Inside Elite Boats

Inside Elite Boats: Randy Howell

Get a look inside Elite Series pro Randy Howell's hot rod Triton.

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We caught up with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Randy Howell at the third and final Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open on Lake Erie, which is why his Triton 21 HP sported a five-blade Mercury High Five prop.
We caught up with Bassmaster Elite Series pro Randy Howell at the third and final Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Northern Open on Lake Erie, which is why his Triton 21 HP sported a five-blade Mercury High Five prop. “It gives you unbelievable power to get over those big waves,” he said. Let’s take a closer look inside his rig.
<p>Howell's boat is a Triton 21HP. No matter which Elite Series pro you ask, they all say that they have the fastest boat on the lake. The fact of the matter is that Randy Howell consistently outruns almost everyone in the field. His boat regularly flirts with the 80-mph mark.</p>
Howell’s boat is a Triton 21HP. No matter which Elite Series pro you ask, they all say that they have the fastest boat on the lake. The fact of the matter is that Randy Howell consistently outruns almost everyone in the field. His boat regularly flirts with the 80-mph mark.
Up front, Howell looks at a Lowrance HDS 8, can cut on his HydroWave and lower and raise his Power-Poles at the touch of a button. A MotorGuide trolling motor gets him moving.
Up front, Howell looks at a Lowrance HDS 8, can cut on his HydroWave and lower and raise his Power-Poles at the touch of a button. A MotorGuide trolling motor gets him moving.
Howell's Triton is usually one of the cleanest in the Elite field.
Howell’s Triton is usually one of the cleanest in the Elite field.
In the forward-most box, Howell keeps hardbaits and assorted pre-tied rigs (note the pool noodle).
In the forward-most box, Howell keeps hardbaits and assorted pre-tied rigs (note the pool noodle).
Here's another look.
Here’s another look.
The Livingston Lures Pro Sizzle topwater caught a few smallies for him on Erie.
The Livingston Lures Pro Sizzle topwater caught a few smallies for him on Erie.
Howell's hardbaits are organized in accordance to their running depth, from topwaters to deep divers.
Howell’s hardbaits are organized in accordance to their running depth, from topwaters to deep divers.
Here's his terminal tackle box. It's heavy!
Here’s his terminal tackle box. It’s heavy!
All manner of hardbaits are brought along each day; you never know what they're going to bite!
All manner of hardbaits are brought along each day; you never know what they’re going to bite!
Here's his cockpit: A pair of Lowrance units keep him informed of his GPS position and what's below the boat. The unit on the right is one of the new touchscreen models. Note how few buttons are on it.
Here’s his cockpit: A pair of Lowrance units keep him informed of his GPS position and what’s below the boat. The unit on the right is one of the new touchscreen models. Note how few buttons are on it.
Inside his left-hand-side rod locker are piles or Daiwa rods and reels. He likes the Zillion, Steez and new Tatula reels and Steez rods. Note the color-coordinated Rod Gloves.
Inside his left-hand-side rod locker are piles or Daiwa rods and reels. He likes the Zillion, Steez and new Tatula reels and Steez rods. Note the color-coordinated Rod Gloves.
Here's a closeup of the goods. You know you wish your rod locker had this kind of hardware in it.
Here’s a closeup of the goods. You know you wish your rod locker had this kind of hardware in it.
In the opposing locker are a few more sticks along with daily necessities...
In the opposing locker are a few more sticks along with daily necessities…
...such as spare hooks, markers, scents and...
…such as spare hooks, markers, scents and…
...feathered trebles.
…feathered trebles. “A must for topwater smallie fishing,” says Howell.
More Daiwa stuff!
More Daiwa stuff!
In his other middle storage box up front, Howell keeps his soft plastics in a Bass Pro Shops Boat Bag so he can easily reach in and grab a whole style of plastic if he's not going to fish with them for a certain day.
In his other middle storage box up front, Howell keeps his soft plastics in a Bass Pro Shops Boat Bag so he can easily reach in and grab a whole style of plastic if he’s not going to fish with them for a certain day.
These happen to be Yamamoto Senkos.
These happen to be Yamamoto Senkos.
Further up in the box are a seat cushion and Mustang PFD.
Further up in the box are a seat cushion and Mustang PFD.
A peek inside his cooler.
A peek inside his cooler.
Another cooler resides between the driver and passenger seat.
Another cooler resides between the driver and passenger seat.
Back behind his driver's seat are more essentials...
Back behind his driver’s seat are more essentials…
...like a Save Phace mask, duct tape (don't leave home without it), fish care products and paperwork.
…like a Save Phace mask, duct tape (don’t leave home without it), fish care products and paperwork.
On the other side is a spare PFD. This customized one is one of the perks of fishing in the Bassmaster Classic.
On the other side is a spare PFD. This customized one is one of the perks of fishing in the Bassmaster Classic.
In his battery box are Odyssey batteries, chargers, an oil reservoir and many switches.
In his battery box are Odyssey batteries, chargers, an oil reservoir and many switches.
Here's another look.
Here’s another look.
Note the foam that he puts around the batteries to keep them from jostling too much.
Note the foam that he puts around the batteries to keep them from jostling too much.
Here's one of the reasons his Triton is so fast: the high-revving 250-horse Mercury Optimax ProXS.
Here’s one of the reasons his Triton is so fast: the high-revving 250-horse Mercury Optimax ProXS.
Behind his seat are marker buoys.
Behind his seat are marker buoys.
Behind the other seat are culling tags.
Behind the other seat are culling tags.
Here's Randy's tow vehicle and camper.
Here’s Randy’s tow vehicle and camper.
<p>Under the RV is the mother lode!<br /> <br /> Interested in winning Randy Howell's boat? Learn more about how <a href=
Under the RV is the mother lode!
Interested in winning Randy Howell’s boat? Learn more about how a donation to King’s Home charity gets you an entry into the Randy Howell boat drawing set for Sun., Nov. 24, 2013, at 6 p.m. CST.

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