Inside Elite Boats: Edwin Evers

It's not likely that Talala, Okla., pro Edwin Evers will ever forget the 2016 B.A.S.S. tournament season. After two Elite wins in 2015, Evers started the year strong and made a lifelong dream come true. He won the Bassmaster Classic with a dramatic Day 3 surge on Grand Lake in his home state.
It’s not likely that Talala, Okla., pro Edwin Evers will ever forget the 2016 B.A.S.S. tournament season. After two Elite wins in 2015, Evers started the year strong and made a lifelong dream come true. He won the Bassmaster Classic with a dramatic Day 3 surge on Grand Lake in his home state.
For that reason, the front deck of this rig had to be a special place for Evers. As he explained during the Inside Elite Boats interview,
For that reason, the front deck of this rig had to be a special place for Evers. As he explained during the Inside Elite Boats interview, “That’s the business end of the boat. That’s where it all happens.”
With a total of $2,908,378, Evers moved into the the Top 3 of career B.A.S.S. money winners. And even with the added work and responsibilities of being the current Bassmaster Classic Champion, Evers made the cut in every 2016 Elite event except one. He also managed Top 10 finishes at two stops.
With a total of $2,908,378, Evers moved into the the Top 3 of career B.A.S.S. money winners. And even with the added work and responsibilities of being the current Bassmaster Classic Champion, Evers made the cut in every 2016 Elite event except one. He also managed Top 10 finishes at two stops.
For the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic and the Elite Series, Edwin Evers ran a sleek Nitro Z21.
For the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic and the Elite Series, Edwin Evers ran a sleek Nitro Z21.
The boat is equipped with a MotorGuide Tour 109 trolling motor.
The boat is equipped with a MotorGuide Tour 109 trolling motor.
Due to the heavy use of his trolling motor, Evers installed a T-H Marine G-Force Handle and Cable. For the electronics units up front, Evers selected the Balls Out Mounts because they have proven to be
Due to the heavy use of his trolling motor, Evers installed a T-H Marine G-Force Handle and Cable. For the electronics units up front, Evers selected the Balls Out Mounts because they have proven to be “really tough.”
As for the electronics, Evers says,
As for the electronics, Evers says, “I’ve got two Lowrance HDS-12s. One of them I run on side and downscan. The other one I use for map and for downscan on the front and 2-D sonar.”
There are normally between 20 and 30 rods in the left rod locker during tournament season.
There are normally between 20 and 30 rods in the left rod locker during tournament season. “I probably carry a lot more than most people,” Edwin confesses.
They are all Bass Pro Shops rods and reels. The rods are CarbonLites, Crankin' Sticks and Johnny Morrises. The reels are all Bass Pro Shops Titanium Reels, and they are spooled with Bass Pro Shops fluorocarbon, monofilament or braid.
They are all Bass Pro Shops rods and reels. The rods are CarbonLites, Crankin’ Sticks and Johnny Morrises. The reels are all Bass Pro Shops Titanium Reels, and they are spooled with Bass Pro Shops fluorocarbon, monofilament or braid.
This is the combination Evers used to win the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic. It's a 7-foot, 3-inch CarbonLite heavy action rod with a titanium reel and an Andy's Custom Bass Jig tied on.
This is the combination Evers used to win the 2016 GEICO Bassmaster Classic. It’s a 7-foot, 3-inch CarbonLite heavy action rod with a titanium reel and an Andy’s Custom Bass Jig tied on.
Many of Evers' rods are equipped with Luna Sea Cushits.
Many of Evers’ rods are equipped with Luna Sea Cushits. “When you set the hook a bunch, it keeps you from getting a bruise. It really balances the rod, and it’s a great handle when I go to launch a bait a long ways. And it floats the rod.”
In this front storage compartment, there are boxes with hooks, other terminal tackle and spinnerbaits.
In this front storage compartment, there are boxes with hooks, other terminal tackle and spinnerbaits.
Before the boat was photographed, Evers had fished a wet couple of weeks. Opening the compartments during rainstorms got water in them, but Evers was trying to dry out the boxes with newspaper.
Before the boat was photographed, Evers had fished a wet couple of weeks. Opening the compartments during rainstorms got water in them, but Evers was trying to dry out the boxes with newspaper.
The box of spinnerbaits shows how Evers likes to construct his own spinners.
The box of spinnerbaits shows how Evers likes to construct his own spinners.
It's almost like a
It’s almost like a “build your own spinnerbait” set up where Evers carries the frames and plenty of extra skirts and pieces the baits together as needed.
One thing Evers has plenty of on hand is Megabass jerkbaits.
One thing Evers has plenty of on hand is Megabass jerkbaits.
It's easy to tell which baits aggressive bass have attacked.
It’s easy to tell which baits aggressive bass have attacked.
Evers holds up two of his favorite jerkbaits. On the left is Sexy French Pearl and the other is French Pearl SP.
Evers holds up two of his favorite jerkbaits. On the left is Sexy French Pearl and the other is French Pearl SP.
Evers called this his smallmouth box. If he needs a jig head or a weighted hook, this is the box he grabs.
Evers called this his smallmouth box. If he needs a jig head or a weighted hook, this is the box he grabs.
The heavy weights call this storage box home.
The heavy weights call this storage box home.
Need something bent, cut or grabbed? Look no further than this serious pair of pliers/cutters.
Need something bent, cut or grabbed? Look no further than this serious pair of pliers/cutters.
Evers wasn't kidding when he said he had plenty of jig skirts on hand. Here's another box of skirts in an assortment of colors.
Evers wasn’t kidding when he said he had plenty of jig skirts on hand. Here’s another box of skirts in an assortment of colors.
This small box holds a selection of rod guides. Another handy idea Evers has to fix problem rods on the fly.
This small box holds a selection of rod guides. Another handy idea Evers has to fix problem rods on the fly.
This smaller compartment is packed with a selection of crankbaits and hardbaits.
This smaller compartment is packed with a selection of crankbaits and hardbaits.
“One of my most favorite boxes is my STW squarebill crank box,” Evers shares.
The box of Megabass squarebills includes 1.2s, 1.5s and 2.0s.
The box of Megabass squarebills includes 1.2s, 1.5s and 2.0s. “It’s a crankbait and style of fishing I really, really like.”
Megabass also makes an excellent selection of swimbaits that always have a place in Evers' boat.
Megabass also makes an excellent selection of swimbaits that always have a place in Evers’ boat.
Here's a closer look at one of the ultra-realistic swimbaits from Megabass.
Here’s a closer look at one of the ultra-realistic swimbaits from Megabass.
This is a box full of Andy's jigs and rigs. Evers let everyone know an Andy's Jig helped him catch more than 29 pounds of bass during Day 3 of the Classic, so this box has to be a favorite on Evers' boat.
This is a box full of Andy’s jigs and rigs. Evers let everyone know an Andy’s Jig helped him catch more than 29 pounds of bass during Day 3 of the Classic, so this box has to be a favorite on Evers’ boat.
There's no doubt that this hair jig has seen some rocks and wood in its time.
There’s no doubt that this hair jig has seen some rocks and wood in its time.
Who says no one uses a buzzbait anymore?
Who says no one uses a buzzbait anymore?
A nice collection of colorful crankbaits.
A nice collection of colorful crankbaits.
This box is home to multiple sizes of treble hooks.
This box is home to multiple sizes of treble hooks.
The box's top is labeled clearly so Evers can make changes and grab replacements without wasting time.
The box’s top is labeled clearly so Evers can make changes and grab replacements without wasting time.
Sometimes a smaller crankbait will fit the bill and find better bites.
Sometimes a smaller crankbait will fit the bill and find better bites.
Evers shows off another favorite.
Evers shows off another favorite.
This box of topwaters is also packed with Megabass lures.
This box of topwaters is also packed with Megabass lures.
This is the XPOD Jr. in the striking White Python color scheme.
This is the XPOD Jr. in the striking White Python color scheme.
In the right rod box, Evers stores his spinning rods...
In the right rod box, Evers stores his spinning rods…
...and spare fishing line. He always likes to have plenty of replacement line at the ready.
…and spare fishing line. He always likes to have plenty of replacement line at the ready.
And, of course, don't forget the paddle!
And, of course, don’t forget the paddle!
The Nitro features a deep cooler with plenty of room for ice, drinks and food. The depth allows enough room for the garbage can at the top.
The Nitro features a deep cooler with plenty of room for ice, drinks and food. The depth allows enough room for the garbage can at the top.
Evers calls this drawer his
Evers calls this drawer his “junk box.” It holds extra sunglasses, line, a phone charging cord and more.
For this photo op, Evers climbs into the captain's seat. The console features two more Lowrance electronics units.
For this photo op, Evers climbs into the captain’s seat. The console features two more Lowrance electronics units.
The HDS unit on the starboard side is set up for side-to-side and downscan.
The HDS unit on the starboard side is set up for side-to-side and downscan.
The front unit displays a map and 2-D sonar. Evers also loves the boat's SmartCraft gauges.
The front unit displays a map and 2-D sonar. Evers also loves the boat’s SmartCraft gauges. “I can tell you within a tenth of a gallon how much fuel I burn every day. If I’m trying to get back into an area or wanting go a little faster I don’t ever have to carry extra fuel. My boat holds 60 gallons of fuel, so it can really slow you down.”
Evers reaches down for the next feature he wants to show off...
Evers reaches down for the next feature he wants to show off…
...the oxygenator and the livewell cooler system. The systems help Evers keep all his fish alive. Especially in the summer months, when bass go deep after spawning, cooling the livewell water temperature 10 to 15 degrees helps protect the fish.
…the oxygenator and the livewell cooler system. The systems help Evers keep all his fish alive. Especially in the summer months, when bass go deep after spawning, cooling the livewell water temperature 10 to 15 degrees helps protect the fish.
In this box, Evers carries a selection of plastics.
In this box, Evers carries a selection of plastics.
The first two boxes Evers grabs are flipping baits and jig trailers. This box includes Zoom Z-Craws in multiple colors.
The first two boxes Evers grabs are flipping baits and jig trailers. This box includes Zoom Z-Craws in multiple colors.
Evers said these baits are some of his favorite to throw on the Elite Series. This box is full of Zoom Z-Hog Jr. baits.
Evers said these baits are some of his favorite to throw on the Elite Series. This box is full of Zoom Z-Hog Jr. baits.
“A lot of money’s made out of that box right there!”
This box of plastics includes a selection of trick worms and finesse worms.
This box of plastics includes a selection of trick worms and finesse worms.
Evers shows off his favorite worm color of Watermelon Candy.
Evers shows off his favorite worm color of Watermelon Candy.
During the summer, Evers clears the boxes of plastics out of this particular storage bin. This bin is part of the boat's livewell cooling system.
During the summer, Evers clears the boxes of plastics out of this particular storage bin. This bin is part of the boat’s livewell cooling system.
“I fill that with blocks of ice, and my livewells recirculate through there. I can take it down to whatever temperature I need. I actually have temperature readouts on my Lowrance of each livewell.”
Some of the best tools are the simplest ones. Here Evers shows off a colorful and strong tie-off rope.
Some of the best tools are the simplest ones. Here Evers shows off a colorful and strong tie-off rope.
By this point in the 2016 Elite Series season, the boat's livewells had definitely seen their share of beautiful – and valuable – bass.
By this point in the 2016 Elite Series season, the boat’s livewells had definitely seen their share of beautiful – and valuable – bass.
It looks like one passenger left something behind for Evers to find and enjoy later.
It looks like one passenger left something behind for Evers to find and enjoy later.
The boat's deep battery box allows for add-in storage bins. These bins hold extra trolling motor props, cables, tools, a marker...
The boat’s deep battery box allows for add-in storage bins. These bins hold extra trolling motor props, cables, tools, a marker…
...and a compact anchor in a bag. This design ensures this needed item won't take up much storage space.
…and a compact anchor in a bag. This design ensures this needed item won’t take up much storage space.
Ever's boat is equipped with two small cranking batteries hooked in parallel to run all the depth finders, the livewell cooling system and the shallow water anchors.
Ever’s boat is equipped with two small cranking batteries hooked in parallel to run all the depth finders, the livewell cooling system and the shallow water anchors.
The boat also holds three trolling motor batteries.
The boat also holds three trolling motor batteries.
In this deep bin, Evers stores a spare prop and the always necessary toolbox
In this deep bin, Evers stores a spare prop and the always necessary toolbox
Though these items add a little weight to the boat, they can be the difference between a quick fix and a long wait for a tow.
Though these items add a little weight to the boat, they can be the difference between a quick fix and a long wait for a tow.
The power plant behind his rig is a Mercury 250 Pro XS. With the motor, Evers also runs a 24-pitch Mercury Fury prop and uses a T-H Marine Atlas Jack Plate. Finally, his shallow anchoring system is a Power-Pole.
The power plant behind his rig is a Mercury 250 Pro XS. With the motor, Evers also runs a 24-pitch Mercury Fury prop and uses a T-H Marine Atlas Jack Plate. Finally, his shallow anchoring system is a Power-Pole. “The two Power-Poles are a must have. You can’t have a boat without them.”
The photographer gets a closer look at Evers' Wiley X shades.
The photographer gets a closer look at Evers’ Wiley X shades.
For dark mornings and late nights, a head lamp and a portable spotlight are nearby to brighten up any situation.
For dark mornings and late nights, a head lamp and a portable spotlight are nearby to brighten up any situation.
The boat is also equipped with a Two-Way alarm system. Here Evers holds up the key chain remote.
The boat is also equipped with a Two-Way alarm system. Here Evers holds up the key chain remote. “If anybody ever shakes my boat, the alarm goes off. That’s another piece of mind at nighttime when you’re sleeping.”
These tires definitely did some road work in 2016. Both the boat trailer and truck were ready for thousands of miles with their sets of General Tires.
These tires definitely did some road work in 2016. Both the boat trailer and truck were ready for thousands of miles with their sets of General Tires.
Thanks again, Edwin! Thumbs up for the tour of your Classic-winning rig.
Thanks again, Edwin! Thumbs up for the tour of your Classic-winning rig.