Inside Elite Boats

Inside Elite Boats: Justin Lucas

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Looking at his fifth year on tour, Justin Lucas offers an exclusive inside look at his 2018 Tundra/Phoenix.
Looking at his fifth year on tour, Justin Lucas offers an exclusive inside look at his 2018 Tundra/Phoenix.
Before we dig into his boat, here's a quick go-round with his 2018 Toyota Tundra.
Before we dig into his boat, here’s a quick go-round with his 2018 Toyota Tundra.
The truck is dressed up with Dick Cepek rims and tires. It's amazing what sweet looking shoes do for a pickup. Lucas did it up right.
The truck is dressed up with Dick Cepek rims and tires. It’s amazing what sweet looking shoes do for a pickup. Lucas did it up right.
The truck will provide a front-seat view as he travels across the nation to compete in each of the Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments.
The truck will provide a front-seat view as he travels across the nation to compete in each of the Bassmaster Elite Series tournaments.
The sharp looks are meant to intimidate even the bugs that may get smashed during his travels. But in all seriousness, Lucas said it's important to have a truck you can fully rely on to endure the abuse a professional angler will put it through. Not only does his mobile office look the part, it performs even better.
The sharp looks are meant to intimidate even the bugs that may get smashed during his travels. But in all seriousness, Lucas said it’s important to have a truck you can fully rely on to endure the abuse a professional angler will put it through. Not only does his mobile office look the part, it performs even better.
Dual ARE Rod Pods cap off the pickup, which are locked with Bolt custom locks. Each lock can be opened with the truck ignition key.
Dual ARE Rod Pods cap off the pickup, which are locked with Bolt custom locks. Each lock can be opened with the truck ignition key.
Now to the business end of the rig: A 2018 Phoenix 921 ProXP.
Now to the business end of the rig: A 2018 Phoenix 921 ProXP.
Starting at the bow, the front-end command center pivots on a Minn Kota Ultrex partnered with a Humminbird 360 transducer.
Starting at the bow, the front-end command center pivots on a Minn Kota Ultrex partnered with a Humminbird 360 transducer.
A pair of Humminbird Solix 12s provide the second-by-second information required to compete on the top level of the sport.
A pair of Humminbird Solix 12s provide the second-by-second information required to compete on the top level of the sport.
Each unit rides on a rock-solid T-H Marine Kong mount, and that sits right next to a Hydrowave, which literally sings his fish to the hook.
Each unit rides on a rock-solid T-H Marine Kong mount, and that sits right next to a Hydrowave, which literally sings his fish to the hook.
Inside the recessed foot pedal area is a power switch for the trolling motor batteries.
Inside the recessed foot pedal area is a power switch for the trolling motor batteries.
The pedal features the standard features, but includes a SpotLock button, which is one of the most desirable components to the Ultrex.
The pedal features the standard features, but includes a SpotLock button, which is one of the most desirable components to the Ultrex.
Opposite the Hydrowave is the Minn Kota GPS puck, and front end trim controls for his Yamaha SHO.
Opposite the Hydrowave is the Minn Kota GPS puck, and front end trim controls for his Yamaha SHO.
Digging into the first rod locker, Lucas looks for a couple of his favorite Abu Garcia sticks.
Digging into the first rod locker, Lucas looks for a couple of his favorite Abu Garcia sticks.
One baitcaster comes forth.
One baitcaster comes forth.
And one spinning outfit, each covered in Rod Gloves.
And one spinning outfit, each covered in Rod Gloves.
A crank rod and a shaky head rod, both he's comfortable with about anywhere.
A crank rod and a shaky head rod, both he’s comfortable with about anywhere.
During our session, a microscopic piece of dirt required his immediate attention. Break out the carpet shampoo and hair comb, Lucas has some cleaning to do! In all seriousness, he's way over the top about keeping his rig clean and organized, which you're about to see. (You missed the dust particle, Justin.)
During our session, a microscopic piece of dirt required his immediate attention. Break out the carpet shampoo and hair comb, Lucas has some cleaning to do! In all seriousness, he’s way over the top about keeping his rig clean and organized, which you’re about to see. (You missed the dust particle, Justin.)
Beneath the front storage compartment lid are some very necessary items stowed inside some handy Bass Mafia soft-side bags.
Beneath the front storage compartment lid are some very necessary items stowed inside some handy Bass Mafia soft-side bags.
Spare hooks and line.
Spare hooks and line.
Big rolls of fluorocarbon are at the ready for short-notice re-spooling efforts.
Big rolls of fluorocarbon are at the ready for short-notice re-spooling efforts.
You never know when you'll have to replace hooks, so he keeps a bunch on-hand at every event.
You never know when you’ll have to replace hooks, so he keeps a bunch on-hand at every event.
Moving to the driver-side rod locker, Lucas digs into more highly organized and detailed gear.
Moving to the driver-side rod locker, Lucas digs into more highly organized and detailed gear.
The soft-side Bass Mafia bags are great for storing plastics, which is exactly what he keeps in this storage compartment.
The soft-side Bass Mafia bags are great for storing plastics, which is exactly what he keeps in this storage compartment.
But before we see specifics, a spare Phoenix life jacket is at the ready for a co-angler or Marshal.
But before we see specifics, a spare Phoenix life jacket is at the ready for a co-angler or Marshal.
And a spare pair of Under Armour boots. Those things look uber comfortable.
And a spare pair of Under Armour boots. Those things look uber comfortable.
One of the Bass Mafia bags is loaded with Berkley Havoc.
One of the Bass Mafia bags is loaded with Berkley Havoc.
And another ...
And another …
...
…
Is loaded with the new PowerBait MaxScent Generals. One of his favorite soft plastics.
Is loaded with the new PowerBait MaxScent Generals. One of his favorite soft plastics.
Moving on, Lucas opens his center storage box on the front deck.
Moving on, Lucas opens his center storage box on the front deck.
It's tidy for sure, but this was before the season began, and he said things might get somewhat messier down the road. But his level of organization will return before each event. Staying that detailed will help him make informed decisions at a moments notice. Being organized is critical to being fast on the water, and that means more fish.
It’s tidy for sure, but this was before the season began, and he said things might get somewhat messier down the road. But his level of organization will return before each event. Staying that detailed will help him make informed decisions at a moments notice. Being organized is critical to being fast on the water, and that means more fish.
A bump board is conveniently stowed inside the lid of the center storage.
A bump board is conveniently stowed inside the lid of the center storage.
Lucas also placed a few TackleWebs strategically around his Phoenix. This one is in a easy-to-access spot ...
Lucas also placed a few TackleWebs strategically around his Phoenix. This one is in a easy-to-access spot …
... to hold his scale. This is a great idea, write that one down.
… to hold his scale. This is a great idea, write that one down.
Inside are a pile of Bass Mafia trays.
Inside are a pile of Bass Mafia trays.
This one has drop-shot material. One of his signature techniques.
This one has drop-shot material. One of his signature techniques.
He reaches for another box.
He reaches for another box.
This one is full of Berkley crankbaits.
This one is full of Berkley crankbaits.
Inside this small storage box is super glue and dyes.
Inside this small storage box is super glue and dyes.
Next to that one is a cooler, which also sometimes acts as a trash receptacle.
Next to that one is a cooler, which also sometimes acts as a trash receptacle.
And conveniently placed just beneath the driver console is a small tool rack. Here he keeps a myriad of fish care tools and pliers.
And conveniently placed just beneath the driver console is a small tool rack. Here he keeps a myriad of fish care tools and pliers.
The power. A T-H Marine Hot Foot pushes the throttle to top speeds when a bass-boat race is in order, which is always.
The power. A T-H Marine Hot Foot pushes the throttle to top speeds when a bass-boat race is in order, which is always.
Sitting at the primary command post, Lucas looks in good position and focused.
Sitting at the primary command post, Lucas looks in good position and focused.
Right beneath the throttle, and near where his right elbow will ride is more storage and a cup holder. Here you'll find a remote that can drive the Minn Kota Ultrex.
Right beneath the throttle, and near where his right elbow will ride is more storage and a cup holder. Here you’ll find a remote that can drive the Minn Kota Ultrex.
A second pair of Humminbird Solix 12s are at the ready and easily viewable.
A second pair of Humminbird Solix 12s are at the ready and easily viewable.
Between the driver and passenger seat is another storage cubby. This one also has a TackleWeb placed inside the lid that holds his sun screen and other related items.
Between the driver and passenger seat is another storage cubby. This one also has a TackleWeb placed inside the lid that holds his sun screen and other related items.
Beneath that are an extra pair of Costa sunglasses and an Under Armour beanie.
Beneath that are an extra pair of Costa sunglasses and an Under Armour beanie.
This storage compartment was likely designed for co-angler rods, but Lucas uses it for extra Rod Glove storage, and other odds and ends.
This storage compartment was likely designed for co-angler rods, but Lucas uses it for extra Rod Glove storage, and other odds and ends.
Including a marker buoy.
Including a marker buoy.
Moving to the rear deck.
Moving to the rear deck.
Lucas keeps additional tackle and tools at the ready.
Lucas keeps additional tackle and tools at the ready.
A Bass Mafia box of sockets is almost a must in every bass boat. You never know when you're going to need tools like this, but having them on-hand could mean the difference between making it back to weigh in or not. Lefty lucy, righty tighty.
A Bass Mafia box of sockets is almost a must in every bass boat. You never know when you’re going to need tools like this, but having them on-hand could mean the difference between making it back to weigh in or not. Lefty lucy, righty tighty.
Another Bass Mafia box of tools.
Another Bass Mafia box of tools.
And then two of the most important lids on the boat. Deep and spacious livewells help keep his daily limit alive.
And then two of the most important lids on the boat. Deep and spacious livewells help keep his daily limit alive.
Plenty of room for 20 pounds in there.
Plenty of room for 20 pounds in there.
More storage.
More storage.
He keeps more tools and necessities along with a motor cycle helmet for those long runs.
He keeps more tools and necessities along with a motor cycle helmet for those long runs.
Better to protect your mug than take a June bug to the teeth at 70 mph. This is a good look for Lucas.
Better to protect your mug than take a June bug to the teeth at 70 mph. This is a good look for Lucas.
A pair of vents on either side of the rear deck add oxygen to the livewells.
A pair of vents on either side of the rear deck add oxygen to the livewells.
Now let's dig into the power plant of Lucas' Phoenix
Now let’s dig into the power plant of Lucas’ Phoenix
First a hammer, small piece of wood and tube of grease. Every boat should have these on board.
First a hammer, small piece of wood and tube of grease. Every boat should have these on board.
Three 12-volt batteries in a series provide the necessary 36 volts to run his Minn Kota Ultrex.
Three 12-volt batteries in a series provide the necessary 36 volts to run his Minn Kota Ultrex.
Two batteries in the series for the cranking power. He keeps the extra battery on-hand just in case, but it also adds power as a 24-volt system to fire the big motor.
Two batteries in the series for the cranking power. He keeps the extra battery on-hand just in case, but it also adds power as a 24-volt system to fire the big motor.
A convenient retractable on-board charger cord is just inside the splashwell.
A convenient retractable on-board charger cord is just inside the splashwell.
A T-H Marine Atlas Hydraulic Jack Plate moves the Yamaha 250 along the Y axis.
A T-H Marine Atlas Hydraulic Jack Plate moves the Yamaha 250 along the Y axis.
A set of twin 10-foot Minn Kota Talons provide a highly necessary shallow-water anchoring system.
A set of twin 10-foot Minn Kota Talons provide a highly necessary shallow-water anchoring system.
Then there's this little neat thing. The Leash is a safety precaution that in the event the driver hits something in the water, The Leash will keep the motor from flipping over, coming aboard (yes, that can happen). A great idea!
Then there’s this little neat thing. The Leash is a safety precaution that in the event the driver hits something in the water, The Leash will keep the motor from flipping over, coming aboard (yes, that can happen). A great idea!
Thanks for taking the time to walk us through your rig, Justin. It looks great!
Thanks for taking the time to walk us through your rig, Justin. It looks great!

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