Inside Elite Boats: Matt Herren

Bassmaster Elite Series veteran pro angler Matt Herren provided an inside look at this 2020 Yamaha-powered Skeeter FXR.

This is his favorite boat, he said. “They just keep getting better and better.”

Starting at the front there’s a ladder system that makes getting into the boat much easier.

His Minn Kota Ultrex is rigged with the Humminbird 360, a killer combination.

The Ultrex runs on 36 volts of juice powered from the rear power plant. We’ll get to that later.

Here’s an overhead look at where Matt spends a great deal of time catching bass all year long.

The Ultrex pedal is ready to do work.

To the left is the Minn Kota Talon foot pedal.

Dual Humminbird units. The top one is a Helix 12 and the bottom a Solix 12.

This is a cool look at the massive deck space on the FXR from the rear of the boat.

Matt digs into the starboard side rod locker.

He keeps plenty of Gamma Line handy …

… plenty of Gamma Line.

And he keeps a healthy supply of Reaction Innovation baits in just about every compartment.

…

…

Yes, that’s a telescoping paddle. Herren said it has come in handy more than once.

He’s also a mad scientist when it comes to building jigs and spinnerbaits while on the water.

Moving to the center compartment.

…

He keeps life jackets up front …

… and Dude Wipes, just because.

Inside this box he keeps an OG Bassmaster fizzing card …

… and spray cleaner for his Humminbird screens.

He also keeps LakeMaster mapping cards at the ready.

More boxes of necessities.

GoPro gear. I have to admit, I was a bit surprised with this box. Despite being a self-proclaimed old guy, Herren is up to speed on most things regarding modern fishing technology. “I chose to accept it and not fight it, and I actually enjoy learning new things in today’s technological age.”

Reaction Innovations Spicy Beavers, one of Herren’s favorites.

More Reaction Innovations baits.

Herren said he keeps a Beaver tied on at all times.

Now into the main rod locker.

A stack of Kistler rods.

He grabs a spinning rod first.

Admittedly, Herren is not a traditional spinning rod kinda guy, but he’s learned to love them.

“If you’re going to compete up north, you’ve got to know how to run one of these babies.”

The next one is his jig rod.

…

And of course a topwater rod.

Moving to the starboard baitwell that acts as an additional storage compartment.

Inside here he keeps dyes, markers, an extra kill switch cord and more.

This kill switch cord is awesome, he said. It allows for the angler to stand up and put on or take off the life jacket without disconnecting.

That looks like a sandwich, but the next storage box is full of necessary items …

… such as a rope.

The next compartment is inside the step that takes you up onto the front casting deck.

Storage or trash, he uses it every day.

Here’s a look into the boat’s cooler between each seat.

At the cockpit.

…

Herren runs two 12-inch units at the dash, a Helix 12 and a Solix 12.

He spends a great deal of time in this position while looking for fish.

…

Beneath the console is a T-H Marine Hot Foot.

Here’s a look at the boat’s control panel and a Minn Kota Talon fab.

Livewell valve switches and a cup holder.

To the rear of the main control panel is the charging port for the boat’s batteries.

The Skeeter FXR chairs are very comfortable and durable.

Indications of a busy day on the water.

Looking into one of the rear storage compartments.

A box of PH Custom cranks.

…

Digging into the opposite side storage compartment.

This is very interesting. Herren covers his frogs with baby powder to keep them from melting together or getting stuck together when they dry. As soon as the frog hits the water, it’s cleaned off. And he said he’s not experienced in reluctancy in attacking fish. “Bass don’t sniff frogs before they eat them,” he said.

This is a good idea.

If he needs to build a jig or spinnerbait, Herren keeps a healthy supply of materials to build any color combination he needs.

He’s a mad scientist, but you can’t say it doesn’t work.

He also keeps a box of blade options for spinnerbaits. “How many times have you been on the water and wished you had a different color for your spinnerbaits? I take care of it then and there.”

Here’s a box of Reaction Innovations Flirt Worm.

But there’s more.

Here are needed tools. Herren is a strong believer in being self-reliant. He takes the necessary tools to cover his motor, or whatever else might need a tweak here and there.