Reeling ‘Em In: Kevin VanDam Wins BASS Championship and Sixth Angler of the Year Title
Some people just know how to reel ‘em in.
Oakley’s Bass Fishing Master Kevin VanDam is definitely one of those dudes. The two most prestigious titles in the sport are the Bassmaster Classic Championship and the Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year title. This year, VanDam threw both of them into his live fish holding container for everyone to see.
Last weekend, he notched his 19th career BASS victory in Kalamazoo, Michigan – and secured his sixth and third consecutive Angler of the Year title. Kevin’s victory at the Evan Williams Bourbon Trophy Triumph also ties him for the most BASS career victories with legendary angler Rowland Martin.
VanDam (sporting his Signature Series Flak Jacket XLJ – Jet Black frame, bright Red socks with polarized Titanium Iridium lenses and his KVD logo etched in the lens) is only the second angler to score both of the sport’s most prestigious titles in the same season.
To top it off, he netted $200,000 to push his career earnings to more than $4.5 million, by far the most in BASS’s 40 plus year history.
But it wasn’t easy. This year’s victory was definitely an uphill climb for KVD, who waded through a tough stretch early in the season. In fact, at the mid-point of the schedule, he looked like a long shot to even qualify for the postseason. But VanDam has made a career on turning it on when it matters most. And after a victory on Kentucky Lake in June, it was only a matter of time before he threatened for the title.
“I never get tired of winning,” said KVD, 42. “This title was the hardest for me to accomplish so it means that much more. I take nothing for granted because I face competition every day that can beat me. It’s easy to stay motivated when that’s the case.”
“When people count me out, it really motivates me. I have a lot of confidence that the next spot or that next cast is going to be the one. Every time I win, it gets better and I just crave that feeling.”
Heading into the last two tournaments of the year, VanDam (also rocking his favorite Oakley Minute Machine watch and Super Coil sandals) felt he had only a slim chance at another AOY title. In his mind, he figured that he needed to win both legs of the postseason to catch Skeet Reese, who put together possibly the best regular-season run in BASS history. But as it turned out, KVD only needed to win one leg with Reese’s postseason struggles.
While KVD’s power-fishing approach is trademark, it was patience mixed with extreme confidence that were key to his victories. Last Friday, he went without a bite until 11 a.m., but his confidence and strategy were unwavering – as was his focus.
“In a place like this, it’s only matter of time before you get a bite so you have to stick with it,” he said. “It was such a magical week. Anything can happen when you get into a format like this and I love it.”
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