Q&A with Edwin Evers: Bass Fishing the Spawn

2016 Bassmaster champ Edwin Evers shares his secrets for bass fishing the spawn. Evers will compete in his 17th Classic March 16-18 at Lake Hartwell. (Read more about the Classic at BassFan.com)

1. How did winning the classic change your life?

With the title comes a new recognition by a whole new set of people. These are fans who don't necessarily follow the individual Elite tournaments, but they follow the Classic. Kind of like people who only watch one NFL game a year, the Super Bowl.

2. During the spawn, where do you primarily look for bass?

Spawners like peace and quiet. I look for confined areas, those which offer protection from wind, waves, boat traffic and other distractions for the fish.

3. What is your most important piece of spawn fishing gear?

Power Poles. They let you position the boat optimally, and make precision casts. Making multiple casts to the same spots oftentimes results in a fish, and the Power Pole lets you do just that without worrying about the current or wind.

4. What is your favorite spawn rod-and-reel combo?

Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Signature Series Platinum 7-foot, 6-inch heavy action rod and BPS Johnny Morris Signature Series Platinum 8.3:1 baitcasting reel.

5. If you were limited to one bait for fishing the spawn, what would it be? Why?

A jig. Jigs mimic both bream and crawfish. Both of these are predatory during this time of year on bass beds, and they are favorite foods too. I can get both hunger strikes and trigger strikes when flipping it, swimming it or just killing it in the bed. 

6. What is the most common gear-related spawn fishing mistake beginners make?

Being underpowered. You're after giant fish now. You need to upsize your rod, reel, line and hooks. During the spawn you're out there doing battle, not finessing them.

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7. The spawn is a great time to catch giants. But do you have to exclusively fish beds to do so?

Absolutely not. For every bass you see on a bed, there's many more you don't see. They're out in deeper water staging up, moving in or out. I look for the first point, near deep water, closest to the spawning flat. These areas are the "convenience stores," where bass stop in to refuel. My favorite baits here are spinnerbaits and crankbaits — depending on water clarity. 

8. Old Star Wars or new Star Wars?

Definitely "new." I've seen every one of them, as my son is a big fan. Today's special effects are much better, adding to the excitement — but I do miss the "old" Han Solo.