Darrell Ocamica gets his new boat

B.A.S.S. staff including CEO Bruce Akin pause from preparing for next week's Elite Series kickoff to meet the newest angler to join via B.A.S.S. Nation.
B.A.S.S. staff including CEO Bruce Akin pause from preparing for next week’s Elite Series kickoff to meet the newest angler to join via B.A.S.S. Nation.
Idaho native Darrell Ocamica just drove across the country in two days...
Idaho native Darrell Ocamica just drove across the country in two days…
Darrell has plenty of humor about stepping up from the Nation to the Elites, but that's not the only reason he's visiting B.A.S.S. HQ today.
Darrell has plenty of humor about stepping up from the Nation to the Elites, but that’s not the only reason he’s visiting B.A.S.S. HQ today.
Before we get to that, Darrell takes a look at the new issue of <i>Bassmaster Magazine</i> that previews the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK'S Sporting Goods. In addition to qualifying for the Elites, Darrell will fish in the Classic, too.
Before we get to that, Darrell takes a look at the new issue of Bassmaster Magazine that previews the 2017 GEICO Bassmaster Classic presented by DICK’S Sporting Goods. In addition to qualifying for the Elites, Darrell will fish in the Classic, too.
Ocamica immediately recognized Dave Precht, VP of Communications at B.A.S.S.
Ocamica immediately recognized Dave Precht, VP of Communications at B.A.S.S. “I’ve read a lot of articles you wrote!”
JamieDay Matthews, B.A.S.S. Communications Coordinator, shows Darrell his page in the 2017 Media Guide.
JamieDay Matthews, B.A.S.S. Communications Coordinator, shows Darrell his page in the 2017 Media Guide.
One more picture and it's time to go find out what Darrell really wanted to see.
One more picture and it’s time to go find out what Darrell really wanted to see.
B.A.S.S. Nation Director Jon Stewart and Darrell walk through the parking lot...
B.A.S.S. Nation Director Jon Stewart and Darrell walk through the parking lot…
To where Darrell's truck is parked.
To where Darrell’s truck is parked.
Darrell recently had his Tundra wrapped to match...
Darrell recently had his Tundra wrapped to match…
...the Phoenix 921 that B.A.S.S. is providing him for fishing the Elites and Classic in 2017. Under the new
…the Phoenix 921 that B.A.S.S. is providing him for fishing the Elites and Classic in 2017. Under the new “Nation’s Best” program the Nation angler who moves on to the Elite Series is provided a new, fully equipped Phoenix, for the season. Nice deal, right?
This is the look of a man who sees his boat for the first time.
This is the look of a man who sees his boat for the first time.
He spent about 5 minutes...
He spent about 5 minutes…
...just checking it out.
…just checking it out.
After that, he had this smile on his face the whole time.
After that, he had this smile on his face the whole time.
He had already started thinking about how and where he could get this boat in the water as soon as possible.
He had already started thinking about how and where he could get this boat in the water as soon as possible.
But first, he and Jon Stewart checked it out. Darrell has not used a Phoenix before.
But first, he and Jon Stewart checked it out. Darrell has not used a Phoenix before.
...but he liked what he saw.
…but he liked what he saw.
Darrell and Jon participate in a Facebook Live with Social Media Editor Sara Frye. You can check it out <a href=
Darrell and Jon participate in a Facebook Live with Social Media Editor Sara Frye. You can check it out here.
Jon and Darrell check out the compartments on the Phoenix.
Jon and Darrell check out the compartments on the Phoenix.
Darrell talks about how he's approaching the dramatic shift from fishing for the B.A.S.S. Nation in Idaho to the Elite Series and Bassmaster Classic.
Darrell talks about how he’s approaching the dramatic shift from fishing for the B.A.S.S. Nation in Idaho to the Elite Series and Bassmaster Classic.
He also answers a few fan questions along the way.
He also answers a few fan questions along the way.
Jon Stewart has a surprise for Darrell- The logo on the Phoenix features an additional, subtle reminder of where he came from, and what he represents.
Jon Stewart has a surprise for Darrell- The logo on the Phoenix features an additional, subtle reminder of where he came from, and what he represents.
Following in the footsteps of Bryan Kerchal, Mike Iaconelli, Brandon Palaniuk and Paul Mueller, Darrell Ocamica will represent the B.A.S.S. Nation at the highest level of bass fishing this year.
Following in the footsteps of Bryan Kerchal, Mike Iaconelli, Brandon Palaniuk and Paul Mueller, Darrell Ocamica will represent the B.A.S.S. Nation at the highest level of bass fishing this year.
And he has the gear to get it done. The Phoenix is loaded with Lowrance units in the dash and bow, T-H Marine equipment like a Hot Foot, a Minn Kota trolling motor and Power-Pole blades on the back. And he'll get to his spot quickly with a Yamaha outboard motor.
And he has the gear to get it done. The Phoenix is loaded with Lowrance units in the dash and bow, T-H Marine equipment like a Hot Foot, a Minn Kota trolling motor and Power-Pole blades on the back. And he’ll get to his spot quickly with a Yamaha outboard motor.
Good luck, Darrell. See you next week at Lake Cherokee.
Good luck, Darrell. See you next week at Lake Cherokee.