How to fish the edges – power fish to your advantage with Kevin VanDam

Putting the odds in your favor is key when it comes to fishing. Over my career, I’ve focused on being as efficient as possible. To me, efficiency means keeping your bait in the strike zone for as long as you can.

It’s the same principle as throwing a spinner bait down a lay-down log—you want your lure to stay close to the structure, maximizing your chances of a bite.

Any edge you can fish along, whether it’s a drop-off, grass line, or weed line, becomes a prime opportunity. Position yourself to cast right along that edge so your bait stays in the strike zone the entire retrieve. That’s exactly what I’m doing here on a sandbar drop-off.

This spot transitions from about 5 feet to 8 feet, with scattered sand grass covering the bottom. The technique doesn’t change whether I’m fishing a hydrilla line, a seawall, or another type of edge—if I can fish directly down it, my bait spends more time where the fish are likely to be.

For this setup, I’m using a KVD 200 Series jerk bait. It’s ideal for this depth range, with a great side-to-side action that draws fish from a distance. This bait is perfect for pulling fish out of cover and into the strike zone.

Of course, the exact lure you choose depends on the type of cover and water clarity. My approach is simple: select the most efficient bait for the situation, cast straight along the edge, and keep it in front of the fish for as long as possible.

That’s the key to consistent success—maximizing every cast, every time.