Inside Elite Boats

Inside Elite Boats: Evan Kung

Take a tour of Elite Series rookie Evan Kung's tournament rig he used during the 2025 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series season.

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Photography by
Dalton Tumblin
Welcome to another edition of Inside Elite Boats. Let’s explore the fully loaded rig of 2025 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series angler Evan Kung.
Kung ran his 2025 Ranger Z520R for the duration of the 2025 Elite Series season.
A look at the bow after several days of practice.
The bow includes a 50-inch Garmin Force trolling motor. Kung explained he chose the 50-inch because of his tendency to fish shallow water frequently.
The Garmin LVS34 LiveScope transducer is mounted directly to the trolling motor.
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Kung uses a GeigerTec stack mount to secure his graphs. This system allows him to adjust the height of the graphs for comfortability when he’s using LiveScope.
Mounted by the GeigerTec are the Garmin 8616 and 12-inch Garmin ECHOMAP 2. The 8616 is used for LiveScope and the ECHOMAP 2 is primarily used for mapping.
The Ranger switch on the bow for controlling lights, livewell levels and motor trim while fishing.
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A layout of his Ranger.
The cooler stays full of snacks and drinks while he’s on the water.
A 3D printed tray, created by his friend, is mounted in replacement of a passenger console. Kung uses it to hold hooks and baits when changing lures on the water.
A storage cubby is located behind the passenger footrest.
A look inside Kung’s go-to jig box.
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Kung keeps a variety of up to 40 casting and spinning rods in his rod locker.
A look at one of Kung’s trusty set ups.
A YUM Dinger rigged wacky style is his reliability set up. It’s something he can confidently pick up when he needs a bite.
The center compartment holds all the tackle.
Kung uses the driver-side compartment to hold a variety of items including life jackets, spare rods and his rainsuit.
The smaller compartment holds his lunch, scale and fish care products.
The Ranger has slots for easy access tools such as scissors, pliers and clippers.
These slots are on both sides of the step up to the front deck.
A look at the driver’s console.
GeigerTec mounts are used to mount the console graphs.
A wide view of the Z520R cockpit.
Kung’s units of choice for the console are Garmin ECHOMAP 2s. “I use one primarily for mapping and the other for side-imaging and down-imaging.”
Power-Pole switch, push-button start and trim tabs are located by the steering wheel.
A look at the Ranger control panel to the right of the steering wheel.
The lights, bilge pump and livewell buttons are all on a separate panel.
The compartment between the seats is home to a variety of different items.
On to the livewells.
The compartment behind the driver’s seat holds the fire extinguisher, first aid kit and other necessary items.
The compartment behind the passenger’s seat is home to spare tools, oil and a variety of other items.
Kung relies on PowerHouse Lithium batteries. He has two 36v for his trolling motor, one 16v for electronics and one 12v for cranking.
A spare prop is also mounted in the back compartment.
The 250 Mercury PRO XS is the powerhouse of this boat.
His boat is equipped with Power-Pole Blades to anchor down in shallow water.
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Safety is important. Kung relies on The Leash as an extra safety measure.
A look at the Mercury prop.
A T-H Marine Atlas Jack Plate is his jackplate of choice.
That will do it for this edition of Inside Elite Boats.
Thanks for the tour, Evan!

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