Bass Rankings: You’re currently the No. 7-ranked angler on the BASS Elites Ranking. What is it like having your name up there in the top 10 with the other big names?
John Crews: I’m honored. I feel like I’ve fished pretty well over the last couple years, so I’m glad to see myself up there somewhere.
BR: What is your impression of the site?
JC: I think it’s really cool. I was an Economy major in college, so I love stats. This site is right up my alley. I like how it just lets the stats speak for themselves.
BR: You recently launched your own bait company, Missile Baits; you have a baby on the way; and you have the Bassmaster Classic coming up. You’re a busy man. Let’s start with the Classic. What are your expectations?
JC: I have very high expectations. I’m more comfortable now because I finally know what fishing the Classic to win really means. Many guys say they know how to win a Classic, but most probably don’t. In the last couple years I’ve figured it out, so I’m excited. Now I think it just comes down to if it’s my time or not.
Plus, I have some new lures to play with from my company.
BR: Talk about the new company a bit. We all knew you were an accomplished crankbait designer with the SPRO series. How long have you been dabbling in soft plastics?
JC: I’ve been planning this company for a few years, now.
I have always loved making things and modifying lures. When I started designing lures for SPRO I fell in love with designing an original concept and seeing it through production.
I began coming up with a number of soft-plastic designs I wanted to see, but SPRO already has such a foothold in the hard-lure market that it was just the perfect time for me to start my own soft-plastic company. I’m really excited about it, because I’ve tailored each lure to work perfectly.
BR: I know we are excited to try them. You’ve made quite a name for yourself in a short time. Did you ever think when you started your career you would be where you’re at so quickly?
JC: I feel like I have such a long way to go that I don’t think I can reflect yet about that. I still have so much to learn and do.
BR: Fair enough. Then what are some of your goals going forward?
JC: Every angler who has ever fished a tournament dreams of winning the Classic. I also want to be Angler of the Year.
But I don’t think anyone does those things by setting a goal. It’s like going to China. You don’t just snap your fingers and go. You have to map it out and prepare.
I’m still figuring out how to get there. If I keep getting better, those achievements will become that much more achievable.
BR: How do you keep getting better?
JC: That’s hard to say. I think the biggest thing is that I’ve learned you never stop learning. That’s something Rick Clunn says. He was always fascinated with how much he learned in every tournament. I’m the same way. If you don’t feel like that and learn from every event you will never improve.
