Destination: Sam Rayburn Reservoir

EverStart Series Central Division, Feb. 23-26

There is rarely a shortage of quality stringers when the EverStart Series Central Division goes to Sam Rayburn Reservoir each spring. The popular east Texas fishery is chock-full of healthy largemouths, and now is the time to catch them at peak weight.

FLW Tour pro Lendell Martin Jr. of Nacogdoches, Texas, said the fish are likely to be in a prespawn mode at tournament time. That means dragging Carolina rigs along underwater drains and inside grass lines and other favored staging areas in 4 to 12 feet of water.

“Depending on the weather and the water level, there also could be a strong flipping bite,” Martin said. “If I were betting, I’d say the tournament will be won out of the bushes (willows and buck brush) with a jig or creature bait.”