COLUMBIA, S.C. — Each fish that Edwin Evers boats this week brings him closer to his year-long goal: Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year.
Not to discount the Evan Williams Bourbon Carolina Clash, but Evers is thinking big. Big fish, big season, big moves.
He made a hard charge as he began Day Three in 45th place and moved into the Top 12 at ninth with the heaviest stringer of the day, 18-8. Evers nearly equaled his catch from the first two days, 21-4.
His big moving day could prove to be a major stepping stone on his run at Angler of the Year.
“Without a doubt, I want to win Angler of the Year more than anything,” he said. “Winning this would help, with bonus points and all.”
Evers currently stands in fourth in the unofficial AOY points, but he’s sticking in here and now, not looking ahead to the Arkansas River or Lake Wheeler, where the 2011 Angler of the Year will be crowned.
Until weigh-in Sunday, Evers’ focus is locked down on finding and catching fish.
“I want to get out there tomorrow and catch more fish,” he said. “I feel like I’ve got a good handle on things, as long as the wind blows.”
The wind was key for his bite, and it blew all day. While most of the field was throwing drop shots and shaky heads, Evers was relentless in throwing fast-moving baits, looking to fire up either schools or single fish.
He’s six pounds-plus out of the lead and has one wish for the final day – wind.
“I don’t care if it’s sunny or cloudy, I just need it to blow,” he said.
For Evers to mount a comeback and make a legitimate run at the Angler of the Year crown, he needs some at the top to falter — this week he’s fishing better than anyone above him.
He also needs to prove history wrong: Evers is 57 points behind current leader Terry Scroggins, and no angler has come from that far behind at this point in the season.