Wicked Wednesday
Viking
Every Wednesday, we sit down with elite captains to break down what makes them dangerous — the gear, the mindset, and the moments that separate the stage from the sidelines.
This week, we’re locked in with Captain Tyler Rapf, who runs a high-performing center console operation on the Florida tournament circuit — and proves that a dialed-in on-deck livewell setup isn’t just for big sportfish boats.
Whether he’s catching bait at first light or calling the shot on a tournament pitch, Tyler’s system is built for speed, efficiency, and bait health — bow to stern.
“Keeping the baits pressurized during tourney season is a must. We go out and catch our own baits and keeping them in the Wicked Well really helps them pen up better to last the whole season.”
In South Florida, bait is the real pre-season, and catching your own isn’t just a flex — it’s how you control the outcome before lines even go in. A clean, pressurized system keeps your baits healthy, calm, and ready to deploy.
But Tyler’s setup doesn’t stop at prep — he’s thinking through game-day flow.
“We also use that well on the bow for tournament days. Our flat line guy has easy access to baits up there and it’s also in a great spot if we have to pitch to another fish while catching one.”
Tournament chaos happens fast — and a bow well that’s both pressurized and positioned right gives his team a serious edge. Whether it’s a flat line fire drill or a quick pitch, they’re not scrambling. They’re ready.
Because great fishing isn’t just about having the right bait. It’s about getting the right bait in the water at the right time — and not missing windows while running across deck.
We’re proud to work with captains like Tyler who push the envelope — and proving that the system works just as hard on a center console as it does on a custom sportfish.
-Team Wicked
