Angler Q & A

Technique strength: I think my strength is power fishing. I love to fish fast and cover water.

Technique weakness: My weakness is having to fish slow – finesse fishing. I don’t like watching the clock tick away.

Favorite lake or river: I like Lake St. Clair. Generally, I love fishing for smallmouth, so I appreciate fishing anywhere in the Great Lakes region.

Least favorite lake or river: Honestly, I like the challenge of fishing everywhere, even if it’s tough.

Favorite bait: I’m a power fisherman, so I like to fish with any lure I can cover water with.

Started bass fishing at the age of: I started fishing at age 3, and I caught my first smallmouth at age 7. I’ve never been the same since.

Started fishing bass tournaments at the age of: I started fishing tournaments at age 14 and turned pro full-time when I was 22.

Year turned pro: Turned pro fulltime when I was 22

Do you get nervous before tournaments: I can’t honestly say that I get nervous, but I get excited before tournaments, especially big events.

Your biggest bass fishing influence (person): When I was a kid, I looked up to a lot of the bass pros I watched on television. One of the very first was Virgil Ward. That’s where I first learned about fishing with spinnerbaits. I have always admired the legends.

If you were not a professional bass angler, what would you be doing: My brother has a marine dealership and tackle shop. I worked there before I turned pro. I always loved being around other fishermen, and  it’s possible that, if I weren’t doing what I’m doing, I’d be working in another capacity within this industry.

Largest bass caught to date: In an event, the biggest is an 11-pound, 13-ounce largemouth I caught in a tournament at Lake Lewisville, Texas.

Most memorable bass fishing moment: I’ve been fortunate to have a lot of high points in my career. Winning my first Bassmaster Classic, in New Orleans in 2003, is a moment that I was able to share with my family, and I’ll never forget that feeling.

Videos

• 
  Klein, VanDam Remove Hooks from Cameraman's Arm
  Added: 4/1/2012
  Duration: 4:33
• 
  Kevin VanDam: Championship Round Wrap-Up Interview
  Added: 3/23/2012
  Duration: 1:12
• 
  Kevin VanDam: Day 1 Sudden Death Round Wrap-up Interview
  Added: 3/12/2012
  Duration: 1:37
• 
  Kevin VanDam: Championship Round Preview Interview
  Added: 3/19/2012
  Duration: 1:46
• 
  Kevin VanDam: Day 1 Sudden Death Round Preview
  Added: 3/1/2012
  Duration: 0:22
• 
  Quantum Performance Tuned Technique: KVD on Crankbaits
  Added: 2/20/2012
  Duration: 0:54
• 
  Kevin VanDam: Day 1 Elimination Round Wrap-up Interview
  Added: 2/20/2012
  Duration: 0:48

Photos

Latest Blog Post

Kevin VanDam: Sparks Are Going to Fly

Posted on Wednesday, February 08, 2012 by Kevin VanDam | Posted in Major League Fishing

This is competition at a primal level. This won’t be just sparks, you’re going to see lightning bolts. Read More