckett Fishing equips anglers with the essential tools needed to dominate on the water.

For more information, please visit www.duckettfishing.com.