See inside Elite Toyotas

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Craig Lamb
After a few years of experimenting with other tow vehicles, Greg Hackney made the decision to get back into a Toyota with a new 2022 Toyota Tundra ahead of the 2022 Elite Series Season. With an entire season in the books, Hackney claims that this specific Tundra is his favorite tow vehicle he’s ever had.

“I’ve been blown away by the truck honestly,” Hackney said. “This truck ranks up at the very top of every truck I’ve ever had – the comfort, towing ability and gas milage have all been amazing.”

Traveling from South Louisiana, Hackney towed his Phoenix Bass Boat with his new 2022 Toyota Tundra to Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, New York, South Dakota and Wisconsin. All those miles later, one of the things that stuck out to Hackney the most was the truck’s incredible towing ability.

“I’ve loved the 6-Cylinder for the gas milage, and the 10-speed transmission because it tows like a diesel,” Hackney said. “It’s kind of blown my mind – to me this truck tows better than any other Tundra I’ve had in the past. This truck has been hammered on this year, and it’s been great.”

The Louisiana pro is notorious for carrying a load of tackle with him from tournament to tournament, and the extended bed of his 2022 Toyota Tundra allows him to haul a crazy amount of tackle with him.

“Typically it’s just me in the truck when I’m traveling, so I really wanted the longer bed for carrying fishing tackle,” he said.

The 2022 Toyota Tundra’s 6-cylinder engine provided Hackney with incredible gas mileage, which is something most professional angler’s aren’t used to having. “Honestly with our fuel prices being so high this year, this is the best truck you could possibly have to tow a boat with,” he said.
Hackney hates to admit that his eyesight isn’t getting any better, but the giant touchscreen on his 2022 Toyota Tundra has been a great addition. “I mean, I like a big screen TV at home, so it just makes sense to have a big screen in the truck too,” Hackney said with a laugh. The touchscreen has also been a lifesaver with navigation. “I love being able to plug in my iPhone and my navigation popping up on the screen,” he said.
“I love a lot of the smaller details of the interior including the heated seats and gear shifter, but I’ll tell you, I really am a hot rodder so I love the Sports Mode,” he said. “When I’m not towing a boat, a love to put it in Sport Mode to get around traffic.”
Although Hackney didn’t cash in on Toyota’s Bonus Bucks incentive during the 2022 Elite Series Season, he’s always been a huge fan of the program. “I think Bonus Bucks is an awesome incentive,” he said. “They don’t have to have Bonus Bucks to sell this truck because everyone already knows the dependability of a Toyota. I think it’s a great deal though.”
Native Hawaiian Matty Wong slept in the back of his Toyota 4Runner at the 2021 B.A.S.S. Nation Championship, the top competition for bass club anglers. After winning the tournament, he upgraded to a Toyota Tundra to compete on the Bassmaster Elite Series. “It’s reliable. Being on the road so much, I need a vehicle that I need not worry about maintenance issues. Those can be costly and take away from valuable travel and fishing time. My Tundra is my lifeline. I’ve always put my trust in Toyota.”
Why would a Bassmaster Elite Series pro need four-wheel drive? “We fish nine different fisheries, from New York to Florida and Texas, and the ramps can be unpredictable, and some are remote,” said Matty Wong. Steep, unpaved or unimproved ramps. Wong’s Toyota Tundra SR5 and TRD Off-Road Package can handle them all, even when launching and loading a full-sized performance bass boat.
In a previous life, native Hawaiian and Bassmaster Elite Series rookie Matty Wong played professional saxophone for 15 years in a band. That has a little something to do with one of his favorite features of his 2022 Toyota Tundra SR5. It’s the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that adjusts preset speeds to keep safe distances from vehicles ahead as the truck approaches them. “I can set my speed and the feature takes over from there, slowing down and accelerating as needed.” Instead of tapping the brake to slow down, Wong can tap his foot on the floorboard to the beat of his favorite sax-infused tunes.
“The interior trim is luxurious but also fits the Tundra’s rugged style.” That’s from Matty Wong, a Bassmaster Elite Series rookie who chooses a 2022 Toyota Tundra SR5 for its reliability, performance and style. “The armrests and center console are all ergonomically designed for comfort, and the compartment design is well thought out. I don’t feel as fatigued after a long day on the road.” Wong should know. He drives 30,000 miles each year to tournaments, and comfort is a must.
“I don’t even know it’s back there when I’m towing it.” That’s from Matty Wong, a Bassmaster Elite Series rookie who tows a full-sized fiberglass bass boat 30,000 miles to tournaments from Texas to New York. “The torque is great, so is the braking, and I feel safe and confident.” When needed, Wong switches his Toyota Tundra into Tow/Haul Mode, which increases throttle response for smoother gear shifting and improved performance. “It’s a strong statement with most of our pros owning the Tundra, and towing performance is a top reason why.”
Tyler Rivet bought his 2019 Toyota Tundra SR5 in his rookie season on the Bassmaster Elite Series.  “I saw so many other guys on the tour driving the Tundra, choosing it over other brands for its unmatched dependability and reliability. They were right, and I have loved this truck ever since.” Rivet’s Tundra now has 88,000 miles, adding to the hundreds of thousands of miles driven by his Toyota peers on the tour.
The Bassmaster Elite Series was a goal for Tyler Rivet, a dream fueled by competing in five consecutive Bassmaster College National Championships. He punched his Elite ticket in 2019, also buying a Toyota Tundra SR5. Adding to his winnings is just one benefit of the Toyota Bonus Bucks contingency program. “B.A.S.S. has a Toyota sponsorship, and I can drive my wrapped Tundra to the stage when I fish on Championship Sunday, so all my sponsors are seen by the media and fans. It’s great exposure I wouldn’t get without my Toyota.”
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Tyler Rivet’s 2019 Toyota Tundra SR5 has 88,000 miles and rolling. A favorite feature is Dynamic Radar Cruise Control that adjusts preset speeds to keep safe distances between vehicles ahead. “On the interstate, I can set my speed and it does the rest, slowing down and then accelerating.” Instead of tapping the brake to slow down, Rivet can tap his foot on the floorboard while keeping beat of favorite tunes.
Is a roomy interior important to you in a pickup? Road tripping anglers need lots of storage, and not just in the pickup bed. Bassmaster Elite Series pro Tyler Rivet fills his back seat with all the clothes, footwear and accessories he needs for weeks of tournament travel. “The backseat is already roomy and comfortable for passengers, and I fill mine up with clothes and tackle. The bed is always full of tackle, so it’s a great option to have inside the truck.”
Dependability. That’s why Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jake Whitaker drives a Toyota Tundra. “I never worry about being broken down on the side of the road, towing a bass boat around the country.” Whitaker already has 37,000 miles on his 2021 SR5 TRD 4×4 Off Road model. “So many other touring pros choose Toyota for the dependability, and that sold me, too.”
Toyota Bonus Bucks is why Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jake Whitaker tows his bass boat with a Toyota Tundra. “It’s the only truck that pays you to fish. You are leaving money on the table if you aren’t signed up for Toyota Bonus Bucks, and the Tundra is the most dependable truck on the road. It’s an all-around win-win.”
Bassmaster Elite Series pro Jake Whitaker tows a boat 30,000 miles each year to nine events, from Florida to South Dakota. “During practice we can launch anywhere, and boat ramps can be remote, steep and even unpaved. I never have any surprises wherever I launch my boat. Whitaker drives a Toyota Tundra SR5 TRD 4×4 model for its total dependability and off-road capabilities.
The odometer has 37,000 miles and rolling on Jake Whitaker’s 2021 Toyota Tundra SR5 TRD 4×4 Off Road model. “The comfortable ride is like floating along the highway.” The interior cabin is ideal for a road warrior like Whitaker. “I don’t feel as much driver fatigue, and can drive all day and into the night. I’ve driven other trucks and the Tundra is by far the best for comfort on long road trips.”