Inside Elite Boats: Bill Lowen

Posted on
Indiana Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bill Lowen is ready to roll to the next tournament in his wrapped boat tow vehicle. His tow vehicle is a Chevy Suburban.
Indiana Bassmaster Elite Series pro Bill Lowen is ready to roll to the next tournament in his wrapped boat tow vehicle. His tow vehicle is a Chevy Suburban.
Secured atop Lowen’s tow vehicle are two bazooka style rod carriers for spare rods.
Secured atop Lowen’s tow vehicle are two bazooka style rod carriers for spare rods.
Lowen pilots an aluminum boat, a rarity among professional bass anglers. His Xpress Boats X21 is 21 feet long and has all the room and amenities of a similar size fiberglass bass boat. Xpress Boats has been in business for more than 50 years, and they were the first to make a welded hull aluminum boat.<br><br> The boat floats in skinny water, where Lowen prefers to ply his trade. It also handles big water well thanks to the deep V in the bow, Lowen claimed.
Lowen pilots an aluminum boat, a rarity among professional bass anglers. His Xpress Boats X21 is 21 feet long and has all the room and amenities of a similar size fiberglass bass boat. Xpress Boats has been in business for more than 50 years, and they were the first to make a welded hull aluminum boat.
The boat floats in skinny water, where Lowen prefers to ply his trade. It also handles big water well thanks to the deep V in the bow, Lowen claimed.
The frame and fenders of the Xpress Boats’ trailer are made from aluminum. Not only is the trailer lighter, it won’t rust.
The frame and fenders of the Xpress Boats’ trailer are made from aluminum. Not only is the trailer lighter, it won’t rust.
The upper deck of Lowen’s Xpress Boats bass boat features a durable, scuff resistant finish similar to that of a truck bed liner. Note the deck cleat that folds out of the way.
The upper deck of Lowen’s Xpress Boats bass boat features a durable, scuff resistant finish similar to that of a truck bed liner. Note the deck cleat that folds out of the way.
A Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor graces the bow of Lowen’s bass boat.
A Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor graces the bow of Lowen’s bass boat.
A T-H Marine G-Force Eliminator Trolling Motor Prop Knot reduces vibrations and trolling motor noise.
A T-H Marine G-Force Eliminator Trolling Motor Prop Knot reduces vibrations and trolling motor noise.
Though Lowen’s Ultrex has a transducer built into the motor, he strapped on a Humminbird Down and Side Imaging transducer so he can employ Side Imaging from the bow.
Though Lowen’s Ultrex has a transducer built into the motor, he strapped on a Humminbird Down and Side Imaging transducer so he can employ Side Imaging from the bow.
The GPS system in Minn Kota’s Ultrex trolling motor allows for Spot Lock, i-Pilot and other advanced features. Lowen mounted the Ultrex’s GPS puck on the bow’s gunnel. Note the motor support that prevents damage to the trolling motor when navigating rough water.
The GPS system in Minn Kota’s Ultrex trolling motor allows for Spot Lock, i-Pilot and other advanced features. Lowen mounted the Ultrex’s GPS puck on the bow’s gunnel. Note the motor support that prevents damage to the trolling motor when navigating rough water.
A single Humminbird Helix 12 does the job for Lowen when he’s casting.
A single Humminbird Helix 12 does the job for Lowen when he’s casting.
A T-H Marine Kong Extreme Electronics Mount holds the Humminbird Helix 12 firmly in place when the boat battles rough water.
A T-H Marine Kong Extreme Electronics Mount holds the Humminbird Helix 12 firmly in place when the boat battles rough water.
The foot control pedal for Minn Kota’s Ultrex trolling motor has buttons on each side that let Lowen instantly employ Spot Lock, constant on and other features.
The foot control pedal for Minn Kota’s Ultrex trolling motor has buttons on each side that let Lowen instantly employ Spot Lock, constant on and other features.
The control buttons for Lowen’s Minn Kota Talon anchors are on the front deck to the right of the trolling motor pedal.
The control buttons for Lowen’s Minn Kota Talon anchors are on the front deck to the right of the trolling motor pedal.
The rod locker in Lowen’s Xpress bass boat is large enough to house a full arsenal of weapons.
The rod locker in Lowen’s Xpress bass boat is large enough to house a full arsenal of weapons.
A look inside the rod locker confirms this.
A look inside the rod locker confirms this.
Lowen is known for his skill with shallow crankbaits. Here he fetches one of his favorite cranking outfits from his rod locker. It is a Castaway Skeleton V-2 7-foot Medium Cranking rod sporting a Lew’s BB1 reel.
Lowen is known for his skill with shallow crankbaits. Here he fetches one of his favorite cranking outfits from his rod locker. It is a Castaway Skeleton V-2 7-foot Medium Cranking rod sporting a Lew’s BB1 reel.
A Castaway Skeleton V2 6-foot, 10-inch, Drop Shot spinning rod and a Lew’s reel handle Lowen’s finesse fishing duties.
A Castaway Skeleton V2 6-foot, 10-inch, Drop Shot spinning rod and a Lew’s reel handle Lowen’s finesse fishing duties.
The baitcasting rod boasts a PH Custom Lures Dollar Bill crankbait, while the spinning rod is rigged with a Slip Shad from lurepartsonline.com.
The baitcasting rod boasts a PH Custom Lures Dollar Bill crankbait, while the spinning rod is rigged with a Slip Shad from lurepartsonline.com.
The middle locker on Lowen's front deck has ample room for lures. Note the lure holders on the compartment’s lid.
The middle locker on Lowen’s front deck has ample room for lures. Note the lure holders on the compartment’s lid.
A peek inside this locker reveals an array of flat boxes that house enough lures to handle a wide range of fishing conditions.
A peek inside this locker reveals an array of flat boxes that house enough lures to handle a wide range of fishing conditions.
The flat boxes are well organized, which is essential for maximum efficiency on the water.
The flat boxes are well organized, which is essential for maximum efficiency on the water.
Most of the boxes are filled with hard baits, but a few are reserved for the soft baits Lowen uses most often.
Most of the boxes are filled with hard baits, but a few are reserved for the soft baits Lowen uses most often.
Strike King Rage Craws are obviously priority soft baits for Lowen.
Strike King Rage Craws are obviously priority soft baits for Lowen.
Lowen keeps some of his more costly hard baits in Gruv Fishing tackleboxes that prevent the baits from jostling and damaging each other.
Lowen keeps some of his more costly hard baits in Gruv Fishing tackleboxes that prevent the baits from jostling and damaging each other.
This box houses and protects Lowen’s spy baits. Yes, Lowen will fish finesse lures.
This box houses and protects Lowen’s spy baits. Yes, Lowen will fish finesse lures.
This Gruv box stores, protects and organizes Lowen’s jigs.
This Gruv box stores, protects and organizes Lowen’s jigs.
Jigs are big players for Lowen. The Gruv tacklebox holds his jigs by their hook so he can easily see the head and skirt colors.
Jigs are big players for Lowen. The Gruv tacklebox holds his jigs by their hook so he can easily see the head and skirt colors.
Lowen makes good use of the front hatch on the driver’s side of his boat.
Lowen makes good use of the front hatch on the driver’s side of his boat.
He keeps his rain gear on top of the other items…
He keeps his rain gear on top of the other items…
…so he can fetch it quickly should a sudden storm hit.
…so he can fetch it quickly should a sudden storm hit.
Beneath Lowen’s rain gear is a pair of waterproof Drake Performance Fishing (DPF) boots.
Beneath Lowen’s rain gear is a pair of waterproof Drake Performance Fishing (DPF) boots.
The DPF boots keep Lowen’s feet dry in torrential downpours and warm in cold weather.
The DPF boots keep Lowen’s feet dry in torrential downpours and warm in cold weather.
Lowen equipped his boat with a sound system. “I’ve never had one before, but I’ll never be without one again,” Lowen said. “My kids love it.”
Lowen equipped his boat with a sound system. “I’ve never had one before, but I’ll never be without one again,” Lowen said. “My kids love it.”
A pair of Buck Splizzors stands at ready in the tool slots located next to the driver’s console.
A pair of Buck Splizzors stands at ready in the tool slots located next to the driver’s console.
The rear front deck compartment on the driver’s side holds more essential gear and tackle.
The rear front deck compartment on the driver’s side holds more essential gear and tackle.
Foremost among these items is Lowen’s inflatable life vest.
Foremost among these items is Lowen’s inflatable life vest.
Lowen relies on the Humminbird Helix 10 on his driver’s console to find bass and bass structure.
Lowen relies on the Humminbird Helix 10 on his driver’s console to find bass and bass structure.
This is what Lowen sees when running his boat. The lever on the right side of the steering column is for the outboard’s tilt and trim. The lever on the left side controls the T-H Marine Atlas jackplate.
This is what Lowen sees when running his boat. The lever on the right side of the steering column is for the outboard’s tilt and trim. The lever on the left side controls the T-H Marine Atlas jackplate.
The push button switches on the Xpress Boat are handy and well organized.
The push button switches on the Xpress Boat are handy and well organized.
This funky looking device is a smart-phone holder.
This funky looking device is a smart-phone holder.
Lowen often uses his phone to access satellite views of where he is fishing.
Lowen often uses his phone to access satellite views of where he is fishing.
The hand switch for Lowen’s Talons are at his fingertips on the left side of the steering column. The switch may be removed from its holder if Lowen wishes to do so.
The hand switch for Lowen’s Talons are at his fingertips on the left side of the steering column. The switch may be removed from its holder if Lowen wishes to do so.
A T-H Marine Hotfoot gives Lowen instant throttle control and allows him to keep both hands on the steering wheel for maximum boat control.
A T-H Marine Hotfoot gives Lowen instant throttle control and allows him to keep both hands on the steering wheel for maximum boat control.
The cooler next to the console also serves as a step to the front deck.
The cooler next to the console also serves as a step to the front deck.
Bill Lowen in the driver’s seat ready to rumble. Note how the low placement of his Humminbird Helix 10 does not obstruct his view while driving.
Bill Lowen in the driver’s seat ready to rumble. Note how the low placement of his Humminbird Helix 10 does not obstruct his view while driving.
Xpress boats doesn’t skimp on quality when it comes to seating.
Xpress boats doesn’t skimp on quality when it comes to seating.
Between the seats is another handy cooler.
Between the seats is another handy cooler.
Lowen doesn’t believe in going hungry or thirsty while fishing.
Lowen doesn’t believe in going hungry or thirsty while fishing.
A push-pole is strapped down next to the passenger seat.
A push-pole is strapped down next to the passenger seat.
Under the bottom cushion of each seat is more storage.
Under the bottom cushion of each seat is more storage.
Lowen keeps his culling clips and balance beam under his seat. He leaves the compartment under the other seat empty for his partner or marshal.
Lowen keeps his culling clips and balance beam under his seat. He leaves the compartment under the other seat empty for his partner or marshal.
The locker behind the driver’s seat holds more essential gear.
The locker behind the driver’s seat holds more essential gear.
This includes a spare inflatable life vest...
This includes a spare inflatable life vest…
…a fire extinguisher…
…a fire extinguisher…
…ear plugs for long boat rides…
…ear plugs for long boat rides…
…T-H Marine G-Juice Livewell Treatment and Fish Care Formula that works with the T-H Marine Oxygenator in Lowen’s livewell…
…T-H Marine G-Juice Livewell Treatment and Fish Care Formula that works with the T-H Marine Oxygenator in Lowen’s livewell…
…a toolbox filled with necessary tools for emergency repairs…
…a toolbox filled with necessary tools for emergency repairs…
…and, of course, toilet paper for other emergencies.
…and, of course, toilet paper for other emergencies.
The storage compartment behind the passenger seat houses more tackle.
The storage compartment behind the passenger seat houses more tackle.
You just can’t have too many lures in your boat, but they must be organized.
You just can’t have too many lures in your boat, but they must be organized.
Among the baits in this locker are some of Lowen’s most beloved crankbaits.
Among the baits in this locker are some of Lowen’s most beloved crankbaits.
Most of these crankbaits are square bills, which Lowen heavily relies on.
Most of these crankbaits are square bills, which Lowen heavily relies on.
One of Lowen’s top priority lures is his signature Ima Bill Lowen Squarebill Crankbait.
One of Lowen’s top priority lures is his signature Ima Bill Lowen Squarebill Crankbait.
There is plenty of room in these livewells for heavy limits of big bass.
There is plenty of room in these livewells for heavy limits of big bass.
The diver’s side livewell has T-H Marine’s Oxygenator installed.
The diver’s side livewell has T-H Marine’s Oxygenator installed.
A look into the passenger side livewell shows the livewell divider.
A look into the passenger side livewell shows the livewell divider.
The battery compartment lies behind the livewells.
The battery compartment lies behind the livewells.
It holds three Optima batteries that provide 36 volts to the Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor, plus a starter battery for the outboard, electronics and pumps.
It holds three Optima batteries that provide 36 volts to the Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor, plus a starter battery for the outboard, electronics and pumps.
There is also room in this compartment for the 4-bank battery charger.
There is also room in this compartment for the 4-bank battery charger.
Behind the seat on the rear deck is a long lid that provides access to the 45-gallon gas tank.
Behind the seat on the rear deck is a long lid that provides access to the 45-gallon gas tank.
Few bass boats have such convenient access to the gas tank and fuel lines. This eliminates a serious hassle should there be a problem with the fuel system.
Few bass boats have such convenient access to the gas tank and fuel lines. This eliminates a serious hassle should there be a problem with the fuel system.
Because he prefers to fish shallow whenever possible, Lowen wouldn’t dream of taking to the water without his Minn Kota Talon anchors.
Because he prefers to fish shallow whenever possible, Lowen wouldn’t dream of taking to the water without his Minn Kota Talon anchors.
The mount for Lowen’s Talons features a lever…
The mount for Lowen’s Talons features a lever…
…that allows Lowen to tilt the Talons forward so they don’t obstruct him from idling under low bridges and through small culverts.
…that allows Lowen to tilt the Talons forward so they don’t obstruct him from idling under low bridges and through small culverts.
The T-H Marine Atlas jackplate lets Lowen trim the motor up or down for optimum boat control in any water conditions. He often raises the motor to help him idle into a skim of water.
The T-H Marine Atlas jackplate lets Lowen trim the motor up or down for optimum boat control in any water conditions. He often raises the motor to help him idle into a skim of water.
Lowen’s transom sports a 250 hp Yamaha VMAX SHO which can drive the aluminum Xpress Bass Boat to speeds in excess of 70 mph.
Lowen’s transom sports a 250 hp Yamaha VMAX SHO which can drive the aluminum Xpress Bass Boat to speeds in excess of 70 mph.