Elite Man Caves: Gary Clouse

Take a tour of Gary Clouse's Bassmaster Elite Series Man Cave in Winchester, Tenn.
Take a tour of Gary Clouse’s Bassmaster Elite Series Man Cave in Winchester, Tenn.
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The President of Phoenix Boats has a unique Man Cave with an array of things he's gathered throughout his life. This is where he parks his tournament rig when he gets back from life on the road with the Elite Series.
The President of Phoenix Boats has a unique Man Cave with an array of things he’s gathered throughout his life. This is where he parks his tournament rig when he gets back from life on the road with the Elite Series.
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His Toyota Tundra sits on one side.
His Toyota Tundra sits on one side.
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Meanwhile his Phoenix sits nearby tucked in his Man Cave garage.
Meanwhile his Phoenix sits nearby tucked in his Man Cave garage.
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Clouse takes us through a few storage boxes in the back of his Tundra.
Clouse takes us through a few storage boxes in the back of his Tundra.
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These boxes are necessary organizing tools for the travel the Elite Series pros face. Being prepared for any situation is key and Clouse is covered with these extra boxes.
These boxes are necessary organizing tools for the travel the Elite Series pros face. Being prepared for any situation is key and Clouse is covered with these extra boxes.
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Clouse has a Leer Locker pull down drawer as well for additional storage.
Clouse has a Leer Locker pull down drawer as well for additional storage.
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Clouse is in his second year on the Bassmaster Elite Series and has been fishing Bassmaster events since 1981. He was honored to join the Elite Series and based on last name he was pictured beside one of his fishing heroes, Rick Clunn.
Clouse is in his second year on the Bassmaster Elite Series and has been fishing Bassmaster events since 1981. He was honored to join the Elite Series and based on last name he was pictured beside one of his fishing heroes, Rick Clunn.
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Clouse has almost everything a tournament angler would want in their Man Cave including a major toolbox.
Clouse has almost everything a tournament angler would want in their Man Cave including a major toolbox.
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He has multiple jacks for any project that comes up.
He has multiple jacks for any project that comes up.
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Extra hitches as well.
Extra hitches as well.
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On one side of his Man Cave are a few racks for storage.
On one side of his Man Cave are a few racks for storage.
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This makes it easier when Clouse packs for a tournament road trip. He can see every box he has and quickly transfer them to his truck or boat.
This makes it easier when Clouse packs for a tournament road trip. He can see every box he has and quickly transfer them to his truck or boat.
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An old Toyota Texas Bass Classic sticker decorates one of the storage racks. The TTBC has changed over the years and is now the Bassmaster Texas Fest event where catch-weigh-release is implemented with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
An old Toyota Texas Bass Classic sticker decorates one of the storage racks. The TTBC has changed over the years and is now the Bassmaster Texas Fest event where catch-weigh-release is implemented with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
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He has an assortment of St. Croix rods stored on the wall of his shop.
He has an assortment of St. Croix rods stored on the wall of his shop.
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Some are brand new and some are backups that are needed in specific situations. Clouse also had a wide variety of rods and reels in his boat already.
Some are brand new and some are backups that are needed in specific situations. Clouse also had a wide variety of rods and reels in his boat already.
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Clouse holds up one of his pride and joys. There are always rods that mean something extra special and there are rod models that are an angler's go-to as well.
Clouse holds up one of his pride and joys. There are always rods that mean something extra special and there are rod models that are an angler’s go-to as well.
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Next to the rods is a giant peg board with an assortment of lures.
Next to the rods is a giant peg board with an assortment of lures.
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He also has a work bench along that wall for tinkering and tackle prep. Here he will grab specific baits and load them into an empty box. Some are niche baits that only get used on certain lakes or specific times of year.
He also has a work bench along that wall for tinkering and tackle prep. Here he will grab specific baits and load them into an empty box. Some are niche baits that only get used on certain lakes or specific times of year.
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This Zoom box isn't a worm box you would expect...
This Zoom box isn’t a worm box you would expect…
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It's full of Zoom baits, but the old school crankbaits instead of the soft plastic worms.
It’s full of Zoom baits, but the old school crankbaits instead of the soft plastic worms.
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He had a few more hanging on his peg board as well.
He had a few more hanging on his peg board as well.
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A lot of history with these old crankbaits.
A lot of history with these old crankbaits.
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He had Elite angler Gerald Swindle sign this old school box of line.
He had Elite angler Gerald Swindle sign this old school box of line.
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His assortment of iconic lures includes some Jerry Rago Swimbaits.
His assortment of iconic lures includes some Jerry Rago Swimbaits.
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An old school Baby 1- that Mike Iaconelli used in the 2003 Classic.
An old school Baby 1- that Mike Iaconelli used in the 2003 Classic.
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He has some white jigging spoons hanging up. Those are great winter lures and vertical baits when shad and other bait is present.
He has some white jigging spoons hanging up. Those are great winter lures and vertical baits when shad and other bait is present.
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He has a bunch of spinnerbaits waiting to be created and altered.
He has a bunch of spinnerbaits waiting to be created and altered.
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Clouse has storage underneath his work bench. That is where he keeps spare reels and other items.
Clouse has storage underneath his work bench. That is where he keeps spare reels and other items.
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He has some great summertime crankbaits to be used when bass are deep.
He has some great summertime crankbaits to be used when bass are deep.
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Clouse showed off a clear storage bin that he will use for small items when he is transferring baits from the work bench to the boat.
Clouse showed off a clear storage bin that he will use for small items when he is transferring baits from the work bench to the boat.
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A little farther down the bench is a B.A.S.S. zipper bag, which he will keep soft plastics in.
A little farther down the bench is a B.A.S.S. zipper bag, which he will keep soft plastics in.
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Hanging in its package is an old school Bush Hog Top Hog Spinnerbait.
Hanging in its package is an old school Bush Hog Top Hog Spinnerbait.
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Two spools of braid hang on a peg for easy access and spooling.
Two spools of braid hang on a peg for easy access and spooling.
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Over the years a big spoon have played well in a few major tournaments, so Clouse has some at the ready when he wants to grab some.
Over the years a big spoon have played well in a few major tournaments, so Clouse has some at the ready when he wants to grab some.
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Some big Swimbaits and wake baits too, just in case.
Some big Swimbaits and wake baits too, just in case.
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He has a replica mount of a peacock bass he caught.
He has a replica mount of a peacock bass he caught.
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And some hunting finds as well.
And some hunting finds as well.
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On the other side of his Man Cave shop he has an old guitar hanging.
On the other side of his Man Cave shop he has an old guitar hanging.
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Clouse's good friend Stevie Ray Anderson signed the guitar as did other musicians at a fishing event in Nashville.
Clouse’s good friend Stevie Ray Anderson signed the guitar as did other musicians at a fishing event in Nashville.
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He has a NASCAR tire hanging in the shop from Rusty Wallace.
He has a NASCAR tire hanging in the shop from Rusty Wallace.
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Along with the tire, he also has a rear bumper...
Along with the tire, he also has a rear bumper…
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And a framed uniform from Wallace's crew.
And a framed uniform from Wallace’s crew.
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There are plenty of autographs to cap off his collection as well.
There are plenty of autographs to cap off his collection as well.
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Clouse is also a big baseball fan and specifically a St. Louis Cardinals die-hard. He always has the red birds logo on his windshield each and every year.
Clouse is also a big baseball fan and specifically a St. Louis Cardinals die-hard. He always has the red birds logo on his windshield each and every year.
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Clouse grew up in southern Missouri and listened to the Cardinals baseball broadcasts. There's a special place in Clouse's heart for those baseball games.
Clouse grew up in southern Missouri and listened to the Cardinals baseball broadcasts. There’s a special place in Clouse’s heart for those baseball games.
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He has some old school movie posters around as well. This one is of Tombstone! He also has a TV hooked up to watch fishing while tinkering in the boat.
He has some old school movie posters around as well. This one is of Tombstone! He also has a TV hooked up to watch fishing while tinkering in the boat.
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This photo is of Greg Hackney at the 2010 Bassmaster Classic. That was the first year a Phoenix was represented in the Classic and this launch photo is something tangible to remember it by.
This photo is of Greg Hackney at the 2010 Bassmaster Classic. That was the first year a Phoenix was represented in the Classic and this launch photo is something tangible to remember it by.
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There have been three Bassmaster Angler of the Year trophies won while running a Phoenix.
There have been three Bassmaster Angler of the Year trophies won while running a Phoenix.
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He has a framed box of lures signed by Rick Clunn, one of his fishing heroes.
He has a framed box of lures signed by Rick Clunn, one of his fishing heroes.
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Stacey King wrote this letter telling a story about this old school Pop-R.
Stacey King wrote this letter telling a story about this old school Pop-R.
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Clouse got this at the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame silent auction.
Clouse got this at the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame silent auction.
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King wrote the letter to give context about this lure. King, Clouse and Charlie Campbell traveled together and those three along with Kevin VanDam used to make and alter these custom Pop-R's.
King wrote the letter to give context about this lure. King, Clouse and Charlie Campbell traveled together and those three along with Kevin VanDam used to make and alter these custom Pop-R’s.
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Clouse plans to create a shadow box display for this iconic lure and letter.
Clouse plans to create a shadow box display for this iconic lure and letter.
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Here is a small replica the Phoenix Boats crew made for Clouse after starting the boat company.
Here is a small replica the Phoenix Boats crew made for Clouse after starting the boat company.
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Clouse shows off his PAA Angler of the Year title from 2012.
Clouse shows off his PAA Angler of the Year title from 2012.
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Clouse also kept most of his patches from tournaments.
Clouse also kept most of his patches from tournaments.
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Clouse started fishing Bassmaster events in 1981 and back in the early days of competition anglers received patches for every event they competed in.
Clouse started fishing Bassmaster events in 1981 and back in the early days of competition anglers received patches for every event they competed in.
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He has a signed Phoenix windshield from his peers.
He has a signed Phoenix windshield from his peers.
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And a boat paddle littered with angler signatures.
And a boat paddle littered with angler signatures.
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He keeps some credentials hanging from past Classics and other events.
He keeps some credentials hanging from past Classics and other events.
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The historical elements in Clouse's Man Cave are incredible, including an old school tournament jacket that hangs at the ready.
The historical elements in Clouse’s Man Cave are incredible, including an old school tournament jacket that hangs at the ready.
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He enjoys this framed photo of Waylon Jennings meeting Jimmy Carter's wife, Rosalynn.
He enjoys this framed photo of Waylon Jennings meeting Jimmy Carter’s wife, Rosalynn.
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Clouse has a childhood photo of Greg Strahm, Director of Design at Phoenix Boats. Strahm is pictured with his dad.
Clouse has a childhood photo of Greg Strahm, Director of Design at Phoenix Boats. Strahm is pictured with his dad.
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Back over to the tackle portion of Clouse's Man Cave.
Back over to the tackle portion of Clouse’s Man Cave.
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Clouse has rolling rod storage units that are easily movable and can be positioned any way he wants while getting rods ready for an event or putting them away after a road trip.
Clouse has rolling rod storage units that are easily movable and can be positioned any way he wants while getting rods ready for an event or putting them away after a road trip.
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Spinning rods can go on one side so he knows where those specific setups are.
Spinning rods can go on one side so he knows where those specific setups are.
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You can see the versatility these mobile rod holders give him when laying out his tackle and equipment.
You can see the versatility these mobile rod holders give him when laying out his tackle and equipment.
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We showed you a lot of Clouse's hard bait storage. Now we will show you where and how he stores his numerous boxes of soft plastics.
We showed you a lot of Clouse’s hard bait storage. Now we will show you where and how he stores his numerous boxes of soft plastics.
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Clouse labels clear storage boxes with the bait types.
Clouse labels clear storage boxes with the bait types.
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He stacks them near similar lures so the styles don't get mixed up. Here are his Gary Yamamoto Senko boxes.
He stacks them near similar lures so the styles don’t get mixed up. Here are his Gary Yamamoto Senko boxes.
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Some rods stay on the shelf until it's time.
Some rods stay on the shelf until it’s time.
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For Clouse, it's easier to hang all of his rods up to evaluate what he has and what he needs for a road trip. He can clearly see what topwater rods he has ready and other techniques.
For Clouse, it’s easier to hang all of his rods up to evaluate what he has and what he needs for a road trip. He can clearly see what topwater rods he has ready and other techniques.
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He keeps some Bass Mafia Money Bags around to store clothing in so they stay dry.
He keeps some Bass Mafia Money Bags around to store clothing in so they stay dry.
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I spy a spinnerbait box on his shelf mixed in with everything else.
I spy a spinnerbait box on his shelf mixed in with everything else.
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Clouse got this fishing rod, typically for beginners, as a gag gift after making the Elite Series. Who knows, it may come in handy one day on the tour!
Clouse got this fishing rod, typically for beginners, as a gag gift after making the Elite Series. Who knows, it may come in handy one day on the tour!
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I found some more soft plastic boxes. You can tell these are some of his favorites based on the quantity.
I found some more soft plastic boxes. You can tell these are some of his favorites based on the quantity.
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Plenty of Zoom Brush Hogs in this bin.
Plenty of Zoom Brush Hogs in this bin.
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I was tempted to ask Clouse if he could bathe in the Brush Hog packages, but I didn't want to dare him. A big scoop was good enough though.
I was tempted to ask Clouse if he could bathe in the Brush Hog packages, but I didn’t want to dare him. A big scoop was good enough though.
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He has a scale on his work bench so he can be sure of the size of his weights for ultimate accuracy.
He has a scale on his work bench so he can be sure of the size of his weights for ultimate accuracy.
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Clouse keeps a good inventory of certain baits he knows he will use. Back ups sit on the shelf, waiting to be called into duty.
Clouse keeps a good inventory of certain baits he knows he will use. Back ups sit on the shelf, waiting to be called into duty.
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Off to the side are a few tackle boxes with classic lures. Some seem like keepsakes, others seem like players on a rainy day.
Off to the side are a few tackle boxes with classic lures. Some seem like keepsakes, others seem like players on a rainy day.
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You can tell certain old school crankbaits live in a box when you look into their eyes.
You can tell certain old school crankbaits live in a box when you look into their eyes.
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Another old school lure with some modifications.
Another old school lure with some modifications.
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After a few minutes, Clouse wanders off to look through a box under one of his shelves.
After a few minutes, Clouse wanders off to look through a box under one of his shelves.
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A vintage PowerPak topwater frog!
A vintage PowerPak topwater frog!
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I look inside the box and find a Lake of the Ozarks paper map and some old school Creme worms.
I look inside the box and find a Lake of the Ozarks paper map and some old school Creme worms.
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Mint condition worms still in their original packaging.
Mint condition worms still in their original packaging.
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Clouse also has a replica of the newspaper headlines the day Bonnie and Clyde were killed.
Clouse also has a replica of the newspaper headlines the day Bonnie and Clyde were killed.
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A retro Zebco Cardinal spinning reel.
A retro Zebco Cardinal spinning reel.
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A topwater walking bait signed by the late great Charlie Campbell in July of 2000.
A topwater walking bait signed by the late great Charlie Campbell in July of 2000.
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This topwater walking bait was actually wrapped in snake skin!
This topwater walking bait was actually wrapped in snake skin!
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Clouse has an old wooden duck carving on his work bench as well.
Clouse has an old wooden duck carving on his work bench as well.
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The Book of the Black Bass.
The Book of the Black Bass.
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He brings out an old Humminbird flasher. Made in Eufaula, Alabama.
He brings out an old Humminbird flasher. Made in Eufaula, Alabama.
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He kept a Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction pamphlet and had Harold Allen and Stacey King sign it in 2015.
He kept a Bass Fishing Hall of Fame induction pamphlet and had Harold Allen and Stacey King sign it in 2015.
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I asked Clouse what was going on over here. He has two Lowrance graphs hooked up together. This is where he goes through old waypoints and data and transfers it when he needs to and puts it on another graph if needed. Pretty neat setup.
I asked Clouse what was going on over here. He has two Lowrance graphs hooked up together. This is where he goes through old waypoints and data and transfers it when he needs to and puts it on another graph if needed. Pretty neat setup.
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After taking the full tour of Gary Clouse's Man Cave we headed over to the Phoenix Boats plant to check out what was going on there during a rainy Saturday.
After taking the full tour of Gary Clouse’s Man Cave we headed over to the Phoenix Boats plant to check out what was going on there during a rainy Saturday.
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Boats were sitting and waiting in all stages of production. Some ready for the final touch ups. Others needed graphs and accessories.
Boats were sitting and waiting in all stages of production. Some ready for the final touch ups. Others needed graphs and accessories.
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This was his Clouse's personal boat for the 2020 season getting rigged and ready in the production line (shot before the season started).
This was his Clouse’s personal boat for the 2020 season getting rigged and ready in the production line (shot before the season started).
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He showed me around his boat and what advancements Phoenix was making for mounts and other things.
He showed me around his boat and what advancements Phoenix was making for mounts and other things.
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He showed me how they altered the bow mounts for anglers who want two graphs up front. Instead of a flat plate, there is a tiered setup so the graphs are more stable.
He showed me how they altered the bow mounts for anglers who want two graphs up front. Instead of a flat plate, there is a tiered setup so the graphs are more stable.
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Instead of trim switches that go up and down, they now incorporate buttons that go in and out.
Instead of trim switches that go up and down, they now incorporate buttons that go in and out.
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The center box is probably the most important storage for anglers. How they store their baits is crucial. Being a top-level angler himself, Clouse listens to his team of anglers and makes adjustments when needed.
The center box is probably the most important storage for anglers. How they store their baits is crucial. Being a top-level angler himself, Clouse listens to his team of anglers and makes adjustments when needed.
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The clean setup at the console.
The clean setup at the console.
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After checking out some boats near the finish line, Clouse took me through the rest of the production line. These are boats getting pieced together waiting for certain elements.
After checking out some boats near the finish line, Clouse took me through the rest of the production line. These are boats getting pieced together waiting for certain elements.
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Then where the hull and top cap are created.
Then where the hull and top cap are created.
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All Phoenix Boats are made in Winchester, Tennessee.
All Phoenix Boats are made in Winchester, Tennessee.
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The Phoenix Boats factory sits just down the road from Clouse's home and Man Cave. Thanks for the thorough tour, Gary!
The Phoenix Boats factory sits just down the road from Clouse’s home and Man Cave. Thanks for the thorough tour, Gary!
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