Inside Elite Boats

Inside Elite Boats: Kelley Jaye

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Bassmaster Elite Series pro Kelley Jaye has won more than $345,000 during his Bassmaster career. And his work platform is a Skeeter FXR20 paired with a Yamaha SHO 250-horsepower outboard. Here’s a tour of his rig.
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Kelley Jaye has won more than $345,000 during his Bassmaster career. And his work platform is a Skeeter FXR20 paired with a Yamaha SHO 250-horsepower outboard. Here’s a tour of his rig.
Steps attached to his boat trailer make it easy for Jaye to get into his Skeeter when he needs to re-rig or do any other work in his boat.
Steps attached to his boat trailer make it easy for Jaye to get into his Skeeter when he needs to re-rig or do any other work in his boat.
Jaye relies on a Minn-Kota Ultrex when he’s running a shoreline or working underwater structure, and the unit’s Spot-Lock will pin him in place when he needs to really pick apart an area.
Jaye relies on a Minn-Kota Ultrex when he’s running a shoreline or working underwater structure, and the unit’s Spot-Lock will pin him in place when he needs to really pick apart an area.
A pair of Humminbird units — a Solix 12 and a Helix 10 — sit on his front deck. “I have my 360 (Imaging) on the Solix, and I usually run my mapping and my sonar on the Helix,” Jaye explained. “I want the 360 as big as possible so I can see everything.”
A pair of Humminbird units — a Solix 12 and a Helix 10 — sit on his front deck. “I have my 360 (Imaging) on the Solix, and I usually run my mapping and my sonar on the Helix,” Jaye explained. “I want the 360 as big as possible so I can see everything.”
The Humminbird 360 Imaging transducer is mounted on his Minn-Kota to provide the best cone of visibility possible of structure and bass.
The Humminbird 360 Imaging transducer is mounted on his Minn-Kota to provide the best cone of visibility possible of structure and bass.
Bass Boat Technology mounts hold his Humminbird units securely in place so he doesn’t have to worry about them bouncing out of position. “They’re made to fit this specific boat,” Jaye said. “It’s probably the sturdiest mounts I’ve ever used. I’ve used them for the past four years.
Bass Boat Technology mounts hold his Humminbird units securely in place so he doesn’t have to worry about them bouncing out of position. “They’re made to fit this specific boat,” Jaye said. “It’s probably the sturdiest mounts I’ve ever used. I’ve used them for the past four years.”
His Minn-Kota foot control is recessed to maximize comfort and stability while Jaye is running the trolling motor.
His Minn-Kota foot control is recessed to maximize comfort and stability while Jaye is running the trolling motor.
Just to the left of the trolling motor control is Jaye’s Talon control so he can quickly and efficiently anchor in place as needed. The positioning of the control module keeps it out of the way so he doesn’t inadvertently hit it while fishing or fighting a bass
Just to the left of the trolling motor control is Jaye’s Talon control so he can quickly and efficiently anchor in place as needed. The positioning of the control module keeps it out of the way so he doesn’t inadvertently hit it while fishing or fighting a bass
The front deck of his Skeeter provides Jaye with ample under-deck storage and room to work without stumbling off the rear of the platform.
The front deck of his Skeeter provides Jaye with ample under-deck storage and room to work without stumbling off the rear of the platform.
Jaye uses the port rod locker to store all the rods he’ll need for the day on the water. The Skeeter FXR20 comes equipped with a rod storage system, but Jaye removes that for a simple reason. “It allows me to fit more rods in there,” he explained.
Jaye uses the port rod locker to store all the rods he’ll need for the day on the water. The Skeeter FXR20 comes equipped with a rod storage system, but Jaye removes that for a simple reason. “It allows me to fit more rods in there,” he explained.
Jaye uses rod sleeves to keep his rod tips from tangling. He can fit at least 20 rods in the locker so any lure he even thinks will be needed is rigged up and ready to go.
Jaye uses rod sleeves to keep his rod tips from tangling. He can fit at least 20 rods in the locker so any lure he even thinks will be needed is rigged up and ready to go.
Terminal tackleboxes and extra plastics are stored in the starboard rod locker to keep them handy.
Terminal tackleboxes and extra plastics are stored in the starboard rod locker to keep them handy.
A Bass Mafia Money Bag is used to hold all of his primary soft plastics so he doesn’t have to dig around the entire compartment looking for the lure he needs.
A Bass Mafia Money Bag is used to hold all of his primary soft plastics so he doesn’t have to dig around the entire compartment looking for the lure he needs.
Just behind that large locker is a smaller compartment in which he stores “just junk” — miscellaneous equipment he might need. “A lot of times I put stuff in there I know I’ll use for that tournament, like worms, so I don’t have to dig through a larger compartment,” Jaye said.
Just behind that large locker is a smaller compartment in which he stores “just junk” — miscellaneous equipment he might need. “A lot of times I put stuff in there I know I’ll use for that tournament, like worms, so I don’t have to dig through a larger compartment,” Jaye said.
A cavernous center compartment is used to store his hard baits and even more plastics.
A cavernous center compartment is used to store his hard baits and even more plastics.
Plastic boxes keep all of his hard tackle organized. “I’m pretty organized,” Jaye said. “That keeps me from having to dig around when looking for a specific lure.”
Plastic boxes keep all of his hard tackle organized. “I’m pretty organized,” Jaye said. “That keeps me from having to dig around when looking for a specific lure.”
A convenient step behind the front deck makes it easy on the knees to move quickly from the console to the front of the boat.
A convenient step behind the front deck makes it easy on the knees to move quickly from the console to the front of the boat.
Slots on either side of the step keep scissors and pliers handy when Jaye is re-rigging.
Slots on either side of the step keep scissors and pliers handy when Jaye is re-rigging.
Below the step is a slot for Jaye’s ruler so it’s kept out of the way when not in use but can quickly be pulled out to measure bass.
Below the step is a slot for Jaye’s ruler so it’s kept out of the way when not in use but can quickly be pulled out to measure bass.
A cubby in front of the passenger seat holds all kinds of miscellany. “It’s just a catchall,” Jaye said.
A cubby in front of the passenger seat holds all kinds of miscellany. “It’s just a catchall,” Jaye said.
Jaye has plenty of room when he’s behind the console to comfortably make long runs. He has two more Humminbird units — a Helix 12 and a Solix 12 — mounted there so he can check maps and sonar at a glance. The units mirror his setup in the bow of the boat. <p> “This is where you do most of your looking during practice, idling ledges and stuff,” Jaye explained. “Right here, I want two 12s so I can see. I’ve got a full view while I’m idling. I can keep my map on one, and then split the other one, and have Down Scan and 360 on the other one.”
Jaye has plenty of room when he’s behind the console to comfortably make long runs. He has two more Humminbird units — a Helix 12 and a Solix 12 — mounted there so he can check maps and sonar at a glance. The units mirror his setup in the bow of the boat.

“This is where you do most of your looking during practice, idling ledges and stuff,” Jaye explained. “Right here, I want two 12s so I can see. I’ve got a full view while I’m idling. I can keep my map on one, and then split the other one, and have Down Scan and 360 on the other one.”

Again, his console electronics are held securely with Bass Boat Technology brackets.
Again, his console electronics are held securely with Bass Boat Technology brackets.
To the left of his steering column is the switch for his T-H Marine jackplate so he can adjust his motor’s vertical attitude without taking his hand off the wheel.
To the left of his steering column is the switch for his T-H Marine jackplate so he can adjust his motor’s vertical attitude without taking his hand off the wheel.
On the other side is the trim switch. Again, the key is the ability to safely run the boat with both hands on the wheel while making outboard adjustments.
On the other side is the trim switch. Again, the key is the ability to safely run the boat with both hands on the wheel while making outboard adjustments.
A panel at his right knee houses all of the switches he might need, like his main power, the horn, bilge pumps, nav lights and more.
A panel at his right knee houses all of the switches he might need, like his main power, the horn, bilge pumps, nav lights and more.
To the right of his seat are his bilge and livewell drain switches. And he also has a stereo system control module in this area. “I do use it,” Jaye said of the stereo. “You can pair it to your phone and listen to music.” He did add that he doesn’t use it during competition.
To the right of his seat are his bilge and livewell drain switches. And he also has a stereo system control module in this area. “I do use it,” Jaye said of the stereo. “You can pair it to your phone and listen to music.” He did add that he doesn’t use it during competition.
An extra Talon control is mounted on the right gunnel wall so he can pole down from the console area as needed.
An extra Talon control is mounted on the right gunnel wall so he can pole down from the console area as needed.
Immediately to the right of his seat is a gauge so he can check the charge on his batteries at a glance.
Immediately to the right of his seat is a gauge so he can check the charge on his batteries at a glance.
A T-H Marine Hot Foot allows Jaye to control the speed of his Skeeter just like he’s driving his truck.
A T-H Marine Hot Foot allows Jaye to control the speed of his Skeeter just like he’s driving his truck.
All of his fuses are conveniently placed in a panel under the console. If an electronic component stops working, he can quickly find the right fuse and address the issue. “If you trip one, you just look under there and push it back in,” Jaye explained.
All of his fuses are conveniently placed in a panel under the console. If an electronic component stops working, he can quickly find the right fuse and address the issue. “If you trip one, you just look under there and push it back in,” Jaye explained.
His cooler is tucked between the seats so Jaye can grab a drink or snack while running from spot to spot.
His cooler is tucked between the seats so Jaye can grab a drink or snack while running from spot to spot.
The Skeeter’s livewell is huge, with two large compartments to hold all the bass Jaye catches during a tournament day.
The Skeeter’s livewell is huge, with two large compartments to hold all the bass Jaye catches during a tournament day.
His livewell system includes an Oxygenator so bass stay healthy while riding around in the boat. “Those are standard in Skeeters,” Jaye said.
His livewell system includes an Oxygenator so bass stay healthy while riding around in the boat. “Those are standard in Skeeters,” Jaye said.
Behind the passenger seat is a storage compartment Jaye uses for several important items. “I have an extra lifejacket, an extra prop and some jumper cables,” he said.
Behind the passenger seat is a storage compartment Jaye uses for several important items. “I have an extra lifejacket, an extra prop and some jumper cables,” he said.
A compartment behind his seat holds his lifejacket and even more tackle organized in plastic boxes.
A compartment behind his seat holds his lifejacket and even more tackle organized in plastic boxes.
Jaye shows off a box of handy topwater lures.
Jaye shows off a box of handy topwater lures.
The bilge is easily accessible via a double-door hatch at the rear of the deck. It’s wide open to allow Jaye to reach everything he needs, and even includes a tray to hold some tools. <p> “We’ve got some room in here now,” Jaye said. “I like all the room. Usually it’s just packed.” <p> He said he plans to add a second cranking battery so it can run in parallel to provide plenty of 12-volt power.
The bilge is easily accessible via a double-door hatch at the rear of the deck. It’s wide open to allow Jaye to reach everything he needs, and even includes a tray to hold some tools.

“We’ve got some room in here now,” Jaye said. “I like all the room. Usually it’s just packed.”

He said he plans to add a second cranking battery so it can run in parallel to provide plenty of 12-volt power.

Mounted on the starboard gunnel is Jaye’s battery breaker system, which isn’t blocked by any batteries or pumps. That means he can easily reach it when needed.
Mounted on the starboard gunnel is Jaye’s battery breaker system, which isn’t blocked by any batteries or pumps. That means he can easily reach it when needed.
His 36-volt battery series is organized on the port side of the bilge. Again, there’s plenty of room to work on it.
His 36-volt battery series is organized on the port side of the bilge. Again, there’s plenty of room to work on it.
The open bilge design even allows Jaye access to the back of his livewell system. “These hoses are some kind of quick-connect, so if you ever have to change one you just pop one out and put the replacement in,” Jaye said.
The open bilge design even allows Jaye access to the back of his livewell system. “These hoses are some kind of quick-connect, so if you ever have to change one you just pop one out and put the replacement in,” Jaye said.
The Minn Kota charger is mounted within easy reach. Again, room is not a problem here; everything is in the open and easily reachable.
The Minn Kota charger is mounted within easy reach. Again, room is not a problem here; everything is in the open and easily reachable.
A pair of Talon anchors flank Jaye’s Yamaha Sho. “They are Bluetoothed to my units, so I can actually raise and lower them from my Humminbirds,” Jaye said. “And they’re so low-profile — they are actually sticking below the motor, and they’re still 8 feet long. <p> He said the design of the Talons also reduces the risk of drifting in rough water. “Sometimes in rough water the other poles will bounce and drift off,” Jaye explained. “You can set these Talons to a soft bottom, an average bottom or a hard bottom. According to how you set them, every 5 seconds or 10 seconds they will reset themselves. So you don’t drift, even in rough water.” <p> Using two Talons means he can set the poles and not worry about his front deck moving around. “With one, you can still spin around,” he said. “The advantage of two is it keeps you dead still.”
A pair of Talon anchors flank Jaye’s Yamaha Sho. “They are Bluetoothed to my units, so I can actually raise and lower them from my Humminbirds,” Jaye said. “And they’re so low-profile — they are actually sticking below the motor, and they’re still 8 feet long.

He said the design of the Talons also reduces the risk of drifting in rough water. “Sometimes in rough water the other poles will bounce and drift off,” Jaye explained. “You can set these Talons to a soft bottom, an average bottom or a hard bottom. According to how you set them, every 5 seconds or 10 seconds they will reset themselves. So you don’t drift, even in rough water.”

Using two Talons means he can set the poles and not worry about his front deck moving around. “With one, you can still spin around,” he said. “The advantage of two is it keeps you dead still.”

The Talon mounts allow Jaye to adjust the positioning of his anchor system. “You can adjust it to whatever boat you put them on,” Jaye said.
The Talon mounts allow Jaye to adjust the positioning of his anchor system. “You can adjust it to whatever boat you put them on,” Jaye said.
Jaye said his four-stroke Yamaha Sho 250 is the perfect match to the Skeeter FXR20. “The torque is crazy, and the fuel mileage is outstanding,” he said. “And not having to carry gallons of oil with me all over the country — I wouldn’t take nothing for that. To me, the gas mileage and not having to put oil in the oil container every day is just priceless.”
Jaye said his four-stroke Yamaha Sho 250 is the perfect match to the Skeeter FXR20. “The torque is crazy, and the fuel mileage is outstanding,” he said. “And not having to carry gallons of oil with me all over the country — I wouldn’t take nothing for that. To me, the gas mileage and not having to put oil in the oil container every day is just priceless.”
A T-H Marine hydraulic jackplate provides Jaye the ability to make minute adjustments to the vertical positioning of his outboard. “You just about have to have one where we fish,” Jaye said. “When we’re down here in Florida, we’re running in 2 or 3 feet of water. You can actually get on plane in 3 feet of water, so it’s a necessity down here.” <p> And when he runs in deeper water, he can readjust with the flick of a switch. <p> “Plus you get optimum speed; once you’re wide open, you can adjust it up or down to get maximum speed,” Jaye said.
A T-H Marine hydraulic jackplate provides Jaye the ability to make minute adjustments to the vertical positioning of his outboard. “You just about have to have one where we fish,” Jaye said. “When we’re down here in Florida, we’re running in 2 or 3 feet of water. You can actually get on plane in 3 feet of water, so it’s a necessity down here.”

And when he runs in deeper water, he can readjust with the flick of a switch.

“Plus you get optimum speed; once you’re wide open, you can adjust it up or down to get maximum speed,” Jaye said.

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