Inside Elite Boats

Inside Elite Boats: Bobby Lane

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Florida angler Bobby Lane Jr. is fishing his 11th Bassmaster season, having qualified each year for the Bassmaster Classic. <p> <i>All captions: Craig Lamb</i>
Florida angler Bobby Lane Jr. is fishing his 11th Bassmaster season, having qualified each year for the Bassmaster Classic.

All captions: Craig Lamb

“I choose the Phoenix 920 ProXP, because I’m more of a shallow water angler. The boat is also phenomenal in rough water, just an all-around versatile boat that is packed with performance and fishing features.”
“I choose the Phoenix 920 ProXP, because I’m more of a shallow water angler. The boat is also phenomenal in rough water, just an all-around versatile boat that is packed with performance and fishing features.”
Power of choice is the Yamaha V MAX SHO. “Great hole shot and top end speed, plus it’s so quiet I can carry on a conversation with a partner.” Another must-have is the dual Power-Pole Pro Series II shallow water anchors. Lane was among the first bass pros to use Power-Pole over a decade ago.
Power of choice is the Yamaha V MAX SHO. “Great hole shot and top end speed, plus it’s so quiet I can carry on a conversation with a partner.” Another must-have is the dual Power-Pole Pro Series II shallow water anchors. Lane was among the first bass pros to use Power-Pole over a decade ago.
“Because I like to fish shallow this setup is a must. The jack plates are fast, dependable and rugged.” Lane is referring to the Bob’s Machine Shop Hydraulic Jack Plate in the 10-inch model.
“Because I like to fish shallow this setup is a must. The jack plates are fast, dependable and rugged.” Lane is referring to the Bob’s Machine Shop Hydraulic Jack Plate in the 10-inch model.
Functional nostalgia is stored in the compartment behind the driver seat. Lane’s best guess is this personal flotation device was worn in one of his first Classics. “I like the option of using a full PFD and the newer inflatable vests.”
Functional nostalgia is stored in the compartment behind the driver seat. Lane’s best guess is this personal flotation device was worn in one of his first Classics. “I like the option of using a full PFD and the newer inflatable vests.”
On the opposite side is a compartment reserved for the gear of a Bassmaster Elite Series marshal. Safety gear is there too, including flares and other mandatory boating safety items.
On the opposite side is a compartment reserved for the gear of a Bassmaster Elite Series marshal. Safety gear is there too, including flares and other mandatory boating safety items.
At the helm is a console where high-tech and family mementos share space. “What I really like is how Phoenix engineered an inset at the top of the console for wide-screen electronics.” Improved visibility of the screen and safer driving are the benefits.
At the helm is a console where high-tech and family mementos share space. “What I really like is how Phoenix engineered an inset at the top of the console for wide-screen electronics.” Improved visibility of the screen and safer driving are the benefits.
The Raymarine Axiom Pro 12 features an all-in-one display using HybridTouch control. The flexibility of multi-touch interaction and rough weather keypad control is a benefit. Lane’s boat features dual units so he can double up on which functions he needs on the water.
The Raymarine Axiom Pro 12 features an all-in-one display using HybridTouch control. The flexibility of multi-touch interaction and rough weather keypad control is a benefit. Lane’s boat features dual units so he can double up on which functions he needs on the water.
“Amberley made the bow and Bobby did the cross for me earlier this season, and those tokens are constant reminders of how important family is to me.” Amberley, 8, and Bobby Lane III, are the artists. They also have a sister, Alexis, who is 14 years old.
“Amberley made the bow and Bobby did the cross for me earlier this season, and those tokens are constant reminders of how important family is to me.” Amberley, 8, and Bobby Lane III, are the artists. They also have a sister, Alexis, who is 14 years old.
The illuminated switch for the lift plate is mounted on the dash for easy, quick access.
The illuminated switch for the lift plate is mounted on the dash for easy, quick access.
Surrounding the Cuda Inshore First Aid Kit are must-have tools. From left, a favorite is the Cuda 5.5-inch Titanium Bonded Large Braid Shear. “I’m a SpiderWire guy and these scissors have stayed sharp for years.” Also useful is the Cuda 8-inch Titanium Bonded Stainless Steel Freshwater Plier with Ring Splitter. Another tool of the trade are the Cuda 8-inch Titanium Bonded Snips.
Surrounding the Cuda Inshore First Aid Kit are must-have tools. From left, a favorite is the Cuda 5.5-inch Titanium Bonded Large Braid Shear. “I’m a SpiderWire guy and these scissors have stayed sharp for years.” Also useful is the Cuda 8-inch Titanium Bonded Stainless Steel Freshwater Plier with Ring Splitter. Another tool of the trade are the Cuda 8-inch Titanium Bonded Snips.
Lane found these decoys floating in Lake Kissimmee at the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open held in January 2018. “The Opens begin early, during duck season, and I normally do well in those events, so I’m constantly on the lookout for floating decoys.” The good-luck charm worked. Lane won the tournament on his home lake.
Lane found these decoys floating in Lake Kissimmee at the Bass Pro Shops Southern Open held in January 2018. “The Opens begin early, during duck season, and I normally do well in those events, so I’m constantly on the lookout for floating decoys.” The good-luck charm worked. Lane won the tournament on his home lake.
The rod storage holds about 25 Abu Garcia reels and the rods needed for any fishing situation. This load would be used on the Sabine River at the Elite Series event held there in June.
The rod storage holds about 25 Abu Garcia reels and the rods needed for any fishing situation. This load would be used on the Sabine River at the Elite Series event held there in June.
“The interior layout of the Phoenix 920 ProXP makes it possible for me to take everything I need, and leave nothing behind.” Lane’s bread-and-butter bait is the Berkley PowerBait MaxScent The General, and there is an overabundance of them inside the packages.
“The interior layout of the Phoenix 920 ProXP makes it possible for me to take everything I need, and leave nothing behind.” Lane’s bread-and-butter bait is the Berkley PowerBait MaxScent The General, and there is an overabundance of them inside the packages.
Sharing the center compartment is a supply of Yo-Zuri crankbaits and Yo-Zuri Hardcore Shad baits. “They run true right out of the box and are reasons for my successes this season.”
Sharing the center compartment is a supply of Yo-Zuri crankbaits and Yo-Zuri Hardcore Shad baits. “They run true right out of the box and are reasons for my successes this season.”
The starboard rod storage is modified to carry lots of essential gear, including a loaf of bread for making sandwiches on the go.
The starboard rod storage is modified to carry lots of essential gear, including a loaf of bread for making sandwiches on the go.
“I’m a SpiderWire guy and carry lots of the braid. I’m just a line fanatic and like the large spools in the boat.”
“I’m a SpiderWire guy and carry lots of the braid. I’m just a line fanatic and like the large spools in the boat.”
“Gary Clouse came up with the idea for this double rod strap, and it just shows how much of a priority the little things are at Phoenix.” Gary Clouse is founder of Phoenix Boats and competes in the Opens. The straps secure rods in place during rough water runs.
“Gary Clouse came up with the idea for this double rod strap, and it just shows how much of a priority the little things are at Phoenix.” Gary Clouse is founder of Phoenix Boats and competes in the Opens. The straps secure rods in place during rough water runs.
The Bob’s Machine Shop Pedestal Seat Plug closes the seat post plug when not in use to keep water out of storage boxes. Built with the cable molded directly into the handle for enhanced durability, the Bob’s Machine Shop “Big D” Trolling Motor Handle provides a comfortable, full-hand grip.
The Bob’s Machine Shop Pedestal Seat Plug closes the seat post plug when not in use to keep water out of storage boxes. Built with the cable molded directly into the handle for enhanced durability, the Bob’s Machine Shop “Big D” Trolling Motor Handle provides a comfortable, full-hand grip.
At the bow is a Raymarine Axiom Pro 12, Hydrowave H2, and Power-Pole switches for deploying and storing the units.
At the bow is a Raymarine Axiom Pro 12, Hydrowave H2, and Power-Pole switches for deploying and storing the units.
Inside the trolling motor recess is a Battery Tender that provides a direct power source for accessories.
Inside the trolling motor recess is a Battery Tender that provides a direct power source for accessories.
Another handy item is the Bob’s Machine Shop Balanced Trolling Motor Prop Nut, which reduces noise and vibration from the motor.
Another handy item is the Bob’s Machine Shop Balanced Trolling Motor Prop Nut, which reduces noise and vibration from the motor.

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