![James Elam is one of the recognized young guns who have found success on the Bassmaster Elite Series. Elam has been on the Elite tour since 2013, and he has logged 10 Top 10 B.A.S.S. finishes since 2015.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170408tbla_6658.jpg)
![The 2017 tournament season was another successful year for the Oklahoma angler. After landing at 27th in Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year points and earning another berth to the GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods, Elam won a Central Open in his home state.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170519srtx_4956.jpg)
![Elam has one of the sweetest sponsors on the Elite Series ... Daylight Donuts. The logo adorned both Elam's Toyota tow vehicle as well as his boat last year.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0814.jpg)
![In 2017, Elam fished from a Phoenix 921 ProXP.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0817.jpg)
![The boat is equipped with a Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor for maneuvering during the typical tournament day.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0821.jpg)
![All together, the boat includes three Lowrance HDS12 units. One is mounted on the rig's front dash for easy reference. A T-H Marine Hydrowave is also installed on the side of the screen.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0823.jpg)
![](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0827.jpg)
![The T-H Marine Bounce Buster installed on the trolling motor anchor is another important accessory because of the potential for bouncing around rough waters during Elite competition.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0828.jpg)
![Elam notes that he usually carries around 20 rod and reel combos in his rod locker during the typical tournament.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0837.jpg)
![](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0838.jpg)
![Elam uses McCain Hi-Performance Rod series, and for the reels it's Shimano - a mix of Metanium, Curado and Chronarch. For spinning reels he selects Stradic.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0842.jpg)
![When asked to select a favorite setup, Elam shows off a 7-3 heavy action McCain Carolina Magnum Cast Rod.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0848.jpg)
![The center compartment in the front of the boat holds life jackets.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0853.jpg)
![The larger box in the front of the boat holds a ton of tackleboxes.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0856.jpg)
![The first tacklebox opened houses a varied selection of colorful hard baits.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0858.jpg)
![Elam shows off a Jackall Bowstick from the box, a big walking bait.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0863.jpg)
![Next up is a ball of Jackall Pompadours.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0866.jpg)
![](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0868.jpg)
![This box holds a selection of Jackall crankbaits.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0874.jpg)
![This box contains a few dozen jerkbaits.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0878.jpg)
![The Jackall Squad Minnow 95 Elam is holding here is his favorite. This well-loved bait features the HL Aurora Black coloring.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0883.jpg)
![For spinner baits, Elam uses Jackall Super Eruptions.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0888.jpg)
![Elam notes that these spinnerbaits work because they](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0893.jpg)
![Elam reaches for another tacklebox.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0894.jpg)
![](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0898.jpg)
![Elam has two boxes of colorful jigs to show off.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0900.jpg)
![The anglers states that most of these jigs are homemade.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0904.jpg)
![This jig has a green pumpkin head and a peanut butter base. Elam will often add a green pumpkin trailer when fishing this combination.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0910.jpg)
![This box organizes a large selection of weights.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0916.jpg)
![](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0920.jpg)
![Up next is a box of swimbait heads in different weights and sizes.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0936.jpg)
![This box of frogs gives a preview of Elam's favorite frog colors.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0941.jpg)
![On the left, Elam holds up a Jackall Iobee Frog, and on the left is a Gavacho Frog.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0946.jpg)
![This bag holds a bunch of Jackall Break Blade baits.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0950.jpg)
![](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0956.jpg)
![Elam calls this his miscellaneous box. He puts extra baits in it that he will use throughout the day for easy access. It can also hold small specialty items he doesn't have a specific box for.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0958.jpg)
![After using a hook, Elam will place them on these magnets instead of back in the packaging. This prevents the hooks from rusting, and Elam later uses them for tournament practice.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0963.jpg)
![This long compartment holds a number of important items. Clothes, flare guns, a push pole and a lure knocker all call this space home.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0967.jpg)
![This bin also holds boxes with different items inside.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0969.jpg)
![This almost looks like an artist's box with Sharpies, glues, dyes, rattles and more.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0976.jpg)
![The Stringer treble hooks are also stored here in their original packaging.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0983.jpg)
![This tacklebox holds extra jig skirts Elam wants to keep on hand.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0987.jpg)
![Deeper down in this compartment we find extra rope, a first aid kit ...](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0990.jpg)
![... and spare line.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_0994.jpg)
![Elam states that the first aid kit is always important. Since he wears contacts, his kit includes contact solution. Other necessities are allergy and headache medicines.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1003.jpg)
![This zipper bag holds a few soft swimbaits.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1008.jpg)
![This box holds extra clothes, hats, gloves and buffs ...](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1020.jpg)
![... and of course the always-needed Simms rain suit.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1029.jpg)
![In these small bins, Elam keeps super glue, some knocker weights, a big Sharpie marker, and more.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1034.jpg)
![The boat's cooler holds water, coconut water and Powerade as well as a few snacks for a day of hungry fishing.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1040.jpg)
![](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1044.jpg)
![Elam poses for a quick picture in the captain's seat.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1050.jpg)
![This lineup of controls is conveniently located next to the driver's seat.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1054.jpg)
![The other two Lowrance HDS 12s are mounted at the steering wheel for involved mapping sessions and practice explorations. The left screen here is the Carbon version, the boat's main unit. The left screen is dedicated to mapping and sonar, and the right scans structure with SideScan and DownScan.
<p>
The Mercury Smartcraft gauges here are also good to have because they let the driver know how many RPMs the motor is running and how much fuel has been used.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1060.jpg)
The Mercury Smartcraft gauges here are also good to have because they let the driver know how many RPMs the motor is running and how much fuel has been used.
![Better safe than sorry - the rig is equipped with a T-H Marine boat alarm.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1064.jpg)
![This compartment holds many daily-use items Elam needs during a tournament day. Sunglasses, marker buoys, rope and a culling beam call this space home.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1069.jpg)
![The culling tags are ready and waiting under the livewell lid.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1072.jpg)
![In the boat's back compartments, a lot of plastics are stored. Elam prefers these bins because of the weight involved.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1081.jpg)
![Elam holds up three types of Jackall craw baits.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1084.jpg)
![On the other side of the boat are bags of drop shot plastics.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1094.jpg)
![](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1115.jpg)
![Underneath these plastics are a bag of tools and a spare prop.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1098.jpg)
![Inside the tool bag is a box holding assorted fuses, clips, nuts and bolts.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1102.jpg)
![Don't forget the jumper cables.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1105.jpg)
![The final compartment holds the ever-important batteries and a prop wrench.](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1118.jpg)
![Finally, the Phoenix was powered by a Mercury Pro XS 250, and it utilized a Power-Pole shallow anchoring system.
<p>
Thanks for the tour, James!](http://www.bassmaster.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/170727lcny_1121.jpg)
Thanks for the tour, James!
Please enter your details.
We cannot find an active B.A.S.S. Membership for the information you have provided. Please renew your membership here.We cannot find an active B.A.S.S. Membership for the information you have provided. Please try again.Scheduled maintenance. We'll be back shortly. If you continue to have trouble please contact customer service at 877-BASS-USA.
The Mercury Smartcraft gauges here are also good to have because they let the driver know how many RPMs the motor is running and how much fuel has been used.
Thanks for the tour, James!