Elite Man Caves

Elite Man Cave: Carl Jocumsen

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Carl and Kayla Jocumsen spend more time outdoors than inside. That is why the couple settled in east Tennessee. It is an outdoor paradise where mountains for hiking, biking and trail running mix with waterways for fishing and of course, kayaking.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Carl and Kayla Jocumsen spend more time outdoors than inside. That is why the couple settled in east Tennessee. It is an outdoor paradise where mountains for hiking, biking and trail running mix with waterways for fishing and of course, kayaking.
This balmy December afternoon finds them returning from a fishing trip in their Hobie Mirage Outback. Wherever they go outdoors so does Roo The Bass Dog.
Photo: Craig Lamb - This balmy December afternoon finds them returning from a fishing trip in their Hobie Mirage Outback. Wherever they go outdoors so does Roo The Bass Dog.
Behind the front door is the homey side of the building with bedroom, kitchen and all the comforts of home. Over the mountain is a hang gliding launch ramp as proof their neighborhood is an outdoors paradise.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Behind the front door is the homey side of the building with bedroom, kitchen and all the comforts of home. Over the mountain is a hang gliding launch ramp as proof their neighborhood is an outdoors paradise.
The remaining space is best summed up as the man cave. It is where Carl prepares for the Bassmaster Elite Series season to come.
Photo: Craig Lamb - The remaining space is best summed up as the man cave. It is where Carl prepares for the Bassmaster Elite Series season to come.
Carl is a big-time lure modifier and this desk is near everything needed to customize baits.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Carl is a big-time lure modifier and this desk is near everything needed to customize baits.
Modifying Bass Man Spinnerbaits is a lifelong passion. “Back home in Australia they brought a trailer to weigh-ins that you could go inside to build your ultimate spinnerbait.”
Photo: Craig Lamb - Modifying Bass Man Spinnerbaits is a lifelong passion. “Back home in Australia they brought a trailer to weigh-ins that you could go inside to build your ultimate spinnerbait.”
In September 2019 the years of hard work paid off when Carl won his first Elite Series title at Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma. The blue trophy is front and center of the work space.
Photo: Craig Lamb - In September 2019 the years of hard work paid off when Carl won his first Elite Series title at Lake Tenkiller in Oklahoma. The blue trophy is front and center of the work space.
There is much work to be done and keeping the shine on the Bass Cat Eyra and Evinrude 250 H.O. is made possible with these cleaning products from XPS Oil & Lubricants, which also sells a lineup of marine care cleaners, waxes and polishes.
Photo: Craig Lamb - There is much work to be done and keeping the shine on the Bass Cat Eyra and Evinrude 250 H.O. is made possible with these cleaning products from XPS Oil & Lubricants, which also sells a lineup of marine care cleaners, waxes and polishes.
“Everything is designed for marine use so these products work better than anything else you would use.” The environmentally-friendly Eco-Friendly Hull Cleaner that removes tough waterline stains without heavy scrubbing. It can be used and around marinas without harming the water.
Photo: Craig Lamb - “Everything is designed for marine use so these products work better than anything else you would use.” The environmentally-friendly Eco-Friendly Hull Cleaner that removes tough waterline stains without heavy scrubbing. It can be used and around marinas without harming the water.
“All it takes is spray and wipe. I like the All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser for most jobs, and there is a Fabric Waterproofing and a Spray Wax with Polymer that works great.” On the lower shelf is the XD100 Synthetic Formula oil for the Evinrude outboard.
Photo: Craig Lamb - “All it takes is spray and wipe. I like the All Purpose Cleaner & Degreaser for most jobs, and there is a Fabric Waterproofing and a Spray Wax with Polymer that works great.” On the lower shelf is the XD100 Synthetic Formula oil for the Evinrude outboard.
It takes a team effort to get prepared for the season. Carl wears the Mustang Survival Taku Waterproof Jacket and Bib Pants. “Mustang took 30 years of designing and making rainwear for the military and serious offshore sailors and put it into the Taku. I have never worn any other rainwear that keeps me any drier, and it’s lightweight and breathable too.”
Photo: Craig Lamb - It takes a team effort to get prepared for the season. Carl wears the Mustang Survival Taku Waterproof Jacket and Bib Pants. “Mustang took 30 years of designing and making rainwear for the military and serious offshore sailors and put it into the Taku. I have never worn any other rainwear that keeps me any drier, and it’s lightweight and breathable too.”
This piece of artwork was made by fellow Tennessee transplant and FLW pro Miles Burghoff. Carl says Burghoff created the pencil artwork himself and dropped it off as a house warming gift. “Everyone here has been so welcoming to us and it has just been amazing.”
Photo: Craig Lamb - This piece of artwork was made by fellow Tennessee transplant and FLW pro Miles Burghoff. Carl says Burghoff created the pencil artwork himself and dropped it off as a house warming gift. “Everyone here has been so welcoming to us and it has just been amazing.”
“Kayla and I love to hunt whitetail deer and cook and eat venison because it’s so healthy. We also like to target shoot and there is plenty of space for that on our property.”
Photo: Craig Lamb - “Kayla and I love to hunt whitetail deer and cook and eat venison because it’s so healthy. We also like to target shoot and there is plenty of space for that on our property.”
“At our wedding Kayla’s nephew wore this when he came down the aisle with Roo.” The couple were married in Kayla’s home state of Idaho and the wedding was held on the shoreline of a lake, of course.
Photo: Craig Lamb - “At our wedding Kayla’s nephew wore this when he came down the aisle with Roo.” The couple were married in Kayla’s home state of Idaho and the wedding was held on the shoreline of a lake, of course.
A project to soon get underway is the installation of Bluewater LED lights for the interior of the Bass Cat. Like most Elite Series pros, Carl does much of the accessory rigging himself.
Photo: Craig Lamb - A project to soon get underway is the installation of Bluewater LED lights for the interior of the Bass Cat. Like most Elite Series pros, Carl does much of the accessory rigging himself.
The man cave walls are lined with Carl’s top baits, including an assortment of the Molix Supernato Frog that he designed. “it combines the buoyancy and hydrodynamics of a traditional hollow body frog with a revolutionary tail design.” The high-density plastic tail has two inward facing appendages that create a hard, propeller-like sputter across the surface.
Photo: Craig Lamb - The man cave walls are lined with Carl’s top baits, including an assortment of the Molix Supernato Frog that he designed. “it combines the buoyancy and hydrodynamics of a traditional hollow body frog with a revolutionary tail design.” The high-density plastic tail has two inward facing appendages that create a hard, propeller-like sputter across the surface.
This is the wall of fame for a lineup of swimbaits that include California designed models made just for Carl.
Photo: Craig Lamb - This is the wall of fame for a lineup of swimbaits that include California designed models made just for Carl.
Carl’s first win at age 15 in Australia came on a Bassman Spinnerbait, and he’s been affiliated with them ever since. “Glen and Sue (Casey) have been with me since the beginning and they are my longest running sponsor.”
Photo: Craig Lamb - Carl’s first win at age 15 in Australia came on a Bassman Spinnerbait, and he’s been affiliated with them ever since. “Glen and Sue (Casey) have been with me since the beginning and they are my longest running sponsor.”
Bassman is Australia’s leading maker of custom spinnerbaits, and they are known for using premium ball bearing swivels, stainless steel spring wire and round bend chemically sharpened hooks. A U.S. lineup is now available thanks to Carl.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Bassman is Australia’s leading maker of custom spinnerbaits, and they are known for using premium ball bearing swivels, stainless steel spring wire and round bend chemically sharpened hooks. A U.S. lineup is now available thanks to Carl.
Carl holds the lure that won him $100,000 and a blue trophy at Lake Tenkiller. It’s a 3/4-ounce Molix GT Swim Jig with 4-inch Strike King Rage Tail Craw. “The jig has a unique shape for a football jig that enables it to move through anything.”
Photo: Craig Lamb - Carl holds the lure that won him $100,000 and a blue trophy at Lake Tenkiller. It’s a 3/4-ounce Molix GT Swim Jig with 4-inch Strike King Rage Tail Craw. “The jig has a unique shape for a football jig that enables it to move through anything.”
The jig features a recessed line tie, heavy duty custom worm keeper, fine cut silicone skirt and VMC hook.
Photo: Craig Lamb - The jig features a recessed line tie, heavy duty custom worm keeper, fine cut silicone skirt and VMC hook.
Molix football jigs, swim jigs and the Kento jig all have a place on the wall and in Carl’s boat. “Those are big fish baits that are a must have on the Elite Series, because we are all about catching big fish.”
Photo: Craig Lamb - Molix football jigs, swim jigs and the Kento jig all have a place on the wall and in Carl’s boat. “Those are big fish baits that are a must have on the Elite Series, because we are all about catching big fish.”
Carl favors the angler-designed Bass Mafia Bait Casket 3700 boxes. The 2.0 version boxes are thicker with a stronger latching system than the original.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Carl favors the angler-designed Bass Mafia Bait Casket 3700 boxes. The 2.0 version boxes are thicker with a stronger latching system than the original.
This space is reserved for unneeded boxes not stored inside the boat for a given trip. Carl rotates the boxes in and out of the boat based on where he will be competing.
Photo: Craig Lamb - This space is reserved for unneeded boxes not stored inside the boat for a given trip. Carl rotates the boxes in and out of the boat based on where he will be competing.
Owner hooks, jigs and blades line the wall and are longtime favorites. “I sold Owner products when I worked in a tackle shop back home in Australia. I have always relied on them ever since.” The good news is Owner is a new sponsor for 2020.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Owner hooks, jigs and blades line the wall and are longtime favorites. “I sold Owner products when I worked in a tackle shop back home in Australia. I have always relied on them ever since.” The good news is Owner is a new sponsor for 2020.
Scosche makes these Boombottle Waterproof Wireless Speakers that will be put to use in the Bass Cat and Lance Camper. “They make accessories for everything, which is why ‘accessories for life’ is in the brand name.” Mounts, chargers, fitness and audio are among the many accessory categories sold by the brand.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Scosche makes these Boombottle Waterproof Wireless Speakers that will be put to use in the Bass Cat and Lance Camper. “They make accessories for everything, which is why ‘accessories for life’ is in the brand name.” Mounts, chargers, fitness and audio are among the many accessory categories sold by the brand.
“Mustang Survival sent us these youth life jackets that we use on the road to promote the importance of boating safety to parents.”
Photo: Craig Lamb - “Mustang Survival sent us these youth life jackets that we use on the road to promote the importance of boating safety to parents.”
Millerods and Shimano reels are ready for loading into the Bass Cat. Millerods is a longtime sponsor and leading rod maker in Australia, where Carl collaborated with designer Ian Miller to make the perfect bass rod. Those are now available in the U.S.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Millerods and Shimano reels are ready for loading into the Bass Cat. Millerods is a longtime sponsor and leading rod maker in Australia, where Carl collaborated with designer Ian Miller to make the perfect bass rod. Those are now available in the U.S.
Roo sat in her place in the Hobie for most of the photo shoot, even though it happened on land. The Jocumsens adopted Roo several years ago from a shelter in Dallas.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Roo sat in her place in the Hobie for most of the photo shoot, even though it happened on land. The Jocumsens adopted Roo several years ago from a shelter in Dallas.
The work shifts to the Bass Cat with the Humminbird LakeMaster lake maps. “The easy-to-read contours, highlighted depth ranges and scrollable lake lists give me the edge I need to find fish anywhere we go on the tour.”
Photo: Craig Lamb - The work shifts to the Bass Cat with the Humminbird LakeMaster lake maps. “The easy-to-read contours, highlighted depth ranges and scrollable lake lists give me the edge I need to find fish anywhere we go on the tour.”
The overhead view of the man cave shows the Bass Cat ready to be loaded for the first tournament. In 2020 Carl will compete in the Elite Series and the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Opens Series.
Photo: Craig Lamb - The overhead view of the man cave shows the Bass Cat ready to be loaded for the first tournament. In 2020 Carl will compete in the Elite Series and the Basspro.com Bassmaster Eastern Opens Series.
“When we found this building, it was like a dream come true. It’s just perfectly laid out for me to work on my boat inside with everything I need nearby.”
Photo: Craig Lamb - “When we found this building, it was like a dream come true. It’s just perfectly laid out for me to work on my boat inside with everything I need nearby.”
The Bass Mafia boxes come off the shelves and are loaded into the Bass Cat.
Photo: Craig Lamb - The Bass Mafia boxes come off the shelves and are loaded into the Bass Cat.
“The Bass Cat is laid out so well that I never have to leave anything behind. There is just so much space and these boxes fit perfectly inside and are near the deck.”
Photo: Craig Lamb - “The Bass Cat is laid out so well that I never have to leave anything behind. There is just so much space and these boxes fit perfectly inside and are near the deck.”
The Scosche MagicMount clamps on the rail near the helm to secure Carl’s smartphone.
Photo: Craig Lamb - The Scosche MagicMount clamps on the rail near the helm to secure Carl’s smartphone.
“Scosche has a mounting solution for just about everything and this keeps my phone secure, and I always know where to find it.”
Photo: Craig Lamb - “Scosche has a mounting solution for just about everything and this keeps my phone secure, and I always know where to find it.”
Kayla’s mother created this wood carving for the bride and groom.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Kayla’s mother created this wood carving for the bride and groom.
Carl and Kayla are wrapping up a project in which Carl is shipping autographed tournament jerseys to fans around the world.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Carl and Kayla are wrapping up a project in which Carl is shipping autographed tournament jerseys to fans around the world.
The packages went out with Kayla’s help and the work was done on the living quarters side of the building.
Photo: Craig Lamb - The packages went out with Kayla’s help and the work was done on the living quarters side of the building.
Fans ordered the jerseys just in time for Christmas.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Fans ordered the jerseys just in time for Christmas.
Not surprisingly, Australia was among the shipping destinations.
Photo: Craig Lamb - Not surprisingly, Australia was among the shipping destinations.
The day is over and the Jocsumsens take a break while planning their next outdoor adventure.
Photo: Craig Lamb - The day is over and the Jocsumsens take a break while planning their next outdoor adventure.