Elite Man Cave: Carl Jocumsen

North of Dallas is a man cave like no other. Much more happens in this cave than working on boat, tackle and gear. Here you will find a fully functioning living space. Meet cave dwellers Carl Jocumsen and his girlfriend, Kayla Palaniuk. 
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<em>All Captions: Craig Lamb</em>
North of Dallas is a man cave like no other. Much more happens in this cave than working on boat, tackle and gear. Here you will find a fully functioning living space. Meet cave dwellers Carl Jocumsen and his girlfriend, Kayla Palaniuk.

All Captions: Craig Lamb

Carl and Kayla just returned from a long, long road trip. They have stayed here just one week since February. That’s seven months away from home, traveling to sponsor commitments and two B.A.S.S. tours. Those are the Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series.
Carl and Kayla just returned from a long, long road trip. They have stayed here just one week since February. That’s seven months away from home, traveling to sponsor commitments and two B.A.S.S. tours. Those are the Bassmaster Elite Series and the Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Open Series.
Behold the main entrance to the cave. It’s a typical setup with a boat surrounded by stacks of storage boxes filled with tackle and gear. Jocumsen shares the parking bays with close friend Gene Eisenmann, creator and founder of HydroWave.
Behold the main entrance to the cave. It’s a typical setup with a boat surrounded by stacks of storage boxes filled with tackle and gear. Jocumsen shares the parking bays with close friend Gene Eisenmann, creator and founder of HydroWave.
Here’s what makes this man cave different. It’s the living space. To the right and out of the picture is a bedroom. Elsewhere is a comfortable L-shaped sofa, a flat screen TV and a dining room table. Below the bull elk mounts is a fridge and hot plate for cooking. Behind the sofa is Carl’s office space and behind that all of the tackle storage.
Here’s what makes this man cave different. It’s the living space. To the right and out of the picture is a bedroom. Elsewhere is a comfortable L-shaped sofa, a flat screen TV and a dining room table. Below the bull elk mounts is a fridge and hot plate for cooking. Behind the sofa is Carl’s office space and behind that all of the tackle storage.
This photo was taken last year on a visit to the man cave. Much has changed since then. Look in the right corner of the photo and you see a neatly made bed.
This photo was taken last year on a visit to the man cave. Much has changed since then. Look in the right corner of the photo and you see a neatly made bed.
Jocumsen slept on this bed during his rookie season of the Elite Series. He did it all in the same room: sleep, eat, rig tackle and pack and unpack for the next road trip. And repeat.
Jocumsen slept on this bed during his rookie season of the Elite Series. He did it all in the same room: sleep, eat, rig tackle and pack and unpack for the next road trip. And repeat.
Back to the present. The bed is gone. Lots of work happens in this corner of the cave. Tackle is organized, thoughts are collected and the mind gets an attitude adjustment with the board propped up in the corner.
Back to the present. The bed is gone. Lots of work happens in this corner of the cave. Tackle is organized, thoughts are collected and the mind gets an attitude adjustment with the board propped up in the corner.
Call this part thought provoking and part organization. It’s like the white board you see in locker rooms, board rooms, brainstorming rooms and anywhere else that thoughts and priorities get organized for success.
Call this part thought provoking and part organization. It’s like the white board you see in locker rooms, board rooms, brainstorming rooms and anywhere else that thoughts and priorities get organized for success.
This eye candy is the spare Shimano reels used by Jocumsen. He pairs those to the Millerods he helped design with Shimano Australia rod designer Ian Miller.
This eye candy is the spare Shimano reels used by Jocumsen. He pairs those to the Millerods he helped design with Shimano Australia rod designer Ian Miller.
On this shelf are lures separated by category and stored in these boxes. Like many pros, Jocumsen takes the lure boxes he needs for a given tournament, leaving behind the rest for another time.
On this shelf are lures separated by category and stored in these boxes. Like many pros, Jocumsen takes the lure boxes he needs for a given tournament, leaving behind the rest for another time.
Molix is an Italian brand of professional-grade hard and soft baits, jigs, wirebaits, terminal tackle and rigging accessories. The company, a new sponsor, welcomed Jocumsen to the brand by adding a personal note and flags on this box shipped from Italy.
Molix is an Italian brand of professional-grade hard and soft baits, jigs, wirebaits, terminal tackle and rigging accessories. The company, a new sponsor, welcomed Jocumsen to the brand by adding a personal note and flags on this box shipped from Italy.
What doesn’t fit into the boat, camper or truck gets stored here. “I like to stay organized and keep every bait in the box where it belongs,” he said. “That way, I never worry about leaving anything behind.”
What doesn’t fit into the boat, camper or truck gets stored here. “I like to stay organized and keep every bait in the box where it belongs,” he said. “That way, I never worry about leaving anything behind.”
A source of Aussie pride is these Bassman Spinnerbaits, made by hand in Australia by Glen and Sue Casey. The Caseys are Jocumsen’s oldest sponsor. The relationship began when Jocumsen was only 14 years old. “Brown wire gives the bait a more natural look,” he explained. “The bait runs true with the skirt covering the hook.”
A source of Aussie pride is these Bassman Spinnerbaits, made by hand in Australia by Glen and Sue Casey. The Caseys are Jocumsen’s oldest sponsor. The relationship began when Jocumsen was only 14 years old. “Brown wire gives the bait a more natural look,” he explained. “The bait runs true with the skirt covering the hook.”
Jocumsen stores spare Gamma line in this cooler for a reason. “When you travel as much as me the line rides for long periods in a hot truck or boat,” he said. “The insulated cooler keeps the line cooler, fresher and longer lasting.”
Jocumsen stores spare Gamma line in this cooler for a reason. “When you travel as much as me the line rides for long periods in a hot truck or boat,” he said. “The insulated cooler keeps the line cooler, fresher and longer lasting.”
Here is more proof this man cave is a fully functional dwelling. Like many homes across America it includes man’s best friend. Meet Roo, Carl and Kayla’s dog and travel partner.
Here is more proof this man cave is a fully functional dwelling. Like many homes across America it includes man’s best friend. Meet Roo, Carl and Kayla’s dog and travel partner.
Roo’s name comes from the root word, kangaroo. Like Jocumsen, she has Australian roots, sort of. The dog is believed to be a mix of Australian Kelpie and Dachshund. Carl and Kayla rescued Roo from a shelter in Dallas. She is about 9 months old.
Roo’s name comes from the root word, kangaroo. Like Jocumsen, she has Australian roots, sort of. The dog is believed to be a mix of Australian Kelpie and Dachshund. Carl and Kayla rescued Roo from a shelter in Dallas. She is about 9 months old.
Carl stays organized at this workspace in the middle of the cave. Organizing travel, keeping up with business expenses and working on his social media channels all happens here.
Carl stays organized at this workspace in the middle of the cave. Organizing travel, keeping up with business expenses and working on his social media channels all happens here.
Like a lot of pros, Carl is a heavy user of GoPro cameras. He downloads, edits and uploads footage taken from cameras mounted throughout his boat, from bow to stern and in between.
Like a lot of pros, Carl is a heavy user of GoPro cameras. He downloads, edits and uploads footage taken from cameras mounted throughout his boat, from bow to stern and in between.
Count the circles and the sum is 20 events spread across nine months of 2016. In July, Jocumsen traveled to Orlando for ICAST, the fishing tackle industry’s annual trade show. What’s not on the calendar are numerous appearances on behalf of sponsors and other related business obligations. Nowhere on the calendar is the word “vacation.”
Count the circles and the sum is 20 events spread across nine months of 2016. In July, Jocumsen traveled to Orlando for ICAST, the fishing tackle industry’s annual trade show. What’s not on the calendar are numerous appearances on behalf of sponsors and other related business obligations. Nowhere on the calendar is the word “vacation.”
On the desk is this inspirational book given to Carl by a friend. Mick Fanning is a world champion Australian surfer. Carl says professional surfing is lots like pro bass fishing. “They have a qualifying level, like the Opens, and an elite level,” he explained. “Waves are unpredictable, just like catching bass, and both sports share an element of luck that is influenced by weather.”
On the desk is this inspirational book given to Carl by a friend. Mick Fanning is a world champion Australian surfer. Carl says professional surfing is lots like pro bass fishing. “They have a qualifying level, like the Opens, and an elite level,” he explained. “Waves are unpredictable, just like catching bass, and both sports share an element of luck that is influenced by weather.”
Jocumsen’s gym bag is just as important as a tacklebox. Inside is everything he needs for a full workout, anywhere, anytime. He also relies on brain, workout and health supplements from sponsor Onnit. “I am the first fisherman they ever sponsored,” he said. Jocumsen especially likes Alpha Brain, intended to boost memory and focus.
Jocumsen’s gym bag is just as important as a tacklebox. Inside is everything he needs for a full workout, anywhere, anytime. He also relies on brain, workout and health supplements from sponsor Onnit. “I am the first fisherman they ever sponsored,” he said. Jocumsen especially likes Alpha Brain, intended to boost memory and focus.
This is an Onnit Kettlebell used for ballistic exercises that combine cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training. The Chimp Primal Bell weighs 36 pounds. Ballistic exercises combine swinging, snatching and clean-and-jerk movements for an all-inclusive workout using one object.
This is an Onnit Kettlebell used for ballistic exercises that combine cardiovascular, strength and flexibility training. The Chimp Primal Bell weighs 36 pounds. Ballistic exercises combine swinging, snatching and clean-and-jerk movements for an all-inclusive workout using one object.
Kettlebell workouts build strength and endurance, particularly in the lower back, legs, shoulders, while increasing grip strength. All those muscle groups are key to being fit for hours of fishing. “I get a complete workout and can use it in the campground, along with the rope, and feel much better after a long day on the water,” he added.
Kettlebell workouts build strength and endurance, particularly in the lower back, legs, shoulders, while increasing grip strength. All those muscle groups are key to being fit for hours of fishing. “I get a complete workout and can use it in the campground, along with the rope, and feel much better after a long day on the water,” he added.
Long, fun days on the water come from what’s inside these two backpacks worn by Carl and Kayla. What is not inside are tents, sleeping bags and other camping gear.
Long, fun days on the water come from what’s inside these two backpacks worn by Carl and Kayla. What is not inside are tents, sleeping bags and other camping gear.
This Hobie Adventure 10.8 is an inflatable stand-up paddleboard. Carl and Kayla even transport them as checked baggage on commercial flights. The three-piece paddle and PFD are stowed inside the pack. When inflated the SUP measures 10 feet, 8 inches with a wide beam of 32 inches, about the same width of a Hobie sit-on-top fishing kayak.
This Hobie Adventure 10.8 is an inflatable stand-up paddleboard. Carl and Kayla even transport them as checked baggage on commercial flights. The three-piece paddle and PFD are stowed inside the pack. When inflated the SUP measures 10 feet, 8 inches with a wide beam of 32 inches, about the same width of a Hobie sit-on-top fishing kayak.
With the included high-pressure air pump it only takes about five minutes to inflate, thanks to a high-pressure spring value. Leave it to a bass fisherman to improvise. Carl lashes down soft tackle bags to the bungee straps located forward and aft. Add a cooler and you can take a seat while fishing.
With the included high-pressure air pump it only takes about five minutes to inflate, thanks to a high-pressure spring value. Leave it to a bass fisherman to improvise. Carl lashes down soft tackle bags to the bungee straps located forward and aft. Add a cooler and you can take a seat while fishing.
When fully inflated the Adventure 10.8 weighs just 27 pounds. “We take them everywhere we go,” he said. That included a fun excursion to a backwater on the St. Lawrence River, on the border of Canada and New York. “We had a fun day of frog fishing in the pads, going where no bass boat could go,” he recalled.
When fully inflated the Adventure 10.8 weighs just 27 pounds. “We take them everywhere we go,” he said. That included a fun excursion to a backwater on the St. Lawrence River, on the border of Canada and New York. “We had a fun day of frog fishing in the pads, going where no bass boat could go,” he recalled.
Fear My Heart is Jocumsen’s personal slogan. He came up with it from a TV documentary about the United States Navy SEALs. “The recruiting officer spoke about what it takes to be a SEAL,” he said. “He told the recruits the size of your heart surpasses all of the physical strength you need to make the cut.” The idea came after Jocumsen realized he faced lots of challenges climbing the pro ranks.
Fear My Heart is Jocumsen’s personal slogan. He came up with it from a TV documentary about the United States Navy SEALs. “The recruiting officer spoke about what it takes to be a SEAL,” he said. “He told the recruits the size of your heart surpasses all of the physical strength you need to make the cut.” The idea came after Jocumsen realized he faced lots of challenges climbing the pro ranks.
The BassCat Puma FTD gets unloaded following a long road trip. Millerods and Hobie Fishing Australia are Jocumsen’s key sponsors. He utilizes the man cave for switching out gear by tournament location, fishing style and all the needed gear for the trip.
The BassCat Puma FTD gets unloaded following a long road trip. Millerods and Hobie Fishing Australia are Jocumsen’s key sponsors. He utilizes the man cave for switching out gear by tournament location, fishing style and all the needed gear for the trip.
A great source of Australian pride is in the rod box of his BassCat. Jocumsen worked with world-renowned rod designer and fellow Aussie Ian Miller to design these rods. The two spent an entire summer traveling the U.S., testing and refining rod designs. The result is a line of 16 Millerods now available in Tackle Warehouse. Millerods is the only Australian rod company that imports product to this country.
A great source of Australian pride is in the rod box of his BassCat. Jocumsen worked with world-renowned rod designer and fellow Aussie Ian Miller to design these rods. The two spent an entire summer traveling the U.S., testing and refining rod designs. The result is a line of 16 Millerods now available in Tackle Warehouse. Millerods is the only Australian rod company that imports product to this country.
Parked outside is this Lance camper. Call it a mobile man cave. On top is a Hobie Mirage Outback for getaway trips along the way. It all rides over a half-ton pickup truck that pulls his BassCat bass boat. The rig racked up about 40,000 miles this year.
Parked outside is this Lance camper. Call it a mobile man cave. On top is a Hobie Mirage Outback for getaway trips along the way. It all rides over a half-ton pickup truck that pulls his BassCat bass boat. The rig racked up about 40,000 miles this year.
“Rick Clunn told me that camping saved his career,” said Jocumsen. Clunn is the inspiration behind the decision to get the Lance camper. “Last year I was ready to quit, because of the confinement and inconvenience of all the hotel rooms, checking in, out and being away from my gear.”
“Rick Clunn told me that camping saved his career,” said Jocumsen. Clunn is the inspiration behind the decision to get the Lance camper. “Last year I was ready to quit, because of the confinement and inconvenience of all the hotel rooms, checking in, out and being away from my gear.”
“My vision of fishing growing up was a campfire at night, being at the lake with friends, being close to nature,” he continued. “That is what drew me to fishing and I wanted it back.” Solitude, peace of mind and convenience come with the camper. “I carry everything I need for a tournament, can work on my gear beside the boat, and enjoy the peace and solitude of a campground.”
“My vision of fishing growing up was a campfire at night, being at the lake with friends, being close to nature,” he continued. “That is what drew me to fishing and I wanted it back.” Solitude, peace of mind and convenience come with the camper. “I carry everything I need for a tournament, can work on my gear beside the boat, and enjoy the peace and solitude of a campground.”
Before he acquired the Lance camper six months ago, Jocumsen didn't unpack his suitcase for five years. He regularly checked in and out of hotels, slept in the bed of his pickup truck and had short stays in the man cave.
Before he acquired the Lance camper six months ago, Jocumsen didn’t unpack his suitcase for five years. He regularly checked in and out of hotels, slept in the bed of his pickup truck and had short stays in the man cave.
Kayla added creature comforts to the refrigerator door, just like you see in homes across America. “We love camping and being outdoors so much,” she said. “It’s practical for Carl but also good for our peace of mind.”
Kayla added creature comforts to the refrigerator door, just like you see in homes across America. “We love camping and being outdoors so much,” she said. “It’s practical for Carl but also good for our peace of mind.”
Friends of Kayla left behind this note written with kind words. The friends left behind the note, house warming gifts and best wishes for the season.
Friends of Kayla left behind this note written with kind words. The friends left behind the note, house warming gifts and best wishes for the season.
Beside the dining room table is this framed picture with memories and inspiration. “I really like the photos because they tell a lot of stories and memories that we hold on to as we travel across the country,” added Carl. Indeed. Home now goes wherever they do.
Beside the dining room table is this framed picture with memories and inspiration. “I really like the photos because they tell a lot of stories and memories that we hold on to as we travel across the country,” added Carl. Indeed. Home now goes wherever they do.
Artifacts from the man cave don’t just end up in the boat or camper. These rod tubes make an annual trip to Australia. The next trip is soon.
Artifacts from the man cave don’t just end up in the boat or camper. These rod tubes make an annual trip to Australia. The next trip is soon.
What won’t make the trip is this backpack, worn by Carl when he stepped off an airplane from Australia for the first time. That was five years ago
What won’t make the trip is this backpack, worn by Carl when he stepped off an airplane from Australia for the first time. That was five years ago
Carl’s sister is getting married, his cousin is fighting in a high profile boxing match and Christmas will be celebrated with friends and family. And of course, there will be lots of fishing. Left over from the last trip is a baggage routing tag bearing the airport codes for SYD (Sydney, Australia) and DFW (Dallas, Texas).
Carl’s sister is getting married, his cousin is fighting in a high profile boxing match and Christmas will be celebrated with friends and family. And of course, there will be lots of fishing. Left over from the last trip is a baggage routing tag bearing the airport codes for SYD (Sydney, Australia) and DFW (Dallas, Texas).