A day in the life of an Elite wife

Robin Howell, wife of Elite Series pro and Classic champ Randy Howell, is often asked the same question: “What do you do while Randy is fishing?” In this gallery, Robin documents an average day in the life of an Elite Series wife.

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As the wife of an Elite Series pro, I am often asked: “What do you do while Randy is fishing?” So I thought it would be fun to document an average tournament day from my perspective so that you could tag along.
As the wife of an Elite Series pro, I am often asked: “What do you do while Randy is fishing?” So I thought it would be fun to document an average tournament day from my perspective so that you could tag along.
Of course, each wife’s day is different, and no two days are ever the same. But all of our days have some similarities.
Of course, each wife’s day is different, and no two days are ever the same. But all of our days have some similarities.
Some days I spend in search of certain baits Randy needs, fielding phone calls with sponsors, at the post office mailing autographs or planning and scheduling upcoming events. On top of those daily tasks, I also homeschool our sons, Laker and Oakley.
Some days I spend in search of certain baits Randy needs, fielding phone calls with sponsors, at the post office mailing autographs or planning and scheduling upcoming events. On top of those daily tasks, I also homeschool our sons, Laker and Oakley.
And then there are days like the one at Lake Seminole when I had to backtrack 50 miles because Randy left his credit card at a gas station on the way to the tournament. Every day is different but all are filled with constant work and activity. I love what we do and love being able to travel with Randy on the road as a family. My main job is to make his job easier. Let's get started!
And then there are days like the one at Lake Seminole when I had to backtrack 50 miles because Randy left his credit card at a gas station on the way to the tournament. Every day is different but all are filled with constant work and activity. I love what we do and love being able to travel with Randy on the road as a family. My main job is to make his job easier. Let’s get started!
This is the time I rolled out of bed on the Day 2 of the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Table Rock. We were staying at the take-off location, so we could sleep until the last minute. Actually, Randy sleeps to the last minute at all of the tournaments. He is usually one of the last few boats in the water on tournament days. He does not like to spend much time in the water before take-off. He doesn’t want to hear any “dock talk” before his day begins.
This is the time I rolled out of bed on the Day 2 of the A.R.E. Truck Caps Bassmaster Elite at Table Rock. We were staying at the take-off location, so we could sleep until the last minute. Actually, Randy sleeps to the last minute at all of the tournaments. He is usually one of the last few boats in the water on tournament days. He does not like to spend much time in the water before take-off. He doesn’t want to hear any “dock talk” before his day begins.
Excuse the blurriness of this picture. It is a representation of the way my eyes were seeing as I was turning on my coffee pot. I’m a Keurig girl at home but on the road in the camper, we have a space saver coffee maker. It really doesn’t matter as long as I get my coffee. Randy agrees with this statement!
Excuse the blurriness of this picture. It is a representation of the way my eyes were seeing as I was turning on my coffee pot. I’m a Keurig girl at home but on the road in the camper, we have a space saver coffee maker. It really doesn’t matter as long as I get my coffee. Randy agrees with this statement!
These are the ingredients in my two large cups of coffee each and every day. I like to think I am on a desert island during my coffee time each morning, thus the coconut cream that, by the way, is only sold at Walmart!
These are the ingredients in my two large cups of coffee each and every day. I like to think I am on a desert island during my coffee time each morning, thus the coconut cream that, by the way, is only sold at Walmart!
I forgot to fix Randy’s sandwich the night before; so after fixing my coffee, this is my next job. Thick cut bologna was his meat of choice that day.
I forgot to fix Randy’s sandwich the night before; so after fixing my coffee, this is my next job. Thick cut bologna was his meat of choice that day.
I am packing his lunch in this picture. You will notice several items that I am sure are not found in the younger Elite anglers’ lunches. LOL! You also will notice the Vitamin Water bottles are not filled with orange drink as they say. These are actually filled with fresh squeezed lemonade made by yours truly each and every night of an Elite tournament. They are then frozen because he doesn’t usually carry ice with him in the boat.
I am packing his lunch in this picture. You will notice several items that I am sure are not found in the younger Elite anglers’ lunches. LOL! You also will notice the Vitamin Water bottles are not filled with orange drink as they say. These are actually filled with fresh squeezed lemonade made by yours truly each and every night of an Elite tournament. They are then frozen because he doesn’t usually carry ice with him in the boat.
While Randy is in the shower, I have time to do my devotion for the day. We attend a great church, Church of the Highlands in Birmingham. It is quite a large church with great resources like their daily devotion that covers the Bible in a year. They also stream all of their sermons online so that we never miss a sermon while traveling. Pretty cool concept.
While Randy is in the shower, I have time to do my devotion for the day. We attend a great church, Church of the Highlands in Birmingham. It is quite a large church with great resources like their daily devotion that covers the Bible in a year. They also stream all of their sermons online so that we never miss a sermon while traveling. Pretty cool concept.
Now it’s time to fix Randy’s coffee. These are the ingredients that he likes in his cup of joe each morning. As you can see, he is not on the island with me; he chooses to use sweet cream instead as his flavor of choice.
Now it’s time to fix Randy’s coffee. These are the ingredients that he likes in his cup of joe each morning. As you can see, he is not on the island with me; he chooses to use sweet cream instead as his flavor of choice.
Next, I apply an IcyHot patch to Randy’s back. He fishes with it on because he usually has a tight back from driving and spending long hours on the water in heavy clothing that strains his back muscles. He does stretch each day to help relieve some of the tightness, but he really needs to strengthen the muscles to help even more.
Next, I apply an IcyHot patch to Randy’s back. He fishes with it on because he usually has a tight back from driving and spending long hours on the water in heavy clothing that strains his back muscles. He does stretch each day to help relieve some of the tightness, but he really needs to strengthen the muscles to help even more.
As he finishes getting ready, we go over his Twitter messages to answer, favorite and retweet them. Here is a little secret about Randy: He is more of a Facebook type of guy. Twitter limits the number of words you can use which is more up my alley. It’s difficult for him to answer via Twitter because he wants to use a good majority of his vocabulary in his responses. Ha-ha!
As he finishes getting ready, we go over his Twitter messages to answer, favorite and retweet them. Here is a little secret about Randy: He is more of a Facebook type of guy. Twitter limits the number of words you can use which is more up my alley. It’s difficult for him to answer via Twitter because he wants to use a good majority of his vocabulary in his responses. Ha-ha!
We are finally out the door, and I am hooking the boat to the truck. Usually, this is already done; however, we had rain the night before so Randy wanted to jack it up so the water would run out easily.
We are finally out the door, and I am hooking the boat to the truck. Usually, this is already done; however, we had rain the night before so Randy wanted to jack it up so the water would run out easily.
We’re on the way to the ramp now. As a reminder, take-off starts at 6:30 a.m., and we are not putting in at the take-off ramp. He doesn’t like to wait in line, so we have found an alternate ramp to use this morning that requires a short boat drive to take-off. He is in the 2nd flight today.
We’re on the way to the ramp now. As a reminder, take-off starts at 6:30 a.m., and we are not putting in at the take-off ramp. He doesn’t like to wait in line, so we have found an alternate ramp to use this morning that requires a short boat drive to take-off. He is in the 2nd flight today.
I’m putting Randy and his Marshal in the water here.
I’m putting Randy and his Marshal in the water here.
After launching Randy's boat, I rush back to the official take-off site to make sure he gets there and doesn’t need anything else.
After launching Randy’s boat, I rush back to the official take-off site to make sure he gets there and doesn’t need anything else.
I snap a quick picture of him taking off for a Facebook post.
I snap a quick picture of him taking off for a Facebook post.
After parking the truck and trailer back at the camper, I gather our dirty laundry and head to the washroom at the campground. This is a good week; the campground has laundry facilities. It is such a bummer when we have to take everything to a laundromat in town and sit for a couple of hours.
After parking the truck and trailer back at the camper, I gather our dirty laundry and head to the washroom at the campground. This is a good week; the campground has laundry facilities. It is such a bummer when we have to take everything to a laundromat in town and sit for a couple of hours.
Now it’s back to the camper to get the boys started on school. On this particular day, they are beginning early (7ish I believe) because they have some fun plans for the afternoon. They know their school has to be completed if they want to do other activities later.
Now it’s back to the camper to get the boys started on school. On this particular day, they are beginning early (7ish I believe) because they have some fun plans for the afternoon. They know their school has to be completed if they want to do other activities later.
P.S. My reflection in the mirror in this photo is just a bonus.
P.S. My reflection in the mirror in this photo is just a bonus.
I fix the boys their breakfast, strawberry Eggo waffles today.
I fix the boys their breakfast, strawberry Eggo waffles today.
Next up – my breakfast. Today I am drinking a Nutri Bullet shake because I am going for a run after breakfast. I drink a shake for breakfast a few times a week. The Spark you see in the picture keeps me going through these long days, and the watermelon tastes fabulous. (No, I am not a distributor for them – ha!)
Next up – my breakfast. Today I am drinking a Nutri Bullet shake because I am going for a run after breakfast. I drink a shake for breakfast a few times a week. The Spark you see in the picture keeps me going through these long days, and the watermelon tastes fabulous. (No, I am not a distributor for them – ha!)
While drinking my shake, I do several things. I check on my skin business…
While drinking my shake, I do several things. I check on my skin business…
… and post a before and after photo.
… and post a before and after photo.
I also post the take-off picture on Randy’s Facebook page …
I also post the take-off picture on Randy’s Facebook page …
… and then head over to check out the Bassmaster.com blog to see if Randy is mentioned. With the coffee and now this shake, I am a phenomenal multitasker.
… and then head over to check out the Bassmaster.com blog to see if Randy is mentioned. With the coffee and now this shake, I am a phenomenal multitasker.
I am now ready for a frigid morning run.
I am now ready for a frigid morning run.
As you can see, it is 41 degrees but it feels like 32 degrees.
As you can see, it is 41 degrees but it feels like 32 degrees.
That first mile hurt like the devil. I love to run; it is my “get your head in the right place for the day” time, quiet time, inspiration time, etc. So if you see me running, you will know I am in my happy place even if I look like I am in pain.
That first mile hurt like the devil. I love to run; it is my “get your head in the right place for the day” time, quiet time, inspiration time, etc. So if you see me running, you will know I am in my happy place even if I look like I am in pain.
Back to the camper for some prealgebra/geometry with Laker. Wow, it’s a good thing I just finished a peaceful run before having to relive this high school memory!
Back to the camper for some prealgebra/geometry with Laker. Wow, it’s a good thing I just finished a peaceful run before having to relive this high school memory!
After schoolwork, we meet the Chapmans for lunch. We try to finish school early on Fridays so that we can have a fun afternoon with friends. Panera Bread soup is just what we needed on this cold day.
After schoolwork, we meet the Chapmans for lunch. We try to finish school early on Fridays so that we can have a fun afternoon with friends. Panera Bread soup is just what we needed on this cold day.
Then we’re off to the Walmart to get a few things including a leash for our dog Bo. He broke his while trying to protect our yard from invasive squirrels. #hethinksheisbiggerthanheis
Then we’re off to the Walmart to get a few things including a leash for our dog Bo. He broke his while trying to protect our yard from invasive squirrels. #hethinksheisbiggerthanheis
Next stop is Laser Tag with friends.
Next stop is Laser Tag with friends.
The kids have their game faces on.
The kids have their game faces on.
Next, we hurry back to the weigh-in at the park. I wait in the bag line with Randy and then snap a few pictures of him bagging fish. I’ll use it in a Facebook post later.
Next, we hurry back to the weigh-in at the park. I wait in the bag line with Randy and then snap a few pictures of him bagging fish. I’ll use it in a Facebook post later.
I always look forward to seeing Randy drive up safely each afternoon. I also love to hear his fishing stories from the day.
I always look forward to seeing Randy drive up safely each afternoon. I also love to hear his fishing stories from the day.
It’s weigh-in time! He had a decent day, enough to fish on Saturday in 45th. It’s always a good thing when you get to work on the weekend. I’m not sure most people would ever say this but we love it when he makes the cut to work on Saturdays and Sundays. It means he made a paycheck.
It’s weigh-in time! He had a decent day, enough to fish on Saturday in 45th. It’s always a good thing when you get to work on the weekend. I’m not sure most people would ever say this but we love it when he makes the cut to work on Saturdays and Sundays. It means he made a paycheck.
After weigh-in, we stop by the service crew to make sure all the bolts are tight on his rig. It was a rough ride for him today so this is a precaution for the next day of competition. I don’t know what we would do without the service crew; they are the BOMB. We proceed to the gas station and then back to the camper.
After weigh-in, we stop by the service crew to make sure all the bolts are tight on his rig. It was a rough ride for him today so this is a precaution for the next day of competition. I don’t know what we would do without the service crew; they are the BOMB. We proceed to the gas station and then back to the camper.
After returning to the camper, we do some filming with the Bassmaster crew and the Chapmans.
After returning to the camper, we do some filming with the Bassmaster crew and the Chapmans.
Randy and I take a little drive in the Toyota Sequoia for the cameras, and then they film some family interaction shots with the Chapmans. I think maybe it will be used to showcase the camping life we enjoy as part of our life on the road.
Randy and I take a little drive in the Toyota Sequoia for the cameras, and then they film some family interaction shots with the Chapmans. I think maybe it will be used to showcase the camping life we enjoy as part of our life on the road.
Next, it’s time for dinner. Tonight the menu is cubed chicken sautéed in olive oil, green beans and rice.
Next, it’s time for dinner. Tonight the menu is cubed chicken sautéed in olive oil, green beans and rice.
Add a little soy sauce, and it’s delicious.
Add a little soy sauce, and it’s delicious.
It’s time to clean up and get the coffee ready for tomorrow morning.
It’s time to clean up and get the coffee ready for tomorrow morning.
Now I head back to the laundry room because Randy’s coat got soaked when it fell into the water that day. It’s around 8 p.m. now, and yes, that is chocolate. A laundry room visit at this time of night during a tournament calls for chocolate.
Now I head back to the laundry room because Randy’s coat got soaked when it fell into the water that day. It’s around 8 p.m. now, and yes, that is chocolate. A laundry room visit at this time of night during a tournament calls for chocolate.
This is a picture of me driving down the road to run an errand for Randy. He is working on tackle in his boat and needs me to take something to Dave Smith at a nearby hotel.
This is a picture of me driving down the road to run an errand for Randy. He is working on tackle in his boat and needs me to take something to Dave Smith at a nearby hotel.
Here we are settling in on the loveseat for our tournament day video update. We have started doing this update for Facebook so make sure you tune in during the next event at Toledo Bend. Late night videos can turn into quite the funny segment.
Here we are settling in on the loveseat for our tournament day video update. We have started doing this update for Facebook so make sure you tune in during the next event at Toledo Bend. Late night videos can turn into quite the funny segment.
The last thing I do before heading to bed is make Randy’s homemade lemonade for the next day. He has had kidney stones in the past, and a doctor friend told him that fresh lemons help to prevent kidney stones. Now he drinks lemonade every day of practice and tournaments. It is quite a labor of love to squeeze and make it each night, but the thought of a kidney stone taking him OUT of a day of competition is not a good thing.
The last thing I do before heading to bed is make Randy’s homemade lemonade for the next day. He has had kidney stones in the past, and a doctor friend told him that fresh lemons help to prevent kidney stones. Now he drinks lemonade every day of practice and tournaments. It is quite a labor of love to squeeze and make it each night, but the thought of a kidney stone taking him OUT of a day of competition is not a good thing.
It’s 10 p.m. now and the end of my day. I lay my tired self down to get about 7 hours of sleep before I do it all over again. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
It’s 10 p.m. now and the end of my day. I lay my tired self down to get about 7 hours of sleep before I do it all over again. I wouldn’t have it any other way.