Preparing for a new Bassmaster Elite Series season really starts well before the first event. For me, the work begins in December and runs straight through January. It is the only stretch of the year when I can slow down, reset everything and build a system that feels organized and comfortable before I hit the road again. By the time February arrives, there is no room left for catching up. Everything must be ready.
One of the biggest parts of this preparation is getting my Phoenix set up correctly. Elite Sonar handles all of it. They rig the electronics, run the wiring, place the transducers, install the livestream setup and clean up every detail. When they finish, the Phoenix feels simple and predictable. That matters more than anything because during the season I do not want to think about whether a cable is loose or a connection is wrong. I want a setup that feels natural the second I sit down in the driver’s seat.
Once the Phoenix is handled, I move into tackle mode. That process usually takes longer than anything else. I empty every box, look through what I used the most last season and restock the essentials. Strike King hard baits get fresh Gamakatsu hooks. Reels get new Sunline. XZone Plastics get reorganized so I can find what I need at any given time. I also rebuild finesse gear, jig boxes and add tackle to any new techniques I need during the season.
This is also when I dial in my rods. I rely heavily on Douglas rods because I know exactly how each one loads, reacts and fits the techniques I like to fish. I set up a full lineup in advance, so by the time the first event arrives, every rod and reel has its specific purpose and a place where it lives in the Phoenix.
This year, I have another concern, the new livestream setup … this will get the same level of attention. Cameras need the correct mounts, power needs to run cleanly and the Starlink equipment must be secure and protected. If I do not build this now, the middle of the season becomes a mess. December and January give me time to test everything, fix the small things and make sure it all works without distracting me once competition starts.
At the end of all this, the biggest benefit is confidence. When I roll into the first event, I want the Phoenix to feel like home. I want to know where every piece of tackle is without thinking, how far I need to reach to get a piece of equipment and know that all the electronics and livestream components are ready for long days on the water. The season gets hectic fast, and the places we visit are all different, so the only real way to stay consistent is to start with a setup that is perfectly clean and organized.
The winter months are not the flashiest part of being a professional angler, but they are, in my opinion, the most important. Good preparation in December and January sets the tone for the whole year. If the system is right at the beginning, everything else becomes a lot easier once tournament time arrives.
