Inside Elite Boats

Inside Elite Boats: David Walker

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David Walker of Sevierville, Tenn., showed us every corner of his 2016 Ranger Z520c.
Photo: Thomas Allen - David Walker of Sevierville, Tenn., showed us every corner of his 2016 Ranger Z520c.
David's Toyota Tundra is outfitted with Dick Cepek tires and custom wheels.
Photo: Thomas Allen - David's Toyota Tundra is outfitted with Dick Cepek tires and custom wheels.
Walker's truck is as pimped out as his boat, maybe more.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Walker's truck is as pimped out as his boat, maybe more.
Every corner of his boat and truck is filled with logo and insignia. Everything is well placed.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Every corner of his boat and truck is filled with logo and insignia. Everything is well placed.
...
Photo: Thomas Allen - ...
Walker's Ranger is also outfitted with Dick Cepek tires.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Walker's Ranger is also outfitted with Dick Cepek tires.
It's also worth noting that Walker keeps a classic CB Radio in the cab of his pickup. Many of today's youth have no idea what this is or what it's used for. But, with as much time as Walker spends on the road, it's become an invaluable tool to keep up with current traffic conditions.
Photo: Thomas Allen - It's also worth noting that Walker keeps a classic CB Radio in the cab of his pickup. Many of today's youth have no idea what this is or what it's used for. But, with as much time as Walker spends on the road, it's become an invaluable tool to keep up with current traffic conditions.
Walker's Ranger is as sexy as the truck.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Walker's Ranger is as sexy as the truck.
The front deck is where the magic happens.
Photo: Thomas Allen - The front deck is where the magic happens.
Here's a closer look at a few of the sponsor logos on the front deck, GEICO and Cabela's are two of his primary sponsors.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Here's a closer look at a few of the sponsor logos on the front deck, GEICO and Cabela's are two of his primary sponsors.
If you use a Cabela's Visa card, you have a chance to win Walker's boat by the end of May.
Photo: Thomas Allen - If you use a Cabela's Visa card, you have a chance to win Walker's boat by the end of May.
Starting at the bow is his Minn Kota Fortrex 112. An invaluable tool on any bass boat.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Starting at the bow is his Minn Kota Fortrex 112. An invaluable tool on any bass boat.
This thing will take you where you need to go.
Photo: Thomas Allen - This thing will take you where you need to go.
The trolling motor foot pedal allows you to choose direction and power, but you probably already knew that. It's still a great photo!
Photo: Thomas Allen - The trolling motor foot pedal allows you to choose direction and power, but you probably already knew that. It's still a great photo!
Walker runs Lowrance electronics, and he wisely wraps the units' covers to match his truck and boat.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Walker runs Lowrance electronics, and he wisely wraps the units' covers to match his truck and boat.
As we mentioned in the beginning, not a corner of Walker's rig is untouched. He thought of it all.
Photo: Thomas Allen - As we mentioned in the beginning, not a corner of Walker's rig is untouched. He thought of it all.
In the starboard locker, you'll find needed accessories.
Photo: Thomas Allen - In the starboard locker, you'll find needed accessories.
His collection of gear is hardly complete without a selfie stick. Surely that belongs to one of his daughters ... Nope. That's hot, David.
Photo: Thomas Allen - His collection of gear is hardly complete without a selfie stick. Surely that belongs to one of his daughters ... Nope. That's hot, David.
Inside you'll find paper towels, rain gear, shoes and other necessary items.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Inside you'll find paper towels, rain gear, shoes and other necessary items.
Walker wisely noted that a paper-towel holder would be a genius aftermarket add-on.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Walker wisely noted that a paper-towel holder would be a genius aftermarket add-on.
Beneath the lid of the center storage lid you'll find a note from his girls. Having this kind of support is paramount in this sport.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Beneath the lid of the center storage lid you'll find a note from his girls. Having this kind of support is paramount in this sport.
Inside the compartment is a pile of tackle. Not a wasted inch of space exists here.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Inside the compartment is a pile of tackle. Not a wasted inch of space exists here.
You'll find lots of LiveTarget crankbaits, including these highly designed and ultra-lifelike lipless baits.
Photo: Thomas Allen - You'll find lots of LiveTarget crankbaits, including these highly designed and ultra-lifelike lipless baits.
He also has a box of the LiveTarget BaitBall series that won awards at ICAST. These things look alive.
Photo: Thomas Allen - He also has a box of the LiveTarget BaitBall series that won awards at ICAST. These things look alive.
Here's a closer look at the detail. And ...
Photo: Thomas Allen - Here's a closer look at the detail. And ...
... that's a cute Band Aid. You can always tell a man with daughters. He's very comfortable acknowledging how much impact his girls have on his life. Even if that means a Barbie bandage.
Photo: Thomas Allen - ... that's a cute Band Aid. You can always tell a man with daughters. He's very comfortable acknowledging how much impact his girls have on his life. Even if that means a Barbie bandage.
This box is loaded with Z-Man soft plastics, looks like a ned-rig.
Photo: Thomas Allen - This box is loaded with Z-Man soft plastics, looks like a ned-rig.
Ned-rig jig heads. Very similar to a common shaky head, but with subtle differences.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Ned-rig jig heads. Very similar to a common shaky head, but with subtle differences.
In the middle of all that tackle is a catch-all bin that has cut-off baits and other necessary tools.
Photo: Thomas Allen - In the middle of all that tackle is a catch-all bin that has cut-off baits and other necessary tools.
You'll also find tungsten weights in this compartment.
Photo: Thomas Allen - You'll also find tungsten weights in this compartment.
A handful from the catch-all. He'll go through this and return each item to its original storage location once he returns home.
Photo: Thomas Allen - A handful from the catch-all. He'll go through this and return each item to its original storage location once he returns home.
What does Walker snack on while on the water? It's quite gourmet, actually.
Photo: Thomas Allen - What does Walker snack on while on the water? It's quite gourmet, actually.
As we move towards the console, the next compartment has line and rod socks in it, among other items.
Photo: Thomas Allen - As we move towards the console, the next compartment has line and rod socks in it, among other items.
On tough days, Walker's girls built a wheel of fortune for him to choose from. It's pretty clear that his wife is cool, also.
Photo: Thomas Allen - On tough days, Walker's girls built a wheel of fortune for him to choose from. It's pretty clear that his wife is cool, also.
Those of us at B.A.S.S. aren't sure this is a selection that is condoned, but if the arrow falls here, you do what you gotta do.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Those of us at B.A.S.S. aren't sure this is a selection that is condoned, but if the arrow falls here, you do what you gotta do.
He keeps extra sunglasses in the same box.
Photo: Thomas Allen - He keeps extra sunglasses in the same box.
He keeps all his hooks in the original packaging, which makes keeping them organized much easier.
Photo: Thomas Allen - He keeps all his hooks in the original packaging, which makes keeping them organized much easier.
Simple, but effective.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Simple, but effective.
Conveniently placed tool holders along the side of the step that leads to the casting deck.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Conveniently placed tool holders along the side of the step that leads to the casting deck.
Right next to the tools is a conveniently placed bump board.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Right next to the tools is a conveniently placed bump board.
Beneath the port side storage locker are a pile of rod-and-reel combos.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Beneath the port side storage locker are a pile of rod-and-reel combos.
Walker pulls out one of his favorites, which has a frog tied on.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Walker pulls out one of his favorites, which has a frog tied on.
The Loomis EX6 Series of rods are affordable and sweet sticks.
Photo: Thomas Allen - The Loomis EX6 Series of rods are affordable and sweet sticks.
Here's the console where Walker spends a great deal of time scouting for the next hot bite.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Here's the console where Walker spends a great deal of time scouting for the next hot bite.
Beneath the steering wheel is an electronically driven gas pedal that is a very effective way to power the boat.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Beneath the steering wheel is an electronically driven gas pedal that is a very effective way to power the boat.
Walker said it's a very comfortable office seat.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Walker said it's a very comfortable office seat.
Unlike many of the pros out there Walker prefers one unit flush mounted into the dash. He runs a Lowrance HDS 12 unit that helps him isolate each structural element, but a second unit might block his view while running the boat.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Unlike many of the pros out there Walker prefers one unit flush mounted into the dash. He runs a Lowrance HDS 12 unit that helps him isolate each structural element, but a second unit might block his view while running the boat.
There is also digital dash gauge that provides data for his Evinrude outboard.
Photo: Thomas Allen - There is also digital dash gauge that provides data for his Evinrude outboard.
That is a marker buoy turned lure retriever. It's simple but effective.
Photo: Thomas Allen - That is a marker buoy turned lure retriever. It's simple but effective.
In between each seat, he keeps a bunch of necessities, including pain killers and bug spray. You can tell you're getting old when ... We'll not go there.
Photo: Thomas Allen - In between each seat, he keeps a bunch of necessities, including pain killers and bug spray. You can tell you're getting old when ... We'll not go there.
Walker keeps a supply of Sharpie markers on-hand. For autographs of course, but he also colors spinnerbait blades and adds lines to crankbaits. You never know, it's good to be prepared.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Walker keeps a supply of Sharpie markers on-hand. For autographs of course, but he also colors spinnerbait blades and adds lines to crankbaits. You never know, it's good to be prepared.
The port console sports one of the deepest glove boxes you'll find any where. A boat simply cannot have too much storage, and this Ranger has it all.
Photo: Thomas Allen - The port console sports one of the deepest glove boxes you'll find any where. A boat simply cannot have too much storage, and this Ranger has it all.
The first storage box behind the passenger seat has baits and oil.
Photo: Thomas Allen - The first storage box behind the passenger seat has baits and oil.
When you're making long runs, like the pros did at Winyah Bay, it's a good practice to keep extra oil in the boat at all times.
Photo: Thomas Allen - When you're making long runs, like the pros did at Winyah Bay, it's a good practice to keep extra oil in the boat at all times.
More LiveTarget baits.
Photo: Thomas Allen - More LiveTarget baits.
The Rat. This thing look so real, Walker said it gives him the heebie jeebies every time he pulls it out.
Photo: Thomas Allen - The Rat. This thing look so real, Walker said it gives him the heebie jeebies every time he pulls it out.
Plenty of livewell space is always a bonus, and Range offers plenty.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Plenty of livewell space is always a bonus, and Range offers plenty.
Walker keeps tools and other possibles in the dry box behind the driver's seat.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Walker keeps tools and other possibles in the dry box behind the driver's seat.
Walker, who is also an accomplished saltwater angler, keeps a Boga Grip in the box. He keeps the expensive tool attached to a Cabela's retriever dummy, because it floats. Genius. It really is. Write that one down, folks. He said it came in very handy at Winyah Bay when dealing with all the bowfin (mudfish, dog fish, whatever you want to call them).
Photo: Thomas Allen - Walker, who is also an accomplished saltwater angler, keeps a Boga Grip in the box. He keeps the expensive tool attached to a Cabela's retriever dummy, because it floats. Genius. It really is. Write that one down, folks. He said it came in very handy at Winyah Bay when dealing with all the bowfin (mudfish, dog fish, whatever you want to call them).
He also keeps livewell treatment in the box.
Photo: Thomas Allen - He also keeps livewell treatment in the box.
A flare gun is handy for emergency situations. No, it's not loaded.
Photo: Thomas Allen - A flare gun is handy for emergency situations. No, it's not loaded.
That storage compartment is also where he keeps his unique culling device. Instead of hanging two naked fish from either side to determine which is heavier, he slides the fish into each bag where they calm down, and he can make accurate decisions.
Photo: Thomas Allen - That storage compartment is also where he keeps his unique culling device. Instead of hanging two naked fish from either side to determine which is heavier, he slides the fish into each bag where they calm down, and he can make accurate decisions.
Spare prop, batteries and on-board charger are conveniently placed in the rear storage box.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Spare prop, batteries and on-board charger are conveniently placed in the rear storage box.
The main power switch. If the cranking battery dies, you can turn the dial to
Photo: Thomas Allen - The main power switch. If the cranking battery dies, you can turn the dial to "Jump" and actually start the boat using the trolling motor batteries if the situation arises.
...
Photo: Thomas Allen - ...
The Ranger also has a drain-plug switch, making that in-and-out process a snap.
Photo: Thomas Allen - The Ranger also has a drain-plug switch, making that in-and-out process a snap.
Walker loves his 250 hp Evinrude E-TEC H.O.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Walker loves his 250 hp Evinrude E-TEC H.O.
Twin Power-Poles are on either side of the motor.
Photo: Thomas Allen - Twin Power-Poles are on either side of the motor.
Thanks, David! That was a fun and informative tour!
Photo: Thomas Allen - Thanks, David! That was a fun and informative tour!

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