Winter 2026
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hard boxes when you do your tackle organization. “This helps when you have to dig in your truck for a box to find that certain jerkbait or crankbait,” said Ehrler.
The same goes for all Ehrler’s Yamamoto soft baits, which he’ll put in a soft bag or other Ziplock container. “Ziplock’s are great, but tear easily. Bass Pro makes some great soft-sided soft plastic bags. I store the individual bags of plastics in their original bag and then stack them in the soft bag from Bass Pro Shops.”
STAYING HEALTHY WHILE TRAVELING
Beyond tackle organization, touring anglers also focus heavily on taking care of their bodies while traveling.
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When you are traveling across the country bass fishing, your truck will need fuel to get from one tournament venue to another, and the same goes for the angler’s body. “You need to be healthy when you travel, don’t stop at fast food places, as you’re literally poisoning your body,” said Ehrler. “I have a small YETI cooler that I keep hamburger meat (no bun) and steak in, so I can fuel my body up with some good protein. Be sure to drink lots of water and snack when you’re hungry, this will also help keep you awake. If you stop and binge on trash, you will get tired and not be as alert when driving.”
Like Ehrler, Elite Series Pro Carl Jocumsen is a big proponent of eating and drinking healthy when on the road. “Packing my YETI with my own food and drinks in it will save you time from having to get these items at a gas station and keep you from having to eat unhealthy fast food.”
TOWING SAFETY AND ROAD AWARENESS
Once nutrition and personal preparation are handled, the next area pros pay close attention to is towing safety.
Anglers will spend money on their tow vehicles, they’ll spend money on their boat, yet many rely on an inexpensive hitch to make that secure connection between their boat and truck and have faith in it to not fail when going 70-plus miles
per hour down the highway. “Buy a good tow hitch like a B&W,” said Jocumsen. “I’ve seen more issues happen through having a cheap hitch and tow ball than anything else.”
Even though it is very simple and only takes a few minutes, many anglers don’t give their boat and truck a once-over before a long drive. Carl Jocumsen does a quick walk-around of his boat and trailer every time he makes a stop. “I’ll look at the bearings, springs, my boat cover, and the transom tiedowns any time I make a stop. It takes just a few minutes and can save you some major issues down the road.”
TOOLS EVERY TRAVELING ANGLER SHOULD CARRY
In addition to safety checks, pros also keep essential tools accessible so they’re prepared for roadside emergencies.
Some of the key tools and accessories that I’ll keep in the bed of my truck all season long include an air compressor so I can put air in a low tire that is on my truck or boat trailer. I keep a tire jack accessible so I can quickly get it out and swap a tire on my truck or boat trailer, along with a torque wrench so I have the right tool to pop the lug nuts off a tire and get that new tire on. Another helpful item