Kevin VanDam
Elite Bass Fisherman
Intro
If there is a conversation about professional bass fishing going on anywhere these days, you can bet the letters KVD are being spoken.
Over the last 25 years, Kevin VanDam’s name has become synonymous with the sport of competitive bass fishing. VanDam’s sheer dominance on the water in the modern era of professional bass fishing is unparalleled. He has set a bar with a rod and reel that few others in history will ever come close to reaching. When he’s not on tour, there is nothing Kevin relishes more than family time in the outdoors, taking his boys hunting and fishing. Unsurprisingly his good work goes far beyond competition. Kevin & his wife Sherry invest a lot of time & money into their community through the KVD Foundation, working closely with children’s hospitals & local DNR, part of a tireless effort to support the next generation of outdoorsman. Truly a one of a kind competitor & human being, we’re proud to have him on our team.
Q&A
What is your profession? Did you always know this is what you would end up doing or was it something you “stumbled into”?
I have been a professional bass angler for the past 33 years. As a kid, I just loved fishing and when I got into my teenage years, I really focused on bass and started fishing local and regional tournaments. Over the next few years, I won a lot of tournaments and Angler of the Year titles in my bass club and the Michigan BASS Federation. I fished my first full season at the national B.A.S.S. Invitational level in 1990 and finished first in the points was Rookie of the Year and qualified for the Bassmaster Classic. The following year I won B.A.S.S. ANGLER of the YEAR my first season of being eligible. I never really planned on it being my career, I just loved the competition. Over those 33 years, I have been very fortunate to have won a lot of titles and championships.
Favorite book?
My favorite book is Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. I read it in school when I was young. I have always loved everything about hunting, fishing, and the outdoors.
Most inspiring quote, piece of art, saying, or advice that has impacted the way you live today?
I have always believed in the importance of being positive. My favorite saying is “It’s all about the Attitude” and “Attitude is Everything”.
When you’re not working, what are you doing for fun?
When I am not working, I love spending time on the water or in the woods with family and close friends.
Coolest place you’ve ever traveled?
One of the coolest places I have been lucky to fish multiple times is The Amazon River for Peacock bass. I Also been to Alaska salmon fishing once for a short time and I definitely want to go back and explore it more.
Bucket list destination you haven’t been yet?
I absolutely love fishing clear water and the challenge of casting to visible fish. A bucket list trip in my future is tarpon on a fly for sure.
You get to have drinks with anyone (dead or alive) - who are you calling?
I would love to share a drink with Teddy Roosevelt. I am a conservationist at heart and he had the foresight to preserve so much in an era where that was not common.
What advice would you give an 18-year-old that wants to do what you do?
Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t do something. If you work hard and truly believe in yourself, you can do ANYTHING!
Any guilty pleasures?
I love a big, medium rare steak.
Favorite wild meat/fish to eat? (i.e. venison, dove, quail, king fish, redfish, etc.) And in what kind of meal do you prepare it/eat it?
One of my favorites is grilled venison back strap from our own farm.
What’s your favorite element of Turtebox? (battery life, durability, waterproofness, sound, togetherness, elevating experiences)
My favorite things about Turtlebox is how its rugged and waterproof, sounds amazing and the battery lasts all day.
How do you use your Turtlebox?
We use our Turtlebox a lot out on the water on our Pontoon or Bass boat, but just as much around our deck or house. Its easy to take anywhere.
Name the most famous contact in your phone.
Most famous contact in my phone?? Ha! I have quite a few but I’m going with the most famous to me, Sherry VanDam.
